ABC Sport's Brett Sprigg and Matthew Elliott commentate the Women's Rugby League World Cup match between New Zealand and Fiji

The Women's Rugby League World Cup 2026 continues on schedule, with the New Zealand v Fiji matchup due to begin at around 03:50 UK time today, Saturday 18 October 2026. As has become the norm for these matches, ABC Sport is running the commentary from its own studio, and its two most familiar faces for the job are back in their usual roles. Brett Sprigg is acting as the main commentator, with Matthew Elliott providing commentary alongside him.

The partnership between the two has been a feature of ABC Sport's coverage this season. Just over a month ago, on 12 September 2026, Brett Sprigg and Matthew Elliott were filmed together at Western Sydney, catching drone-dropped balls in what the broadcaster described as a preview of finals football. Their chemistry has clearly stood up well, and fans of the channel will be glad to see them both back on the mic for this New Zealand v Fiji run.

Brett Sprigg, ABC Sport's main commentator, has long been the face of the channel's running commentary. He has spoken publicly about how he prepares for a game, walking viewers through the way he sets out his notes and the work he does ahead of a match. That behind-the-scenes preparation is something many of the channel's viewers have followed across social media, where his segments are shared regularly.

Matthew Elliott, by contrast, brings a different kind of pedigree. Born on 8 December 1964, he is an Australian professional rugby league football coach and commentator, and a former player. Beyond the women's competition, he has been called on to coach in other rugby league contexts as well, including as an NRL coach, and he recently joined Ruan Sims to provide expert commentary for ABC Sport's coverage.

Reporting from the field

Alongside the commentary, Bridget Murphy is bringing listeners closer to the action. Known as ABC Newcastle on the channel, Bridget Murphy has been part of the ABC Sport lineup since the broadcaster announced it would bring viewers every game of the men's and women's rugby league competitions. Her presence adds a live, on-the-ground dimension to what is otherwise a studio-based commentary.

For those who want to follow the match, ABC Sport's channel is the place to tune in. The New Zealand v Fiji matchup opens a window of interest for players and observers alike, and the commentary team's familiarity with the format means the analysis should be as substantive as ever.

For background on one of the key figures in this match, Matthew Elliott's rugby league profile offers a record of his coaching and commentary career.

Article generated: 18 October 2026, 03:51 GMT