double quotation mark The jeopardy of losing one game in a pool of three is so harsh, it’s almost like we don’t get another chance to straighten things out. It’s just harsh that we have to take a standing eight count in that first round, but we’re ready to go again.

Nothing has gone wrong, it’s just a harsh competition in which you’ve got to hit the ground running, which we didn’t do.

I’m trying to be diplomatic here. If France held the World Cup, there would have been more teams in it and it would have been more like the usual format. I completely understand that if it has to be reduced to a 10-team competition.

It’s not the easiest thing to do and we end up with situations like this. If you lose one game, you don’t really get a chance to fix it. It’s tough because we now need to rely on other results if we are to go through.

Preamble

Jonathan Howcroft

Hello everybody and welcome to live coverage of Australia v Fiji in the 2026 men’s Rugby League World Cup. Kick-off at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane is from 7.05pm local time (8.05pm AEDT/9.05am GMT).

I won’t patronise the Guardian’s esteemed readership by setting up this blog with any hint of jeopardy. Australia should win this match comfortably, perhaps even with a total that nudges the 99 the men’s cricket team cobbled together in Gqeberha the other day. In seven previous encounters between these sides the cumulative scoreline reads 378-24.

Nonetheless, with the Kangaroos coming into this World Cup without any trial matches, every fixture is significant for Kevin Walters and the players competing for spots in his starting XIII. The hosts looked rusty in their opening hit-out against the Kiwis and were fortunate to come away with a victory. Plenty of places are still up for grabs, meaning the focus should be sharp even during a routine pummelling.

James Tedesco in particular will be keen to make a statement at fullback, while Sam Walker and Tom Dearden will duel for the right to partner Cameron Munster in the halves during the knockout stages. The Kangaroos pack was monstered by its Kiwi counterparts last weekend, opening the door for someone like David Fifita to force his way into the reckoning.

Fiji’s young squad will rely on the experience of hooker Api Korisau and prop Jacob Saifiti to keep them competitive for as long as possible, and if they gain a foothold the likes of Kurt Donoghoe, Waqa Blake, and Sunia Turuva have the class to go toe-to-toe with their direct opponent.

The Bati made light work of Cook Islands in their opening match and another strong showing this evening could add a frisson of excitement to their clash with New Zealand next weekend, which the Kiwis must win to qualify for the semi-finals.

I’ll be back with final team lists and more shortly. Please send me your emails and keep me company throughout the evening. The address is jonathan.howcroft.freelance@theguardian.com.