The Australian Kangaroos produced a magnificent come from behind victory against New Zealand to kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign.
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Read on for the Kangaroos player ratings from the World Cup opener!
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1. REECE WALSH – 8
What an excitement machine. Scored a great try and came up with a cracking try saver on Kalyn, but also missed Ponga for his try. Made a few errors but was dangerous and never stopped going after the game. Sets up a great battle moving forward between Reece and Teddy.
2. JACK BOSTOCK – 9
What an unbelievable performance. I’d argue as good if not better than Marky Marks’ grand final. Three tries and throw in a fabulous try assist. Was the difference between the two teams.
3. LATRELL MITCHELL – 5
Next to no impact with the ball. Had 9 runs for 43m but posed very little threat. Missed a tough conversion attempt.
Bostock & Turbo run the length | 00:39
4. KOTONI STAGGS – 4
Forgettable match. Sin binned for professional foul, burnt by Ponga, smashed by Mulitalo, fumbled a try.
5. TOM TRBOJEVIC – 6.5
Surely Turbo has to go to right centre in place of Staggs? Scored a 90m intercept try but also came up with a few moments he’d probably like back.
6. CAMERON MUNSTER – 6.5
Struggled to impose himself on first half as the Kiwis dominated the middle. But worked his way into the game and finished with two try assists. Is an absolute competitor who just never stops trying.
7. MITCHELL MOSES – 7.5
Struggling with a leg injury. Replaced 42nd minute. Had a tough job playing on the back foot.
8. PATRICK CARRIGAN – 5
Tough night up against this giant Kiwi pack playing in the front row. Finished with 11 runs for 87m and 24 tackles.
Kiwis HAKA lights up RLWC | 00:35
9. HARRY GRANT – 6
Not at his dominant best. Would have loved to have seen him run the ball a bit more. Just the 1 run for 5 metres.
10. TINO FA’ASUAMALEAUI – 5.5
As with Carrigan, was dominated in his first stint with just the 5 carries for 40 metres and 14 tackle. In fairness, it was a thankless job being one of the Kangaroos’ middles in this match.
11. JACOB PRESTON – 7.5
Arguably Kangaroos’ best forward. Worked hard with 14 runs 92m and 25 tackles.
12. LIAM MARTIN – 6.5
Did his job but didn’t seem to impose himself on the game like he’s known to do.
13. ISAAH YEO – 8
Worked himself to a standstill with a great captain’s knock. His 15 runs for 101m was the most of the Aussie forwards, throw in 39 tackles which was also the most.
9 years on, Sergis ready to make amends | 01:59
14. TOM DEARDEN – 7
Was all energy when he came on to replace Moses. Took immediate control and has really put himself in the conversation to start at halfback.
15. CAMERON MURRAY – 7
The Kangaroos looked so much better through the middle as soon as he got on the field. Such a shame he can’t find a place in the starting team.
16. REUBEN COTTER – 6
He just does what he does. No nonsense and never takes a backward step. Brings great energy.
17. KEAON KOLOAMATANGI – 6
Surely there is a case to start him moving forward. Had 5 runs for 39m and 14 tackles.
18. DAVID FIFITA – N/A
Did not play.
19. BRADMAN BEST – N/A
Did not play.