Australia vs Fiji Rugby League World Cup 2026 Tips & Predictions - Fiji Cover Against New-Look Aussies

Jeremy Darke

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Last updated: Wed. 21 Oct. 2026 10:20

Jeremy Darke 3 hours ago

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Fiji are backed to cover a +45.5 handicap against Australia, despite Australia's dominant head-to-head record.
Australia make major squad changes following injuries and a narrow win over New Zealand.
Key bet recommendations include David Fifita and Sam Walker as anytime tryscorers for Australia.
Kick-off: 8:05pm AEDT, Sunday, 25 October 2026, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Australia vs Fiji Rugby League World Cup 2026 Tips

Australia vs Fiji Rugby League World Cup 2026 Tips – Fiji Backed to Cover Huge Handicap

Fiji +45.5 is our best bet against Australia in Sunday's Rugby League World Cup clash, with the Bati backed to stay comfortably within a massive handicap despite the Kangaroos' historical dominance.

Australia vs Fiji Rugby League World Cup 2026 Tips – Fiji Backed to Cover Huge Handicap
Australia vs Fiji Key Stats
Australia vs Fiji Head to Head
Australia Form Analysis
Fiji Form Analysis
Australia vs Fiji Team News
Australia vs Fiji Team Lists

Australia have won all seven previous meetings with Fiji by at least 32 points, but Kevin Walters has made sweeping changes following the Kangaroos' narrow 24-22 victory over New Zealand. James Tedesco and Sam Walker come into the starting side, while Mitchell Moses is sidelined through injury and several established stars are rested.

Fiji arrive with confidence after dismantling Cook Islands 40-12 in their tournament opener, scoring seven tries and racing to a 28-0 half-time lead. This gives me confidence in taking them to cover against the Aussies who appear to be doing their best to avoid injury and burnout before the semifinals.

We're backing David Fifita and Sam Walker to score anytime tries for Australia, with both players getting their opportunity in the reshuffled Kangaroos side. Fifita has been dangerous for Souths on the edge and Sam Walkers QLD combination with Tom Dearden should see him running the ball at the line when given the opportunity.

Australia vs Fiji Key Stats

Australia have won all seven previous meetings with Fiji, with an average winning margin of 50.6 points.
Fiji scored seven tries in their 40-12 opening-round victory over Cook Islands.
Australia edged New Zealand 24-22 in their World Cup opener.
Fiji led Cook Islands 28-0 at half-time in Round 1.
Jack Bostock scored a hat-trick and ran 231 metres against New Zealand.

Australia vs Fiji Head to Head

Australia have won all seven previous meetings, including a 42-8 victory at the 2022 World Cup

Date	Australia	Fiji	Total	Margin
15 Oct 2022	42	8	50	34
24 Nov 2017	54	6	60	48
23 Nov 2013	64	0	64	64
2 Nov 2013	34	2	36	32
16 Nov 2008	52	0	52	52
1 Nov 2000	66	8	74	58
14 Oct 1995	66	0	66	66

Australia Form Analysis

Australia opened their World Cup campaign with a dramatic 24-22 victory over New Zealand, recovering from a late deficit to secure the two competition points.

Jack Bostock enjoyed a sensational Test debut, scoring three tries and running 231 metres, while Tom Trbojevic and Reece Walsh also crossed the line.

The Kangaroos scored five tries but converted only two, leaving the contest much closer than their attacking opportunities suggested.

Mitchell Moses suffered a serious leg injury in the opener, prompting changes to the halves. Sam Walker and Tom Dearden have been selected to start, while James Tedesco returns at fullback.

David Fifita is another player handed an opportunity, bringing his powerful running game and ability to break tackles into the Australian forward rotation.

Fiji Form Analysis

Fiji made an impressive start to the tournament, defeating Cook Islands 40-12 after establishing a commanding 28-0 advantage at half-time.

Solomone Saukuru scored twice, while Waqa Blake and Caleb Navale also crossed the line in a seven-try performance.

Brandon Wakeham was instrumental in directing Fiji's attack, recording three try assists, two line breaks and six successful conversions.

Navale finished with 202 running metres, while Blake contributed 188 metres and Sunia Turuva added 169.

The Bati showed plenty of attacking variety throughout the contest, although they conceded two second-half tries after building their substantial early lead.

Australia vs Fiji Team News

Australia have made extensive changes following their opening victory, with Mitchell Moses ruled out through injury.

James Tedesco returns at fullback, while Sam Walker and Tom Dearden form the halves combination. David Fifita, Bradman Best, Blayke Brailey and Lindsay Smith are among the players brought into the side.

Harry Grant, Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin are set to be rested as Kevin Walters rotates his squad.

Fiji have retained continuity following their convincing opening victory, with Apisai Koroisau captaining the side and Brandon Wakeham directing the attack.

Australia vs Fiji Team Lists

Australia	No.	Fiji
James Tedesco (c)	1	Bayleigh Bentley-Hape
Jack Bostock	2	Sunia Turuva
Kotoni Staggs	3	Waqa Blake
Bradman Best	4	Solomone Saukuru
Tom Trbojevic	5	Semi Valemei
Tom Dearden	6	Kurt Donoghoe
Sam Walker	7	Brandon Wakeham
Keaon Koloamatangi	8	Jacob Saifiti
Blayke Brailey	9	Apisai Koroisau (c)
Lindsay Smith	10	Mitchell Prest
David Fifita	11	Taane Milne
Reuben Cotter	12	Kitione Kautoga
Cameron Murray	13	Caleb Navale
Tino Fa'asuamaleaui	14	Josese Lanyon
Jacob Preston	15	Emosi Ravosai
Patrick Carrigan	16	Elijah Keung
Cameron Munster	17	Ronald Philitoga
Reece Walsh	18	Jordin Leiu
Latrell Mitchell	19	Apenisa Driti
Liam Martin	20	Joseph Litidamu
Harry Grant	21	Zion Johnson
Isaah Yeo	22	Kylan Mafoa

Verdict

Australia v Fiji

Fiji +45.5 is our best bet, with the Bati's encouraging opening performance and Australia's extensive squad rotation supporting the handicap selection. David Fifita Anytime Tryscorer and Sam Walker Anytime Tryscorer complete our three bets.