The Rugby League World Cup begins this Thursday and for fans of the international game, it has been an agonising wait for this moment. With varying success in the past, there is no doubt that the passion shown by the respective nations is what brings everyone together in the game of rugby league. With the NRL taking control of the competition, it will be held in Australia, with the 16 team tournament in 2021 now cut down to just 10 teams. Since 1977, the Kangaroos have lost the tournament just once and there are shades of a revival with New Zealand aiming to emulate their success in 2008. Before You Bet is here to give an overview of what is to come!
2026 Rugby League World Cup Preview
Structure
There are 10 teams this season spread across 3 pools, but the B & C pool are combined in fixtures. There are 3 round games, with the top two teams in Pool A progressing to play against the top 2 teams in the combined Pool B & C. There is one cross-over match for Pool B & C in the round stage to achieve this combined ladder. Basically, they want to give a chance to the emerging pacific nations to replicate their recent positive form against the stronger nations.
Contenders
Australia - $1.80 at Dabble
The overwhelming favourites to win their 13th title, the Kangaroos have again assembled a strong side. Minus their starting halfback in Cleary, they have ready-made replacements to step in to fill the void he will leave. They have a tough match to begin the tournament against the Kiwis and will progress through to the Semi Final. From there, they should be strong enough to advance to the Final. The likes of Munster, Grant, Yeo, Murray, Mitchell, Trbojevic…just to name a few, coming together highlights their strength. Providing they get their game plan right when it matters, they should be too strong. The price on them now ($1.80) will likely only get shorter in a head-to-head market should they make the Final so, take that now if you like it.
Australia to Win RLWC
$1.80
New Zealand - $3 at Ladbrokes
The Kiwis missed the Final last year courtesy of a 2-point loss to the Australians in the Semi Final stage. Gritty, determined, and always improving as the tournament progresses, they have a host of players that will be out to prove a point. Having Ponga line up for them this time around is a huge inclusion, and his form has been the best towards the end of the NRL competition. Don’t sleep on this team because with the leadership of Fisher-Harris, combined with the tough middles of Leota, Tapine, Willison, and the defence on the edges, they are a team that looks more stable than they have in the past. Like the Australian’s, their price in a head-to-head Final will be far shorter and it too is worth some thought.
Samoa - $12 at Dabble
Making the Final in 2021, the Samoan’s played to their potential but exceeded expectations on them. A lot of that revolved around their play in the middle, which was then transferred into attacking spark, led by Luai. His form this season isn’t what it was previously, but he is also a player that enjoys proving a point. On face value, they’re talented enough to make the Semi Final stage but appear to have players within their team that have too many mistakes to progress any further. The preferred bet for them is $1.55 to win Pool B.
Samoa to Win Pool B
$1.55
Tonga - $12 at Ladbrokes
Similar to Samoa, Tonga are entering into a new space of confidence, growth, and excitement. It was only back in 2019 that this team conquered Australia, setting a new standard for them to match. They played a 3-test series in 2023 against England where they lost 3-0, showing some of their shortcomings. This lies in consistency and their ability to maintain a set standard for 80 minutes of rugby league. They appear a more balanced and capable team compared to Samoa. With Katoa leading the way for them, they will win Group C, which will likely mean a match against the Kiwis if all else goes to plan. The best bet for them is $3.50 to make the Grand Final.
Tonga to Make Grand Final
$3.50
England - $17 at Dabble
England have declined in recent years and despite two decent performances against the Kangaroos, there was a sense that a lot was going right for them to be at their best. Gone are the days of rugged middle players that drag their opponents into an arm wrestle, only to prevail late. They are stuck trying to play a different style which doesn’t compliment their players. If there is a change to this approach, they can surprise with capable players in their squad. The inclusions of Farnworth, Radley, Brimson, King, and Savala offers them a chance to defeat Samoa and top Group B, which is enticing at $2.35, although we're with Samoa.
Before You Bet will be providing free previews and betting tips for certain marquee games in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, so make sure to head over to our NRL Tips regularly to keep up to date with all our free content.
