Jillaroos Roar to Life in World Cup Opener, but Fans Urged to Show Support

The Jillaroos kicked off their Rugby League World Cup campaign in style, thrashed Samoa 40-0 at Western Sydney Stadium. The three-time defending champions flexed their muscles in front of a sparse crowd, with coach Jess Skinner calling for fans to get behind the women's game.

A Disappointing Crowd

Despite a strong turnout for the earlier men's game between Samoa and France, the crowd had largely disappeared by the end of the women's clash. This was a disappointing sight for an event of this stature, with Skinner urging fans to support the tournament.

"Let's get around women in sport, right? All women in sport, and particularly this Rugby League World Cup. We've got a lot of talented women across all of the teams," Skinner said.

Samoa coach Frank Pritchard suggested the late 8pm kick-off didn't help, and that the women were keen to play before the men.

"Our fans and our supporters will always stick through it and and stay there," he said. "I've seen a lot of blue jerseys out there. We had plenty of support, that's for sure."

Jillaroos' Performance

The Australians were not at their ruthless best, but showed they are warming to the task, with five-eighth Jocelyn Kelleher impressing on debut. She was named player of the match, continuing the form that saw her guide the Sydney Roosters to the NRLW Premiership.

"Her kicking game was amazing. And she took her opportunities when she had them as well," Skinner said.

Olivia Kernick made crucial gains through the middle, Tamika Upton pulled the strings in bursts, and Jaime Chapman, Julia Robinson, and Jess Sergis surged as needed, with all seven tries scored by different players.

Pasifika Nations' Pride

For many of the Pasifika nations competing at this tournament, filled with players from the diaspora in Australia and New Zealand, representing their country and family on the world stage means a lot. Fetu Samoa's players say it has meant a lot to be at the World Cup for the first time since 2008.

"What our ladies are doing for our young girls at home with sport in general, especially rugby league, is massive," Pritchard said.

Evania Isa'ako, who has previously represented Australia, added that the experience was not just about playing, but also about learning about her culture.

"For me, it was not just coming and playing and putting on this jersey; it was being able to learn [about the culture]," she said.

Next Games

The Jillaroos will play England and Wales in their next pool games.