Walsh leads Australia past Cook Islands 66-6 to finish top of Pool A

Australia beat Cook Islands 66-6 in Townsville on Saturday to finish unbeaten and top of Pool A at the men's Rugby League World Cup. ABC reported that the Kangaroos recovered from an early 6-4 deficit, with Reece Walsh named player of the match after contributing a try, five assists and two line breaks.

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The early exchanges gave Cook Islands a brief advantage despite Australia's opening score. According to AAP's match report, Walsh created Jack Bostock's first try before hooker Rua Ngatikaura scored from close range to put the Islanders ahead. Tom Dearden then supplied Tom Trbojevic for the try that restored Australia's lead, which the hosts retained for the rest of the match.

Australia reached half-time 28-6 ahead and extended the margin after the interval. ABC recorded hat-tricks for both Bostock and Trbojevic, while Tino Fa'asuamaleaui scored twice. Harry Grant added a late try after Walsh recovered possession following an attempted interception. Debutant Ethan Strange converted that final score, completing his first appearance for Australia with a successful kick.

Dearden's contribution included two first-half try assists, AAP reported, after he was selected at halfback ahead of Sam Walker. Walsh started at fullback ahead of James Tedesco. Jacob Preston also made a significant attacking contribution, producing two line breaks and scoring a try. Australia's ball retention was less convincing: AAP put their completion rate below 70 per cent.

Walsh continued playing after experiencing discomfort during the match. ABC reported that he grabbed at his foot after converting Kotoni Staggs's first-half try and subsequently handed over goal-kicking duties to Cameron Munster. In a post-match interview carried by ABC, Walsh said he was all right despite the knocks. His continued involvement included helping Australia complete their scoring late in the game.

For Cook Islands, the match marked Brad Takairangi's final international appearance, according to AAP, which reported that his career included 17 Tests for Cook Islands and four for New Zealand. Australia now move on to a semi-final in Sydney on November 8 against either Samoa or Tonga, with the opposition still to be determined.