Australia have won three games from three at the Rugby League World Cup ©Getty Images

Australia have made the perfect start to their title defence at the Rugby League World Cup as they remain unbeaten following the conclusion of the group stage in England.

Mal Meninga's side are joined by the host nation, New Zealand and Tonga as those with three wins from three.

As the tournament reaches the knockout rounds, Australia are set to contest the first quarter-final against Lebanon in Huddersfield on November 4.

The Middle Eastern country finished as runners-up in Group C following routine victories over Ireland and Jamaica.

Despite a first-minute try against eventual table-toppers New Zealand they could not hold on in the pivotal fixture and ultimately lost 34-12.

England's Dom Young has scored the most tries of the tournament so far with eight ©Getty Images
England's Dom Young has scored the most tries of the tournament so far with eight ©Getty Images

The second match in the last eight is due to take place in Wigan between England and Papua New Guinea, who downed the Cook Islands and Wales in Group D while Tonga cruised past the trio.

England boast the tournament's top try-scorer in Dom Young who has crossed the whitewash eight times, while Australia's Josh Addo-Carr and Louis Senior of Ireland are joint second on six.

A Polynesian battle awaits in the next round with Tonga scheduled to face off against Samoa in Warrington on November 6.

Prior to that, New Zealand and Fiji will battle it out for a place in the semi-finals after Fiji finished second behind Australia in Group B.