Sports · Other Sports · 1 hr ago
New Zealand’s powerful forward pack faces Australia in World Cup opener
New Zealand and Australia open the Rugby League World Cup on Thursday night in Sydney.
New Zealand is expected to rely on a powerful group of forwards: Naufahu Whyte, James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota and Joseph Tapine.
Australia will be without forward Lindsay Collins, who was ruled out through injury, but still has Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Keaon Koloamatangi and Patrick Carrigan.
New Zealand captain Fisher-Harris and Tapine have said the team must perform on the field rather than rely on its reputation.
Whyte said he is ready to play either from the start or off the bench.
The strength of the two forward packs is expected to be a key part of the opening match.
The teams will meet on Thursday night, with New Zealand’s forwards likely to be central to Australia’s plans.
New Zealand’s powerful forward pack will face Australia in the Rugby League World Cup opener on Thursday night in Sydney.
New Zealand’s props include captain James Fisher-Harris, Naufahu Whyte, Moses Leota and Joseph Tapine.
Coach Shane Flanagan said New Zealand had no stronger forward pack.
Australia’s pack has lost Lindsay Collins to injury but still includes Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Keaon Koloamatangi and Patrick Carrigan.
New Zealand’s players said they would need to deliver on the field rather than rely on pre-match attention.
- Who
- New Zealand and Australia’s rugby league teams.
- What
- They will meet in the World Cup opener.
- When
- Thursday night; the article was published on October 12, 2026.
- Where
- Sydney.
- Why
- It is the opening match of the World Cup. The teams will compete for victory.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
There’s no stronger forward pack
I don’t really care what everyone is saying
You can’t just rely on a paper team
Anyone that’s wearing green and gold, I’m eyeing anyone now
Shane Flanagan said on The Bye Round podcast that there was no stronger forward pack.
Australia’s Lindsay Collins was ruled out through injury.
New Zealand will face Australia in the World Cup opener in Sydney.
- Match
- New Zealand v Australia
- Competition
- 2026 Rugby League World Cup
- Venue
- Sydney
- New Zealand props
- Naufahu Whyte, James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota and Joseph Tapine
- Australia injury
- Lindsay Collins ruled out through injury
Sources
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