England Women’s 2026 Rugby League World Cup campaign came to an end in Wollongong on Friday, as Stuart Barrow’s side fell to a 6-24 defeat against Samoa.
In the first ever meeting between the two nations, Samoa claimed victory to progress to the semi-finals despite a determined effort from England.
It was a hard-fought contest from the outset, but Samoa took control through the talented 18-year-old Freedom Crichton Ropati, who scored a first-half hat-trick on her World Cup debut.
Pauline Piliae-Rasabale was unable to convert any of the three tries, leaving the score at 0-12 at the break and England firmly in the contest.
Samoa struck first after the restart when winger Mercedez Taulelei-Siala finished off a flowing move out wide. Piliae-Rasabale again missed the conversion, and the lead became 0-16.
England continued to battle and were rewarded for their efforts midway through the second half. After withstanding a difficult opening spell, Evie Cousins showed determination to power over for her team's first try of the match.
Izzy Rowe successfully added the extras.
Georgia Roche then produced a superb 40/20 to hand England field position and a chance to build momentum, but errors at key moments halted their progress.
Samoa edged further ahead with a penalty goal 20 minutes from time, stretching the advantage to 6-18 and leaving England needing two converted scores.
Despite the setback, a spirited England refused to give in and continued to ask questions of their opposition's defence as the match entered its closing stages, but Samoa held firm to secure their place in the semi-finals for the first time.
Any hopes of a late England comeback were ended when Fanua Rimoni crashed over in the closing minutes, to completing the scoring.
The occasion also marked the end of a remarkable playing career for England Women captain Jodie Cunningham, who bows out as one of the game’s most influential figures and a trailblazer for women’s rugby league.
