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Live sport on SN this weekendTallis backs Australia to leave Kiwis roo-ing
Sport Nation • November 14th, 2026 7:30 am
Australia captain Isaah Yeo is tackled during the Men's Rugby League World Cup Group A match between the Kangaroos and the Kiwis | Photo: Mark Evans/Photosport
Kangaroos great Gorden Tallis believes Australia’s ability to stay in the fight could prove decisive as they chase a World Cup win over New Zealand.
He says the Kiwis did almost everything right in the in the World Cup opener—but still couldn’t put Australia away and losing 24-22.
“They dominated the field position, they beat us up, they made more metres, they did everything, but Australia’s just got a knack of hanging in there,” Tallis told Sport Nation Mornings.
“That’s been our motto for our whole life. We’ve got an emu and kangaroo on our chest and the reason why we've got those is they can’t take a backward step. The Aussies don’t go away, not in rugby league.”
Kangaroos players celebrate a try | Photo: Matt Roberts/AAP
He also pointed to the Kangaroos’ lack of recent game time, saying many players had not taken the field for six weeks, while Reece Walsh was returning after nine weeks out and a leg injury.
“That would have been our worst performance, so that’s something that I’m really confident about,” Tallis said. “The Kiwis played their absolute best and they didn’t get the job done against us.”
Tallis said New Zealand would need to maintain its intensity for the full 80 minutes.
“When you play the Kangaroos, you can be ahead in a lot of things, but you’ve got to be ahead on the scoreboard.”
After beating James Tedesco for the fullback jersey, Reece Walsh starred in Australia's win over NZ | Photo: James Gourley/AAP
Tallis expects the contest to be tight, with the battle between star playmakers potentially shaping the result.
“I think it’s going to be close. I think it is going to go right down to the wire,” he said.
“Let’s just say whoever plays the best out of Kalyn Ponga and Reece Walsh, that team will win.”
Listen to the full interview below:
