The New Zealand women's rugby league team have been beaten 23-16 by Australia in the final of the Rugby League World Cup in Brisbane.
Photo: Photosport
The Kiwi Ferns got off to a strong start with two first half tries to the tournament's top try scorer Honey Hireme.
But the defending Cup holders struck back with two converted tries of their own to go into the break with a 12-10 lead.
Costly handling errors by the Kiwi Ferns early in the second half started to turn what had been a closely fought encounter the Jillaroos way.
A second half try by Raecene McGregor pulled the Kiwi Ferns back into the game but two tries and a field goal saw Australia through to back to back World Cup victories over the Kiwi Ferns.
It was the end of an era for Ferns captain Laura Mariu who drew the curtain on her 17-year international career after the four tries to three loss.
The Jillaroos were surprise 2013 Cup winners when they beat three-time champions the Ferns for the first time in the final, ending a 13 year win-less drought.
- RNZ
