By Megan Armitage at the LNER Stadium

Australia head coach Brad Donald lauded his team's determination and drive as a ruthless 82-0 win over Papua New Guinea booked their spot in the World Cup final.

The 15-try Jillaroos refused to concede when the Orchids attack came knocking late in the second half and will now head to the Theatre of Dreams on Saturday to defend their World Cup title against three-time champions New Zealand.

Australia have a long-standing relationship with the Papua New Guinea team and, despite the emphatic performance the Jillaroos subjected them to, Donald felt a surge of pride seeing their opponents reach their first ever World Cup knock-out stage.

? Australia on fire in the fog!

Isabelle Kelly barges over for her first try on the night.#RLWC2021 #AUSPNG | @AusJillaroos @bbcsport pic.twitter.com/N8rNBR4cKc
— Rugby League World Cup 2021 (@RLWC2021) November 14, 2022

He said: "It's not so much about the score, it's something were very happy about and I'm really pleased with the whole squad and how they've gone about it.

"But there was always an expectation that we would do well tonight. There's no complacency with this group, the way we defended our line in the 70th minute showed that.

"We all spoke in the changing room after the game about how we would have liked to have seen Papua New Guinea score but there's too much hunger for success in this group.

"We're so proud to be a part of the Orchids' journey. Those girls aren't just rugby league players, they're leaders of social change back in their country."

Cazoo Player of the Match winner Emma Tonegato grabbed a hat-trick and three assists in a dominant 80 minutes for the Jillaroos as Isabelle Kelly also crossed for three tries.

Donald revealed that the St George Illawarra Dragons full-back Tonegato has continually impressed him this tournament and confirmed she would be part of the 17 he is confident will return from Manchester with a third successive title.

? Emma Tonegato delivered the goods tonight and lead her team to the final!#RLWC2021 #AUSPNG | @AusJillaroos pic.twitter.com/1qv077FWo8
— Rugby League World Cup 2021 (@RLWC2021) November 14, 2022

"Emma and I didn't know each other before this tournament and she's been an absolute pleasure to coach," he said.

"And you can bet that she will be playing somewhere in the team going forward for the final.

"What the girls did tonight, if you look more intricately to the details, then all the pieces of the puzzle are fitting into place.

"I'm confident that we can put our best foot forward and bring that trophy back home to Australia."

The Rugby League World Cup promises to be the biggest, best and most inclusive event in the sport’s 127-year history with men’s, women’s and wheelchair teams competing in 61 games across 21 venues throughout England. Tickets are available via rlwc2021.com/tickets