Australia edge New Zealand 24-22 in RLWC opener — SkimNews
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- Australia opened the Rugby League World Cup 2026 with a 24-22 victory over New Zealand in Pool A at a sold-out Allianz Stadium in Sydney on October 15, 2026, sending the defending champions to the top of the pool.
- Jack Bostock scored a hat-trick on his debut, with his third try proving decisive as the Kangaroos held on by two points against a New Zealand side that dominated for long stretches.
- The match drew the biggest crowd for a Test match in 50 years, surpassing the attendance benchmark set in 1974.
- Kalyn Ponga crossed for two second-half tries for the Kiwis but was forced off with an arm injury, while Kotoni Staggs spent time in the sin bin for impeding Kodi Nikorima as he chased a kick with a try-scoring opportunity.
- The sides were locked at 10-10 at halftime after Casey McLean scored for New Zealand and Jamayne Isaako added a conversion plus two penalties to keep the Kiwis in contention.
- England begin their RLWC campaign against Tonga on Saturday October 17, the day after Australia's opening win.
Why it matters: The victory puts defending champions Australia atop Pool A as they launch their title defense, while the biggest Test-match crowd in 50 years — surpassing a 1974 benchmark — signals major fan and commercial momentum for the tournament heading into England's Saturday opener against Tonga.
Ask SkimNews
