Australia has reaffirmed its status as the world’s heavyweight women’s international rugby leaguethrashing New Zealand 24-4 in the Pacific Cup final as revenge for last year’s decider.

The pressure was on the Jillaroos in this Pacific Championship following that shock loss to the Kiwi Ferns in the 2023 final and some controversial selection decisions since.

Brad Donald’s side responded by going almost the entire series without conceding a point, and only a suspicious try from Leianne Tufuga on Sunday prevented them from recording three consecutive clean sheets for the first time.

At CommBank Stadium, the Jillaroos’ left edge set the tone for a dominant performance that would have been even more one-sided had Tarryn Aiken kicked more than two of five attempts on goal.

Halfback Aiken was the best for the Jillaroos, sending the final pass for Julia Robinson to score the opening try when Shanice Parker ran in. It was Robinson’s seventh four-pointer in the series.