Not since 1974 has Sydney got behind a rugby league Test like this. One Kiwi cannot wait

Sydney's Allianz Stadium is approaching a sellout for Thursday's Rugby League World Cup opener between Australia and New Zealand, with nearly 40,000 tickets sold. The attendance is set to become Sydney's largest for an international rugby league Test in over 50 years. New Zealand winger Ronnie Mulitalo is eager to make an impact against the Kangaroos, backed by strong travelling Kiwi fan support.

Teammates Kodi Nikorima and Joseph Tapine praised Mulitalo's competitive energy and penchant for unsettling opponents. Meanwhile, Kangaroos captain Isaah Yeo stated his team knows how to handle on-field banter. ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys credited eligibility rule changes and rising international competitiveness for driving massive interest in the tournament.