Waaka treble sends Ferns into seventh straight final

Stacey Waaka scored a hat-trick as New Zealand swept aside Samoa 32-0 in Newcastle on Saturday to reach a seventh successive Women's Rugby League World Cup final. The Kiwi Ferns will chase a fourth title in Brisbane on Sunday, 15 November.

New Zealand made a flying start, with Mackenzie Wiki diving over in the corner inside the first two minutes after a Samoan error. But Samoa, playing in their first World Cup since 2008, refused to fold, controlling possession in the New Zealand half for long spells without finding a way through.

McGregor's boot breaks the deadlock

The breakthrough came from the boot of captain Raecene McGregor. Her short chip bounced on its point, allowing Waaka to leap above everyone and ground the ball for an 8-0 half-time lead.

Waaka struck again five minutes into the second half from another pinpoint McGregor kick. Mele Hufanga and Kaiya Atai then scored in back-to-back sets, before Waaka completed her hat-trick from a flick pass by Annessa Biddle. McGregor added the final try herself.

Waaka's three tries took her level with Australia winger Jaime Chapman on nine for the tournament, and the dual-code international was named player of the match after gaining 131 metres.

Revenge mission in Brisbane

The Kiwi Ferns now await the winners of Sunday's second semi-final between Australia and Fiji in Sydney. A meeting with Australia would offer a chance to avenge the 54-4 defeat in the 2021 final. New Zealand won the first three women's titles in 2000, 2003 and 2008, but have lost the last three finals to the Jillaroos. Samoa coach Frank Pritchard said his young side could be proud despite the defeat, calling it a successful tournament for a team still learning at this level.

[Source: NRL.com](https://www.nrl.com/news/2026/11/07/waaka-treble-helps-kiwi-ferns-storm-into-world-cup-final/) | [Source: AAP](https://aapnews.aap.com.au/news/hat-trick-hero-helps-kiwis-secure-world-cup-final-spot)