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The Jillaroos open their World Cup defence against Samoa at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta, in the first match of the women’s tournament.
The Jillaroos open their World Cup defence against Samoa at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta, in the first match of the women’s tournament. Australia have won the last three Women’s World Cups and beat Samoa 60-0 when the sides last met a year ago. It is the second half of a double-header, after the men’s Samoa v France at 5:45pm.
Below are our tip and the reasoning, the head to head, both squads and what is at stake in Group A. Every World Cup match is on our Rugby League World Cup hub.
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Match Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Competition | Women’s Rugby League World Cup, Group A, Round 1 |
| Date | Friday 16 October 2026 |
| Kick-off | 8:05pm AEDT (7:05pm AEST in Queensland) |
| Venue | CommBank Stadium, Parramatta |
| Match length | 70 minutes |
| Broadcast | Seven and 7plus, free-to-air |
| Coaches | Jess Skinner (Australia), Frank Pritchard (Samoa) |
| Captains | Isabelle Kelly (Australia); Samoa to be confirmed |
Jillaroos vs Samoa Tips & Prediction
Our pick: Jillaroos to win. Australia have won the last three Women’s World Cups and are unbeaten against Samoa, winning all three Tests by an aggregate of 142-26. The last meeting, at last year’s Pacific Championships at Suncorp Stadium, finished 60-0. The Jillaroos went on to beat New Zealand twice in that tournament, including 40-8 in the final.
Samoa are better than that score suggests, which is the one reason for caution. They led New Zealand 20-0 at half-time in their other Pacific Championships game before losing 22-20, and they earned their place in the top tier by winning the 2024 Pacific Bowl. They also add Amber Hall, a former Kiwi Fern who has just won the NRLW premiership with the Roosters.
Best value: Jillaroos 13+. Australia’s spine is built around the premiership-winning Roosters, with Isabelle Kelly, Tarryn Aiken, Olivia Kernick and Jessica Sergis, plus Tamika Upton at fullback. Even allowing for Samoa’s improvement, we expect a comfortable Australian win.
Jillaroos vs Samoa Head to Head
Australia have won all three Tests between the sides.
| Date | Result | Venue | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2025 | Australia 60-0 Samoa | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane | Pacific Championships |
| September 2011 | Australia 42-14 Samoa | Apia | Test |
| October 2003 | Australia 40-12 Samoa | Auckland | World Cup |
Recent form
Australia won the 2025 Pacific Championships, beating Samoa 60-0 and New Zealand 10-4 and 40-8. In 2024 they beat PNG 84-0 and New Zealand twice, including 24-4 in the final. At the last World Cup, played in England in 2022, they beat New Zealand 54-4 in the final for a third straight title.
Samoa won the 2024 Pacific Bowl, beating Tonga and Fiji, then beat PNG 34-12 in a play-off for promotion. In 2025 they lost 22-20 to New Zealand after leading at half-time, then lost 60-0 to Australia. This is their first World Cup since 2008.
Jillaroos Team News
Jess Skinner named her 23 on 5 October with Isabelle Kelly as captain for the first time. Sariah Paki, Jocelyn Kelleher and Makenzie Weale are in line for debuts. Skinner left out Ali Brigginshaw, who played her last NRLW game in the Grand Final, and chose Tarryn Aiken and Kelleher as her halves options. Aiken won the Karyn Murphy Medal in the NRLW Grand Final.
Squad: Isabelle Kelly (c), Tarryn Aiken, Kezie Apps, Shaylee Bent, Jaime Chapman, Abbi Church, Quincy Dodd, Millie Elliott, Olivia Higgins, Ellie Johnston, Keilee Joseph, Jocelyn Kelleher, Olivia Kernick, Keeley Nizza, Sariah Paki, Tiana Penitani Gray, Julia Robinson, Jessica Sergis, Jesse Southwell, Simaima Taufa, Sarah Togatuki, Tamika Upton, Makenzie Weale.
Samoa Team News
Frank Pritchard, the former New Zealand and Samoa forward, took over as coach this year and named his squad on 6 October. Annetta Nu’uausala, who has 14 Tests for New Zealand and captained Samoa against Australia last year, leads the pack. Amber Hall makes her Samoa debut, and Taliah Fuimaono and Evania Isa’ako have both played for Australia. Published lists agree on 22 names; the 23rd differs between sources.
Named players: Annetta Nu’uausala, Laikha Clarke, Freedom Crichton Ropati, Tyra Ekepati, Jetaya Faifua, Taliah Fuimaono, Amber Hall, Evania Isa’ako, Ivana Lolesio, Sarina Masaga, Christabelle Onesemo-Tuilaepa, Tavarna Papalii, Pauline Piliae-Rasabale, Christian Pio, Fanua Rimoni, Evelyn Roberts, Jasmine Solia, Jaydika Tafua, Monica Tagoai, Mary-Jane Taito, Mercedez Taulelei-Siala, Leilani Wilson.
What Is at Stake
Group A is Australia, England, Samoa and Wales, and the top two reach the semi-finals. The group winner plays the Group B runner-up at Allianz Stadium on 8 November, and the final is at Suncorp Stadium on 15 November.
| Team | Remaining group games |
|---|---|
| Australia | England (Sat 24 Oct, Perth, 8:05pm AEDT), Wales (Sun 1 Nov, CommBank Stadium, 3:45pm AEDT) |
| Samoa | Wales (Fri 23 Oct, CommBank Stadium, 5:50pm AEDT), England (Fri 30 Oct, Wollongong, 5:50pm AEDT) |
Jillaroos vs Samoa Betting Markets
- Head to head: the match winner. Women’s World Cup matches run for 70 minutes.
- Line: a points start for Samoa, which is where most of the betting interest sits in a mismatch like this.
- Winning margin: bands such as 1-12 and 13+.
- Try scorers: first, last and anytime try scorer markets, where the Jillaroos’ outside backs are usually the shortest prices.
- Same game multi: a result, margin and try scorers in one bet. See our same game multi guide.
Compare prices across our best NRL betting sites, which all price the World Cup.
#AD 18+ T&Cs Apply Imagine what you could be buying instead. For free & confidential support call 180 0858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
#AD 18+ T&Cs Apply Imagine what you could be buying instead. For free & confidential support call 180 0858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
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Jillaroos vs Samoa FAQs
When is Jillaroos vs Samoa at the Women’s Rugby League World Cup?
Friday 16 October 2026 at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta, kicking off at 8:05pm AEDT, straight after the men’s Samoa v France.
Where can I watch the Jillaroos at the World Cup?
Every Women’s World Cup match is live and free on Seven and 7plus in Australia.
Who will win Jillaroos vs Samoa?
Our pick is the Jillaroos, with Australia by 13 or more as the value bet. They won the last meeting 60-0.
Who is in the Jillaroos World Cup squad?
Jess Skinner’s 23 is captained by Isabelle Kelly and includes Tarryn Aiken, Tamika Upton, Olivia Kernick and Jessica Sergis.
More Rugby League World Cup Coverage
- Rugby League World Cup hub: schedule, ladder and tips
- Samoa vs France tips
- Rugby League World Cup squads
- NRL tips hub
- Women’s Rugby League World Cup
- Rugby League World Cup winners
- The final
- Results and ladder
- Schedule and TV guide
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