Australia vs. New Zealand Predictions

Starts in 1d 8h

Match Details

Date: Thursday, 15 October 2026
Start Time: 8:05 PM (AEDT)
Stadium: Allianz Stadium, Sydney

The Rugby League World Cup kicks off with the biggest game of the tournament as Australia and New Zealand battle for early supremacy. The Kangaroos are $1.65 favourites to hold off the Kiwis at home, but there is a lot of betting support for the outsiders to win. This could be an early look at the Grand Final, and it’s a great way to kick off the RLWC.

Best Bet

New Zealand @ $2.25

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The Kiwis tend to improve as the tournament goes on, but they could make an early statement with a win over the Kangaroos on Thursday.

We have been impressed by New Zealand’s form over the last 3-4 years, which includes a couple of tournament wins. They have also beaten Australia a few times during that span, and with Nathan Cleary out for Australia, they could struggle to play their best in the halves.

Australia still has quality halves, including Cameron Munster, but without Cleary putting kicks right on the goal line, they won’t be as deadly with their aerial attack, and that favours the Kiwis, who have a great team this season.

They have quality players in every major position, and the addition of Kalyn Ponga should give them a boost. He provides a counterattacking option for the Kiwis, and they will also have a stack of crowd support in Sydney.

The $2.25 odds are there for the taking, and we think they’re the better team.

Same Game Multi

New Zealand H2H, Jamayne Isaako Anytime Try Scorer, Jack Bostock Anytime Try Scorer, Total Points Over 39.5 @ $13.75

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Jamayne Isaako is one of the best wingers in the NRL, and he should make a big impact for the Kiwis. Not only is he a great kicker, but he also has a great try-scoring record for the Dolphins over the last couple of years. We have him scoring in the first game, and the $2.08 odds are worth including in RLWC multi bets.

Jack Bostock could score a try for Australia. He had a big year for the Dolphins, and he also made his State of Origin debut. His form recently has been only fair, but he’s a good try-scoring threat, so include him in picks at $2.03.

There should be plenty of points in the opening game, and the 39.5-point line is lower than expected. Take the over to boost payouts.

Best Value Bet

Jamayne Isaako First Try Scorer @ $9.50

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We expect the Kiwis to make a positive start, and they could cap off a backline move with Isaako in the corner.

He is one of the best and most underrated finishers in the game, and although he doesn’t fly through the air with an elaborate put-down, he gets the job done, and that’s what the Kiwis need to succeed in the World Cup.

The $9.50 odds for Isaako to score first are generous, so include him as a value bet.

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Editor-In-Chief

Daryl Curnow

After graduating from the University of Auckland (BA - English), Daryl Curnow was thrown into the world of sports and horse racing journalism.

Having worked as a racing journalist for two years, he decided to move into the online world of horse racing and sports writing. After years of honing his craft, Daryl became a professional punter in 2009 - with a focus on horse racing, NRL, AFL, NBA, Rugby, NFL, and US college sports.

Daryl's tips have been featured on various websites around the world before joining the GoBet team. When he's not working, Daryl tries to avoid making bogeys on the golf course.