Bostock scores three as Australia beat New Zealand in World Cup opener

Reports published on 15 October said Australia beat New Zealand in Sydney as the 2026 Rugby League World Cup got under way, with the BBC and NRL.com giving the score as 24-22. Jack Bostock scored three tries on his Test debut, including the late score that settled the match.¹²³

A debut decided late

Bostock’s deciding try came in the final five minutes, according to the BBC. The Guardian also credited him with the assist for Reece Walsh’s try in the 68th minute, when Australia reduced New Zealand’s advantage to two points. His contribution therefore extended beyond his own three scores.¹²

The Guardian reported that Bostock, 23, called his haul “lucky” and described the occasion as a “dream come true”. Walsh credited his teammate’s interventions with putting Australia in a position to win. NRL.com recorded 231 metres for Bostock and 206 for Walsh.²³

New Zealand's pressure

Australia had to recover from deficits of 6-0, 16-10 and 22-16, the BBC reported. Its account said New Zealand’s forwards held the advantage for much of the contest. The sides were level at half-time, leaving the eventual winners still facing another period in which they would have to come from behind.¹

According to the Guardian, Casey McLean scored New Zealand’s opening try, while Tom Trbojevic intercepted a pass and ran 90 metres to score for Australia. The same report described Kotoni Staggs being sent to the sin-bin before New Zealand drew level by the interval.²

The Guardian’s match figures showed Australia making 195 tackles to New Zealand’s 129. It also reported an average gain of 37 metres per set for Australia, compared with 49 for New Zealand. Those figures accompanied its account of an Australian victory secured despite sustained pressure.²

Ponga injury and tournament changes

Ponga scored twice for New Zealand before leaving the field late in the match. BBC and NRL.com reported a suspected broken arm, rather than a confirmed diagnosis. The BBC said his left arm was in a sling at full time; NRL.com credited him with 253 metres.¹²³

NRL.com put attendance at 41,255, while the Guardian described the opener as a sell-out. The Guardian reported that Australia’s next opponent would be Fiji and that the revised tournament had reduced the field from 16 teams to 10, with 18 matches instead of 31.²³