Reece Walsh scored and provided five try assists against the Cook Islands, after Australia's forwards gave the attack a better platform.
Before the Kangaroos' semi-final against Samoa, Walsh defended the pack, saying its efforts had been undervalued during the Rugby League World Cup.
"I feel like the forward pack's been disrespected a lot this tournament," Walsh told NRL.com. "There's a lot of talk about the other teams. They're great players. They're awesome players, don't get me wrong.
"But the way that this pack works their arse off for us, they're the reason why we're winning these games and the reason why we're working so hard. The passion they play with and the hard work, the kick chase, the small details."
Walsh said supporters and media did not see the work the players put in at training, adding that rival teams recognised Australia's strengths.
"It's something that the fans and you guys (the media) probably don't see, but we see and that's one thing I see with these other teams," he added.
"When they're looking at us, they know the strengths that we bring. All credit to them, they're awesome packs but I love these boys and how hard they work because those little efforts... we appreciate them so much."
Australia's 36-22 win over Fiji came after the Kangaroos were outplayed through the middle and faced a major scare.
Commentators had also argued New Zealand's pack looked stronger, helping the Kiwis post bigger scores against weaker opposition. Pat Carrigan, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Keaon Koloamatangi, Lindsay Smith and Reuben Cotter had yet to make the impact expected of them.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson said, "Australia got outmuscled by Fiji tonight. They need to muscle up, they need to get a hell of a lot better."
Shane Flanagan said the forwards needed to establish dominance and improve ruck speed with the ball and line speed in defence.