Preamble

Jonathan Howcroft

Hello everybody and welcome to live coverage of Australia v Cook Islands in the 2026 men’s Rugby League World Cup. Kick-off at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville is from 7.05pm local time (8.05pm AEDT/9.05am GMT).

The hosts and favourites have been unconvincing in their two victories so far but they are still just 80 minutes away from topping Pool A and reaching the semi-finals. Against a Cook Islands side that has already lost to New Zealand and Fiji, the assignment for the Kangaroos is to find some form ahead of a far sterner task next weekend against either Tonga or Samoa.

Of particular note this evening will be the battle for the No 1 and No 7 jerseys. Reece Walsh and Tom Dearden have been given the nod by Kevin Walters but either could play their way out of the side with James Tedesco and Sam Walker nipping at their heels. Walters will also be eager for a reaction from his pack after consecutive humblings.

This is the Kangaroos’ final tune-up before the serious action begins. It is an opportunity that cannot be wasted.

I’ll be back with final team lists and more shortly. Please send me your emails and keep me company throughout the evening. The address is jonathan.howcroft.freelance@theguardian.com.