Live: New Zealand Kiwis v Australia Kangaroos - Rugby League World Cup

The New Zealand Kiwis kick off their World Cup campaign against the defending champions Australia at 10.05pm.Follow all the action in our live blog below:Embedded content removed for printingFresh off an outstanding performance in the NRL grand final, Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga will finally wear the black jersey he has coveted for so long.Having played for Queensland in State of Origin, Ponga was ineligible to represent the Kiwis until the Australian Rugby League Commission updated its rules earlier this year, paving the way for his New Zealand debut. Joining him, Knights veteran Dane Gagai, set for his first Kiwis cap after seven tests for Australia, qualifying through his Ngāti Pikiāo heritage.Jahrome Hughes is back for his first campaign in two years while other new names include Warriors' forwards Jacob Laban and Tanner Stowers-Smith.Kiwis squad:Erin Clark (Warriors), James Fisher-Harris (Warriors), Dane Gagai (Newcastle Knights), Jahrome Hughes (Melbourne Storm), Jamayne Isaako (Dolphins), Keano Kini (Gold Coast Titans), Jacob Laban (Warriors), Moses Leota (Penrith Panthers), Jeremy Marshall-King (Dolphins), Te Maire Martin (Warriors), Casey McLean (Penrith Panthers), Ronaldo Mulitalo (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Warriors), Briton Nikora (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Kodi Nikorima (Dolphins), Isaiah Papali'i (Penrith Panthers), Kalyn Ponga (Newcastle Knights), Scott Sorensen (Penrith Panthers), Tanner Stowers-Smith (Warriors), Joseph Tapine (Canberra Raiders), Leo Thompson (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Naufahu Whyte (Sydney Roosters), Xavier Willison (Brisbane Broncos).Jahrome Hughes is back in the Kiwis for the first time since 2023.Allan McKenzie / www.photosport.nz