Australia vs Cook Islands: Bostock and Trbojevic hat-tricks in 66–6 win

Jack Bostock and Tom Trbojevic scored hat-tricks as Australia thrashed the Cook Islands 66–6 to complete an unbeaten group campaign at the Rugby League World Cup.

Australia vs Cook Islands turned on a spell of four tries in 13 minutes, after Ruatapu Ngatikaura’s score had put the Cook Islands 6–4 ahead. Kevin Walters’ side finished with 12 tries in Townsville, in front of 19,172 spectators at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui added two tries, while Reece Walsh, Jacob Preston, Kotoni Staggs and Harry Grant also crossed.

Australia now turn towards their semi-final at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Sunday 8 November. Their opponents will be settled by Tonga’s meeting with Samoa.

Jack Bostock hat-trick and Kangaroos surge: how Australia vs Cook Islands was won

Bostock opened the scoring in the third minute, but the Cook Islands responded through hooker Ngatikaura, who went over from dummy half.

Valentine Holmes converted to put the Cook Islands 6–4 ahead. They threatened to extend that advantage before Australia regained control.

Four tries in 13 minutes transformed the contest, giving the defending champions a 28–6 half-time lead, according to the NRL’s official match report.

Bostock struck again shortly after the restart. Trbojevic added his second before Preston finished a Cameron Munster break and Fa’asuamaleaui powered through to take Australia past 50 points.

The Cook Islands were unable to add to their first-half score as Australia completed a comfortable victory. Having beaten New Zealand 24–22 and Fiji 36–22 earlier in the group, the Kangaroos finished with three wins from three, according to Sky Sports’ results listing.

Reece Walsh supplies five try assists

Reece Walsh scored a try and supplied five assists, according to the Guardian’s match report, as Australia pulled clear.

The Kangaroos still made 15 errors. Cameron Munster and Tom Trbojevic also picked up minor ankle problems, although both shook them off.

Ethan Strange also made his Kangaroos debut, coming off the bench to play at lock early in the second half.

Rugby League World Cup semi-final: who will Australia face?

Australia will face the second qualifier from the combined Pool B and Pool C standings. New Zealand will meet the team that finishes first.

Tonga are already through, but Samoa and England remain in contention for the other place. A Samoa victory would send Tonga into Australia’s semi-final. A Tonga win would send them top of the table, leaving Samoa and England to be separated on points difference for the other qualifying place.

England need Tonga to win by at least 47 points to move ahead of Samoa on points difference and claim the remaining berth.

Our Tonga vs Samoa guide explains the qualification picture, team news and UK viewing details for Sunday’s match at CommBank Stadium.

The semi-final schedule and final details are available in our Rugby League World Cup semi-finals guide.

Australia vs Cook Islands: match details

Detail	Information
Full-time score	Australia 66–6 Cook Islands
Half-time score	Australia 28–6 Cook Islands
Date	Saturday 31 October 2026
Venue	Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Attendance	19,172
Australia hat-tricks	Jack Bostock and Tom Trbojevic

When do Australia play next?

Australia’s men’s World Cup semi-final takes place at Allianz Stadium on Sunday 8 November, kicking off at 9.05am GMT.

New Zealand play their semi-final in Newcastle the previous day. The winners meet at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Sunday 15 November.

Australia vs Cook Islands: frequently asked questions

What was the score in Australia vs Cook Islands?

Australia won 66–6 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, leading 28–6 at half-time.

Who scored hat-tricks for Australia against the Cook Islands?

Jack Bostock and Tom Trbojevic each scored three tries.

When do Australia play in the Rugby League World Cup semi-final?

Australia play at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Sunday, 8 November, with kick-off at 9.05am GMT.

Who will Australia play in the semi-final?

Australia face the runner-up from the combined Pool B and Pool C standings, which will be settled by Tonga vs Samoa on Sunday.