Australia edge New Zealand 24-22 in World Cup opener, Bostock hat‑trick seals win
In a tightly contested opening match of the Rugby League World Cup, Australia defeated New Zealand 24‑22 in Sydney, with debutant Jack Bostock scoring three tries to secure victory. Kalyn Ponga suffered a suspected broken arm during the game.
By Lawal Ayo, Editor & Founder · Published 16 Oct 2026, 06:15 WAT
Opening clash in Sydney The first game of the Rugby League World Cup was played at Sydney Football Stadium before a crowd of 41,255. Australia and New Zealand fought for every point, with the match ending 24‑22 in favour of the hosts.
Jack Bostock delivers a debut hat‑trick Australia’s winger Jack Bostock, who normally plays centre for Redcliffe, made a sensational debut. He crossed the line three times, including a decisive try in the 75th minute that put the Kangaroos ahead. The hat‑trick was the main factor in Australia’s narrow win.
Injury to Kalyn Ponga New Zealand’s Kalyn Ponga left the field with a suspected broken arm after a collision in the second half. The injury prevented him from finishing the match and raised concerns about his fitness for the rest of the tournament.
Coaching decisions pay off Kevin Walters’ selections were questioned before the game, but the choice to start Bostock on the wing and to give Brisbane star Reece Walsh his first fullback appearance proved successful. Walters praised Bostock’s performance, noting his impact on both attack and defence.
Implications for the group The victory keeps Australia in strong position to finish top of Group A, ahead of Fiji and the Cook Islands. New Zealand will need to regroup after the close defeat.
Match highlights * Australia scored 24 points, New Zealand 22. * Bostock’s three tries were the only Australian points in the final 15 minutes. * Ponga’s injury was the only significant incident for New Zealand.
Future outlook With the tournament underway, both teams will look to build on their performances. Australia will aim to maintain momentum, while New Zealand will focus on recovery and strategy for upcoming matches.
Conclusion The opening match delivered drama and showcased emerging talent, setting the tone for a competitive World Cup.
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