Live: Kiwis strike first as McLean scores 'one of the best' tries this season

The Rugby League World Cup begins with a blockbuster between powerhouse nations Australia and New Zealand.

For the first time the Kiwis will have State of Origin stars representing them on the international stage.

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Thu 15 Oct 2026 at 6:40pmThu 15 Oct 2026 at 6:40pm

The full 2026 men's Rugby League World Cup draw

Thursday, October 15

• Australia v New Zealand

Friday, October 16

• Samoa v France

Saturday, October 17

• England v Tonga XIII
• Papua New Guinea v Lebanon

Sunday, October 18

• Fiji v Cook Islands

Friday, October 23

• Tonga XIII v Lebanon

Saturday, October 24

• England v France
• Papua New Guinea v Samoa

Sunday, October 25

• Australia v Fiji
• New Zealand v Cook Islands

Friday, October 30

• England v Papua New Guinea

Saturday, October 31

• Australia v Cook Islands
• New Zealand v Fiji

Sunday, November 1

• Tonga XIII v Samoa
• Lebanon v France

Saturday, November 7

• Semifinal 1

Sunday, November 8

• Semifinal 2

Sunday, November 15

• Final

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Thu 15 Oct 2026 at 6:35pmThu 15 Oct 2026 at 6:35pm

What time is kick-off between the Kangaroos and Kiwis

By Michael Doyle

Here is when tonight's Rugby League World Cup match will begin in each Australian state and territory, and each country in the tournament

• 8:05pm AEDT: NSW, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania
• 7:35pm ACDT: South Australia
• 7:05pm AEST: Queensland, PNG
• 6:35pm ACST: Northern Territory
• 5:35pm AWST: Western Australia
• 9:05pm FJT: Fiji
• 10:05pm NZDT: New Zealand, Tonga, Samoa
• 11:05pm CKT: Cook Islands
• 10:05am BST: United Kingdom
• 11:05am CEST: France
• 12:05pm EEST: Lebanon

Thu 15 Oct 2026 at 6:30pmThu 15 Oct 2026 at 6:30pm

Welcome to the Rugby League World Cup live blog

By Michael Doyle

Hello Australia.

Welcome to ABC Sport's live digital coverage of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup live blog.

The men's tournament begins tonight with a clash between two heavyweights, Australia vs New Zealand.

Australia will be favoured, but the Kiwis can now pick players who are also part of State of Origin, so you will see Maroons and Blues united in black.

Join the conversation and be part of the live blog in the comment section.