Kiwis v Kangaroos live updates: Rugby League World Cup opener
Australia defeated New Zealand 24-22 in a closely contested Rugby League World Cup opener. The match was marred by a significant injury to New Zealand's Kalyn Ponga, who is expected to miss the remainder of the tournament.
Why it matters
The result significantly impacts the tournament bracket and highlights the physical toll of international rugby league.
In the long history of heartbreaking Kiwis’ defeats at the hands of the Kangaroos, there haven’t been too many worse than this.
New Zealand outplayed the Australia team for long periods in this match – at times completely dominant – but somehow ended up on the losing side in a 24-22 thriller to open the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
In an even bigger blow, Kalyn Ponga – who was outstanding on his long-awaited debut with two tries – is likely out for the rest of the tournament after suffering a suspected broken arm in the second half.
Though the Kiwis will move on quickly – and be mostly content with their performance – this result will sting, as a 75th-minute Jack Bostock try ripped the victory from their grasp.
It’s hard to remember a better Kiwis display in a losing effort, though Australia again showed their resilience.
Also covering this story
3 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Australia v New Zealand: men’s Rugby League World Cup - live
Australia's dominance looms over the women's Rugby League World Cup
Rugby League World Cup: The star players the Kiwis missed out on
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