The opening match of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup delivers a heavyweight trans-Tasman showdown as Australia and New Zealand renew one of the sport’s greatest rivalries. With the Kangaroos chasing a fourth consecutive World Cup title and the Kiwis boasting a squad packed with NRL stars, this blockbuster clash at Allianz Stadium could set the tone for the entire tournament.
Featured Men’s Rugby League World Cup
- Australia vs New Zealand → australia-vs-new-zealand-rlwc-preview-2026
- Papua New Guinea vs Lebanon → papua-new-guinea-vs-lebanon-rlwc-preview-2026
- England vs Tonga → england-vs-tonga-rlwc-preview-2026
- Fiji vs Cook Islands → fiji-vs-cook-islands-rlwc-preview-2026
Featured Women’s Rugby League World Cup
- Australia vs Samoa → australia-vs-samoa-womens-rlwc-preview-2026
Matchday Details
Thursday, October 15, 8.05pm AEDT at Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Referee: Adam Gee | Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Australia: 1. Reece Walsh, 2. Jack Bostock, 3. Latrell Mitchell, 4. Kotoni Staggs, 5. Tom Trbojevic, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Patrick Carrigan, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11. Jacob Preston, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo (c), 14. Tom Dearden, 15. Cameron Murray, 16. Reuben Cotter, 17. Keaon Koloamatangi, 18. David Fifita, 19. Bradman Best, R. Blayke Brailey, R. James Tedesco, R. Sam Walker
New Zealand: 1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Jamayne Isaako, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Casey McLean, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. James Fisher-Harris (c), 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Moses Leota, 11. Isaiah Papali’i, 12. Briton Nikora, 13. Joseph Tapine, 14. Te Maire Martin, 15. Naufahu Whyte, 16. Erin Clark, 17. Xavier Willison, 18. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 19. Keano Kini, R. Scott Sorensen, R. Leo Thompson, R. Jacob Laban
Match Preview
There are plenty of changes to the New Zealand side that last took the field, with several new faces set to make their mark as they represent their country on the international stage.
Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai are notable inclusions and will look to carry the momentum from Newcastle’s magical 2026 Grand Final run into the World Cup. Jahrome Hughes also returns for the Kiwis, partnering Kodi Nikorima in the halves after Nikorima’s outstanding season with the Dolphins.
Meanwhile, Australia will field a vastly different side to the one fans have become accustomed to – with the loss of several key superstars choosing to represent other nations – with a reshaped squad heading into the World Cup.
Fresh off a 3-0 Ashes whitewash of England, Australia will be looking to continue its World Cup dominance and secure a fourth consecutive title.
Mitch Moses has been handed the number seven jersey ahead of Sam Walker, while Jacob Preston and Jack Bostock are set to make their international debuts. David Fifita will also pull on the green and gold for the first time, while Reece Walsh has been named at fullback in a surprising selection call ahead of James Tedesco.
The two superstar fullbacks will go head-to-head on Thursday night in what promises to be an explosive match-up. Despite both being Queenslanders and having shared the field as teammates, they will now find themselves on opposite sides, each determined to make their mark and lead their nation towards World Cup glory.
These two sides haven’t faced each other since the 2024 Pacific Championships, with Australia winning 22–10 in Christchurch. The Kiwis will be looking to assert their dominance through the forward pack. With the likes of Joe Tapine, James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota, Naufahu Whyte, Xavier Willison, and Erin Clark, New Zealand boasts a formidable forward rotation that will pose a serious challenge for the Kangaroos to contain.
Prediction
RLZ Tip: New Zealand by 8.
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