The Australia v New Zealand team lineups for the Rugby League World Cup 2026 opener feature Reece Walsh and Kalyn Ponga at fullback, with Isaah Yeo and James Fisher-Harris captaining their respective sides. The opening match takes place on Thursday, October 15, at 8.05pm AEDT at Allianz Stadium, Sydney.
Australia have selected Mitchell Moses alongside Cameron Munster in the halves, while New Zealand’s named team pairs Jahrome Hughes with Kodi Nikorima. With influential playmakers and experienced forwards across both lineups, the tournament begins with a compelling trans-Tasman contest.
Below are the full announced teams, including the starting players, interchange selections and reserves shown in the supplied team-list graphic.
Australia v New Zealand: Match Date, Time and Venue
| Match detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fixture | Australia v New Zealand |
| Competition | Men’s Rugby League World Cup 2026 |
| Round | Round 1 — tournament opener |
| Date | Thursday, October 15, 2026 |
| Kick-off | 8.05pm AEDT |
| Venue | Allianz Stadium, Sydney |
The kick-off time is Sydney local time, AEDT. The official tournament listing confirms the Thursday evening fixture at Allianz Stadium.
Australia v New Zealand Full Team Lineups
Starting Teams
| No. | Position | Australia | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fullback | Reece Walsh | Kalyn Ponga |
| 2 | Wing | Jack Bostock | Jamayne Isaako |
| 3 | Centre | Latrell Mitchell | Dane Gagai |
| 4 | Centre | Kotoni Staggs | Casey McLean |
| 5 | Wing | Tom Trbojevic | Ronaldo Mulitalo |
| 6 | Five-eighth | Cameron Munster | Kodi Nikorima |
| 7 | Halfback | Mitchell Moses | Jahrome Hughes |
| 8 | Prop | Patrick Carrigan | James Fisher-Harris (c) |
| 9 | Hooker | Harry Grant | Jeremy Marshall-King |
| 10 | Prop | Tino Fa’asuamaleaui | Moses Leota |
| 11 | Second row | Jacob Preston | Isaiah Papali’i |
| 12 | Second row | Liam Martin | Briton Nikora |
| 13 | Lock | Isaah Yeo (c) | Joseph Tapine |
Named Interchange Players
The supplied team announcement lists players 14–19 under interchange.
| No. | Australia | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| 14 | Tom Dearden | Te Maire Martin |
| 15 | Cameron Murray | Naufahu Whyte |
| 16 | Reuben Cotter | Erin Clark |
| 17 | Keaon Koloamatangi | Xavier Willison |
| 18 | David Fifita | Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad |
| 19 | Bradman Best | Keano Kini |
Reserves
| Australia | New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Blayke Brailey | Scott Sorensen |
| James Tedesco | Leo Thompson |
| Sam Walker | Jacob Laban |
Team-list note: These selections reproduce the supplied Round 1 announcement. They remain subject to late changes before kick-off. (c) indicates captain.
Australia Team News: Walsh Gets the Fullback Role
Reece Walsh has been selected at fullback, with James Tedesco included among the reserves. Australia coach Kevin Walters has also chosen Mitchell Moses to partner Cameron Munster, giving the Kangaroos an experienced combination in the key playmaking positions. The NRL’s announcement confirms that Walsh will make his fourth consecutive Test start in Australia’s No.1 jersey.
The named backline includes Latrell Mitchell and Kotoni Staggs at centre, with Jack Bostock and Tom Trbojevic on the wings. Up front, Patrick Carrigan and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui start alongside hooker Harry Grant.
Captain Isaah Yeo is named at lock, while Jacob Preston and Liam Martin complete the starting back row. Preston’s selection marks his international debut, adding another storyline to Australia’s opening fixture.
New Zealand Team News: Ponga and Gagai Set for Kiwis Debuts
Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai are set to make their New Zealand Test debuts against Australia. Ponga takes the fullback position, while Gagai is named at centre alongside Casey McLean. Their selections are confirmed in New Zealand Rugby League’s match announcement.
The supplied lineup places Jahrome Hughes at halfback and Kodi Nikorima at five-eighth, with Jeremy Marshall-King starting at hooker.
James Fisher-Harris captains the side from prop, joining Moses Leota in the front row. Isaiah Papali’i and Briton Nikora occupy the second-row positions, while Joseph Tapine starts at lock. Naufahu Whyte, Erin Clark and Xavier Willison are among the named interchange options.
Key Matchups to Watch
Based on the announced selections, Walsh against Ponga is one of the most intriguing individual contests. Both fullbacks will have opportunities to influence attacking movements, but their positioning and handling under pressure could be equally important.
The halves battle offers another focal point. Australia’s Moses–Munster combination faces Hughes and Nikorima, making last-tackle decisions, field position and attacking organisation useful areas to watch.
Through the middle, Australia’s starting combination of Carrigan, Fa’asuamaleaui and Yeo faces Fisher-Harris, Leota and Tapine. How effectively those forwards create space could shape the opportunities available to the playmakers.
Are These the Final Match-Day Teams?
These are the announced team lists as of October 13, 2026. Supporters should check the official NRL match centre closer to kick-off for any selection updates.
Australia v New Zealand begins at 8.05pm AEDT on Thursday, October 15, at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.