Live: World Cup begins as Origin stars make historic starts for Kiwis

The Rugby League World Cup begins with a blockbuster between powerhouse nations Australia and New Zealand.For the first time the Kiwis will have State of Origin stars representing them on the international stage.Thu 15 Oct 2026 at 6:55pmThu 15 Oct 2026 at 6:55pmTeam list: New ZealandThe change to State of Origin eligibility rules has been a major boost to the Kiwis.Fullback Kalyn Ponga and centre Dane Gagai, stars of the Queensland Maroons for years, get their first game as Kiwis.Jahrome Hughes will guide the side around at halfback, while the Kiwis boast a sensation forward pack.Fisher-Harris, Leota and Tapine are as good as middle forwards get in rugby league, while having Whyte, Clark and Willison on the bench is a luxury.Backs1 Kalyn Ponga2 Jamayne Isaako3 Dane Gagai4 Casey McLean5 Ronaldo Mulitalo6 Kodi Nikorima7 Jahrome HughesForwards8 James Fisher-Harris9 Jeremy Marshall-King10 Moses Leota11 Isaiah Papali'i12 Briton Nikora13 Joseph TapineInterchange14 Te Maire Martin15 Naufahu Whyte16 Erin Clark17 Xavier Willison18 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad19 Keano KiniThu 15 Oct 2026 at 6:49pmThu 15 Oct 2026 at 6:49pmTeam list: AustraliaCoach Kevin Walters has stuck pretty loyal with players who were part of his Ashes-winning side last year.Reece Walsh is at fullback, despite James Tedesco having a phenomenal season.Winger Jack Bostock is making is Test debut, while Mitchell Moses has been given the starting halfback role following the injury to Nathan Cleary.Jacob Preston also makes a Kangaroos debut in the forwards, while Tom Dearden will play a utility role from the interchange bench.Backs1 Reece Walsh2 Jack Bostock3 Latrell Mitchell4 Kotoni Staggs5 Tom Trbojevic6 Cameron Munster7 Mitchell MosesForwards8 Patrick Carrigan9 Harry Grant10 Tino Fa'asuamaleaui11 Jacob Preston12 Liam Martin13 Isaah YeoInterchange14 Tom Dearden15 Cameron Murray16 Reuben Cotter17 Keaon Koloamatangi18 David Fifita19 Bradman BestThu 15 Oct 2026 at 6:40pmThu 15 Oct 2026 at 6:40pmThe full 2026 men's Rugby League World Cup drawThursday, October 15Australia v New ZealandFriday, October 16Samoa v FranceSaturday, October 17England v Tonga XIIIPapua New Guinea v LebanonSunday, October 18Fiji v Cook IslandsFriday, October 23Tonga XIII v LebanonSaturday, October 24England v FrancePapua New Guinea v SamoaSunday, October 25Australia v FijiNew Zealand v Cook IslandsFriday, October 30England v Papua New GuineaSaturday, October 31Australia v Cook IslandsNew Zealand v FijiSunday, November 1Tonga XIII v SamoaLebanon v FranceSaturday, November 7Semifinal 1Sunday, November 8Semifinal 2Sunday, November 15FinalThu 15 Oct 2026 at 6:35pmThu 15 Oct 2026 at 6:35pmWhat time is kick-off between the Kangaroos and KiwisHere is when tonight's Rugby League World Cup match will begin in each Australian state and territory, and each country in the tournament8:05pm AEDT: NSW, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania7:35pm ACDT: South Australia7:05pm AEST: Queensland, PNG6:35pm ACST: Northern Territory5:35pm AWST: Western Australia9:05pm FJT: Fiji10:05pm NZDT: New Zealand, Tonga, Samoa11:05pm CKT: Cook Islands10:05am BST: United Kingdom11:05am CEST: France12:05pm EEST: LebanonThu 15 Oct 2026 at 6:30pmThu 15 Oct 2026 at 6:30pmWelcome to the Rugby League World Cup live blogHello Australia.Welcome to ABC Sport's live digital coverage of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup live blog.The men's tournament begins tonight with a clash between two heavyweights, Australia vs New Zealand.Australia will be favoured, but the Kiwis can now pick players who are also part of State of Origin, so you will see Maroons and Blues united in black.Join the conversation and be part of the live blog in the comment section.