Brief

New Zealand fans flock to record‑breaking World Cup opener in Sydney

Allianz Stadium is set to host its biggest rugby league test crowd in more than five decades.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 13 Oct 2026 13:45:12 GMT

On Thursday night, October 13, 2026, the Rugby League World Cup will open at Allianz Stadium in Sydney with a crowd approaching 40,000, the largest test attendance in the city since 1974, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

What happened

Officials confirmed on Tuesday that just under 40,000 tickets have been sold for the match, which will be played in front of the stadium’s 42,500‑seat capacity. The game pits the New Zealand Kiwis against the Australian Kangaroos, marking the first time in more than 50 years that a rugby league test in Sydney has drawn such numbers. The previous record for a post‑NRL‑era international in Sydney was 34,571 at the 2008 Centenary Test at the SCG, while the last sell‑out was the 1974 third Test between Australia and Great Britain, which attracted 55,505 fans.

What the reports add

The article notes that New Zealand’s forward pack, featuring Naufahu Whyte, James Fisher‑Harris, Moses Leota and Joseph Tapine, has generated strong ticket demand, with thousands of Kiwi supporters travelling to Sydney. It also highlights the personal rivalry between New Zealand centre Ronnie Mulitalo and Australian halfback Harry Grant, recalling a previous encounter in which Mulitalo slapped Grant and received a ten‑minute sin‑bin.

What was said

Kiwis’ playmaker Kodi Nikorima told the SMH, “He’s one of those players you don’t necessarily like playing against because he’s so loud and always letting you know about it – to be on the same team as him is awesome.” He added that Mulitalo “is full of energy, he’s a competitor, and that’s what we love about him.” Fellow Kiwi Joseph Tapine described Mulitalo as “one of the best blokes off the field, but one of the worst to play against.” Kangaroos captain Isaah Yeo said, “At this stage of your career you should know what helps you play your best football, whether that’s going back at them, or worrying about your own game – it’s up to the individual.”

How it came about

The surge in interest follows the ARL Commission’s revamp of State of Origin eligibility rules earlier this year, a move praised by executive chairman Peter V’landys as strengthening the global contest. The match also follows a 2024 Pacific Championships final in Parramatta that attracted about 28,000 fans, mostly Tongan, indicating growing regional enthusiasm for international rugby league.

Key facts

Just under 40,000 tickets have been sold for the World Cup opener at Allianz Stadium. (smh.com.au)
The match will feature New Zealand's forward pack of Naufahu Whyte, James Fisher‑Harris, Moses Leota and Joseph Tapine. (smh.com.au)
Ronnie Mulitalo previously slapped Harry Grant and received a ten‑minute sin‑bin. (smh.com.au)
Allianz Stadium’s capacity is 42,500 seats. (smh.com.au)
The last sell‑out for a Sydney test was in 1974 with 55,505 spectators. (smh.com.au)