Australia continue domination with latest World Cup title

Captain James Tedesco scored a try in each half to help Australia maintain their global domination with a 30-10 victory over Samoa in the Rugby League World Cup final at Old Trafford.

Samoa had made history by becoming the first tier-two nation to reach the final, courtesy of their dramatic semi-final victory over England, and emerged with considerable credit without ever threatening to pull off another shock.

The Kangaroos had the patience and composure to deal with their opponents' unorthodox play and showed their clinical and ruthless side on attack to boss the game and claim a 12th title out of a possible 16.

It marked a notable double following the Jillaroos' 54-4 victory over New Zealand earlier in the afternoon.

Samoa, a country with a population of just 200,000, had the support of prime minister Afioga Fiame Naomi Mataafa, who flew in especially for the occasion, and the overwhelming majority of the 67,502 crowd.

But the ultra professional Australians ignored the boos and gradually earned the begrudging praise of the English fans as they cruised to a ninth win in the last 10 World Cups.

Mal Meninga's men were battle-hardened from a hard-fought semi-final victory over New Zealand and little went right for Samoa in the first half.

They were unlucky not to be given a 40-20 kick through makeshift hooker Chanel Harris-Tavita and, after a competitive opening, were hit by two tries in four minutes.

Centre Latrell Mitchell brushed off the attempted tackle of full-back Joseph Suaalii to open the scoring and a searing break from danger man Josh Addo-Carr created Tedesco's first try, which was converted by Nathan Cleary.

Trailing 10-0, Samoa were still in the contest when Addo-Carr knocked down Stephen Crichton's pass meant for