The rise of Samoa and Tonga on the international stage, alongside the continued growth of rugby league in New Zealand, has intensified debate over Australia’s standing as the benchmark of international rugby league.
While the Pacific nations have proudly showcased their cultures in camp preparations through dances, songs and performances, questions have emerged over the identity and connection within the Kangaroos camp, and whether Australia, and its fans, can match the passion of its international rivals.
However, following Australia’s hard-fought 24-22 victory over New Zealand to a sold out Allianz Stadium on Thursday night, Brisbane Broncos prop Patrick Carrigan has offered an insight into the traditions bringing the green and gold together.
Speaking to Zero Tackle after their victory, Carrigan revealed that while Australia’s approach might be more understated, the foundations of its camp culture remain rooted in the values synonymous with the Australian way: mateship, hardwork and a clock off beer.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 15: David Fifita and Patrick Carrigan of Australia celebrate winning the 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup match between Australia Kangaroos and New Zealand Kiwis at Allianz Stadium on October 15, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Rather than relying on elaborate team-building activities, the Kangaroos have embraced a familiar formula of spending time together, sharing a few stories and recognising the sacrifices made to reach the international stage.
“It’s always the boys and getting to have a beer together and we enjoyed that on our first night, then after that we get to work,” he told Zero Tackle.
“I also think Kev’s just really good at sharing the stories of where the boys have come from and their journeys to be here and letting them know that the 12 year old then would be very proud of what they’re doing now. So it’s cool to hear where the boys have walked in their life.”
Under head coach Kevin Walters, the emphasis on understanding each player’s journey has helped establish a connection between experienced internationals and those experiencing the pinnacle of their careers for the first time.
That appreciation for the sacrifices made along the way has also been reflected in a special tradition ahead of Australia’s opening match, with players receiving handwritten letters from their loved ones.
For Bulldogs star Jacob Preston, the gesture carried particular significance as he made his Kangaroos debut against New Zealand after a career that has demanded considerable perseverance.
Jacob Preston during the round two NRL match between the Melbourne Storm and Canterbury Bulldogs at AAMI Park on March 11, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Grimes/Zero Digital Sports)
Preston had been part of the wider Ashes squad last year and attended State of Origin camp in 2025, before missing out on Blues selection this season amid form and an arm injury.
However, his journey to the green and gold has been defined by a determination to overcome setbacks, something his father highlighted in a heartfelt letter delivered ahead of his international debut.
“Jake, it’s Dad here. I cannot put into words how proud I am of your achievements,” he wrote.
“After smashing your leg in seven places in the 16s for the Bears, I have seen how hard you have trained; working for me at 4am in the morning, then going to training with the Roosters, then back to work delivering 230 parcels and then back to training.”
The letter reflected on an injury Preston suffered as a teenager that could have ended his professional ambitions before they had properly begun.
Rather than allowing the setback to derail his career, Preston continued working towards his NRL dream, taking on early morning shifts with his father at Australia Post before balancing his employment with training at the Roosters.
His journey from working before sunrise to representing Australia on the international stage is a testament to the hard work and persistence that have underpinned his rise, making his debut all the more meaningful.
It is this appreciation for the people behind the players that Carrigan believes makes the experience of representing Australia so special, particularly as established internationals get to know the fresh faces entering the squad.
“It’s just fun. Obviously a few boys I know very well and then you get to, you know, rub shoulders with the fresh faces like Jack Bostock and Jacob Preston,” he continued.
While Preston’s debut was a personal milestone, Dolphins outside back Jack Bostock produced one of the standout performances of the night after being selected on the wing by Walters and earning himself man of the match.
The decision raised eyebrows given Bostock’s usual position in the centres, but the 23-year-old quickly justified his selection, scoring a hat-trick in his first appearance for Australia.
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 02: Jack Bostock of the Dolphins attempts to break free from the defence during the round 27 NRL match between the Dolphins and New Zealand Warriors at Suncorp Stadium on September 02, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
His performance included a length-of-the-field intercept try before he continued to trouble the Kiwis as an aerial threat, showcasing the attacking weapons available to the Kangaroos as they look to defend their international standing.
Carrigan was quick to recognise Bostock’s impact, placing him alongside former Kangaroos teammate Mark Nawaqanitawase, who has since returned to rugby union but remained connected to the Australian group and was present to celebrate with the players in the sheds after the win.
“Jack, didn’t he come up tonight? Marky, Mark, and him, new million dollar wingers,” Carrigan smiled.
The comparison was a light-hearted nod to the value of Australia’s aerial threats, with Nawaqanitawase having made a significant impression during his time in rugby league and Bostock now beginning to build his own reputation on the international stage.
Bostock’s breakout performance could also have significant implications beyond the World Cup, with the Dolphins outside back set to hit the open market on November 1.
If he continues to build on his opening-night display, the club could face a challenge retaining him as his value rises and rival clubs assess his potential.
For Carrigan, however, the result and individual performances are only part of the bigger picture.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 15: Kalyn Ponga of New Zealand is tackled by Patrick Carrigan of Australia during the 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup match between Australia Kangaroos and New Zealand Kiwis at Allianz Stadium on October 15, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
The Kangaroos entered the tournament carrying the weight of expectation that comes with representing Australia, with questions surrounding the depth of the squad and the team’s ability to maintain its position at the top of international rugby league.
The emergence of Samoa and Tonga has demonstrated the growing strength of the international game, while New Zealand’s continued presence as a fierce rival ensures Australia can no longer take its position for granted.
Yet Carrigan believes the expectation placed on the Kangaroos is part of what makes representing the country so special, with every generation carrying the responsibility of upholding the standards established.
“It’s just special I think. As Aussies, we’re probably always written off a little bit and I think it’s because the expectation is just to win because the people have been there before us,” Carrigan said.
Australia’s narrow victory over New Zealand provided an early test of that expectation, with the Kangaroos forced to withstand a strong challenge from their trans-Tasman rivals before securing the two-point win.
While the result will provide confidence heading into the remainder of the tournament, Carrigan and his teammates will be aware there is still plenty to improve as they look to establish themselves as the team to beat.
The Kangaroos will now turn their attention to their next clash against Fiji in Brisbane, where the challenge will be to build on their opening performance while maintaining the enjoyment and connection that has helped define their camp.
For a side blending experienced campaigners with debutants eager to make their mark, the early signs have been encouraging.
Australia’s approach might not feature the same public displays of cultural pride seen among some of its international rivals, but Carrigan’s insight suggests the foundations remain the same.
The challenge now is to ensure those values translate into consistent performances on the field, as Australia looks to prove it remains the benchmark of international rugby league.