Jack Bostock's Hat-Trick Leads Australia to 24-22 World Cup Win

Australia began their Rugby League World Cup campaign with a thrilling 24-22 victory over New Zealand in Sydney, thanks to a hat-trick from debutant Jack Bostock.

The teams were level at 10-10 at half-time before New Zealand moved ahead through two tries from Kalyn Ponga. Reece Walsh responded for Australia, setting up a tense finish.

Bostock sealed the win in the 76th minute, rising above the defence to score his third try of the night. The result gives defending champions Australia a winning start in Pool A.

The match attracted 41,255 spectators at Allianz Stadium, making it the biggest international rugby league crowd in Sydney in more than 50 years.

New Zealand will also be concerned about Ponga, who left the field with an arm injury late in the match. Australia, meanwhile, lost half-back Mitchell Moses to a calf problem.