Jack Bostock's late try completed a debut hat-trick and secured Australia a 24-22 win over New Zealand in the Rugby League World Cup opener at Sydney's Allianz Stadium on Thursday.
The defeat was compounded by a broken arm for Kiwis fullback Kalyn Ponga, who is scheduled for surgery on Friday.
Newcastle Knights captain Ponga scored twice on his New Zealand debut and stood out in the contest.
His second try included a step past Australia fullback Reece Walsh and put the Kiwis ahead in the second half.
Ponga appeared to hurt his left arm after the break but kept playing through the pain before leaving in the 70th minute.
Team doctor Greg Macleod said Ponga would return to camp after surgery, while his availability for the rest of the tournament remains uncertain.
"We wish Kalyn all the best with his surgery today," Macleod said in a statement. "We'll see how that goes but for now he will remain in camp."