Australian Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters has named his team to take on New Zealand in the opening fixture of Rugby League World Cup 2026 at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Thursday (8:05pm AEDT).
The team includes three players in line to make their Kangaroos debut with Dolphins back Jack Bostock and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs second-rower Jacob Preston named in the starting side, while South Sydney Rabbitohs forward David Fifita has been named on the 6-man interchange bench.
Bostock will start on one wing and become Kangaroo #863, while Preston will become Kangaroo #864 after being named in the No.11 jersey. Fifita will become Kangaroo #865 if he takes the field on Thursday night.
Elsewhere, Manly Warringah Sea Eagles captain Tom Trbojevic and South Sydney Rabbitohs centre Latrell Mitchell are back in the green and gold jersey after missing the 2025 Ashes tour.
Parramatta Eels skipper Mitchell Moses will team up with Queensland Maroons captain and Melbourne Storm playmaker Cameron Munster in the halves, while Brisbane Broncos flyer Reece Walsh will start his fourth consecutive Test in the Kangaroos No.1 jersey.
"The World Cup only comes around every four years and to be playing at a home World Cup in front of Australian supporters makes it an even greater occasion and we're going to make the most of the opportunity," said Walters.
"We've had a great week of preparation in Sydney, and every player has earned their opportunity to pull on the Kangaroos jersey. I know they will make Australia proud with their performance on Thursday night.
"The players who aren't involved in game one will get their opportunity during the tournament, and I know they'll be ready for it."
The tournament-opening blockbuster is set to be played before the biggest Test crowd in Sydney in more than 50 years based on ticket sales to date, with limited tickets remaining.
Tickets for all RLWC 2026 matches are on sale now at rlwc2026.com.
All matches will be broadcast live and exclusive in Australia on Seven and 7plus, on Sky Sport in New Zealand and Digicel in Papua New Guinea.
Kangaroos team to play New Zealand Kiwis
Rugby League World Cup 2026 - Pool A
15 October 2026, Allianz Stadium, Sydney
1. Reece Walsh
2. Jack Bostock
3. Latrell Mitchell
4. Kotoni Staggs
5. Tom Trbojevic
6. Cameron Munster
7. Mitchell Moses
8. Patrick Carrigan
9. Harry Grant
10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
11. Jacob Preston
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo ©
14. Tom Dearden
15. Cameron Murray
16. Reuben Cotter
17. Keaon Koloamatangi
18. David Fifita
19. Bradman Best
20. Blayke Brailey
21. James Tedesco
22. Sam Walker
23. Lindsay Smith
