Host nation Australia got their 2026 IRL Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup group-stage campaign off to a flying start with an impressive victory over New Zealand in their opening Pool A clash at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong.
The Wheelaroos wasted little time in making their presence felt, with Diab Karim opening the scoring after just one minute to set the tone for an impressive display.
Daniel Anstey doubled Australia's advantage in the fifth minute before Bayley McKenna crossed six minutes later. Karim added his second in the 15th minute, with Anstey also grabbing his second two minutes later as the hosts established early control.
Adam Tannock got in on the action in the 19th minute before McKenna crossed for his second in the 21st minute, giving Australia a commanding platform.
Cory Cannane added another try in the 33rd minute, while Tannock crossed again just after the break in the 41st minute.
Karim completed his hat-trick in the 52nd minute, with Tannock following suit four minutes later. McKenna then added his third in the 60th minute before Zac Schumacher crossed twice, in the 64th and 69th minutes.
Liam Luff added his name to the scoresheet in the 71st minute, before McKenna claimed his fourth try of the afternoon two minutes later. Anstey completed his hat-trick in the 75th minute, with Luff rounding off the scoring in the 78th minute.
Australia's 18 tries highlighted the depth of their attacking threat, with Karim, Anstey and Tannock all scoring hat-tricks, while McKenna led the way with four tries.
The Wheelaroos will take plenty of confidence from their opening performance as they look to make the most of home advantage and mount a serious challenge for the world title.
