Reece Walsh’s hat‑trick powers Australia past Samoa to World Cup final

Australia clinched a place in the men’s Rugby League World Cup final after a dominant 44‑12 victory over Samoa at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium on 8 November 2026. The match, attended by roughly 40,000 spectators, saw full‑back Reece Walsh cross the line three times, accounting for a third of the Kangaroos’ eight tries. His second‑half scores helped quell a late Samoan surge, while his first‑half effort showcased his attacking flair.

The Kangaroos surged ahead early, with Tom Dearden’s try in the eighth minute giving Australia a 6‑2 lead. Subsequent scores from Jacob Preston, Tom Trbojevic, Walsh and Bradman Best extended the advantage to 26‑2 at half‑time. In the second half, Walsh added two more tries – one at the 32‑minute mark and another at 66 minutes – cementing the final margin. Conversions by James Munster contributed additional points, and the team maintained a comfortable lead throughout.

Background

The semi‑final was the 16th consecutive men’s Rugby League World Cup final appearance for Australia, a streak dating back to 1995. The tournament, hosted across Australian venues, has seen the Kangaroos pursue a record‑extending 13th title. Their female counterparts are also on a similar trajectory, seeking a fourth consecutive women’s title after a 30‑14 win over Fiji earlier in the competition.

Samoa entered the match after a strong showing in the group stages, hoping to overturn the Kangaroos’ recent dominance. The pre‑match ritual, the Siva Tau war dance, heightened expectations, with both sides displaying intense physicality. The match also featured a controversial moment when a Samoan try was disallowed for an alleged knock‑on, after which Walsh scored his third try.

The referee’s decisions sparked debate among Samoan players and supporters, who later expressed frustration over perceived inconsistent officiating. This sentiment was echoed in post‑match commentary, noting that Samoa felt some calls disadvantaged them during a tightly contested period.

Why it matters

Australia’s victory secures a showdown with New Zealand in the final, scheduled for 15 November at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, kicking off at 05:10 GMT. A win would give the Kangaroos their 10th World Cup triumph in 11 attempts, reinforcing their status as the sport’s most successful nation.

For Reece Walsh, the hat‑trick enhances his reputation as a marquee player, a status previously highlighted by Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys, who likened Walsh’s charisma to that of a pop star. His performance also underscores the depth of talent within the Australian squad, which has relied on a blend of experienced veterans and emerging stars.

Samoa’s defeat, however, raises questions about discipline and refereeing standards, issues that could influence future tournament policies. The Samoan side’s expressed dissatisfaction may prompt the International Rugby League to review officiating protocols, especially concerning try‑scoring decisions.

What happens next

The final will see Australia face New Zealand, who defeated Tonga 34‑10 in the other semi‑final. Both teams will aim to claim the title, with Australia seeking to extend its record and New Zealand hoping to break the Kangaroos’ streak. The match is set for Brisbane on 15 November, and tickets have already sold out, indicating high public interest.

In the aftermath of the semi‑final, Australian coach Mal  Meninga praised his side’s composure and highlighted Walsh’s contribution as a key factor. Samoan captain Brian To’o, meanwhile, called for a review of the contentious calls, emphasizing the need for fairness in future fixtures.

The tournament continues to draw global attention, with the final expected to attract a worldwide television audience and further cement rugby league’s growing profile in the Southern Hemisphere.