Australia and New Zealand kick off the Rugby League World Cup today (Thursday) in the first of nine live games available to watch on this opening weekend, and here’s the information on how and when to watch.

The short wait between the Super League and NRL seasons ending and the World Cup starting is now over, with rugby league back on our screens within a fortnight of the club seasons ending.

Whilst the men’s, women’s and wheelchair World Cup competitions will all take place at the same time, the wheelchair competition does not start until later in the month, meaning there are just nine games to watch over the coming days.

That’s still a major rugby league fix for those who have been missing the sport and it kicks off in arguably the best way it could, with a clash of the titans as Australia host New Zealand in the opening game of the men’s tournament.

For those in the UK and Ireland, every Rugby League World Cup will be aired on Premier Sports, a subscription channel that costs £18.99 a month. In purchasing a Premier Sports pass, fans can watch all the action, however, it’s worth noting that a monthly pass is not enough to watch all of the tournament, which frustratingly spans a month and a few days, meaning the cost would be £37.98 if fans want to watch every game. More information on how exactly to access Premier Sports can be found here.

There is also commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live, something that was confirmed on Wednesday, with the BBC also putting together highlights packages on iPlayer, for those who do not want to shell out to watch on Premier Sports.

Below are the details of when each game takes place with Premier Sports the only broadcaster showing the games live. Meanwhile, the games that have BBC 5 Live radio coverage have also been noted with links inserted for the relevant games.

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Rugby League World Cup round one broadcast details

Thursday, 15th October

(M) – Australia v New Zealand @ 10:05 am on Premier Sports with radio coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live here.

Friday, 16th October

(M) – Samoa v France @ 7:45 am on Premier Sports with radio coverage on BBC Radio 5 live here.

(W) – Australia v Samoa @ 10:05 am on Premier Sports.

Saturday, 17th October

(W) – Papua New Guinea v France @ 3:15 am on Premier Sports.

(M) – Papua New Guinea v Lebanon @ 5:25 am on Premier Sports with radio coverage on BBC Radio 5 live here.

(W) – England v Wales @ 7:35 am on Premier Sports with radio coverage on BBC Radio 5 live here.

(M) – England v Tonga @ 10:05 am on Premier Sports with radio coverage on BBC Radio 5 live here.

Sunday, 18th October

(W) – New Zealand v Fiji @ 3:50 am on Premier Sports.

(M) – Fiji v Cook Islands @ 6:05 am on Premier Sports with radio coverage on BBC Radio 5 live here.

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