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Live sport on SN this weekendOnwards and Upton-wards from last Aust rout of England
Annabelle Banfield, AAP • October 23rd, 2026 4:24 pm
Tamika Upton made her mark in Australia's opening World Cup win over Samoa in Sydney | Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP
The last time the Jillaroos faced England, Tamika Upton scored five tries in a 90-4 drubbing, but the star fullback is expecting a tougher contest in a high-stakes Rugby League World Cup showdown.
The Las Vegas showcase game in March last year was one-way traffic as Upton scored five of Australia's 17 tries in a total domination of the English team.
However, it was England who had the biggest win to start this year's World Cup campaign, with a 70-6 trouncing of Wales.
Tamika Upton had reason to smile with five tries in the Jillaroos' win over England in Las Vegas | Photo: AP
Australia will still be heavy favourites for the Ashes rematch in Perth on Saturday, especially after another clinical showing in the Jillaroos' 40-0 opening win over Samoa, but Upton isn't expecting it to be all green and gold.
"We're definitely not expecting the same result," Upton told AAP.
"Obviously, special to be a part of that game (90-4 victory), but it is definitely not going to be like that."
The Australians came into this home World Cup defending their title from four years ago, but Upton missed that tournament after succumbing to a calf injury.
While disappointed to miss the glory, she was still full of national pride at the result.
An injured Tamika Upton missed Australia's victory at the 2022 World Cup final in England | Photo: Tim Goode/AAP
"I was obviously watching very proud, they were over in England doing an amazing job," the Brisbane Broncos NRLW captain said.
"It was special to watch that and watch all my teammates go over there and kill it, but it's even more special to be a part of it."
The fullback will earn her 10th cap in Australia's next match, and still finds it extra special to don the green and gold and sing the national anthem.
"I love standing there arm-in-arm and I'm always looking in the crowd for people that I know and people that I love," the 29-year-old said.
"(The anthem) is very special before you take the field and obviously builds the tension, and then it's kick-off."
With three Dally Ms, five premierships, two Karyn Murphy Medals and three State of Origin series wins, Upton already has a stacked resume that makes her one of the game's all-time greats.
Tamika Upton has established herself as a superstar in the NRLW and State of Origin | Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP
However, there is one award missing from that trophy cabinet.
"(Winning a World Cup) would be everything," Upton said.
"We've come together as a group and it's what we've spoken about and it's obviously our goal."
Tune into Sport Nation for live commentary of Rugby League World Cup 2026 this October and November - download the app today on Google Play and the App Store.
