Bostock's debut hat-trick fires Australia past New Zealand in World Cup opener

Jack Bostock scored three tries on his Australia debut to beat New Zealand 24-22 in the opening match of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.

The defending champions had to come from behind three times in Sydney. They trailed 6-0, 16-10 and 22-16 before Bostock struck in the final five minutes, according to BBC Sport.

The game was played at Allianz Stadium on 15 October. More than 40,000 fans attended, the biggest Test match crowd in Sydney for 50 years.

It was level at 10-10 at half-time. That scoreline held the tension. Neither side led by more than six points at any stage.

Bostock was the difference. A try in rugby league means grounding the ball over the line for four points, and he collected three of them. One came from an interception. The other two came from winning high balls from Cameron Munster kicks.

Tom Trbojevic scored Australia's other try. Reece Walsh added a try and kicked two goals. Goals in league are kicks at goal worth two points, either conversions after a try or penalties.

New Zealand made Australia work for everything. Kalyn Ponga scored twice for the Kiwis. Casey McLean got their other try. Jamayne Isaako kicked three goals and two penalties for a personal haul of 10 points.

There was a worrying moment for New Zealand late on. Ponga left the field with a suspected broken arm. He watched the finish with his left arm in a sling.

Australia entered this tournament as favourites to win a 13th World Cup, as reported by Reuters. The opener was also a repeat of the 2022 semi-final, which Australia won 16-14.

What makes this stand out is how new and old combined. Bostock announced himself on debut. Munster steered the big moments with the boot. For fans, this means the tournament has started with its two heavyweights trading blows, and Australia landing the first one.