League
1News

Live updates: Kiwis v Kangaroos in Rugby League World Cup opener

By 1News Reporters
57 mins ago
Sam Walker of Australia and James Fisher-Harris of New Zealand pose for a photo during the Rugby League World Cup 2026 Official Launch.

Sam Walker of Australia and James Fisher-Harris of New Zealand pose for a photo during the Rugby League World Cup 2026 Official Launch. (Brendon Thorne)

The Kiwis kick off their 2026 Rugby League World Cup campaign against the Kangaroos in Sydney tonight.

James Fisher-Harris will lead the Kiwis in search of their second World Cup title, trying to recreate the success of the 2008 Kiwis side.

Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai are set to make their Kiwis debut tonight after both being named in the starting 13.

Kick-off is at 10.05pm NZT.

LeagueSportKiwis

SHARE ME

More Stories

Cam Roigard and Tupou Vaa'i of the All Blacks speak with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad of New the Kiwis

'All love': The All Blacks inspiring NZ's league aces

Eight ABs, including superstar winger Will Jordan and playmaker Cam Roigard, cast aside the cross-code rivalry to drop into New Zealand's captain's run on Wednesday and throw their support behind Jones's side.

7:28am

1:34

Kiwis halfback Jahrome Hughes in action during the Kiwis Rugby League World Cup training session in Sydney.

Jahrome Hughes chasing redemption for Kiwis at World Cup

Halfback takes responsibility for the Kiwi's heart-breaking 2022 Rugby League World Cup exit.

Mon, Oct 12

Kalyn Ponga of New Zealand in action during the New Zealand Kiwis Rugby League World Cup training session at Redfern Oval, in Sydney.

'Tears in their eyes': Ponga proud to represent family

Kalyn Ponga has previously suited up for the Māori All-Stars, but can now also play for his Kiwi heritage – a proud moment for the entire family.

Sat, Oct 10

Dane Gagai of the Knights tackled by Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad of the Warriors

Knights stars to make Kiwis debuts in squad of brutes

Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai are poised to reprise their Newcastle finals heroics for New Zealand after both were selected to debut for the Kiwis at the Rugby League World Cup.

Wed, Oct 7

1:27

New Zealand wing Matt Utai in action during the ANZAC Rugby League Test match between the New Zealand Kiwis and the Australian Kangaroos at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Australia on Friday 22 April, 2005.

Former NRL, Kiwis star Matt Utai shot in 'brazen ambush' in Sydney

Retired rugby league player is in a serious condition after he was shot in the chest and leg in in Sydney's south-west.

Tue, Feb 17

Shaun Johnson takes selfies with the crowd in Sydney after his final game for the Kiwis - the recent victory over Papua New Guinea.

Newly retired Shaun Johnson: 'I'm not going to put any pressure on myself'

In an interview with Andrew Saville, Johnson was asked about his future after calling time on his league career this month.

November 20, 2024

2:10

Latest

Popular

57 mins ago

Live updates: Kiwis v Kangaroos in Rugby League World Cup opener

Live updates: Kiwis v Kangaroos in Rugby League World Cup opener

7:38pm

Piha campground to reopen this summer against council recommendations

2:26

Auckland Council weighs concerns about flood risks to campers, as locals are fighting to keep it open.

7:32pm

'Bone-shaking and vomit-inducing’ ride ahead for Wairarapa commuters

Remutaka Hill has plenty of twists and turns for commuters. (Source: LDR / Piers Fuller)

7:05pm

Election live: Seymour breaks with Luxon, open to Opportunity coalition

12:03

Election live: Seymour breaks with Luxon, open to Opportunity coalition

6:46pm

Waiariki: Whānau grapple with suicide – 'We all have the same broken heart'

4:20

Waiariki: Whānau grapple with suicide – 'We all have the same broken heart'

6:41pm

Prince Harry and Meghan in first joint appearances since UK return

Prince Harry and Meghan arrive to meet volunteer first responders from Bondi Surf Bathers' Life Saving Club in Australia on April 17, 2026. (Source: Jonathan Brady/Pool Photo via AP)
1
2
3
4
5
6

More from Entertainment

Jack Tame is nominated for his Q+A interview with former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster.

TVNZ, Jack Tame to fore in NZ Screen Awards finalists

The New Zealand Screen Awards celebrates the best in the country’s film and TV industry, with finalists announced today across 57 categories.

12:00pm

Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson and toy store clash on social media over mechanical bird

Clarkson claimed she “was looked at as if I couldn’t afford" the bird and went on to say the store had “just lost a huge sale”, prompting angry fans to barrage the store.

10:10am

Dolly Parton poses at the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy Ceremony in New York in 2022.

Dolly Parton's nephew denies threatening to harm her estate

Wednesday 1:43pm

Breaking Bad cast members RJ Mitte, from left, Bryan Cranston, Anna Gunn and Aaron Paul

Bryan Cranston in 'deep despair' at RJ Mitte's death

Wednesday 7:40am

A stacked lineup was announced for the event at Hagley Park on February 26 and 27, 2027 headlined by internationally acclaimed DJ Calvin Harris and rockers Kings of Leon.

Sold-out Electric Avenue to release more tickets - but there's a catch

Tue, Oct 13