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Find your frequencyThe Finals Countdown: Kiwis to dominate RLWC or counting out Kangaroos too soon?
Sport Nation • October 14th, 2026 10:34 am
New Zealand Kiwis | Photo: Robbie Stephenson/AAP
Sam Ackerman is back with Mitch James for this week’s edition of The Finals Countdown on Sport Nation, as the Rugby League World Cup gets underway on Thursday with a blockbuster clash between the Kiwis and the Kangaroos.
Just minutes after team naming, Sam and Mitch unpack Stacey Jones’ 19-man squad to face Australia and look at the key match-ups across the park.
They compare the players throughout each position before selecting their ideal side from the two teams.
The pair also preview the rest of round one, including another mouth-watering clash between England and Tonga on Saturday.
Sam and Mitch also turn their attention to the women’s tournament, where it seems there is like no other option but for the Australian Jillaroos to dominate.
Listen to the full episode below:
