The Jillaroos commenced their World Cup title defense with a commanding 40-0 win over Samoa at Commbank Stadium in Sydney. While they eased off in the second half, scoring only two tries after the break, the victory showcased their dominance.

Jocelyn Kelleher, making her debut at five-eighth, proved to be a standout performer, contributing to two tries and successfully converting six out of seven attempts. Her performance earned her the Player of the Match award. Kelleher expressed her excitement, stating her debut was “amazing” and highlighted the team's strong camaraderie during training.

The Jillaroos’ success can be attributed to their solid connections from the Roosters’ NRLW premiership-winning team, with Tarryn Aiken and Olivia Kernick among the key players supporting Kelleher. Isabelle Kelly, the captain, acknowledged the team's room for improvement, noting, “It was a bit scrappy from us in bits there.”

Despite a spirited start from Samoa, their first World Cup match since 2008, they struggled to capitalize on early opportunities. The Jillaroos quickly took control, with Jaime Chapman and Julia Robinson scoring the first two tries, followed by contributions from Shaylee Bent and Keilee Joseph.

The second half saw Australia’s momentum slow, as they began to look ahead to their next match against England. Despite a valiant defensive effort from Samoa, including a near-score from Laikha Clarke, they ultimately fell short. The match also highlighted the need for greater community support, as attendance at the stadium was disappointing, with many empty seats visible.