Channel 7 and ABC Sport bring you Australia v Fiji at RLWC26 — watch with Mel McLaughlin, Andrew Voss and Quentin Hull

The fifth installment of the Rugby League World Cup 2026 drops on 25 October 2026, when Australia faces off Fiji in Channel 7plus. Kick-off is scheduled for 08:05 UK time, which puts the ball in the hands of the players just over an hour later for those watching from the Pacific. The match has a compact roster, so expect a tight, well-coordinated broadcast rather than a crowded studio.

The headline channel is Channel 7plus / Channel 7 Australia, the flagship sports broadcaster whose RLWC26 lineup has been described as star-studded. Anchoring the feed is Mel McLaughlin, a sports presenter who has been a fixture across the Seven Network's broadcasting family for years, moving through roles on the main network, Optus Sport and Seven News before landing in the rugby league world of play. A recent piece from the Seven Network family noted her path to these matches, tracing how she got to presenting rugby league after years as a cadet reporter.

Alongside her is Emma Freedman, who has taken over the coveted hosting role following a network shake-up that left Mel's usual position in some doubt. The two presenters will be joined on commentary by Andrew Voss, Luke Keary and Trent Robinson, with David Riccio as pundit and the reporting duties shared between Jelisa Apps, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Lote Tuqiri.

The commentary team

Andrew Voss is the main commentator and has spent more than half a lifetime in rugby league, so he knows the format cold. He recently joined the League Express Podcast as a special guest, breaking down highlights ahead of the World Cup, and has been heard on SEN radio reciting the "13 Commandments" of being a rugby league fan. He is expected to call the key moments in this match.

Luke Keary is bringing his usual Channel 7 expertise, having previously discussed the sport in depth on the platform ahead of other matches. Trent Robinson rounds out the commentary, and given his interest in how the NRL's Super League bid might reinvigorate rugby league in France, he is well placed to weigh in on the finer points of the game.

The ABC Sport feed

For those who prefer the ABC Sport broadcast, the match is fronted by Quentin Hull as main commentator, with Billy Moore co-commentating and Zane Bojack on reporting duties. It is a leaner roster, but it offers a second window on the same ball and a different set of eyes on the outcome.

Who to watch

The best single destination for the full broadcast is Channel 7plus, where Mel McLaughlin and the commentary team will have the platform. If you want a lighter, more analytical take, the ABC Sport feed with Quentin Hull is the alternative. Both feeds will have you covered for the Australia v Fiji clash on 25 October 2026.

For a bit of background on the headline presenter, Mel McLaughlin's profile is worth a look before the match goes live.

Article generated: 25 October 2026, 08:11 GMT