Hello everybody and welcome to live coverage of Australia v New Zealand in the final of the 2026 men’s Rugby League World Cup. Kick-off at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane is 6.35pm local time (7.35pm AEDT/8.35am GMT).
After 17 matches, featuring 10 nations, across three countries, it all comes down to this: Kangaroos v Kiwis for the title of the greatest rugby league team in the world.
That the final fixture of the tournament is a repeat of the first was to be expected. Despite the enormous recent strides made by Samoa and Tonga, the semi-finals demonstrated the Pacific Islanders remain a rung behind their more established counterparts. England’s absence from the knockout stages will be the subject of an inquest.
It has been a successful, enjoyable, competition, one that has thrived off the energy provided by the Pasifika. The passion of the pregame challenges, the sea of flags in the stands, and the commitment of players who could have nominated for Australia or New Zealand has ensured a consistent supply of entertainment.
The Kangaroos, the defending champions, on home soil, have been a slow burn. They were fortunate to win their opener, and failed in key areas in their next two matches, before finally showing World Cup winning form last time out.
Reece Walsh has been the standout, holding off James Tedesco for the No 1 jersey then dazzling with his trademark runs. Cameron Munster returned to his old self against Samoa after a quiet few weeks, and the bench has provided plenty of spark. Crucially, the forward pack hit form in the semi-finals after a humbling run of matches that saw Origin enforcers well beaten by their opposite numbers.
As the old adage goes, it’s forwards that win matches, backs decide by how much. The first pack to put Australia under the cosh was New Zealand’s. The Kiwis have an awesome half-dozen on the field to begin with, backed up by the NRL’s form prop and loose forward on the bench. Behind them they boast Kalyn Ponga, the recently crowned IRL Golden Boot winner, and at the moment the most devastating player in the sport. Jahrome Hughes caught fire against Tonga, and he will have Ronaldo Mulitalo to kick to in Brisbane after the combustible winger sat out the semi through suspension.
Walsh v Ponga, Munster v Hughes, Isaah Yeo v Joseph Tapine, everywhere you look there are mouthwatering individual battles to savour. Whoever prevails will have well and truly earned the title of world champions.
I’ll be back with final team lists and more shortly. Please send me your emails and keep me company throughout the evening. The address is jonathan.howcroft.freelance@theguardian.com.
