Hello everybody and welcome to live coverage of Australia v New Zealand in the final of the 2026 men’s Rugby League World Cup. Kick-off at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane is 6.35pm local time (7.35pm AEDT/8.35am GMT). After 17 matches, featuring 10 nations, across three countries, it all comes down to this: Kangaroos v Kiwis for the title of the greatest rugby league team in the world. That the final fixture of the tournament is a repeat of the first was to be expected. Despite the enormous recent strides made by Samoa and Tonga, the semi-finals demonstrated the Pacific Islanders remain a rung behind their more established counterparts. England’s absence from the knockout stages will be the subject of an inquest.

It has been a successful, enjoyable, competition, one that has thrived off the energy provided by the Pasifika. The passion of the pregame challenges, the sea of flags in the stands, and the commitment of players who could have nominated for Australia or New Zealand has ensured a