Sports
Australia edge New Zealand in Rugby League World Cup opener
October 15, 2026 at 12:28 PM · Updated 1d ago
Coverage
4 reports · over 6 hours
BNBBC News
Rugby League World Cup highlights - Australia 24 - 22 New Zealand
(opens the publisher’s site)
TGThe Guardian
Nation-swappers show Rugby League World Cup is up for grabs in fiery opener
(opens the publisher’s site)
BNBBC News
Rugby League World Cup 2026: Australia edge New Zealand in opener
(opens the publisher’s site)
TGThe Guardian
Australia survive a scare as New Zealand light fuse on Rugby League World Cup
(opens the publisher’s site)Australia defeated New Zealand 24-22 in the Rugby League World Cup opener in Sydney, with debutant Jack Bostock scoring three tries.
- Australia beat New Zealand 24-22 at Allianz Stadium in Sydney to open the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
- Debutant winger Jack Bostock scored three tries for Australia, including the match-winner with five minutes remaining.
- New Zealand fullback Kalyn Ponga scored two tries but left the field with a suspected broken arm.
- A crowd of more than 40,000 attended, the largest Test-match crowd in Sydney in 50 years.
- The 2026 Rugby League World Cup opener at Allianz Stadium was a sell-out, organisers said.
- Reece Walsh's try-saving tackle on a New Zealand breakaway and his solo try proved decisive for Australia.