Billy Slater's hat trick of tries helped Australia wallop England 46-16 in the Four Nations rugby league final at Elland Road Saturday. Trailing 16-14 early in the second half, the Australians scored 32 unanswered points as they repeatedly scythed through the England defense to reclaim top status in the international game. Australia topped the round-robin including France, and its unbeaten run was blemished only by a draw with world champion New Zealand. The Kangaroos beat England 26-16 two weeks ago then improved the margin in the final. “The Kiwis will always be world champions, but I think this shows that we are the No. 1 team,” Australia's Johnathon Thurston said. “It was very hard work tonight.”
