World Cup opener a reminder of Test rugby league's glory days

Key points

• Australia beat New Zealand 24-22 in the opening match of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup in Sydney. A crowd of 41,225 was the biggest for a Test match in Sydney since 1974.
• Jack Bostock scored three tries, including on his Test debut, and was named man of the match. Kalyn Ponga scored two tries in a series of one-on-one duels with Reece Walsh.
• Ponga may have a suspected broken arm, which could affect New Zealand's hopes of winning the tournament.