Friday, 16 October 2026 Seven scores #1 with massive Rugby League World Cup opener Rugby League World Cup opener reaches 3.29 million Biggest opening to a Rugby League World Cup ever Biggest Rugby League World Cup audience since the 2008 final The Seven Network’s coverage of the Rugby League World Cup began last night, reaching a massive 3.29 million on Seven and 7plus. The tournament’s opening match between Australia and New Zealand saw an incredible Trans-Tasman tussle with the Kangaroos clinching a nail-biting victory over New Zealand with the match having a total TV audience of 1.73 million and reaching 3.29 million. The audience on 7plus Sport 594,000. The match was also the #1 program on Thursday in total people, 25 to 54s, 16 to 39s and grocery shoppers. The post-match coverage had a national audience of 953,000 and reached 2 million. Southern Cross Media Director of Sport – Television, Audio and Streaming, Chris Jones said: “What an incredible way to open the Rugby League World Cup live, free and exclusive on Seven and 7plus. “Firstly, thank you to the players for putting on an absolute spectacle,” he said. “Our production team at Seven, led by Lesley Tapsall delivered a fresh, innovative and glass half full broadcast, setting the standard for what’s to come over the next four weeks. A huge thank you also to our commentary team, who set the tone from the start of the coverage and coloured in the incredible action on field. “We’ve seen record-breaking audiences for the AFL Grand Final, the NFL at the MCG, an incredible Bathurst 1000 and now the Rugby League World Cup, showcasing the power of Seven’s platform and our ability to bring Australians together for the moments that matter. If you want more rugby league in October and November, there’s nowhere else to look than Seven, 7plus, Triple M and LISTNR.” Seven Network Head of Rugby League World Cup, Lesley Tapsall said: “Opening night captured everything that makes a Rugby League World Cup so special, from the intensity of the Australia-New Zealand clash to the individual stories that emerge when the world’s best players come together on the biggest stage. “Seeing debutant Jack Bostock claim Player of the Match was a great reminder of the moments and stories that make this tournament so compelling," she said. "We cannot wait to bring fans more of that drama and world-class rugby league across the next four weeks.