Rugby League World Cup live updates: Australia v New Zealand battle for first night honours

Paul ZalunardoUpdated October 15, 2026 — 8:02pm,first published 7:33pmVote now: Who will win?By Latest Posts8.02pmIt’s a big night for these guysBy As the national anthems are being performed, spare a thought for the debutants out there tonight.We have Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai for New Zealand and Jack Bostock and Jacob Preston for Australia. Kalyn Ponga is about to make his New Zealand debut.George Chan7.55pmTeams about to head onto the field - Haka up nextBy One of the great moments in any international sporting contest involving New Zealand is the pre-game Haka. It means the world to people from New Zealand. For the rest of the sporting world, we’re lucky to be part of it. The players will be on the field any minute now.7.47pmTeddy’s still No.1By Reece Walsh will start in the No.1 jersey for Australia, but James Tedesco remains as popular as ever with Australian league fans. Teddy was in demand before tonight’s match.James Tedesco and fans at Allianz Stadium.Getty Images7.45pmCan Australia stop the Kiwi forwards?By That’s the big question Kevin Walters and the Australian team have been asked leading into this match. With a starting pack containing James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota and Joe Tapine and then the like of Naufahu Whyte coming off the bench, Australian fans have plenty to worry about. The next two hours will tell us a lot.Naufahu Whyte and James Fisher-Harris are two members of New Zealand’s big World Cup forward pack.George Chan7.40pmWallabies stars at the World Cup openerBy If there is one room you want to be in at Allianz Stadium tonight, it’s the Venues NSW suite. Hosted by Chair David Gallop and CEO Kerrie Mather, a host of big names from a range of sports rubbing shoulders and probably eating some very nice food.Ahead of their showdown with the All Blacks at Accor Stadium on Sunday, Wallabies captain Harry Wilson is leading the group of internationals from the 15-man game at tonight’s match. Wilson is joined by Fraser McReight, Tate McDermott, Jock Campbell, Ben Donaldson and others.But it’s not just the Wallabies enjoying the hospitality. Wayne Bennett, Cameron Ciraldo, Daly Cherry-Evans, Lindsay Collins, Ron Coote and former Prime Minister John Howard will also be watching come game time.7.30pmWATCH: Australia’s debutants ready for actionBy Vote now: Who will win?By 7.30pmHello, sports fansBy Yeah, the NRL season is over, and the Roosters are the champions. But tonight sees the start of a new competition, and more rugby league. It’s night one of the 2026 World Cup, and what a game it looks like it will be.Defending champions Australia take on a New Zealand side that is arguably the strongest-looking team of the 10 that will battle it out over the coming weeks.Kick-off is 8.05pm for tonight’s match, so get ready for the best international rugby league has to offer.1 of 1