Rugby League World Cup 2026 begins with Australia v New Zealand

Summarised from 4 outlets · 6 reports · Updated 15 Oct, 08:44 · Archive

The 2026 Rugby League World Cup begins with Australia facing New Zealand at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. Australia enter as 12-time champions seeking their fourth consecutive title. Coach Kevin Walters has rested some key players for the opening match, selecting Reece Walsh at fullback over James Tedesco, Mitchell Moses at halfback over Sam Walker, and Kotoni Staggs at centre over Bradman Best. The squad is without code-crossing superstar Mark Nawaqanitawase and injured NRL Dally M Player of the Year Nathan Cleary.

New Zealand won the Pacific Championships during Australia's absence and are led by captain James Fisher-Harris, Kalyn Ponga and Erin Clark. New Zealand have won just one of their past five meetings with Australia. Their gameplan will centre on the power of their forward pack, including Moses Leota.

Australia and New Zealand are expected to be the tournament favourites. Other strong contenders include Samoa, who reached the Rugby League World Cup final five years ago, and Tonga, who have most of their main players available. England have had their expectations tempered by a comprehensive loss in last year's Ashes series and have a new coach, Brian McDermott, who dropped Super League top scorer Jake Connor for Mikey Lewis.

How it is being reported

• Australia v New Zealand: men’s Rugby League World Cup – liveUpdates as the Kangaroos and Kiwis open the tournament in Sydney Kick-off time is 8.05pm AEDT/10.05pm NZDT/10.05am BST Any thoughts? Get in touch with an email Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters has the most enviable array of talent at his disposal. What makes his side newsworthy is never the players selected, but those missing out. Continue reading...The Guardian · 15 Oct, 09:30
• Rugby League World Cup LIVE! Australia take on New Zealand in openerSky Sports · 15 Oct, 09:12
• Live: World Cup begins as Origin stars make historic starts for KiwisThe Rugby League World Cup begins with a blockbuster between powerhouse nations Australia and New Zealand. Follow live.ABC News Australia · 15 Oct, 08:30
• How to watch Rugby League World Cup 2026 on 7plus — it's *FREE*Here's how you can stream every match of the Rugby League World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.TechRadar · 15 Oct, 08:00
• How to watch Australia vs New Zealand for FREE: Live Streams & TV Channels for RLWC openerAll the ways to watch Australia vs New Zealand for free online from anywhere as the Rugby League World Cup 2026 gets underway at Allianz Stadium, Sydney.TechRadar · 15 Oct, 07:00
• How to watch Rugby League World Cup 2026: FREE live streamsAll the ways to watch Rugby League World Cup 2026 for free from anywhere, with full TV channels, broadcast details and schedule provided.TechRadar · 15 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Australia · New Zealand · Kevin Walters · James Fisher-Harris · Kalyn Ponga · England · Samoa · Tonga

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