Vegas combine winners face off as Canada keep World Cup hopes alive

NRL Vegas combine winners Megan Pakulis and MarCaya Bailous went head-to-head when the United States hosted Canada in a World Cup qualifying match in Florida.

Pakulis led the Ravens to a 40-8 win and a place in the 2025 World Series against Fiji, Ireland and Nigeria to determine the final place in RLWC2026.

“It was a really tough battle in the middle,” said Canada coach Mike Castle, as his side look to make their third World Cup.

“The forwards knocked each other about for the full game. The Hawks have come a long way from last year and are only going to keep improving, it’s going to be great to see this rivalry continue.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do in the next twelve months to plan out the year and try to put ourselves in the best position we can be.”

St Helens prop Chantelle Crowl scored three tries and Pakulis crossed twice to help keep Canada's World Cup hopes alive in the final of the Americas World Cup qualifying tournament at Hodges Field, North Florida University in Jacksonville.

The USA are out of World Cup contention but qualified for the final after Bailous scored a hat-trick of tries in last Wednesday's 44-0 defeat of Jamaica.

Pakulis and Bailous were chosen from 25 North American athletes who took part in the combine on the eve of the NRL's season opener at Allegiant Stadium and travelled to Australia to play in the women's National Championships.

They also toured several NRLW clubs and met with coaches, with Pakulis attracting interest but deciding to play in the Women's Super League, where she helped York Valkyrie to premiership success.

Bailous played for Tampa Mischief in the USARL women's competition and led the way as the Hawks defeated Jamaica, with a hat-trick of tries which included finishing an 80-metre effort after the ball had gone through three pairs of hands.

Canada, Fiji, Ireland and Nigeria will contest the World Series next year, with the winner claiming the eighth and final berth for the 2026 World Cup to be played in Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Fetu Samoa last weekend became the seventh team to qualify after beating Fiji 16-12 in Auckland, joining Australia, New Zealand, England, Papua New Guinea, France and Wales.