Megan Maurice welcomes fans to the opening match of the women’s Rugby League World Cup. Following an exhilarating men's opener, it’s time for the women to showcase their talents.

As the Jillaroos take the field as heavy favorites, they face a formidable opponent in Fetu Samoa. With eight members from the Gold Coast Titans NRLW team in their lineup, Samoa brings strong connections and a spirited approach to the game.

The Jillaroos aim to defend their title from the 2022 World Cup, striving to secure victory on home soil. Coach Jess Skinner expressed confidence in her team while acknowledging the growing strength of rival nations.

“We are here with the mindset that we are going up against tough teams, everyone has been in an NRLW system,” said Skinner. “It’s going to be a lot tougher for us this year, but we are up for the challenge.”

Skinner also highlighted the excitement surrounding Samoa, mentioning their impressive performance against the Kiwis in the last Pac Champs.

“We know from experience that Samoa brings a massive crowd, and a sea of blue. It might not feel like a home game at times but we want to make sure there is green and yellow amongst them too.”

The match at CommBank Stadium in Sydney promises to be a captivating encounter, showcasing the rising talent in women’s rugby league.