By MICHAEL HILLIER
HOST nation Australia is well placed to push for Gold medals in the Men’s Under 23, Women’s and Physical Disability competitions after a superb start to the 2018 Rugby League Commonwealth Championship.
Heavy rain fell throughout the opening day of the tournament at Redcliffe’s Dolphin Oval, but all three Australian teams were up to the task as they piled on the points.
The Adrian Lam-coached team topped Men’s Pool A with three wins, racking up 90 points and conceding just four.
Young Bronco David Fifita set the tone with a blistering burst in the green and gold as the hosts powered over Wales in their opening game.
The Jillaroos were just as dominant, with talented playmaker Ali Brigginshaw leading from the front in Australia’s first-up 26-4 win over Samoa.
Australia leads Pool A, with Tonga set to provide fierce opposition tomorrow after two strong wins to lead Pool B.
Tonga is also a major contender in the Men’s after recording three impressive wins in Pool B.
Addison Demetriou was the star, crossing twice against both Samoa and PNG before posting a further four-pointer in Tonga’s 12-6 win over England.
In the Physical Disabilities competition, Australia has made an outstanding start with three wins.
Day two kicks off at 10.20am tomorrow (Saturday).
This was issued as a media release by the Queensland Rugby League
