Rugby League World Cup Tips - Australia v New Zealand

The Rugby League World Cup kicks off with what the betting market suggests will be an early look at the final with the Kangaroos and Kiwis doing battle at Allianz Stadium.

Best Bet

Under 39.5

Total Points

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$1.95

The 2026 World Cup kicks off with the two best teams set to meet in a game that features plenty of quality and will be hard-fought from the off.

This is hardly a vintage Australian team thanks to Kevin Walters’ inexplicable selection decisions – notably starting Reece Walsh at fullback over premiership custodian James Tedesco – but we should see a Kangaroos team that will be tough to score on. Australia have not conceded more than 14 points in any of their last six Tests and in 13 of their last 15 internationals. In Walters’ first series at the helm, Australia conceded just 18 points in three Tests while all three went well under the betting total.

New Zealand have conceded 18 or fewer in 15 of their last 18 Tests.

These two certainly have a strong recent history of low-scoring affairs. The last time these teams met was in 2024 with just 32 points scored. Four of the last five meetings have tallied 32 or fewer. Three of the last four World Cup matches between the two sides have tallied 36 or fewer.

Setting a tone is critical to both sides so defence will be the priority in this one.

Same Game Multi

Australia Win/Tom Trbojevic Try/Jacob Preston Try

Same Game Multi

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$9.00

Australia have won nine of the last 11 Tests against New Zealand while they have lost just a single World Cup game since the Super League War.

Tom Trbojevic has absolutely thrived at rep level with 18 tries in 18 games playing for NSW, Australia and the Prime Minister’s XIII.

A second rower scored in all three Ashes Tests last year and Jacob Preston is an outstanding tryscoring second rower with 19 tries in his last 42 NRL games.

Value Bet

Cameron Murray

To Score A Try

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$9.00

Cameron Murray has a tremendous tryscoring record at Test level where he has crossed seven times in 10 games. Last World Cup he scored five tries in five matches with four of those coming off the bench. Murray is a real impact player capable of playing in the middle or on an edge who thrives when surrounded by elite talent.

Editor-In-Chief

Frankie McDonald

Frankie has spent more than two decades working in the Australian wagering industry and is widely regarded for his expertise in AFL, NRL and horse racing tips.