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Australia and New Zealand prepare for Rugby League World Cup finals double-header

SBS News Australia •
November 15, 2026 • 01:17 AM
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When and where to watch the Men's and Women's finals.

Australia and New Zealand prepare for Rugby League World Cup finals double-header

Australia and New Zealand will meet in both the men's and women's Rugby League World Cup finals at Brisbane's Lang Park on Sunday.

The double-header will close out the tournament, with the Kangaroos and Jillaroos aiming to defeat their trans-Tasman rivals and claim the world titles.

The women's final will kick off at 3.10pm in Brisbane (4.10pm AEDT), followed by the men's decider at 6.35pm (7.35pm AEDT).

Both matches will be broadcast live on Channel Seven.

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The contest between Australian fullback Reece Walsh and New Zealand's Kalyn Ponga will be a key matchup in Sunday's men's final.

The Queensland State of Origin teammates have been among the tournament's leading players.

Ponga was named the men's Golden Boot winner after two strong performances for the Kiwis, despite playing through a broken forearm.

Walsh has also impressed, earning man-of-the-match honours twice in three appearances.

The pair faced each other in the opening pool match, which Australia won 24-20. Ponga left the field in the 70th minute after aggravating his injury.

Rugby league great Wally Lewis described Ponga's performances as the tournament's standout feature.

Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters has backed his decision to select Walsh ahead of James Tedesco, with the 24-year-old returning to the international side after ankle surgery.

Australia captain Isaah Yeo said both fullbacks would be important to their respective teams, but stressed the result would depend on the entire squad's contribution.

The Jillaroos will also face New Zealand, with Australian forward Sariah Paki hoping to add a World Cup title to an already successful year.

The 25-year-old switched from rugby sevens to league this season, winning a World Series title with Australia before joining the Sydney Roosters for their undefeated NRLW premiership campaign .

Paki will come off the bench in Sunday's final and could win three major titles in one year.

New Zealand will be led by Golden Boot winner Stacey Waaka, who has scored nine tries in the tournament.

Waaka, a former rugby sevens international, will play in the centres, where Jillaroos captain Isabelle Kelly is expected to mark her.

Kelly will make her 25th Test appearance against New Zealand.

Paki said she has enjoyed her move to rugby league and hopes to finish the year with a World Cup victory.

— With reporting by the Australian Associated Press.

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