Reigning World Champions Australia made it two wins from two in the 2026 IRL Men’s Rugby League World Cup group stages, coming from behind to secure a 36-22 victory over Fiji at the Suncorp Stadium.
After trailing 12-16, a devastating 15-minute hat-trick from Tom Trbojevic inspired Australia to turn the game around in Brisbane in the second half.
Both sides made winning starts to their World Cup campaigns last time out and were looking to build on those victories with another two points to boost their chances of reaching the semi-finals.
Despite making several changes to the side that defeated New Zealand last Thursday, Australia made a bright start in Brisbane and threatened early on. Winger Jake Bostock, who scored a hat-trick in the 24-22 victory over the Kiwis, linked up neatly with half-back Tom Dearden down the left, but Fiji centre Waqa Blake intercepted to bring an end to the early Australian pressure.
The reigning World Champions soon made their next opportunity count. Kotoni Staggs spotted a gap on the right edge and latched onto James Tedesco’s pass before racing over from ten metres out to open the scoring just seven minutes into the contest.
Australia continued to threaten, with further opportunities to extend their lead. Tedesco was unable to gather a high ball under pressure as he looked to finish off a last-tackle set, before Bostock was forced into touch out wide with the try line in sight.
Fiji, who named an unchanged side following their victory over the Cook Islands, responded just short of the 20-minute mark. A superb flick pass created space out wide, allowing Castleford Tigers winger Semi Valemei to finish brilliantly in the corner.
The try sparked Fiji into life, and they soon capitalised on Australia’s ill-discipline to gain valuable field position. Making the most of the pressure, Fiji struck again as Taane Milne grounded a cleverly placed grubber kick through the Australian defensive line to put his side ahead.
However, Australia showed exactly why they are the reigning World Champions. With five minutes remaining before the interval, they kept the ball alive on the last tackle, creating one final opportunity for Sam Walker. The 2026 NRL Grand Final winner crossed for a crucial try to bring Australia back into the contest, with the conversion putting them 12-10 ahead at half-time.
The action in Brisbane continued to go end-to-end after the break. Fiji regained the lead just minutes into the second half as Valemei crossed out wide for his second try of the game, but Australia responded once again, with Trbojevic finishing out wide to keep the reigning champions within touching distance.
Trbojevic’s try appeared to swing the momentum in Australia’s favour, with repeat sets proving crucial as the intensity increased. A penalty 20 metres out allowed Walker to edge Australia into an 18-16 lead with 25 minutes remaining.
The pressure continued to build, and Australia soon found another breakthrough. Trbojevic crossed out wide for his second try of the game, with Walker adding the extras to extend the Australian advantage to eight points heading into the final 20 minutes.
The winger was not finished there, completing his hat-trick shortly afterwards. Another flowing Australian move created an overlap on the right edge as they shifted the ball across the field, allowing Trbojevic to cross for his third try in the space of just 15 minutes and extend Australia’s advantage.
Fiji mounted a late fightback to keep the contest alive, with Valemei powering over out wide to complete his own hat-trick and score Fiji’s fourth try of the game, but Australia got the final say as Jacob Preston powered over from ten metres out to score and seal the win.
The win gives Australia two victories from two matches and leaves the reigning World Champions on the brink of securing their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 IRL Men’s Rugby League World Cup, with just one group-stage game remaining.
