Australia Player Ratings v Cook Islands: Bostock; Trbojevic Bag Twin Hattricks

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The Kangaroos produced their most convincing performance of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup so far, putting the Cook Islands to the sword in a 66–6 victory in Townsville.

After two less convincing performances to open the tournament, Australia finally found their attacking rhythm, crossing for 11 tries.

Jack Bostock and Tom Trbojevic both scored hat-tricks, while Reece Walsh and Cameron Munster were heavily involved in the attacking performance.

Here are the player ratings for every Australian who took the field.

1. Reece Walsh – 9/10

Walsh was outstanding on his return to the fullback position, finishing with a try, four try assists, two line-break assists and two line breaks. He also ran for 153 metres and was a constant threat whenever Australia shifted the ball wide. His ability to create opportunities made him one of the Kangaroos' most influential players and exposed tired defenders in the second half.

2. Jack Bostock – 9.5/10

A perfect performance from Bostock, who continued his remarkable World Cup campaign with another hat-trick. He scored three tries, ran for a team-high 222 metres from 15 runs, made two line breaks and added 44 post-contact metres. His finishing was clinical, and he consistently made valuable metres coming out of Australia's own end.

3. Kotoni Staggs – 7.5/10

Staggs was powerful and effective in the centres, crossing for a try and making a line break. He provided plenty of physicality on both sides of the ball and helped Australia build pressure out wide. His performance was another reminder of the attacking threat he brings to this Kangaroos backline.

4. Bradman Best – 8/10

Best was strong throughout the contest, providing plenty of punch on the left edge. He recorded a try assist, a line-break assist, four tackle breaks and 45 post-contact metres. To his dismay a try somehow avoided him all night. His ability to break tackles and generate momentum helped Australia keep the Cook Islands defence under pressure.

5. Tom Trbojevic – 9.5/10

Trbojevic was simply unstoppable, matching Bostock with a three-try performance. He finished with 12 points, six tackle breaks and 11 runs, while repeatedly finding space on the right edge. His finishing and support play were excellent, making this one of the standout performances of the night.

6. Cameron Munster – 9/10

Munster controlled the game superbly and was heavily involved in Australia's attacking combinations. He finished with 10 points, a try assist, a line-break assist and two offloads. He also took over the goal-kicking duties, slotting five conversions as Australia ran away with the contest. His experience and composure were important in turning dominance into points.

7. Tom Dearden – 9.5/10

Dearden delivered an excellent performance in the halves, finishing with two try assists and helping Australia dictate the tempo. He linked well with Munster and the outside backs, ensuring the Kangaroos had plenty of attacking options. His organisation and decision-making were particularly impressive as Australia found the cohesion they had been searching for.

8. Patrick Carrigan – 8/10

Carrigan brought his usual toughness and work rate through the middle, helping Australia establish control of the forward battle. While the standout attacking numbers belonged to the outside backs, his contribution in laying the platform was important. A strong and reliable performance from the Broncos prop.

9. Harry Grant – 8/10

Grant was busy around the ruck and helped Australia maintain a quick attacking tempo. He made 36 tackles, the most of any Australian in the match, while also providing the service that allowed Munster and Dearden to operate effectively. A solid performance from the Melbourne hooker.

10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui – 9/10

Tino was a handful for the Cook Islands defence, scoring two tries and making two line breaks. He also ran for 144 metres from 12 carries, added 41 post-contact metres and broke nine tackles. His ability to generate momentum through the middle was a major part of Australia's dominance.

11. Jacob Preston – 9/10

Preston continued his impressive tournament with a strong performance on the edge. He scored a try, made two line breaks and ran for 136 metres, while also recording a line-break assist. His energy, hard running, and ability to find space made him a constant attacking threat.

12. Liam Martin – 8.5/10

Martin brought plenty of aggression and effort to the forward pack, contributing 11 runs and 24 tackles. His effort in both attack and defence helped Australia win the physical battle through the middle. It was a strong contribution from the Penrith forward.

13. Isaah Yeo – 7.5/10

The Australian captain helped steer the side around the park and played an important role in keeping the attack organised. His leadership and work through the middle helped Australia maintain control for long periods. A composed performance as the Kangaroos built towards the knockout stages.

14. Ethan Strange – 8/10

Strange made a positive contribution off the bench, recording a try assist and a line-break assist. He showed plenty of confidence in his involvement and took advantage of the space created by Australia's dominant forward platform. Another encouraging performance from the young Canberra playmaker.

15. Keaon Koloamatangi – 8.5/10

Koloamatangi was hugely effective when introduced, running for 172 metres from 15 carries and producing 59 post-contact metres. He also made six tackle breaks, giving Australia another powerful attacking option through the middle. His impact off the bench was outstanding.

17. Reuben Cotter – 8/10

Cotter brought his trademark energy and work rate, helping Australia maintain its intensity as the game opened up. He recorded 43 post-contact metres and continued to compete hard through the middle. A valuable contribution in a dominant team performance.

18. Lindsay Smith – 7/10

Smith provided strong minutes through the middle and helped keep the Kangaroos' forward rotation fresh. He did the hard work required to maintain Australia's advantage in the middle of the field, allowing the outside backs to continue benefiting from front-foot ball.

It was exactly the sort of performance Kevin Walters would have wanted before the semi-finals. Australia finally put together a dominant attacking display, with Bostock, Trbojevic, Walsh and Munster leading the way.

The challenge now is to carry that form into the knockout stages, where the opposition will be considerably tougher.