Women’s Rugby League World Cup Tips and Predictions – Round 3

The second round of the Women’s Rugby League World Cup delivered some astonishing scorelines, and Round 3 looks set to sort genuine contenders from the rest of the pack. 

Australia's 78-0 demolition of England came at a cost, with Julia Robinson ruled out for the tournament and several other players forced off injured. 

New Zealand continued their perfect run by putting an eye-watering 92 points past France, while Samoa and Fiji both notched comfortable wins over Wales and Papua New Guinea respectively.

Now the group stages have reached the third and final round, Semi-final spots are starting to take shape, and for teams like England and Fiji, Round 3 could define their tournament. 

For all the latest news, analysis, and odds for the third and final round of the 2026 Women’s RLWC group matches, check out our Women’s Rugby League World Cup Round 3 tips and predictions below.

England Women vs Samoa Women Prediction 

Friday, October 30, 5:45pm AEDT – WIN Stadium 

This is a first-ever meeting between these two nations, and it arrives at a critical moment for England. 

After their heavy loss to Australia, England need a win to keep their semi-final hopes alive. The injury toll from that match, with Eva Hunter and Jodie Cunningham also forced off alongside Robinson, will test England's depth here.

Samoa, by contrast, head into this one full of confidence. Tyra Ekepati's hat-trick on debut against Wales, combined with Pauline Piliae-Rasabale's record-breaking 10 conversions, showed a side firing on all cylinders. 

Samoa currently sit second in Pool A, and a win here would strengthen that position considerably.

Head-to-head prediction: Samoa Women. 

Fiji Women vs France Women Prediction 

Saturday, October 31, 1:20pm AEDT – Cbus Super Stadium 

Another first-time meeting, and on paper it looks like a mismatch. France have lost all five of their World Cup matches by large margins, and their 92-0 defeat to New Zealand in Round 2 did little to suggest a turnaround is coming.

Fiji, meanwhile, will be buoyed by their 40-4 win over Papua New Guinea, a result built on a dominant first half. Sitting second in their pool, Fiji know a win here would likely be enough to book their semi-final spot.

France's form offers little reason for optimism, and Fiji should have more than enough to secure the points, and a semi-final berth, in this one.

Head-to-head prediction: Fiji Women. 

New Zealand Women vs Papua New Guinea Women Prediction 

Saturday, October 31, 5:45pm AEDT – Cbus Super Stadium 

New Zealand have been the tournament's standout side so far, and their 92-0 win over France was a statement of intent. 

They sit unbeaten and top of their group, with Apii Nicholls' four-try haul and hat-tricks from Stacey Waaka and Mele Hufanga underlining the depth of their attacking options. 

The one concern is Raecene McGregor, who left the France match early to ice her ankle, though reports suggest this was precautionary.

PNG arrive off the back of a tough loss to Fiji, and history isn't on their side either, New Zealand won the sides' only previous meeting 38-0, back in 2017.

Barring a major shift in form, New Zealand's attacking firepower should prove too much for PNG to contain.

Head-to-head prediction: New Zealand Women. 

Australia Women vs Wales Women Prediction 

Sunday, November 1, 3:40pm AEDT – CommBank Stadium 

Australia's dominance has been the story of this World Cup so far. Jocelyn Kelleher's double and nine goals helped seal a 78-0 win over England last start, extending Australia's unbeaten World Cup record to 12 wins from 12 matches. 

That run of form makes them favourites against almost anyone, and Wales represent one of the tournament's weaker sides.

Wales are winless through two rounds, having lost 70-6 to England and 76-0 to Samoa. 

This will be the first-ever meeting between Australia and Wales, but given the form lines on display, there's little reason to expect an upset.

Australia's injury concerns are a factor to watch, but their squad depth and dominant record make them clear favourites regardless. This could get very ugly indeed. 

Head-to-head prediction: Australia Women.