Reece Walsh fires clunky Australia to Rugby League World Cup win against Cook Islands

Reece Walsh starred as Australia secured a 66-6 victory over the Cook Islands in Townsville to finish atop Pool A in the Rugby League World Cup. Walsh scored a try and set up five others, sparking a six-try blitz in the opening 20 minutes of the second half. The win creates a selection dilemma for coach Kevin Walters, who must choose between Walsh and James Tedesco at fullback for next week's semi-final.

Despite the lopsided scoreline, Australia produced 15 errors and looked clunky at times, briefly trailing 6-4 after Cook Islands hooker Rua Ngatikaura scored. Wingers Tom Trbojevic and Jack Bostock both finished with hat-tricks, while Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Kotoni Staggs, Jacob Preston, and Harry Grant also scored. Australia now advances to the semi-final at Allianz Stadium against Samoa or Tonga.