The Rugby League World Cup kicks off on Thursday - who is favourite to win?
Australia are the 4/5 favourites to retain the Rugby League World Cup, which starts on Thursday when they face New Zealand at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. The Kiwis are second favourites at 7/2, with Samoa, England and Tonga all priced in double figures.
The tournament runs from 15 October to 15 November across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, and the final is at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
Rugby League World Cup 2026 Winner Odds
Who are the favourites to win the Rugby League World Cup?
| Selection | Best odds | Best at | Worst odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 4/5 | Betfred, Betfair, BetMGM, QuinnBet, Betway, Sky Bet, Paddy Power | 2/5 |
| New Zealand | 7/2 | BetTom | 2/1 |
| Samoa | 12/1 | Star Sports, AK Bets | 7/1 |
| Tonga | 16/1 | PricedUp | 9/1 |
| England | 16/1 | Betfred, BetMGM, QuinnBet, Betway | 12/1 |
| Papua New Guinea | 300/1 | Nine bookmakers | 150/1 |
| Fiji | 500/1 | Nine bookmakers | 250/1 |
| France | 750/1 | Star Sports | 250/1 |
| Cook Islands | 1000/1 | 11 bookmakers | 500/1 |
| Lebanon | 1000/1 | Betfred, Star Sports | 500/1 |
Australia Favourites to Win the Rugby League World Cup
Australia are the reigning champions and arrive in strong form after a second straight 3-0 Ashes win over England last autumn. Reece Walsh scored four tries in that series. Kevin Walters has named Isaah Yeo as captain, although Yeo is playing through a ruptured pectoral, and the squad is without Nathan Cleary, who is out with a fractured ankle. AK Bets has shortened Australia's price.
New Zealand Odds Ahead of the Opener
New Zealand are 2/1 with most bookmakers, but BetTom's 7/2 stands well clear of the rest of the market. The Kiwis are the most popular bet on Oddschecker, ahead of Australia, England, Tonga and Samoa. They're without the suspended Phoenix Crossland for the whole pool stage, and Thursday's meeting with Australia could decide who tops Pool A.
England and Tonga Rugby League World Cup Odds
England face Tonga in Perth on Saturday 17 October at 10.05am UK time, and one defeat could cost either side a semi-final place. Tonga are shortening with several bookmakers to win the tournament and are 16/1 at best, the same as England. Brian McDermott has picked George Williams to captain the side after he recovered from a neck injury. Mikey Lewis is included in the squad ahead of Jake Connor.
Samoa Odds and the Outsiders
Samoa are 12/1 at best but are drifting with several firms after losing Payne Haas and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to injury. Papua New Guinea are 300/1, and France are as big as 750/1.
How to Watch the Rugby League World Cup in the UK
Premier Sports will show all 18 men's matches live in the UK and Ireland, including the semi-finals and the final. The BBC isn't covering the tournament.
