Australia vs New Zealand Prediction – Women’s Rugby League World Cup Final

It’s a trans-Tasman double header for World Cup glory on Sunday, as Australia and New Zealand will also face off in the Women’s Final of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.

The Jillaroos arrive as heavy favourites after a dominant run through this tournament to date, while the Kiwi Ferns, just like their male counterparts, will be chasing their first world title since 2008 this Sunday at Suncorp.

This is the fifth consecutive World Cup final between these two sides, following Australia's wins in 2021 (54-4), 2017 (23-16) and 2013 (22-12). 

New Zealand will be desperate to end a long wait for silverware, having last lifted the trophy back in 2008, when they toppled Australia 34-0 at this very venue.

Some 18 years later can they run it back? Or will Australia cruise to a fourth straight World Cup title? Let’s find out! 

For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips ahead of the Women’s Rugby League World Cup Final, check out our Australia Women vs New Zealand Women tips and predictions below.

Australia Women vs New Zealand Women Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

Australia have beaten New Zealand in all three of their previous meetings in World Cup Finals and usurpingly enter this decider as heavy favourites in the H2H market.

The Jillaroos cruised past Fiji 30-14 in the semi-final, despite trailing 8-0, showing both attacking depth and composure under pressure. 

Abbi Church was outstanding, crossing for four tries and racking up 205 running metres, while Isabelle Kelly added 165 metres of her own.

New Zealand were impressive in their own right, thrashing Samoa 32-0 behind a Stacey Waaka hat-trick and a commanding kicking display from captain Raecene McGregor. 

However, Samoa simply couldn't live with New Zealand's physicality, and that performance hasn't been tested against a side of Australia's calibre. 

Given Australia's recent dominance in this fixture and their superior squad depth, for us they remain the clear pick to lift the trophy.

Betting tip: Australia Women. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

After her semi-final showing, Abbi Church is the standout choice in the first try scorer market for us

She was Australia's most potent attacking weapon all match against Fiji, finishing with four tries and 205 run metres, and her form makes her a serious threat to open the scoring in the final. 

Tamika Upton is another dangerous option given her involvement across the backline, while Jaime Chapman's explosiveness makes her a threat too, though she left the semi-final with cramping and her fitness for the final is worth monitoring.

On the New Zealand side, Mackenzie Wiki scored inside the first two minutes against Samoa, showing her ability to strike early, while Stacey Waaka's hat-trick and Mele Hufanga's six tackle breaks and try highlight two more attacking options worth considering if you fancy a Fern.

Betting tip: Abbi Church.

Line Prediction

Australia are set as 19.5-point favourites, and their recent history in this fixture supports a wide winning margin. 

The 2022 final finished 54-4 in Australia's favour, and while New Zealand have improved since then, the gap in overall squad strength and World Cup pedigree remains significant. 

Australia's attacking firepower, led by Abbi Church and Isabelle Kelly, gives them the tools to pull away in the second half if New Zealand's defence tires.

That said, New Zealand's forward pack, led by Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa's 22 tackles in the semi-final, suggests they won't go down without a fight, and covering a 19.5-point line against a well-organised defensive outfit is no guarantee. 

New Zealand's seventh consecutive final appearance shows they know how to compete on the big stage, even if they haven't found the win column since 2008.

Betting tip: New Zealand Women (+19.5) line. 

Women’s Rugby League World Cup Final Predicted Teams 

Australia Women Predicted Team List 

1. Tamika Upton

2. Jaime Chapman

3. Jessica Sergis

4. Isabelle Kelly (c)

5. Abbi Church

6. Jocelyn Kelleher

7. Tarryn Aiken

8. Millite Elliot

9. Olivia Higgins

10. Simaima Taufa

11. Tiana Penitani Gray

12. Shaylee Bent

13. Olivia Kernick

14. Keeley Nizza

15. Keilee Joseph

16. Kezie Apps

17. Sariah Paki

18. Sheridan Gallagher

New Zealand Women Predicted Team List

1. Apii Nicholls

2. Leianne Tufuga

3. Mele Hufanga

4. Stacey Waaka

5. Mackenzie Wiki

6. Chantay Kiria-Ratu

7. Raecene McGregor (c)

8. Alexis Tauaneai

9. Georgia Hale

10. Otesa Pule

11. Shaniece Monschau

12. Kaiyah Atai

13. Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa

14. Ashleigh Quinlan

15. Annessa Biddle

16. Shannon Mato

17. Ivana Lauitiiti

18. Brooke Anderson

Australia Women vs New Zealand Women Match Details 

Date: Sunday, November 15, 2026. 

Kick-off: 3:10pm AEST. 

Location: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. 

*Odds are subject to change.