Kiwis Prepare for World Cup Opener Against Australia
The New Zealand Kiwis are set to face defending champions Australia in their Rugby League World Cup opener on Thursday night at Sydney's Allianz Stadium. The match will provide an early test of both teams' title hopes. Pacific Huddle host Tuilagi William Leolahi believes New Zealand has the talent to challenge the Kangaroos, particularly through the middle of the field. He told William Terite on Pacific Mornings that the Kiwis can really do a job on them and that they are posing one of the best forward packs ever to go to a Rugby League World Cup.[S1]
At a media briefing, captain James Fisher-Harris, who will lead New Zealand into the tournament, said the squad's connection is helping build confidence ahead of the opening test. He described the players as unable to stop smiling and spoke of the bond they share. The Kiwis have brought together experienced campaigners and new faces, including veteran outside back Dane Gagai. Fisher-Harris said the new arrivals have settled into the group as they prepare for the tournament, describing a sense of belonging and a calling tied to their whakapapa and roots.[S1][S3][S4]
Players Emphasise Belief and Preparation
Halfback Kodi Nikorima acknowledged the scale of the challenge awaiting New Zealand, noting that Australia are the reigning champions and world number one, and that the match will be a good test. He said the team is concentrating on its own preparation rather than getting caught up in talk about which side is favoured to win the tournament. Nikorima added that the squad has full belief within its four walls of what it can achieve and that outside noise does not really matter.[S1]
Forward Joseph Tapine also pointed to the importance of building combinations and making the most of the squad's depth. He said the team has a bit of depth and a bit of mindset, and noted that New Zealand has beaten Australia since then, which will help the team's confidence. Tapine said New Zealand has plenty of quality across the squad, but the team must turn that potential into a performance on the field.[S1]
Pacific Nations Eye Deep Tournament Run
The tournament is also a major opportunity for Pacific nations, with Sāmoa, Tonga, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands joining the Kiwis in the men's competition. The women's tournament will feature New Zealand and several Pacific sides as well. Leolahi believes Samoa and Tonga have the ability to reach the semi-finals, while a Pacific nation lifting the trophy is becoming a realistic prospect. He said both sides now have access to their best players and that there is so much talent now available to them.[S1][S5]
For the Kiwis, though, the immediate focus is Australia. Fisher-Harris said the team is ready to test itself against the defending champions, describing this as probably the most competitive World Cup ever. He said the team is not looking too far ahead and that with Australia on Thursday, he is just excited for that match. The 2026 Rugby League World Cup kicks off on 15 October and ends on 15 November. Games will be held across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.[S1]
