Defending champions Australia kick off the 2026 men’s Rugby League World Cup with potentially their toughest test when they face New Zealand on Thursday, and here’s everything you need to know about the game.

Australia won the 2022 Rugby League World Cup, defeating New Zealand in the semi-finals before knocking off Samoa in the final at Old Trafford, and now they begin their title defence against the Kiwis.

Both sides are in Pool A, a four-team group where the top two sides progress to the semi-finals, where they meet the top two sides of a combined table from the sides in Pools B and C.

A win in the opening game will likely secure the top seed heading into those semi-finals ahead of the final in Brisbane on November 15th, a month on from the meeting between Australia and New Zealand on opening night.

Of course, for those watching in England, the game will kick off at 10:05 on Thursday morning and here’s everything you need to know about the game.

Rugby League World Cup opening game preview

When, where and how to watch?

For those in the UK and Ireland, there is only one way to watch the game and that is via Premier Sports – a subcription-based broadcaster. The cost of that is £18.99 per month or for those who subscribe for a full year, a cheaper monthly price can be secured.

Alternatively, BBC Radio 5 Live will provide commentary for the game, whilst a highlights package will also be aired on BBC iPlayer but the only way to watch the game live on Thursday morning is via Premier Sports.

The game kicks off at 10:05 am UK time from Sydney’s Football Stadium, which is expected to be sold out.

What are the teams?

Both Australia and New Zealand are missing some of their star players through injury, whilst a number of other players have also defected and opted to represent their heritage.

The big decision made by Australia coach Kevin Walters is Reece Walsh over James Tedesco at full-back, whilst it’s Mitchell Moses who partners Cam Munster in the halves amid the injury absence of Nathan Cleary.

With no Dylan Brown, New Zealand have named Kodi Nikorima and Jahrome Hughes in the halves with Grand Final full-back Kayln Ponga starting in his natural position after opting to represent New Zealand instead of Australia.

Australia XIII: 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)

Interchanges: 14. Tom Dearden 15. Cameron Murray 16. Reuben Cotter 17. Keaon Koloamatangi 18. David Fifita 19. Bradman Best

New Zealand XIII: 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

Interchanges: 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Erin Clark 17. Xavier Willison 18. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 19. Keano Kini

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What does recent history say?

Because Australia contested the Ashes against England last year, the two nations have not faced off since 2024 but back then, it was Australia who came out on top as they won 22-10 in New Zealand with Zac Lomax scoring a brace. Just five of the 13 who started for Australia and four of the 13 who started for New Zealand that day start again tomorrow, meaning there may not be much to glean. As for World Cup meetings, Australia have won 18 compared to New Zealand’s two, showcasing the Kangaroos’ dominance. New Zealand have only won one of those 14 games on Australian soil as well.

Who are the star players?

Hooker Harry Grant was crowned the best international player in the world in 2025 and it’s hard to look past him as the man to watch but Australia’s back line is also very interesting, given there are no natural wingers. As such, they could try and challenge the Kiwis in the centres and through Reece Walsh, who terrorised England in the Ashes last year.

As for New Zealand, they do have plenty of strike on the wings and that could be a favourable match-up for them, particularly with Casey McClean and Ronaldo Mulitalo targetting Latrell Mitchell and Jack Bostock. Naufahu Whyte off the bench will also be a huge impact player and one to watch.

Who will win?

History suggests that Australia will win and the bookmakers clearly believe so as well, making Kevin Walters side 2.5 point favourites but in truth, the winner will be whichever spine adapts fastest. Neither side has their preferred spine pairing so getting that to click quick and getting behind the kicking game will be the way to win what should be an attritional game. Home advantage and the explosive nature of Reece Walsh from backfield and Harry Grant from dummy-half have us favouring Australia by four points in a match-up that could well be repeated in the final.

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