Samoa threatens Australia in Rugby League World Cup starting Thursday
The Rugby League World Cup kicks off Thursday with defending champion Australia and four other nations tipped to compete for the trophy.
The Rugby League World Cup begins Thursday night in Australia. The Kangaroos open their title defence and bid for a fourth straight win against New Zealand.
Australia has won 12 titles overall, including 11 of the past 12 editions. But the team faces real competition from Samoa, Tonga, England and New Zealand.
Samoa lost the final four years ago. Superstar Stephen Crichton says the 2026 squad is stronger.
It features NRL players like Jarome Luai and Brian To'o. New Zealand coach Stacey Jones believes up to five nations can win.
Australia's coach Kevin Walters says his team is not focused on being favourites. Instead, they focus on playing the rugby league the squad knows.
The tournament runs five weeks. The final is at Suncorp Stadium on November 26.
- 12 titles, 11 of past 12
- Australia's World Cup wins
- 4 years ago, 30-10 to Australia
- Samoa's final loss
- 5 weeks starting Thursday
- Tournament duration
- November 26 at Suncorp Stadium
- Final date and venue
Why it mattersIt is rugby league's premier tournament and Australia's long dominance is under genuine threat for the first time, making the outcome genuinely unpredictable.
AustraliaAustralia's rugby league team is defending its world title; the sport is central to Australian culture and the Kangaroos' performance will draw huge domestic following.
Corroborated byabc.net.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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