Rugby League World Cup 2026: Australia edge New Zealand in opener
Australia defeated New Zealand in a high-intensity opening match of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup held in Sydney. The game featured a dramatic comeback by the Kangaroos, led by Jack Bostock's debut performance.
Why it matters
This match marks the start of a major international sporting event and highlights the growing popularity of rugby league in the Oceania region.
Figure caption, Australia clinch thrilling World Cup opener against New Zealand
Tries : Bostock 3, Trbojevic, Walsh Goals : Walsh 2
Tries : McLean, Ponga 2 Goals : Isaako 3 Penalties : Isaako 2
Opening games of World Cups can often be cautious and reserved non-events. Someone forgot to tell Australia and New Zealand.
This was as good as this sport gets. As good as any sport gets.
These two old foes traded blows - in every sense - for 80 pulsating minutes in a game of staggering skill, brutal intensity and relentless drama.
New Zealand's formidable pack served up a mauling to Australia's forwards for the majority of this opening match of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup but the defending champions did what champions do and somehow chiselled out a victory.
Also covering this story
7 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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