Sydney hosts biggest Test crowd in 50 years as Australia edges NZ 24–22 in World Cup opener

Match recap

The 2026 Rugby League World Cup kicked off at Sydney's Allianz Stadium on the night of October 15, with defending champions Australia edging New Zealand 24–22. A crowd of 41,255 attended — the biggest Test crowd in Sydney in more than 50 years, since the 1974 Ashes decider at the SCG.

The sides were locked at 10–10 at half-time; New Zealand took the lead in the second half before debut winger Jack Bostock completed his hat-trick with the winning try in the 76th minute. New Zealand's Kalyn Ponga scored twice but left the field with a suspected broken arm.

What's next

Australia captain Isaah Yeo called it "a hell of a battle." Australia next face Fiji in Brisbane on October 25; the World Cup final is set for November 15 at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.