Australia’s most trusted and recognisable sports hosts, commentators and experts will lead the Seven Network’s coverage of the Rugby League World Cup 2026 broadcast live, free and exclusively on Seven and 7plus Sport from Thursday, October 15 to Sunday, November 15 2026.
Seven’s coverage of the RLWC will come to life across all 53 men’s, women’s and wheelchair matches with 7Sport presenters Mel McLaughlin and Matt White, Sunrise’s Matt Shirvington and 2013 RLWC winner and The Agenda Setters: Rugby League host Corey Parker leading the coverage.
Joining them will be expert players and analysts including three-time Sydney Roosters premiership-winning coach Trent Robinson, three-time premiership winner Luke Keary, Samoa and New Zealand dual international and former IRL Golden Boot winner Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Melbourne Storm premiership player Ryan Papenhuyzen and RLWC winners Aaron Woods, Brett Kimmorley, Brent Tate and Emma Verran.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today
They will be accompanied by England’s most-capped player James Graham, Australia and Fiji’s dual international Lote Tuqiri, current Jillaroo and NRLW premiership winner Yasmin Meakes, former Samoa captain Shontelle Stowers, premiership coach Shane Flanagan and Wheelaroos World Cup player Stephan Rochecouste.
Leading commentator Andrew Voss from Fox League will serve as head caller, while Triple M’s Anthony Maroon will join ABC’s Andrew Moore, Drury Forbes and Sky New Zealand’s Beaven Dewar to commentate across the tournament.
7Sport’s Emma Freedman will bring viewers into the heart of the tournament, connecting with family and friends and capturing the passion and emotion behind the global game.
Covering the action from the sideline will be Seven’s Katie Brown, Jelisa Apps and Triple M’s Charlie White alongside Daily Telegraph and CODE Sports chief sports writer, David Riccio and The Courier Mail’s chief rugby league reporter Peter Badel.
2Day FM’s Nath Roye will showcase the personalities behind the players, bringing viewers light-hearted interviews and a glimpse at life off the field.
The Wheelchair tournament will be played entirely out of WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong with callers Jono Farr and former Ireland international and four-time Super League winner Kyle Amor also providing his expertise alongside Rochecouste.
Kicking off with a blockbuster clash between Australia and New Zealand men’s teams at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium on October 15, Seven’s month-long coverage will showcase the very best of international rugby league.
For former Dally M and international coach of the year Trent Robinson, the anticipation is building.
“There’s a lot of anticipation around this World Cup. The international game continues to grow, particularly across the Pacific and parts of Europe, and there’s real belief in a number of nations now,” he said.
“We’re going to see some of the best players in our game representing their countries and culture, and having the 2026 tournament on home soil will be really special.
“For people across Australia to be able to catch every moment live and free on Seven and 7plus is a huge win for rugby league fans across the country.”
Australia’s Women’s team the Jillaroos are the benchmark of women’s international rugby league, having won the past three RLWC and are now chasing a historic fourth consecutive title in 2026.
Led by some of the game’s most accomplished players, the Jillaroos will be aiming to extend their dominance on the world stage.
“The women’s game has never been in a stronger place. The Jillaroos have set such a high standard, and they’ll be going out there chasing a fourth straight Rugby League World Cup title, which is pretty incredible,” Olympic gold medallist and RLWC 2021 winner Emma Verran said.
“I have them playing for Australia on home soil makes it even more special.”
Matt White added; “The Rugby League World Cup is a chance to see the game at its most powerful, bringing nations, cultures and the biggest names in rugby league together on one stage. It’s a celebration of rugby league’s global growth and the superstars who continue to elevate the game. International Rugby League has never been more competitive, and with the biggest names in NRL representing their heritage and their culture. This is Origin, but on a global scale.”
“Seven’s Head of Rugby League World Cup, Lesley Tapsall said: “The Rugby League World Cup is set to be a landmark sporting event of 2026, bringing the world’s best teams and players together and Seven will deliver a broadcast befitting the scale and significance of the tournament.”
“With the world’s best players and teams coming together, there will be no shortage of big moments. Whether rugby league is part of your weekly routine or you’re watching for the first time, Seven and 7plus will be the place to experience all the action as it unfolds.”
