Australia extended their dominance of the men's Rugby League World Cup to a fourth successive title, with the Kangaroos proving far too strong for New Zealand in a one-sided final in Brisbane. The final finished 32-12. No nation had beaten Australia in a Rugby League World Cup since New Zealand in the 2003 final, and the Australians have now won 10 of the last 11 men's World Cup titles.

A close contest had been widely expected, not least because the hosts had won their opening match of the tournament against New Zealand by just two points a month earlier. Coach Kevin Walters' side had been improving every week, however, and in Brisbane they moved up a level. The match was level at 6-6 after 15 minutes, with Casey McLean's try cancelling out an early score by Liam Martin, but Australia then pulled away. Reece Walsh was outstanding throughout, and tries from Jack Bostock, Bradman Best and a second for Martin took the Kangaroos to 24-6 at half-time.S1S2

Australia's advantage grew early in the second half. Three minutes after the restart, Walsh beat several defenders and set up Tom Trbojevic for a try in the corner, leaving New Zealand 28-6 behind. New Zealand had scored 22 unanswered points to win the 2008 final, but a repeat was never realistic this time. The Kiwis had their moments in the final half-hour, most notably when Isaiah Papali'i collected a Jahrome Hughes kick to reduce the deficit to 28-12. Bostock then completed his hat-trick with three minutes remaining, and the Kangaroos' celebrations had already begun.S1S2