Australia Survive Fiji Scare to Stay Unbeaten at Rugby League World 2026

Australia survived an almighty scare from Fiji to remain unbeaten at the Rugby League World Cup, winning a hard-fought contest in Brisbane on Sunday night. The Kangaroos, heavy favourites and hosts, were pushed to the limit by a fearless Fiji Bati side that showcased the very best of the international game.

From the emotional anthem to the final whistle, Fiji proved why this tournament is worth persisting with. The Bati brought passion, skill, and no small amount of controversy, but ultimately fell short against a Australian team blessed with depth and class.

Fiji's Inspiring Start Sets the Tone

The scene was set before kick-off, with Fiji's players visibly moved during their anthem, tears streaming down their faces. Their pre-match hymn was a stirring display of unity and pride, and it clearly fuelled their performance.

From the opening set, Fiji took the fight to Australia. Their defence was resolute, their attack unpredictable. The underdogs had answers for every criticism levelled at the tournament, except for three: the quality of Australia's bench, the class of James Tedesco, and the finishing of Tom Trbojevic.

Key Moments That Turned the Tide

Fiji took the lead early in the second half when winger Semi Valemei slid into the corner off a cut-out pass from five-eighth Kurt Donoghoe. The Dolphins playmaker nearly set up another score moments later, but that try was disallowed for obstruction.

That decision proved pivotal. From the ensuing set, the Kangaroos rolled downfield, and Sam Walker and Tedesco combined to send Trbojevic over in the corner to level the scores. Within minutes, Australia had seized the momentum and never looked back.

• Fiji's emotional anthem and hymn set the tone for a passionate performance.
• Semi Valemei scored a hat-trick, highlighting Fiji's attacking prowess.
• A disallowed try proved crucial in shifting momentum.
• James Tedesco's class and Tom Trbojevic's finishing sealed the win.
• Australia's bench depth made the difference in the final quarter.

Tom Trbojevic's Triple Try Masterclass

Tom Trbojevic was the standout for Australia, scoring three tries in a performance that underlined his world-class ability. His first came from a slick backline move, his second from a brilliant individual effort, and his third from a trademark acrobatic finish in the corner.

Trbojevic's hat-trick was complemented by the ever-present threat of James Tedesco, whose leadership and playmaking kept Australia calm under pressure. The combination of Tedesco's vision and Trbojevic's finishing proved decisive. The background to this story is set out in Australia Survives Rugby League World Cup Scare Against New Zealand. A related thread runs through Women's Rugby League World Cup 2026: Tightest Tournament. Earlier coverage in Men’s Rugby League World Cup 2026: Group-by-Group Preview shows how the argument developed.

What This Means for the Tournament

This match was a shot in the arm for the Rugby League World Cup. Critics have questioned the competitiveness of the tournament, but Fiji's performance showed that the gap is closing. The Bati, along with other Pacific nations, are producing talented players who can compete with the best. A closer look at the same subject appears in England vs Tonga Rugby League World Cup Power Shift. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Australia vs Samoa Women's Rugby League World Cup Live. The same theme surfaces in Rugby League World Cup 2026: Can Anyone Stop Australia, which takes a different angle.

For Australia, the scare serves as a timely reminder that they cannot afford to take any opponent lightly. The Kangaroos remain unbeaten, but they will need to improve if they are to lift the trophy on home soil. Context on how this played out before sits in Australia vs England Women's Rugby League World Cup Clash.

FAQ

The Rugby League World Cup continues to deliver drama and excitement, and this match will be remembered as one of the tournament's highlights. For a detailed recap of the action, including live coverage and analysis, see our Australia vs Fiji: Rugby League World Cup Live Coverage and Analysis.