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Australia and New Zealand to clash in Rugby League World Cup opener
The 2026 Rugby League World Cup begins this Thursday night in Sydney with a high-stakes opening match between defending champions Australia and New Zealand. The clash, expected to be held at Allianz Stadium, is anticipated to draw a significant crowd, with nearly 40,000 tickets already sold.
Australia coach Kevin Walters has made key selection decisions, opting for Reece Walsh at fullback over James Tedesco. However, the Kangaroos face challenges, including the absence of Nathan Cleary due to injury and the unavailability of props Payne Haas and Lindsay Collins.
New Zealand head coach Stacey Jones has named a potent squad featuring Kalyn Ponga at fullback and Dane Gagai in the centres. Gagai, 35, will become the second oldest Test debutant in New Zealand history. The Kiwis' forward pack is bolstered by players such as Naufahu Whyte and James Fisher-Harris.
Experts suggest this tournament could be one of the most competitive on record due to the rising strength of Pacific nations like Samoa and Tonga, alongside traditional powerhouses like England.
Entities
Australia · Edusport · Kevin Walters · New Zealand · Reece Walsh · Rugby League World Cup · SA Rugby Travel · Springboks · Stacey Jones · World Rugby
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Shane Flanagan stated there is no stronger forward pack.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Lindsay Collins has been ruled out of the match due to injury. www.theage.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [● 8 SOURCES] New Zealand and Australia will play in Sydney on Thursday night. localipswichnews.com.au · www.nzsportswire.com · www.watoday.com.au · www.seriousaboutrl.com · www.tvcentral.com.au · +3 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Australian pack includes Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Keaon Koloamatangi, and Patrick Carrigan. localipswichnews.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] James Graham identified Naufahu Whyte as the best prop this year.
- [● 2 SOURCES] New Zealand head coach Stacey Jones has named the Kiwis squad for the World Cup opener. www.nzsportswire.com · pacific.scoop.co.nz
- [● 3 SOURCES] Dane Gagai will make his Test debut for New Zealand in the World Cup opener. www.nzsportswire.com · www.tvcentral.com.au · pacific.scoop.co.nz
- [● 3 SOURCES] The World Cup opening match is expected to be held at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. www.watoday.com.au · www.seriousaboutrl.com · pacific.scoop.co.nz
- [● 3 SOURCES] Kalyn Ponga has been named to start at fullback for the Kiwis. www.nzsportswire.com · www.tvcentral.com.au · pacific.scoop.co.nz
- [● 4 SOURCES] Australia coach Kevin Walters has selected Reece Walsh to play fullback in the opening match. www.seriousaboutrl.com · www.tvcentral.com.au · www.theage.com.au · www.smh.com.au