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Thank you for joining us over the last month for our 2026 Rugby League World Cup coverage.

How will this tournament be viewed in years to come? On one hand, a weird format, several blow-outs and familiar Australia domination. On the other, some brilliant matches - Australia v New Zealand in the opening game, and Samoa v Tonga being the highlights - and encouraging performances by emerging nations.

Regardless, it has been a pleasure to bring the competition to you and we hope you have enjoyed our online coverage.

Now, after several 4am alarms to work on Australian time, I am off for a nap. Cheerio.

Australia have won four penalties and made six line breaks. New Zealand recorded only one of each in the first half.

It was a half of two halves. For the first 20 minutes, it was a very even contest with New Zealand perhaps edging it.

For the final 20 minutes before the break, Australia were totally dominant and could have gone in even further ahead.

It was coming.

After his earlier fumble, Bradman Best chased down the breakaway and tackled Jahrome Hughes. It turned possession back to Australia.

From their next attack, Best dummies his man and pierces the defence to score Australia's third try. Excellent rugby.

Cameron Munster converts, and he advantage is 12.

It was coming.

After his earlier fumble, Bradman Best chased down the breakaway and tackled Jahrome Hughes. It turned possession back to Australia.

From their next attack, Best dummies his man and pierces the defence to score Australia's third try. Excellent rugby.

Cameron Munster converts, and he advantage is 12.

Australia are the current holders and have won the last three finals and 12 of the previous 16 tournaments.

Only Great Britain and New Zealand have also won the men's World Cup, with the Kiwis one success being in 2008 when they defeated Australia 34-20 at Lang Park, where tonight's final takes place.

They need a similarly historic showing tonight.

New Zealand had the upper hand for much of the match when they faced Australia in the opening match of the World Cup on 15 October.

They perhaps paid for a lack of ruthlessness, and a touch of carelessness, particularly in the loose pass that allowed Jack Bostock to score a breakaway try - the first of his three, as the Kangaroos won 24-22.

New Zealand's pack is arguably the best in the world, with James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota, Joe Tapine and Naufahu Whyte up front.

Australia front-rower Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, though, has dismissed the idea that the Kiwi forwards will have the upper hand today.

"We definitely discussed [after the opening game] that we needed to be better," he said.

"But we won the game. We were really proud of our effort, our scramble defence and making things happen."