Canberra Raiders Toyota Cup star Hayden Hodge scored three tries, but his night was soured by a left-ankle injury.

''It was a great experience, running out there was just awesome,'' Hodge said.

''We didn't think we were any chance of winning by that much, but everything just seemed to work for us.''

Hodge made a scintillating break with his first touch of the ball and Australian centre Aaron Whitchurch crossed the line three tackles later.

But the try was disallowed after Jordan Rankin's pass was ruled forward.

The Australians got on the board five minutes later when lock Joseph Leilua barged over.

Australian centre Cheyse Blair scored two first-half tries and back-rower Ryan James also crossed the line.

Hodge's try less than two minutes from the break brought loud cheers from the crowd and gave his team a 22-0 half-time lead.

The Australians went into overdrive after the break, with winger Faleula Finau (three tries), Hodge (two), reserve Blake Austin (two) and fullback Maipele Morseu all scoring.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times