Walsh v Ponga: How the most titanic of fullback battles vindicated Walters’ faith
It was a bold gamble to keep the faith in Reece Walsh. Watch all the World Cup key moments here.
In the opening match of the Rugby League World Cup 2026, New Zealand and Australia showcased a high standard of play. Casey McLean, a young Kiwi, leapt high to score a try, while debutant Jack Bostock won the match for Australia. Reece Walsh vomited after a try, and Kalyn Ponga, despite suffering a suspected broken arm, contributed to a thrilling fullback duel.
McLean's try was described as one of the best finishes in the game. The Kiwis dominated the first half, while the Kangaroos had more possession and fewer tackles. The match featured two memorable fullback duels, with Ponga and Walsh providing a spectacle. Bostock also had a standout performance, scoring two tries. Ponga's night was cut short by his suspected broken arm, which was a significant setback for New Zealand's title hopes.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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