Controversy reigns as Jillaroo cleared of biting

Australian centre Isabelle Kelly has been cleared to take part in the rest of the women's Rugby League World Cup after being exonerated of biting in the Jillaroos' 38-0 thumping of England on Sunday.

England prop Chantelle Crowl reeled out of a tackle on Kelly late in the first half during their sides' round two clash at Southern Cross Group Stadium.

She immediately remonstrated with referee Todd Smith and asked to make a formal complaint.

The ground manager came onto the pitch and took a photo of Kelly's forearm and the incident was put on report.

The Jillaroos sent a resounding message to the rest of the tournament with an eight-try mauling of the Lionesses which ensured they will finish top of pool A.

But the emphatic win was marred after Crowl accused the Jillaroos outside back of biting her forearm.

The match review committee was not expected to meet until Monday however expedited the matter and on Sunday night declined to charge her.

England skipper Andrea Dobson was adamant her teammate had bite marks on her arm.

"I saw it. She had a clear mark on her arm like she had been (bitten)," Dobson said.

"They'll go back and look at it but she certainly wouldn't say it for nothing at all."

Australian coach Brad Donald defended his centre, describing the allegation as out-of-character for the 21-year-old who faced being banned for the rest of the tournament if found guilty.

"I can't see that she would have done anything intentionally and she's a really good girl," Donald said.

"I can't see that she would have done too much but we'll let the match review committee have a really close look at it."

Halfback Caitlin Moran provided the highlight of the match with a scintillating solo try in which she ran 30m and stepped off her right foot twice as the Jillaroos followed up their opening 58-4 defeat of the Cook Islands with another victory.

The Lionesses also have concerns after losing centre Amy Hardcastle to an ankle injury in the first half while halfback Kirsty Monroe came off for a concussion test early in the second half but did not return.

Meanwhile, New Zealand ensured they would finish top of pool B with a 76-0 thrashing of the Cook Islands.

Winger Honey Hireme crossed for six of the Kiwi Ferns' 14 tries.

She showed why she was nicknamed "Honey Bill Williams" - in honour of All Blacks superstar Sonny Bill Williams - with a barnstorming effort that included 211 metres, eight linebreaks and a try assist as well as taking her tournament tally to eight tries.

In the last game on Sunday, Canada qualified for the semi-finals with a 22-8 victory over Papua New Guinea.

The two were playing off for second spot in pool B and the Ravens will now meet Australia in next week's semi-finals.

with AAP