Watch Fiji v Cook Islands: Brett Sprigg and Matthew Elliott comment, Bridget Murphy reports via ABC Sport

The highlight of the Rugby League World Cup 2026, when Fiji take on Cook Islands in the big-ship room on 18 October 2026, is being covered by ABC Sport, the Australian commentary network that has taken on the rugby league programme. The main commentary is provided by Brett Sprigg, with a helping hand from Matthew Elliott, while Bridget Murphy reports from the studio. Everything is streamed through ABC Sport's channels.

ABC Sport has made itself the go-to for the whole of the men's and women's rugby league season, announcing that it will bring viewers every game. Alongside its commentators it has brought in expert coaching and reporting to make sure nothing is missed, with Bridget Murphy from ABC Newcastle bringing listeners closer to the action.

The commentators

Brett Sprigg is the main voice over the Fiji v Cook Islands match. He is well known to ABC Sport viewers, having been filmed earlier this year showing exactly how he prepares for a game, laying out his notes and walking through the work he does before a ball is even thrown. That kind of behind-the-scenes insight makes his commentary a reliable one to follow.

He is joined by Matthew Elliott, who has been a fixture in the rugby league world for some time. Born on 8 December 1964, he is an Australian professional rugby league coach and commentator who has previously worked with the NRL, and he is one of the expert coaches ABC Sport has drawn on for the season. His partnership with Brett Sprigg was already visible earlier in 2026, when the pair were filmed together testing out drone-dropped balls in a preview of finals football.

The reporter

Bridget Murphy is reporting from the studio, linked to ABC Sport and working alongside ABC Newcastle. He has built a presence on social media, where his account shows him following news across the ABC family, and he is the person bringing listeners closer to what is happening on the field.

Where to watch

The match is being shown through ABC Sport's own channels, so tune into their platform for the full commentary from Brett Sprigg and Matthew Elliott, with Bridget Murphy rounding things out from the reporter's desk. For background on one of the coaches behind today's match, Matthew Elliott's rugby league profile covers his career as a coach and commentator.

Article generated: 17 October 2026, 18:21 GMT