Australia 24–22 New Zealand: Jack Bostock hat-trick wins World Cup thriller

Jack Bostock scored a hat-trick on his Test debut as Australia beat New Zealand 24–22 in a dramatic Rugby League World Cup opener at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.

The Dolphins winger also helped create a try for Reece Walsh as the defending champions recovered from a six-point second-half deficit.

Jack Bostock delivers decisive finish

New Zealand struck first through Casey McLean, but Australia stayed in contention through long-range interception tries from Bostock and Tom Trbojevic.

The pair had been selected for the wing roles by Kevin Walters before the tournament.

Jamayne Isaako’s kicking helped the Kiwis reach half-time level at 10–10, with Australia temporarily reduced to 12 players after Kotoni Staggs was sin-binned.

Kalyn Ponga crossed twice after the interval, either side of Bostock’s second, to put New Zealand 22–16 ahead.

Walsh then raced away following Bostock’s offload to reduce the deficit to two points. With four minutes remaining, Bostock claimed another high ball to complete his treble and put Australia ahead for good.

He finished with 231 running metres and the player-of-the-match award, according to the NRL’s match report.

Ponga and Moses face injury assessments

Both teams finished with concerns over influential players.

Ponga left the field with around ten minutes remaining. The NRL’s injury update reported a suspected fractured arm, with scans needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Australia half-back Mitchell Moses was replaced by Tom Dearden early in the second half after suffering a calf injury. His availability for the rest of the tournament remains subject to assessment.

England begin against Tonga in Perth on Saturday, having called up Kallum Watkins following Morgan Smithies’ withdrawal.