Kalyn Ponga scores Rugby League World Cup wonder try despite shorts coming down to reveal pink underpants

The Rugby League World Cup kicked off with a bang as favourites Australia and New Zealand played out a thrilling opening match in Sydney but there was also a light-hearted moment amid the intensity of battle between the best two teams in the world.

With the game locked at 16-16 on the 60-minute mark, Kalyn Ponga – who was born in Western Australia and plays for Queensland in the State of Origin but switched allegiance to play for New Zealand ahead of this World Cup – scored a stunning try from 45 metres out, weaving between defenders to put the underdog Kiwis 22-16 in front.

That was despite running the final 30 metres with his shorts partially pulled down after slipping through an attempted tackle, revealing his lurid pink underpants beneath. Ponga didn’t seem to mind, grinning as he crossed the try line and choosing to celebrate with teammates before putting his shorts properly back in place.

His score was ultimately in vain however, as Reece Walsh notched an even better try for Australia on 69 minutes as he twisted and slalomed between a clutch of defenders to score in the corner and cut the gap to two points, although his exertions caused him to vomit after touching down.

Jack Bostock then completed a debut hat-trick four minutes from time to put the Kangaroos on top 24-22 and they clung on for victory at Allianz Stadium.

Australia have won nine of the last 10 Rugby League World Cups and are hot favourites to add to that record on home soil but New Zealand once again proved they can compete with the Kangaroos and will now be eyeing revenge in the final in Brisbane exactly one month today.

“That’s Test footy,” said New Zealand captain James Fisher-Harris when speaking to Premier Sports after the match. “A close game. The full 80 we were battling.

“Much respect to Australia. A few moments went their way but we fought to the death which I’m really proud of. Hopefully we’ll see them down the track.

“It was a good start for us and there will be only improvement from here.”

The Kiwis are expected to handily beat Fiji and the Cook Islands to secure second spot in Pool A, which would set up a semi-final against the winner of the combined Pool B & C, which could be Samoa, England or Tonga.

England face a crunch opening clash against Tonga in Perth on Saturday morning, where defeat would be a hammer blow in their attempt to reach the last four. The runners-up in the combined Pool B & C will face Australia (providing they don’t slip up against Fiji or the Cook Islands) and the Kangaroos are now bouncing as they eye more global glory on home soil.

“It was a special one,” said Australia full-back Walsh of the victory. “Both teams were really passionate. I was pretty emotional man, thinking of my family and friends who got me here. It was an awesome way to start the 2026 World Cup and an awesome game to be part of.

“To go out there and compete against the best in the world. I’m glad we put on a show and New Zealand should be really proud, no matter the result.”

Explaining why he vomited after scoring his try, Walsh said: “I was stuffed. My calves were gone. I was getting cramps in my stomach. I just needed to spew.”

And on his battle with Kiwis full-back Ponga – who was subbed off injured 10 minutes from time – Walsh added: “It’s special when you go up against special players. You want to take their challenge. He was massive for them and I’m gutted he looks to be injured. The fans are really going to miss him.

“I’ve got so much respect for the Kiwi boys, so I’m sure we’re going to see them at the back end of the tournament.”