The Fiji Bulikula are on the brink of a historic Women’s Rugby League World Cup semi-final appearance after powering past Papua New Guinea 40-4 in Port Moresby.

Playing in front of a passionate home crowd at Santos National Football Stadium, Fiji produced a clinical display to secure their first-ever World Cup victory and move into a strong position to advance to the final four.

The Bulikula wasted little time taking control of the contest, with winger Sienna Laing opening the scoring in the fourth minute. Papua New Guinea responded through Ua Ravu, but that would prove to be the Orchids’ only try of the match.

Fiji’s dominance continued as Luisa Yaranamua crossed to extend the lead before a resolute defensive effort denied PNG several attacking opportunities. The Bulikula then turned defence into attack when Lorren Ieli broke through the line and set up Taina Naividi for Fiji’s third try.

Losana Lutu and Tahlia Marshall added further tries late in the opening spell as Fiji surged to a commanding 30-4 halftime lead after scoring five tries to one.

Marshall continued her outstanding performance after the break, crossing just two minutes into the second half before completing her hat-trick shortly after to put the result beyond doubt.

While the latter stages developed into a physical arm-wrestle, Fiji’s defence remained unbreakable, shutting out the hosts and securing an emphatic 36-point victory.

The result leaves the Bulikula in pole position to reach the knockout stages at their maiden World Cup campaign. A win against France in their next match is expected to seal a semi-final berth.

Meanwhile, Papua New Guinea now face a must-win clash against New Zealand to keep their hopes of progressing alive.

The victory also reinforced Fiji’s credentials as genuine contenders after they came close to stunning the Kiwi Ferns in their tournament opener, proving that performance was far from a one-off.