As reported by SBS News, Sunday’s tournament-closing double-header at Brisbane’s Lang Park features Australia and New Zealand facing off in both the men’s and women’s Rugby League World Cup finals.
The women’s final kicks off at 3.10pm in Brisbane, followed by the men’s decider at 6.35pm, and both matches are broadcast live on Channel Seven.
The Australians and the New Zealanders have split all six women’s world titles since they started playing World Cups back in 2000, ABC News reported. The Kiwi Ferns won the first three tournaments in 2000, 2003, and 2008, before the Jillaroos claimed victory in 2013, 2017, and 2022.
Sunday’s match serves as the ultimate tie-breaker between the two dominant nations.
Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner made a late change to her lineup, subbing out five-eighth Jocelyn Kelleher for Jesse Southwell, according to NRL.com.
Kelleher has been one of Australia’s best players throughout the tournament, pairing with Tarryn Aiken, but she has been completely cut from the 17-player squad. Southwell’s only previous appearance in the tournament was in a 124-6 win over Wales.
Kangaroos and Kiwis battle for World Cup supremacy
NRL.com reported that the Kiwis and Kangaroos will clash at Suncorp Stadium in the definitive showdown for World Cup glory. With the venue sold out, the match is available to viewers on Channel Seven. The clash is a rematch of the Round 1 blockbuster in Sydney and a repeat of the 2013, 2008, and 2000 World Cup Finals.
The 2008 decider at Suncorp Stadium produced one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history when the Benji Marshall-inspired Kiwis won 34-20.
That triumph remains New Zealand’s only men’s World Cup title, while the Kangaroos have won their last 22 World Cup matches and are chasing a fourth consecutive title.
Australia captain Isaah Yeo anchors the engine room from lock forward, preparing for what he expects to be his final World Cup appearance.
““I think it certainly will be. I’ll be 36 or 37 by 2030, so I highly doubt it, but I just stay in the present,”” Yeo said.
Walsh and Ponga lead men's final matchups
The men's final features Australian fullback Reece Walsh against New Zealand's Kalyn Ponga, SBS News reported. Ponga won the men’s Golden Boot award after two strong performances for the Kiwis despite playing through a broken forearm, while Walsh earned man-of-the-match honours twice in three appearances.
In the women’s tournament, Jillaroos forward Sariah Paki aims to add a World Cup title to a year that included a rugby sevens World Series title and an undefeated NRLW premiership with the Sydney Roosters, according to SBS News.
New Zealand is led by Golden Boot winner Stacey Waaka, who has scored nine tries in the tournament and plays in the centres against Jillaroos captain Isabelle Kelly.
Australia reached the men’s final after a 44-12 semi-final win over Samoa, while New Zealand advanced past their opponents. In the women’s bracket, Australia defeated Fiji 30-14 and New Zealand recorded a 32-0 win over Samoa, Fox Sports reported.
Questions about World Cup history and broadcasts
When did New Zealand win its last men’s World Cup title?
New Zealand won its only men’s World Cup title in 2008 by defeating Australia 34-20 in the final at Suncorp Stadium, according to NRL.com.
Where can viewers watch the Rugby League World Cup finals?
Both the women’s and men’s finals are broadcast live on Channel Seven and 7+, according to SBS News.
How many tries has Casey McLean scored in Test matches?
New Zealand centre Casey McLean has scored 16 tries in eight Test appearances, NRL.com reported.
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