LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In a historic upset at AAMI Park in Melbourne, the Kiwi Ferns have ended the Jillaroos' impressive 17-match winning streak, securing their first victory over Australia since 2016.
The seismic shift in women's rugby league has left fans and experts in awe.
Just a year after suffering a crushing defeat by 50 points in the World Cup final, the new-look Kiwi Ferns side exacted their revenge, despite being on the back foot for most of the game.
This stunning result comes on the heels of the Jillaroos' six-point victory over their rivals in Townsville just two weeks ago, with rookie Tamika Upton playing a key role with two tries.
However, the script did not go according to plan for the World Cup winners this time around.
Although Jaime Chapman opened the scoring after nine minutes, having previously scored a hat-trick in the NRLW grand final, it was the only highlight for the Jillaroos.
Their ball handling was sloppy, with a meager 38 percent completion rate in the first half, and Upton was denied a try by the Bunker.
This loss serves as a wake-up call for the Jillaroos, who now face important decisions leading up to the 2026 World Cup.
The emergence of young talent, such as Knights player Jesse Southwell, who is making a strong case for a spot in the halves, adds to the pressure on the team.
The Kiwi Ferns' victory has undoubtedly reshaped the landscape of women's rugby league and has left fans eagerly anticipating future clashes between these two fierce rivals.