ABC Broadcaster Defends Reporter After World Cup Interview

Channel 7 reporter Jelisa Apps faced online scrutiny following a post-match interview at the Rugby League World Cup.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Soccer

ABC Broadcaster Defends Reporter After World Cup Interview

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Is aggressive social media criticism an acceptable response to minor professional mistakes by public figures?

ABC broadcaster Aaron Kearney has defended Channel 7 reporter Jelisa Apps after viewers criticised her interview with Fiji player Kurt Donoghoe. The scrutiny followed a post-match interaction during the Rugby League World Cup broadcast.

Why it matters

The criticism centered on the perception that Jelisa Apps confused Kurt Donoghoe's team affiliation during the broadcast. Supporters have highlighted the reporter's intense travel and work schedule as context for the event.

Jelisa Apps completed 12 consecutive days of reporting work prior to the match, which concluded with a 36-22 score for Australia against Fiji.

The players

Jelisa Apps

Jelisa Apps is a reporter for Channel 7 who was covering the Rugby League World Cup.

Aaron Kearney

Aaron Kearney is the director of engagement and programmes at ABC International Development.

Kurt Donoghoe

Kurt Donoghoe is a professional rugby league player who represented Fiji in the match against Australia.

Channel 7

Channel 7 is the primary Australian broadcaster holding the rights for the Rugby League World Cup.

Chris Jones

Chris Jones serves as the director of sport at Channel 7.

The details

Jelisa Apps interviewed Kurt Donoghoe, who was wearing an Australian jersey following a shirt swap, live on air. Aaron Kearney cited the demanding nature of the reporter's recent assignment in Papua New Guinea to defend her performance.

The match between Australia and Fiji took place on Sunday night.
This report was published on 28 October 2026.

Season Trajectory

This controversy highlights the pressures placed on media teams covering the 2026 Rugby League World Cup broadcast standards. It reflects a broader trend of increased online accountability for reporters during high-stakes international tournament play.

The broadcast quality and interview standards for the remainder of the Rugby League World Cup may be subject to increased viewer monitoring. Channel 7 management will likely evaluate their staffing rotations following the public debate regarding reporter fatigue.

The takeaway

Maintaining professional standards during high-intensity sporting events requires both broadcaster support and adequate rest for staff. Viewers continue to play an active role in critiquing media conduct through social media engagement.