England’s worst-ever rugby league defeat exposes the brutal gulf in class against Australia

England’s women’s rugby league team endured a nightmarish experience in Las Vegas, suffering a humiliating 90-4 defeat at the hands of a ruthless Australian side. The match, played at the Allegiant Stadium, saw the Jillaroos run in 17 tries, exposing the stark gap in quality, investment, and professionalism between the two nations.

The crushing loss marked England’s heaviest defeat in history—either as England or Great Britain—leaving captain Jodie Cunningham and centre Amy Hardcastle struggling to find positives in the aftermath.

Hardcastle likened the experience to being trapped in a washing machine, as wave after wave of Australian attacks overwhelmed them. “We couldn’t get enough of the ball, and when you’re stuck defending for nearly the whole game, it takes its toll,” she admitted. “They’re absolute athletes, they’re backed professionally, and that showed today.”

Despite the relentless punishment, England refused to give up. Their sole consolation came when Georgia Roche crossed the line in the dying moments, preventing a complete whitewash. Cunningham pointed to that final try as a testament to the squad’s spirit. “The effort was there, but they were just too good for us,” she said. “We know we have a long way to go, but we’ll put in the work.”

The defeat also cast a harsh light on the disparity in investment between the women’s game in Australia and England. The Jillaroos are drawn from the fully professional or semi-professional NRL Women’s Premiership, while England’s Women’s Super League players receive little financial support, often playing only for expenses.

That financial gap was brutally exposed as Australia dominated every facet of the match, showing superior fitness, skill, and cohesion. The result served as a stark reality check for England as they prepare for next year’s World Cup.

Former Great Britain head coach Jackie Sheldon has long argued that England must find a way to physically compete with Australia and New Zealand if they want to challenge them on the world stage. With players like Roche, Hollie-Mae Dodd, and Paige Travis now playing in Australia’s NRLW, there’s hope that experience at the highest level will eventually close the gap.

For now, though, England will leave Las Vegas bruised, battered, and with serious questions about how they can bridge the chasm between themselves and the dominant forces in women’s rugby league. Hardcastle summed up the mood: “The result’s tough, but we need to take a hard look at ourselves and ask—what must we do to get better?”