The 2026 Rugby League World Cup kicks off on Thursday morning with the biggest match-up of them all, as co-hosts Australia and New Zealand face off at Allianz Stadium.
This showdown in Sydney provides both title contenders with the chance to put down an early marker and a fiery contest can be expected in New South Wales for this one.
Australia v New Zealand Tips Summary
Best Bet - New Zealand to win @ 2.25
Alternative Bet - Ronaldo Mulitalo anytime tryscorer @ 2.25
Bet Builder - Jamayne Isaako & Reece Walsh anytime tryscorers @ 5.30
Australia v New Zealand Prediction
Best Bet: New Zealand to win @ 2.25
With the likes of James Fisher-Harris, Isaiah Papali'i, Joseph Tapine and Moses Leota in their ranks, New Zealand have a pack that can really take the fight to the Kangaroos in Sydney.
Asserting dominance up front in this Test match will be key and the Kiwis look like they have the forwards to really challenge the Aussies in this Rugby League World Cup opener.
Boasting a backline that includes the likes of Jahrome Hughes, Kalyn Ponga, Jamayne Isaako and Ronaldo Mulitalo, New Zealand also have the weapons out wide to do damage.
Expect a close encounter at Allianz Stadium, but the Kiwis are great value to cause an upset on Aussie soil to really shake up this World Cup on the opening night.
Alternative Bet: Ronaldo Mulitalo anytime tryscorer @ 2.25
On the back of an impressive NRL season with Cronulla Sharks, look out for Ronaldo Mulitalo in the anytime tryscorer market on Thursday morning.
Bagging 13 tries for the Sharks last term, Mulitalo has also scored tries in two previous games against Australia and he’s well priced to be a thorn in the Kangaroos side again in Sydney.
Australia v New Zealand Bet Builder Tip
Jamayne Isaako anytime tryscorer
Reece Walsh anytime tryscorer
Pays 5.30
Another player who has made a habit of scoring against Australia, Jamayne Isaako, is another player to consider in the anytime tryscorer market.
Scoring tries in the last two meetings between these great rivals, Isaako is backed to continue that tryscoring run this week.
Brisbane Broncos star Reece Walsh is also fancied to touch down on Thursday, having scored four tries in an impressive Ashes series win against England last year.
Learn more about how Bet Builders work in our Bet Builder guide.
Key Match Stats
Australia have won four of their last five meetings with New Zealand
The Kangaroos earned a 22-10 win in Christchurch the last time these rivals crossed paths in October 2024
New Zealand’s last win against Australia was back in November 2023 with an impressive 30-0 victory in Hamilton
Jamayne Isaako has scored tries in his last two appearances against Australia
Read more rugby league betting tips and predictions on site.
This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
