Jillaroos tryscoring queen Jaime Chapman says there’s “no better feeling” than a home World Cup win, hoping it inspires the next generation to strive for the gold and green.
The 24-year-old scored after 125 seconds on her way to a first-half hat-trick to deliver a 34-10 win over the Kiwi Ferns and a fourth consecutive title for the Jillaroos.
Chapman was named player of the match and lapped up every moment as she was the last Jillaroo to leave the field, taking the time to sign autographs and celebrate with the fans who drive her.
“We had so many people turn up for us today and I hope we did our country and all of our families and our communities proud,” Chapman said.
“To put on this jersey is such a privilege and there’s no better feeling than winning a World Cup on home soil, and to see my Titans Leagueability team out there as well is such a special moment for me and one of my career highlights and hard to top.
Jaime Chapman 3rd Try
“I just hope I can give a little girl a dream to play rugby league and give her the same opportunities I’ve had.
"Rugby league has done so much for me and to see all the young girls and boys in the stadium today with smiles on their faces, wearing a Jillaroos jersey... the next generation is what I do it for.”
Chapman paid tribute to the players inside her for racking up the tries during the tournament, ultimately equalling the record for the most tries in a World Cup campaign with 13.
The 2026 Women's RLWC Champions
“It was a surreal feeling getting that first try, but to just do it with this bunch of girls, I can’t put it into words right now, it’s such an amazing feeling,” she said.
“I’m very happy, but I’ll always say, I just finish it off, the girls do all the hard work.
"My job was easy compared to our middles in there in the washing machine with the Kiwi Ferns, such a tough game, we knew they were going to be tough and so strong and so proud of my girls for getting it done for me."
With a State of Origin series win and World Cup under her belt, Chapman said she was now looking forward to getting refreshed for another NRLW title in 2027.
“I’m excited to have a good break with my family and the ones that mean the most to me, celebrate this first and then switch off from footy. It’s been a very big year,” she said.
