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Australia vs New Zealand Tips & Preview - Rivals to kick off Rugby League World Cup 2026 with title battle

jeremy-darke
Jeremy Darke
Editor
Last updated: Tue 13 Oct 2026 15:27
Australia and New Zealand meet in a much-anticipated Rugby League World Cup clash. The article backs New Zealand to cover a +3.5 point handicap, citing their strong international form and recent victories, including a commanding 30-0 win over Australia in 2023. A closely contested game is expected, with recommendations for under 38.5 points. Jamayne Isaako stands out as a key player, offering value as an anytime tryscorer. Team news includes Reece Walsh's and Kalyn Ponga’s returns for Australia and New Zealand, respectively.
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Jeremy Darke 13 Oct 2026
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  • New Zealand are tipped to cover a +3.5 point handicap against Australia.
  • A low-scoring game under 38.5 points is predicted.
  • Jamayne Isaako is recommended as an anytime tryscorer for the match.
australia vs new zealand rugby league
New Zealand Kiwis to cover the line against Australian Kangaroos (Getty Images)

Australia vs New Zealand Rugby League World Cup Verdict


Rivals Australia and New Zealand get the 2026 Rugby League World Cup in a huge game and there's value on the Kiwis to cover with a +3.5 point start. A tight game also points to under 38.5 points.

Key Stats


  • New Zealand won all three matches in their 2025 Pacific Championship campaign.
  • The Kiwis defeated Australia 30-0 in the 2023 Pacific Championship final.
  • Three of the last four meetings have finished under 38.5 points.
  • Jamayne Isaako scored 23 tries in 26 NRL appearances in 2026.
  • Ronaldo Mulitalo scored 13 tries in 17 games for Cronulla.

Head to Head


Australia have won three of the last four meetings, although New Zealand produced a stunning 30-0 victory in the 2023 Pacific Championship final.

Three of those four matches have finished under 38.5 points, with an average of 36.5 points per game.

Australia Kangaroos Form


Australia's most recent meeting with New Zealand ended in a 22-10 victory in October 2024, bouncing back from their heavy defeat in the 2023 Pacific Championship final.

Reece Walsh returns to competitive football after an ankle injury sidelined him in August, while Mitchell Moses takes the halfback jersey ahead of Sam Walker.

Tom Trbojevic scored eight tries in 14 NRL appearances in 2026, while debutant Jack Bostock crossed six times in 16 matches.

The Kangaroos retain plenty of experience through Harry Grant, Isaah Yeo and Cameron Murray, alongside the attacking threat of Latrell Mitchell and Cameron Munster.

New Zealand Kiwis Form


New Zealand won all three matches in their 2025 Pacific Championship campaign and have claimed four victories in their last five internationals.

Kalyn Ponga and Naufahu Whyte arrive fresh from the NRL Grand Final, while Jahrome Hughes returns to the international stage for the first time since 2023.

Jamayne Isaako scored 23 tries in 26 NRL appearances for the Dolphins, with Ronaldo Mulitalo adding 13 tries in 17 games for Cronulla.

Casey McLean has also impressed internationally, scoring seven tries in his first four Tests for the Kiwis.

Team News


Kevin Walters has selected Reece Walsh at fullback, with Cameron Munster and Mitchell Moses forming Australia's halves combination. James Tedesco and Sam Walker have been left outside the matchday 17.

New Zealand have named Kalyn Ponga at fullback for his Kiwis debut, with Jahrome Hughes returning alongside Kodi Nikorima in the halves.

Jamayne Isaako and Ronaldo Mulitalo start on the wings, while James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota and Joseph Tapine lead the forward pack.

Verdict

New Zealand +3.5 is our best bet, with the Kiwis carrying strong international form into the tournament. Under 38.5 points and Jamayne Isaako Anytime Tryscorer complete our selections.

Best Bet1: New Zealand +3.5 Handicap @10/11 at bet365 - 3 Units
Best Bet2: Under 38.5 Game Total @10/11 at dabble - 2 Units
Best Bet3: Jamayne Isaako Anytime Tryscorer @5/4 at Star Sports - 1 Unit
Best Bet4: Jamayne Isaako First Try Scorer @17/2 at Hollywoodbets - 1 Unit
New Zealand +3.5
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jeremy-darke
Jeremy Darke

Sports Editor & Betting Analyst • Sports Writer & Expert Betting Analyst

Jeremy is a freelance journalist who is a true sports activist. A die-hard fan of the NRL all his life and also has a passion for all the major American sports.


From when he was a little fella he has played most sports ranging from rugby, ice hockey, tennis and football, just to name a few. His interest in analytics and statistics helps him find the edge while writing previews and being a regular tipster.

Tipster and presenter on YouTube and a co-founder of The Sports Cap and The Basketball Fix.

You can find Jeremy on Muckrack and LinkedIn.

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