Jillaroos Reach Women's Rugby League World Cup Final
Australia beat Fiji Bulikula 30-14 in the semi-final and will face New Zealand in the grand final on November 14, 2026.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Australia and New Zealand
Australia defeated Fiji Bulikula 30-14 in the Women's Rugby League World Cup semi-final, setting up a final against New Zealand. Kezie Apps came off the interchange bench and played a decisive role in the win, making her 25th Australia appearance.
Why it matters
The result secures Australia a place in the grand final, where it will meet New Zealand, the team it beat in the 2017 and 2022 World Cup finals. The matchup gives a fixed date and venue for the next stage of the tournament.
Apps has 25 Australia caps and 50 career NRLW games, and scored in Australia's 124-6 win over Wales. Australia has beaten New Zealand in both previous World Cup finals, 23-16 in 2017 and 54-4 in 2022.
The players
Kezie Apps
Kezie Apps is a veteran Australian rugby league player who has represented the Jillaroos since her 2014 debut and was named NRLW Dally M Captain of the Year.
Australian Jillaroos
The Australian Jillaroos are the national women's rugby league team, which has won multiple Women's Rugby League World Cup titles.
The details
Apps came off the interchange bench for the Jillaroos at Allianz Stadium in the semi-final, where she played a decisive role. The grand final is scheduled for Sunday, November 14, 2026, at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
Timeline
November 2014: Apps made her international debut against New Zealand at WIN Stadium.
2017: Apps played all five matches of Australia's World Cup campaign, which ended with a 23-16 final win over New Zealand in Brisbane.
2022: Australia won the World Cup in England, beating New Zealand 54-4 in the final at Old Trafford.
September 18: Apps reached her 50th career NRLW game.
Sunday, November 14: Australia plays New Zealand in the World Cup grand final at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
Season Trajectory
Australia and New Zealand have met in the final of recent Women's Rugby League World Cups, with Australia winning 23-16 in Brisbane in 2017 and 54-4 at Old Trafford in 2022. The 2026 grand final continues that rivalry, now staged again in Brisbane.
Visitors planning a trip to Brisbane around November 14, 2026, should expect heightened interest in the city during the grand final at Suncorp Stadium. Booking accommodation and tickets early is advisable if attending the match.
The takeaway
Australia's semi-final win and the grand final against New Zealand give travelers and sports fans a clear date and venue to plan around. The matchup also reflects a rivalry that has produced the last two World Cup finals.
What happens next
Australia will play New Zealand in the Women's Rugby League World Cup grand final on Sunday, November 14, 2026, at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
Further reading
Explore more on Australia and New Zealand travel destinations.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bega District News.
