Two hat-tricks lift Australia to historic 60-point victory
The Australian women’s PM’s XIII proved unstoppable in Port Moresby on Saturday, cruising to a historic 66-6 victory over Papua New Guinea as Jada Taylor and Taneka Todhunter bagged hat-tricks.
The 60-point thrashing marks the biggest winning margin in women’s PM’s XIII history.
Australia celebrate their historic success. NRL Imagery
Australia dictated the pace of the game from start to finish, recorded 62 per cent of possession, and steamrolled the hosts with 1495 run metres to PNG’s 558.
Played in front of a passionate local crowd, the game on NRL grand final eve showcased the strengthening rugby league ties between the two nations, serving as a stepping stone before the PNG Chiefs join the NRL in 2028.
“The next generation of Jillaroos has come out and they have played a beautiful brand of footy,” Murray Conallin said on Nine.
The Australian side enjoyed a spectacular day out, scoring a total of 12 tries.
Taylor struck first just five minutes into the contest, with Rory Owen delivering the final pass to send the Sharks star over the line.
PNG briefly rallied when Josephine Howard scored next to the posts to bring the scores level in the ninth minute, but that would be the only time the hosts troubled the dominant Australian team.
Australia quickly reasserted their dominance, with Andie Robinson crossing for a try before Taylor and Todhunter took control to spoil the show for the home fans.
Following the half-time siren, the match turned into a relentless Australian blitz.
Jasmin Morrissey, Tahlia O’Brien, Kasey Reh and Owen all scored for the green and gold in the second half, while Taylor and Todhunter completed their hat-tricks to firmly shut the door on a PNG comeback.
