2026 Rugby League World Cup Betting Tips - Australia vs New Zealand (Round 1)

After the thrills and spills of the 2026 NRL season, we’ve got more rugby league action to see out the year with the World Cup! The World Cup consists of 10 teams and three rounds. Then, the top four teams will make it through to the semi-finals.

For the first three rounds, the BettingTop10 team will focus on New Zealand specifically, giving you all the information you need to place your bets. It all begins in Round 1 with a doozy as the two host nations, Australia and New Zealand, do battle. Check out all our tips before kick-off!

Two of the heavyweights of the World Cup clash in what could be a preview of a Finals match in a couple of weeks! The Kangaroos play host to the Kiwis at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night, and the odds suggest this is going to be the closest game of the round.

The Kiwis will have their work cut out for them as the Aussies are the defending champions and hold a whopping 12 World Cup titles, winning nine of the last 10 tournaments. Coach Kevin Walters has a host of high-quality NRL players to pick through, and in the squad, we see a mix of experienced and young talent.

Most notably, we won’t see Nathan Cleary during the World Cup, but we could see Mitchell Moses take over the No.7 jersey. This would be ahead of the likes of Sam Walker and Tom Dearden, who have both had stellar NRL seasons this year. Isaah Yeo is the experienced captain, but is still dealing with a pectoral issue, so watch this space.

Looking at the Kiwis squad now, Dane Gagai has recently switched alliances and suits up in black. The Dally M Captain of the Year (and Prop of the Year), James Fisher-Harris, is the captain of the New Zealand squad as well. Just like the Aussies, there is talent all throughout the squad with the likes of Kalyn Ponga and Jamayne Isaako.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Total Points - Over 38.5	NZ$1.80
	Australia Total Points - Over 20.5	NZ$1.86
	Total Points - Over 38.5	NZ$1.80

Predicted Squads

Australia - Reece Walsh, Tom Trbojevic, Latrell Mitchell, Kotoni Staggs, Jack Bostock, Cameron Munster, Mitchell Moses, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Harry Grant, Pat Carrigan, Liam Martin, Jacob Preston, Isaah Yeo, Cameron Murray, Keaon Koloamatangi, Lindsay Collins, Bradman Best, James Tedesco & Sam Walker

New Zealand - Kalyn Ponga, Jamayne Isaako, Dane Gagai, Casey McLean, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Kodi Nikorima, Jahrome Hughes, James Fisher-Harris, Jeremy Marshall-King, Naufahu Whyte, Isaiah Papali'i, Briton Nikora, Erin Clark, Joseph Tapine, Moses Leota, Scott Sorensen, Xavier Willison, Keano Kini & Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

There’s been a lot of talk leading up to this clash, but here are the key factors that will most likely impact your bets:

1. With this game played at home for the Aussies, it’s a chance for them to make a mark in front of a massive crowd. I think they’ll be looking for a statement win in their first game, and a lot of points from them is on the cards.
2. Australia have won four of the last five meetings against New Zealand, and most by a big margin as well. Considering this game is being played in Sydney, it could present an even harder challenge for the Kiwis. 
3. Australia have scored 16 or more points in four of their last five games against New Zealand. I’m expecting they’ll want to come out firing in the defence of their World Cup title, with points on their minds.

Multi of the Week

I’ve put together a three-leg same-game multi for this opening clash of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, and you’ll be able to place this bet on one of the many betting apps available in New Zealand: