The wait is over! The 2026 Rugby League World Cup is here, bringing together ten nations for a month of international rugby league action. With Australia looking to defend its crown, New Zealand chasing another famous triumph, and the Pacific nations ready to challenge the traditional powerhouses, fans are in for a spectacular tournament.
The opening round serves up five mouth-watering men's fixtures, headlined by the heavyweight showdown between Australia and New Zealand. Elsewhere, Samoa face France, Papua New Guinea host Lebanon, England take on Tonga, and Fiji meet the Cook Islands.
At Jerseys Megastore, we're getting behind the action with our Week 1 Rugby League World Cup tips and predictions. From the tournament opener to a potential classic in Perth, here's who we think will get the job done in the first round. Before kickoff, browse our full range of Rugby League World Cup 2026 jerseys and merch.
Want the full picture before kickoff? Check out our 2026 Rugby League World Cup squad analysis and predictions, where we break down all ten nations and tip who we think will lift the trophy.
1. Australia vs New Zealand
Thursday, 15 October | Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Our tip: Australia by 8 points
There's no better way to open a Rugby League World Cup than with one of international rugby league's greatest rivalries. Australia and New Zealand meet in Sydney, with the defending champions immediately facing a stern test of their title credentials.
The Kangaroos enter the tournament with a formidable reputation and the expectation of another deep run. Their ability to control the middle of the field, maintain defensive pressure and punish opposition mistakes makes them incredibly difficult to beat over 80 minutes.
However, the Kiwis are no strangers to the big occasion. New Zealand have the talent and physicality to trouble Australia, and their forwards will need to stand tall if they are to disrupt the Kangaroos' attacking rhythm.
The key battle will be in the middle third. If Australia can establish dominance through the forward pack and give their playmakers time and space, they should have enough attacking firepower to secure the win. New Zealand will keep things competitive, but we're backing the reigning champions to start their title defence in style.
Player to watch: Keep an eye on Australia's attacking combinations. With the tournament opener carrying so much significance, the Kangaroos' ability to turn early pressure into points could prove decisive.
Jerseys Megastore prediction: Australia 24 – New Zealand 16
2. Samoa vs France
Friday, 16 October | CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Our tip: Samoa by 18 points
Samoa begin their World Cup campaign against France, with the Pacific nation looking to build on their remarkable run to the 2022 final.
Samoa have established themselves as a serious force in international rugby league. Their combination of explosive outside backs, powerful forwards and individual attacking brilliance makes them a dangerous opponent for any side in the competition.
France, meanwhile, will be eager to make their return to the World Cup count. The French have a proud rugby league history and will view this tournament as an opportunity to demonstrate their progress against some of the world's best teams.
The challenge for France will be containing Samoa's physicality and limiting the number of opportunities their opponents receive close to the try line. If Samoa can generate quick play-the-balls and win the territorial battle, their attacking weapons should have plenty of opportunities to make an impact.
France may have some promising passages of play, but Samoa's individual quality and power across the park should ultimately prove too much.
Player to watch: Samoa's outside backs. Their speed, strength and ability to create something from nothing could make life very difficult for the French defence.
Jerseys Megastore prediction: Samoa 32 - France 14
3. Papua New Guinea vs Lebanon
Saturday, 17 October | Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
Our tip: Papua New Guinea by 10 points
This is one of the most intriguing fixtures of the opening round, with Papua New Guinea enjoying home advantage against a determined Lebanon outfit.
Few teams can match the atmosphere generated by Papua New Guinea's passionate rugby league supporters. Playing in Port Moresby should provide the Kumuls with a significant boost, and the home crowd will be desperate to see their side begin the tournament with a victory.
PNG have developed a reputation for playing with tremendous energy and enthusiasm. Their challenge will be to channel that passion into disciplined defence and effective execution, particularly against a Lebanon side capable of making opponents work hard for their points.
Lebanon have experience on the international stage and will not be intimidated by the occasion. Their best chance of an upset will be to slow the game down, control possession and frustrate the Kumuls into making unforced errors.
Nevertheless, home advantage could be a decisive factor. With the crowd behind them and the opportunity to make a statement in front of their own supporters, we're backing Papua New Guinea to produce a strong performance.
Expect a physical contest, plenty of emotion and a match that remains competitive well into the second half.
Player to watch: The PNG forward pack. If the Kumuls win the battle through the middle and generate momentum, their attacking players should be able to capitalise.
Jerseys Megastore prediction: Papua New Guinea 24 - Lebanon 14
4. England vs Tonga
Saturday, 17 October | HBF Park, Perth
Our tip: Tonga by 4 points
If you're looking for a potential thriller in the opening round, look no further than England versus Tonga.
This is a fascinating clash between two nations with genuine ambitions of challenging for the World Cup. England will be determined to demonstrate that they can compete with the best, while Tonga arrive with the size, strength and attacking ability to trouble any opponent.
England possess the experience and structure to make life difficult for the Tongans. Their ability to control possession, kick effectively and maintain defensive discipline will be critical if they are to secure an opening-round victory.
Tonga, however, have the sort of powerful forward pack and dangerous outside backs that can change a game in a matter of minutes. If they can establish momentum and create opportunities for their playmakers, England could find themselves under considerable pressure.
The key question is whether England can contain Tonga's physicality for the full 80 minutes. If the Tongans gain the upper hand through the middle, their attacking threats could take control of the contest.
We're expecting a fierce, physical encounter that could go either way. England's experience makes them a formidable opponent, but we're leaning towards Tonga to deliver a statement performance.
Player to watch: Tonga's forwards. Their ability to generate quick play-the-balls and create space for the outside backs could be the difference between the two sides.
Jerseys Megastore prediction: Tonga 22 – England 18
5. Fiji vs Cook Islands
Sunday, 18 October | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Our tip: Fiji by 16 points
The opening round concludes with an all-Pacific encounter as Fiji take on the Cook Islands in Newcastle.
Fiji have developed into one of international rugby league's most exciting teams. Their explosive attacking style, athletic outside backs and ability to score from seemingly impossible situations make them a dangerous proposition for any opponent.
The Cook Islands will relish the opportunity to test themselves against one of the competition's established Pacific powers. They will need to be organised defensively, minimise errors and make the most of their attacking opportunities if they are to remain in contention.
Fiji's speed and attacking flair should give them the advantage, particularly if they can stretch the Cook Islands' defensive line and create opportunities out wide. Their ability to turn broken play into scoring opportunities could be particularly important.
The Cook Islands have the potential to make this a competitive contest, especially if they start strongly and keep Fiji within reach during the opening stages. However, Fiji's greater attacking depth should see them pull away as the match progresses.
Expect an entertaining finish to the opening round, with Fiji producing some exciting attacking football along the way.
Player to watch: Fiji's outside backs. Their pace and ability to capitalise on defensive lapses could be a major factor in determining the final margin.
Jerseys Megastore prediction: Fiji 30 – Cook Islands 14
Five matches, five intriguing contests and plenty of reasons for rugby league fans to get excited. Here's how we're tipping the opening round to unfold.
Which teams will make the strongest start?
We're backing Australia, Samoa, Papua New Guinea and Fiji to begin their campaigns with victories, while Tonga could produce one of the opening round's biggest statements against England.
The Australia vs New Zealand clash is undoubtedly the headline fixture, but England versus Tonga could be the match to watch if you're after a close contest. Meanwhile, Papua New Guinea's home fixture promises a fantastic atmosphere as the Kumuls look to make their supporters proud.
Of course, World Cup rugby league has a habit of delivering surprises. Form, reputation and predictions count for little once the whistle blows, and that's precisely what makes international footy so special.
Get Behind Your Team at Jerseys Megastore
The Rugby League World Cup is about more than just results. It's about national pride, passionate supporters, unforgettable moments and the excitement of seeing the world's best players represent their countries on the biggest stage.
Whether you're cheering on the Kangaroos, backing the Kiwis, supporting one of the Pacific nations or getting behind England, there's no better time to show your colours.
Shop our Rugby League World Cup 2026 range at Jerseys Megastore and get ready for a massive month of international rugby league.
