Who are the Kangaroos in rugby league?
The Kangaroos are Australia's national men's rugby league team. They are the most successful nation in Rugby League World Cup history, with more than ten titles.
Australia played its first rugby league Test in 1908 against New Zealand. The same year, the first Kangaroo tour travelled to Britain, and the nickname has been used ever since.
The team plays in green and gold. Its great rivals are England, Great Britain in earlier years, and New Zealand. Australia also plays Pacific nations such as Tonga and Samoa, whose teams have become much stronger.
World Cup record
Australia has won the Rugby League World Cup many times, including the 2013, 2017 and 2021 tournaments. The 2021 tournament was played in England in 2022 because of the pandemic.
Famous Kangaroos include Clive Churchill, Reg Gasnier, Mal Meninga, Wally Lewis, Darren Lockyer, Johnathan Thurston and Cameron Smith.
Players are selected mainly from the NRL, Australia's top competition. Many are also stars of State of Origin.
Mal Meninga, a former captain, has also coached the Kangaroos, building on his success as Queensland's Origin coach.
Did You Know?
The Kangaroos regularly play New Zealand's Kiwis, including in the Pacific Championships.