The rugby league history of Australia

The national Australian side started in 1908 when the Kangaroos’ first game ended in an 11-10 loss to New Zealand.

Australia has the best record of any international side throughout history with 11 triumphs in 15 World Cups as well as six Four Nations successes in ten competitions.

Australia’s 16-12 defeat to Tonga in November 2019 was the Kangaroos’ first loss in a Test match against a nation other than New Zealand, Great Britain or England for 41 years – that was against France in 1978.

The Australian women’s Rugby League side have competed in every World Cup having been champions on two occasions being 2013 and 2017.