With the NRL finals approaching, don’t worry, there is still a chance to watch global superstars of rugby league right here in Sydney with Australia hosting the World Cup from 15 October.
Aaron Woods is watching the build-up to the Rugby League World Cup 2026 with a mix of trepidation and delight.
The former representative and NRL front-rower knows this could be a watershed moment in the sport’s history, a time when Australia’s dominance comes to an end at the hands of an emerging nation.
For most of the tournament’s history, which stretches back to 1954, Australia has pretty much owned it.
The Kangaroos have won 12 of the 16 World Cups played, including nine of the last 10.
Since 1972, only New Zealand in 2008 have been able to provide a circuit breaker before normal transmission resumed and the Aussies got back to winning ways.
The Roos have won the last three World Cups, with Woods part of the successful 2017 campaign.
But these are different times.
Australia is under siege like never before.
And that’s what has Woods both worried and excited.
The Aussies have traditional rivals – England and New Zealand – in the side mirror and Tonga and Samoa in the rear-view.
Laden with NRL talent, the emergence of Pacific Island nations has provided international rugby league with the heart-starter it desperately needed.
An upbeat Woods, who will be part of Channel 7’s extensive World Cup coverage, tells Club Living: “This is going to be the most open World Cups we’ve seen.
“And I’m a little bit nervous about Australia, if I am to be completely honest.
“New Zealand will be a threat, Samoa and Tonga are powerful and will have a huge fan base following them everywhere they play – they are next level crazy and bring so much colour and excitement.
Samoa forever
“Then you’ve got PNG and Fiji on the improve and England, who would love nothing better than to ruin our party.
“Mate, I am counting the days until it starts.”
Woodsy won’t have to wait long.
The tournament gets underway on 15 October, with 10 nations – Australia, Cook Islands, England, Fiji, France, Lebanon, New Zealand, PNG, Samoa and Tonga – competing across nine cities in three different countries.
The final will be held on 15 November at Suncorp Stadium.
Rival codes have enjoyed taking potshots at rugby league’s World Cup over the years, deriding it as predictable and lacking genuine competition.
But former Broncos great Corey Parker, who was a member of Australia’s victorious 2013 World Cup team and will front Channel 7’s coverage, says the game has shaken off its inferiority complex around international football thanks to the emergence of Tonga and Samoa.
“Part of my role now is to pump the World Cup, but I don’t think it needs too much pumping up,” he insists.
“The games and pictures speak for themselves.
“You see grown men with tears streaming down their faces, singing their national song or hymn or performing the haka, and it really hits home that it’s more than just a game of football.
“And once the whistle blows, the games are of the highest quality.
“To play in a World Cup is special in itself and to be able to win it is right up there in any player’s career.”
Woods nods in agreement.
“To play for your country in front of your mates, your family and friends while representing your mother, father, grandparents – your whole heritage – is unbelievably exciting,” he says.
“Mark my words – this will be a World Cup to remember.”
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck moonlights for Samoa when not playing for the New Zealand Warriors
WOMEN SET TO SHOWCASE SKILL
The player who scored the ‘Superwoman’ try that went global, attracting the attention of Matildas superstar Sam Kerr, hopes to build on the hype by delivering Australia a World Cup win on home soil.
Vision of Jillaroos’ winger Julia Robinson flying through the air to collect a crossfield kick to score in a Test against Samoa last year went viral, thanks in part to Kerr sharing the video on her social media platforms.
Robinson, who topped that moment when she was named international player-of-the-year for 2025, will be one of the headline acts as rugby league looks to cash in on the huge interest in – and passion for – the women’s game.
“I am so excited to play in the World Cup here in Australia. I feel like we have such an incredible fan base and hopefully we get a lot of (big) turnouts to our games,” she says.
“Everyone plays with so much pride and honour in their jerseys, and I feel that when they come here for the World Cup it is going to be such a great competition that will really showcase our game.”
The first women’s World Cup was held in 2000 and has been staged on six occasions, with New Zealand winning the first three before Australia embarked on a hat-trick of its own.
The two countries are hot favourites to contest the 2026 final, with the likes of Samoa, England PNG and France looking to use the tournament as the next step in their evolution.
This World Cup will feature a number of high-profile men’s and women’s double headers at prime venues.
Meanwhile, eight countries will take part in the Wheelchair World Cup from 30 October 30 to 13 November, with all games to take place at WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong.
Rugby League World Cup 2026: Live and free from Thursday, 15 October, on Seven and 7+ Sport
The Kangaroos beat England at Headingley Stadium in 2025
WATCH THE CUP
15 October Allianz Stadium
Australia v New Zealand (M)
16 October CommBank Stadium
Samoa v France (M)
Australia v Samoa (W)
23 October
Tonga v Lebanon (M)
Samoa v Wales (W)
M: MEN / W: WOMEN
Tickets: Ticketmaster from $19
Full draw: rlwc2026.com