It was a glorious morning for the Trans Tasman with both Australia and New Zealand recording impressive victories in the opening matches of the Women's Rugby League World Cup in the United Kingdom.
In the first clash of Thursday's double header, a 46-0 victory to the Kiwi Ferns over France was helped thanks to a Roxy Murdoch-Masila double, as well as fellow Gold Coast stars Madison Bartlett and Apii Nicholls contributing nicely with four-pointers.
That result was then followed by a masterclass by the Jillaroos in a 74-0 encounter against the Cook Islands - courtesy of some elite Evania Pelite prowess.
The Titans marquee scored a hat-trick with the first four-pointer coming in only the second minute, as well as setting up another and breaking the line on four occasions.
Lauren Brown and Shannon Mato were also impressive in their Australian debuts with the trio to next face France on Monday morning.
Despite the big scoreline, the Cook Islands were not by any means disgraced, with the growing rugby league nation toiling hard against the defending champions, particularly with an all-Titans halves pairing of Kimiora Breayley-Nati and Chantay Kiria-Ratu.
Kiwi Ferns make winning start against France
The Kiwi Ferns shook off a slow start against France to record a 46-0 shutout victory in their opening game of the Women's World Cup.
Halfback Raecene McGregor, this season's NRLW Dally M Medal winner, was the standout player for New Zealand, setting up three tries and handling most of the general play kicking.
Match Highlights: New Zealand v France
Pelite scores three as Jillaroos down Cook Islands
Sam Bremner scored four tries in her return to international rugby league, helping the Jillaroos to a 74-0 win against a gusty Cook Islands in their opening pool match.
Evania Pelite also crossed for a hat-trick in her debut for Australia, while Tarryn Aiken was also a multiple try-scorer in her first match for the Jillaroos with a double.
Match Highlights: Australia v Cook Islands
