Australia Kangaroos has opened the 2026 Rugby League World Cup with a thrilling 24–22 victory over New Zealand, with Dolphins winger Jack Bostock scoring a hat-trick, including the match-winning try in the final minutes.

The closely fought contest featured standout performances from both sides, which was decided by a dramatic finish after the Kiwis had led by six points late in the second half.

Bostock made an unforgettable start to his Kangaroos career, scoring a 90-metre intercept try in the first half before adding two more in the second half. His decisive third came with four minutes remaining, when Cameron Munster sent a high kick towards the corner and Bostock rose above New Zealand winger Jamayne Isaako to score.

Newcastle Knights captain Kalyn Ponga also made a memorable debut in New Zealand colours, crossing twice from fullback. His first try came early in the second half, finishing a well-worked move, while Australia were down to 12 men after Kotoni Staggs got sin binned late in the first half. Ponga later produced a solo effort, stepping past Reece Walsh from 40 metres out to restore New Zealand’s lead at 22–16.

Australia’s response came through Walsh, who collected the ball near his own 20-metre line in the 68th minute and raced 80 metres to score. The conversion attempt missed, leaving the Kangaroos trailing 22–20 before Bostock’s late winner completed the comeback.

The match was fiercely contested through the middle, with both forward packs bringing plenty of intensity. But it was the brilliance of the backs that ultimately shaped a contest that went down to the wire.

Australia led 10–8 late in the first half before Kotoni Staggs was sin-binned for foul play in the 38th minute. New Zealand took the two points from the penalty to level the scores at 10–10 at half-time.

The Kiwis made their numerical advantage count after the break, with Ponga’s first try giving them a 16–10 lead. Bostock’s second, finished from a Munster kick in the 56th minute, drew Australia level before Ponga’s second put New Zealand back in front.

But it took Walsh's long-range try and Bostock’s spectacular finish to deliver the final eight points of the match and secured a dramatic opening-night win for the Kangaroos.

Meanwhile Samoa will play France in the second RLWC match this afternoon at 4:45pm, at CommBank Stadium, Sydney. Papua New Guinea opens their RLWC campaign against Lebanon at the Santos National Football Stadium, at 2:25pm tomorrow, followed by England Vs Tonga at 7:05pm later in the evening at HBF Park, Perth.