Australia vs Fiji Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup | Pool Stage
by Alex Sarwar ·
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Australia are out to make it consecutive pool stage wins, but if what we’ve seen from opponents Fiji so far is anything to go by, this won’t be a straightforward assignment.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / USA – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / USA – Premier Player
Tickets: Visit this link to access the latest 2026 Rugby League World Cup tickets
Australia team news: Moses muscle tear
Mitchell Moses’ World Cup has come to a premature end after the Australia halfback tore a muscle in his leg in the first-half against New Zealand. The Kangaroos will replace him in the starting line-up with Tom Dearden and have taken the opportunity to give other squad players a chance to start, with the likes of Reece Walsh and Cameron Munster rested.
Squad: James Tedesco, Jack Bostock, Kotoni Staggs, Bradman Best, Tom Trbojevic, Tom Dearden, Sam Walker, Keaon Koloamatangi, Blayke Brailey, Lindsay Smith, David Fifita, Reuben Cotter, Cameron Murray, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Jacob Preston, Patrick Carrigan, Cameron Munster, Reece Walsh, Latrell Mitchell, Liam Martin, Harry Grant, Isaah Yeo
Fiji team news: Unchanged squad
Fiji won’t be messing with a winning formula as they opt for the same unit that took down Cook Islands in emphatic style last time out. Once again, Api Koroisau leads the team, whilst Jacob Saifiti’s return made the Bati even stronger against Cook Islands.
Squad: Bayleigh Bentley-Hape, Sunia Turuva, Waqa Blake, Solomone Saukuru, Semi Valemei, Kurt Donoghoe, Brandon Wakeham, Jacob Saifiti, Apisai Koroisau, Mitchell Prest, Taane Milne, Kitione Kautoga, Caleb Navale, Josese Lanyon, Emosi Ravosai, Elijah Keung, Ronald Philitoga, Jordin Leiu, Apenisa Driti, Joseph Litidamu, Zion Johnson, Kylan Mafoa
Can Fiji pull off a big upset?
Open poll and resultsAustralia vs Fiji prediction
Australia showed why they are the team to beat on opening night, coming through the toughest of tests against New Zealand to win an absolute barnstormer 24-22. Each time the Kangaroos were punched in the mouth, they responded with a punch of their own and that clutch gene that you associate with champions was on full display. In the end, Australia came from behind to hold on amid heavy New Zealand pressure and having a full week of recovery time is huge from their perspective.
Fiji were dominant and dismissive of Cook Islands in their first match, showing serious offensive quality in their 40-12 win. The biggest worry from a Bati point of view is how their standards dropped in the second half. After winning the first period 28-0, the second period ended in a 12-12 draw and that won’t cut it against this Australian side, who are only likely to get stronger as this contest goes on, especially with such gamechangers on the bench.
One of the key attackers for Australia is Jack Bostock, who is red-hot following his hat-trick against the Kiwis. His fitness levels should see him gain opportunities late on against this Fiji side and backing him to put up another two tries or more looks a shrewd, value move.
Australia vs Fiji tip: Jack Bostock to score 2 or more tries
