Australia Beat New Zealand 24-22 in World Cup Thriller

Australia began their Rugby League World Cup campaign with a thrilling 24-22 victory over New Zealand in Sydney, with Jack Bostock scoring a decisive hat-trick on his international debut.

The Kangaroos led 10-10 at half-time before New Zealand moved ahead through two tries from Kalyn Ponga. Bostock responded with his second try, but Ponga struck again to give the Kiwis a 22-16 advantage.

Reece Walsh brought Australia back into contention with a brilliant individual try before Bostock completed his hat-trick in the closing stages, securing a dramatic win for the defending champions.

The match attracted 41,255 spectators, making it Sydney’s biggest international rugby league crowd in more than 50 years. New Zealand will also be concerned about Ponga, who left the field with a suspected arm injury, while Australia lost Mitchell Moses to a calf problem.

The result puts Australia top of Pool A and gives the tournament a memorable start.