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Nation-swappers show Rugby League World Cup is up for grabs in fiery opener | Angus Fontaine

Kalyn Ponga stars for New Zealand but Australia edge Sydney clash as tournament promises fireworks on the pitch as well as offUnder new rules introduced for this World Cup, nation-swapping is not only possible, it is virtually encouraged. And like the cheeseburger spring rolls at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night, it’s a culture clash that delights as many people as it offends. But based on the intensity of last night’s Cup opener, it’s players and fans who are the winners.Fireworks. Lasers. Shimmering projections. Allianz Stadium was lit up like a Las Vegas casino. This was intended to be a bold new era for rugby league. They had rejigged the tournament format to distil the talent pool, reducing the competing nations from 16 to 10 and boiling down the number of matches from 31 to 18. Continue reading...

Published Oct 15, 2026 · 8:00 PMOriginal source: Sport | The Guardian2 reads
Kalyn Ponga stars for New Zealand but Australia edge Sydney clash as tournament promises fireworks on the pitch as well as offUnder new rules introduced for this World Cup, nation-swapping is not only possible, it is virtually encouraged. And like the cheeseburger spring rolls at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night, it’s a culture clash that delights as many people as it offends. But based on the intensity of last night’s Cup opener, it’s players and fans who are the winners.Fireworks. Lasers. Shimmering projections. Allianz Stadium was lit up like a Las Vegas casino. This was intended to be a bold new era for rugby league. They had rejigged the tournament format to distil the talent pool, reducing the competing nations from 16 to 10 and boiling down the number of matches from 31 to 18. Continue reading...
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