Bostock Hat-Trick Helps Australia Beat New Zealand 24-22 in Rugby League World Cup Opener

Debutant Jack Bostock scored three tries as Australia beat New Zealand 24-22 in the men's Rugby League World Cup opener at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on October 15. His winning try with four minutes remaining overturned New Zealand's 22-20 lead after the teams had been level at 10-10 at halftime. Bostock ran for 231 metres and was named player of the match in front of 41,255 spectators. Reece Walsh and Tom Trbojevic also scored tries for Australia, while Kalyn Ponga scored twice and Casey McLean once for New Zealand. The victory extended Australia's World Cup winning streak to 19 matches.