Australia vs New Zealand Rugby League World Cup 2026 Tips & Predictions
The expert prediction for the Rugby League World Cup 2026 opener favors New Zealand +3.5 against Australia, highlighting the Kiwis' unbeaten 2025 Pacific Championship run and strong recent form. Key team changes see notable players like Reece Walsh starting for Australia and Kalyn Ponga debuting for New Zealand. With three of the last four head-to-head clashes finishing under 38.5 points, a low-scoring, fiercely contested match is expected. Jamayne Isaako is also tipped for an Anytime Tryscorer bet after a standout NRL season.
- Experts recommend New Zealand +3.5 against Australia in the World Cup opener, citing the Kiwis' strong form.
- Historical trends point to a low-scoring game, with under 38.5 points in three of the last four meetings.
- Jamayne Isaako is tipped for an Anytime Tryscorer bet after scoring 23 tries in the 2026 NRL season.
Australia vs New Zealand Rugby League World Cup 2026 Tips
Australia vs New Zealand Rugby League World Cup 2026 – Expert Prediction
New Zealand +3.5 is our best bet against Australia in the Rugby League World Cup opener, with the Kiwis bringing plenty of momentum into the tournament.
- Australia vs New Zealand Rugby League World Cup 2026 – Expert Prediction
- Australia vs New Zealand Key Stats
- Australia vs New Zealand Head to Head
- Australia Form Analysis
- New Zealand Form Analysis
- Australia vs New Zealand Team News
- Australia vs New Zealand Team Lists
Kalyn Ponga and Naufahu Whyte arrive fresh from their NRL Grand Final appearance, while Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters has made some massive selection calls, leaving James Tedesco and Sam Walker out of his matchday 17. Reece Walsh starts at fullback following an injury layoff, with Mitchell Moses partnering Cameron Munster in the halves.
We're also backing Under 38.5 points, with three of the last four trans-Tasman meetings producing 32 points or fewer.
Another physical, tightly contested encounter looks likely, while Jamayne Isaako Anytime Tryscorer completes our selections following his outstanding 23-try NRL season.
Australia vs New Zealand Key Stats
- New Zealand won all three matches in their 2025 Pacific Championship campaign.
- The Kiwis defeated Australia 30-0 in the 2023 Pacific Championship final.
- Three of the last four meetings have finished under 38.5 points.
- Jamayne Isaako scored 23 tries in 26 NRL appearances in 2026.
- Ronaldo Mulitalo scored 13 tries in 17 games for Cronulla.
Australia vs New Zealand Head to Head
Australia have won three of the last four meetings, although New Zealand produced a stunning 30-0 victory in the 2023 Pacific Championship final.
Three of those four matches have finished under 38.5 points, with an average of 36.5 points per game.
| Date | Match | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 27 Oct 2024 | Australia vs New Zealand | 22-10 |
| 4 Nov 2023 | New Zealand vs Australia | 30-0 |
| 28 Oct 2023 | Australia vs New Zealand | 36-18 |
| 11 Nov 2022 | Australia vs New Zealand | 16-14 |
Australia Form Analysis
Australia's most recent meeting with New Zealand ended in a 22-10 victory in October 2024, bouncing back from their heavy defeat in the 2023 Pacific Championship final.
Reece Walsh returns to competitive football after an ankle injury sidelined him in August, while Mitchell Moses takes the halfback jersey ahead of Sam Walker.
Tom Trbojevic scored eight tries in 14 NRL appearances in 2026, while debutant Jack Bostock crossed six times in 16 matches.
The Kangaroos retain plenty of experience through Harry Grant, Isaah Yeo and Cameron Murray, alongside the attacking threat of Latrell Mitchell and Cameron Munster.
New Zealand Form Analysis
New Zealand won all three matches in their 2025 Pacific Championship campaign and have claimed four victories in their last five internationals.
Kalyn Ponga and Naufahu Whyte arrive fresh from the NRL Grand Final, while Jahrome Hughes returns to the international stage for the first time since 2023.
Jamayne Isaako scored 23 tries in 26 NRL appearances for the Dolphins, with Ronaldo Mulitalo adding 13 tries in 17 games for Cronulla.
Casey McLean has also impressed internationally, scoring seven tries in his first four Tests for the Kiwis.
Australia vs New Zealand Team News
Kevin Walters has selected Reece Walsh at fullback, with Cameron Munster and Mitchell Moses forming Australia's halves combination. James Tedesco and Sam Walker have been left outside the matchday 17.
New Zealand have named Kalyn Ponga at fullback for his Kiwis debut, with Jahrome Hughes returning alongside Kodi Nikorima in the halves.
Jamayne Isaako and Ronaldo Mulitalo start on the wings, while James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota and Joseph Tapine lead the forward pack.
Australia vs New Zealand Team Lists
| Australia | No. | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Reece Walsh | 1 | Kalyn Ponga |
| Jack Bostock | 2 | Jamayne Isaako |
| Latrell Mitchell | 3 | Dane Gagai |
| Kotoni Staggs | 4 | Casey McLean |
| Tom Trbojevic | 5 | Ronaldo Mulitalo |
| Cameron Munster | 6 | Kodi Nikorima |
| Mitchell Moses | 7 | Jahrome Hughes |
| Patrick Carrigan | 8 | James Fisher-Harris |
| Harry Grant | 9 | Jeremy Marshall-King |
| Tino Fa'asuamaleaui | 10 | Moses Leota |
| Jacob Preston | 11 | Isaiah Papali'i |
| Liam Martin | 12 | Briton Nikora |
| Isaah Yeo (c) | 13 | Joseph Tapine |
| Tom Dearden | 14 | Te Maire Martin |
| Cameron Murray | 15 | Naufahu Whyte |
| Reuben Cotter | 16 | Erin Clark |
| Keaon Koloamatangi | 17 | Xavier Willison |
| David Fifita | 18 | Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad |
| Bradman Best | 19 | Keano Kini |
| Blayke Brailey | 20 | Scott Sorensen |
| James Tedesco | 21 | Leo Thompson |
| Sam Walker | 22 | Jacob Laban |
Verdict
New Zealand +3.5 is our best bet, with the Kiwis carrying strong international form into the tournament. Under 38.5 points and Jamayne Isaako Anytime Tryscorer complete our selections.
New Zealand +3.5
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