Australia beats New Zealand 24-22; Ponga suffers suspected broken arm

Summary

Australia opened the 2026 Rugby League World Cup with a 24-22 win over New Zealand, ABC reports, with debutant Jack Bostock scoring a hat-trick. In its later quick-hits report, ABC says Walsh vomited after a try and Ponga shone before suffering an injury; its earlier report described Ponga's injury as a suspected broken arm.

Timeline

1. ABC

   15 Oct 2026, 07:30 UTCSource ↗

   ABC reports that Australia beat New Zealand 24-22, with debutant Jack Bostock scoring a hat-trick, and that Ponga suffered a suspected broken arm.

2. ABC

   15 Oct 2026, 12:09 UTCSource ↗

   ABC's later quick-hits article says Walsh vomited after a try and Ponga shone before suffering in the match.