Australia vs New Zealand Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup | Pool Stage
by Alex Sarwar ·
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World Cup favourites Australia begin their quest for a ‘four-peat’ against near neighbours and big rivals New Zealand in Sydney.
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: Cleary a big miss
It is an utterly formidable Kangaroos squad assembled by Kevin Walters to begin the defence of their World Cup. However, the most notable absentee from this Australia squad is Penrith Panthers’ Nathan Cleary, who suffered a terrible ankle injury in the NRL play-offs and his presence will be solely missed.
Squad: Reece Walsh, Jack Bostock, Latrell Mitchell, Kotoni Staggs, Tom Trbojevic, Cameron Munster, Mitchell Moses, Patrick Carrigan, Harry Grant, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Jacob Preston, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo, Tom Dearden, Cameron Murray, Reuben Cotter, Keaon Koloamatangi, David Fifita, Bradman Best, Blayke Brailey, James Tedesco, Sam Walker
New Zealand team news: Hughes back in the fold
Jahrome Hughes is set to make his first appearance for New Zealand since 2023, whilst Newcastle Knights captain Kalyn Ponga will make his international debut for the Kiwis, who are led by James Fisher-Harris of the New Zealand Warriors.
Squad: Kalyn Ponga, Jamayne Isaako, Dane Gagai, Casey McLean, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Kodi Nikorima, Jahrome Hughes, James Fisher-Harris, Jeremy Marshall-King, Moses Leota, Isaiah Papali'i, Briton Nikora, Joseph Tapine, Te Maire Martin, Naufahu Whyte, Erin Clark, Xavier Willison, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Keano Kini, Scott Sorensen, Leo Thompson, Jacob Laban
Who will win the 2026 Men's Rugby League World Cup?
Open poll and resultsAustralia vs New Zealand prediction
It’s easy to see why so many expect Australia to find themselves lifting the Men’s Rugby League World Cup for what would be a record 13th time come the end of this tournament. They are a squad stacked with the biggest stars Rugby League has to be offer, whether it be Reece Walsh or Tom Trbojevic and outscoring such a destructive offense represents such a daunting challenge, especially when you take into account the Kangaroos’ battle-hardened defence.
New Zealand boasts some big names of their own though, such as Dane Gagai, the soon-to-be oldest debutant in Kiwis rugby league history. Gagai’s NRL teammate Ponga along with Canberra Raiders’ Joseph Tapine are another pair of extremely notable inclusions and Stacey Jones’ men have every reason to believe that they can really challenge the Australians.
However, it’s going to be easier said than done. Australia contains such electric speed with Walsh spearheading that charge and they’ll be impossible to bully as well. With home advantage in their favour, back Walters’ side to put their first win on the board via a small handicap.
Australia vs New Zealand tip: Australia to win with -4.5 handicap
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