Jack Bostock scores a hat-trick of tries as Australia fight back to win the opening game of the Rugby League World Cup against New Zealand.
Australia defeated New Zealand 24-22 in the dramatic opening match of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup in Sydney. Playing in front of over 40,000 fans, Kevin Walters' Kangaroos secured a late comeback victory despite trailing New Zealand for most of the contest. Debutant Jack Bostock sealed the win with his third try in the final five minutes of the match.
Bostock finished with a hat-trick, while Tom Trbojevic and Reece Walsh also scored tries for Australia. New Zealand's points came from a Casey McLean try alongside a brace from Kalyn Ponga, who later left the field with a suspected broken arm, complemented by goals from Jamayne Isaako.
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