Australia v New Zealand: men’s Rugby League World Cup final – live

Key events2m agoNew Zealand XIII2m agoAustralia XIII18m agoPreambleTeam News:Kangaroos: Kevin Walters made his key decisions ahead of the third pool match, since when his team has performed at a progressively higher level as players have grown into their roles. The only tweak to the semi-final squad is the late inclusion of James Tedesco with the fullback replacing Latrell Mitchell, who was withdrawn with illness on Saturday after being listed earlier in the week.Kiwis: This is the same XIII that started against Australia in the opening match of the tournament five weeks ago, and there is only one change on the bench with the then-suspended Phoenix Crossland coming in for Keano Kini. Kini was on the interchange last week but has been pushed out of the matchday squad with the return from suspension of Ronaldo Mulitalo.Pat Carrigan starts for Australia, resuming his rivalry with Kalyn Ponga, the recent recipient of the 2026 International Rugby League Golden Boot award. Photograph: Matt King/Getty ImagesNew Zealand XIII1. 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 TapineInterchange: 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Erin Clark 17. Xavier Willison 19. Phoenix Crossland 20. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad. Reserve: 21. Scott SorensenAustralia XIII1. Reece Walsh 2. Jack Bostock 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Bradman Best 5. Tom Trbojevic 6. Cameron Munster 7. Tom Dearden 15. Keaon Koloamatangi 9. Harry Grant 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Jacob Preston 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo (c).Interchange: 8. Patrick Carrigan, 14. Ethan Strange, 16. Cameron Murray, 17. Reuben Cotter, 21. Sam Walker, 22. James Tedesco. Reserve: Blayke Brailey.PreambleJonathan HowcroftHello everybody and welcome to live coverage of Australia v New Zealand in the final of the 2026 men’s Rugby League World Cup. Kick-off at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane is 6.35pm local time (7.35pm AEDT/8.35am GMT).After 17 matches, featuring 10 nations, across three countries, it all comes down to this: Kangaroos v Kiwis for the title of the greatest rugby league team in the world.That the final fixture of the tournament is a repeat of the first was to be expected. Despite the enormous recent strides made by Samoa and Tonga, the semi-finals demonstrated the Pacific Islanders remain a rung behind their more established counterparts. England’s absence from the knockout stages will be the subject of an inquest.It has been a successful, enjoyable, competition, one that has thrived off the energy provided by the Pasifika. The passion of the pregame challenges, the sea of flags in the stands, and the commitment of players who could have nominated for Australia or New Zealand has ensured a consistent supply of entertainment.The Kangaroos, the defending champions, on home soil, have been a slow burn. They were fortunate to win their opener, and failed in key areas in their next two matches, before finally showing World Cup winning form last time out.Reece Walsh has been the standout, holding off James Tedesco for the No 1 jersey then dazzling with his trademark runs. Cameron Munster returned to his old self against Samoa after a quiet few weeks, and the bench has provided plenty of spark. Crucially, the forward pack hit form in the semi-finals after a humbling run of matches that saw Origin enforcers well beaten by their opposite numbers.As the old adage goes, it’s forwards that win matches, backs decide by how much. The first pack to put Australia under the cosh was New Zealand’s. The Kiwis have an awesome half-dozen on the field to begin with, backed up by the NRL’s form prop and loose forward on the bench. Behind them they boast Kalyn Ponga, the recently crowned IRL Golden Boot winner, and at the moment the most devastating player in the sport. Jahrome Hughes caught fire against Tonga, and he will have Ronaldo Mulitalo to kick to in Brisbane after the combustible winger sat out the semi through suspension.Walsh v Ponga, Munster v Hughes, Isaah Yeo v Joseph Tapine, everywhere you look there are mouthwatering individual battles to savour. Whoever prevails will have well and truly earned the title of world champions.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.