Rugby League World Cup 2026 begins with Kiwis facing Kangaroos

Wednesday 14 October 2026 · 3 outlets · 5 reports · updated Thu 15 Oct, 10:26am

In this story Stacey Jones, Kalyn Ponga, Dane Gagai

The 17th Rugby League World Cup starts this Thursday with a match between the Kiwis and defending champions, the Kangaroos, in Sydney. The women's tournament begins on Sunday when the Jillaroos play Fetu Samoa. The Kiwis squad includes Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai following their change in allegiance.

How they headlined it

20h

Wed 8:42am12:15pm2:01pm

1. RNZWed 14 Oct, 8:42am

   Rugby League World Cup 2026: Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns squads, kick-off times and how to watch (opens in new tab)

   • Rugby League World Cup: The star players the Kiwis missed out on (opens in new tab) Wed 14 Oct, 12:15pm
2. NZ HeraldWed 14 Oct, 10:00am

   Rugby League World Cup: When the Kiwis conquered the world (opens in new tab)Premium

   • Rugby League World Cup: Why Stacey Jones’ Kiwis team have best title chance in decades (opens in new tab)Premium Wed 14 Oct, 2:01pm
3. StuffThu 15 Oct, 10:26am

   Wahs fans, despair no more — the Kiwis can win Rugby League World Cup (opens in new tab)