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Four newcomers named in NZ Kiwis Rugby League World Cup squad
Sport Nation • October 6th, 2026 6:30 pm
Kalyn Ponga is expected to make his debut for New Zealand in the upcoming World Cup | Photo: Mark Evans/AAP
The New Zealand Kiwis have named a star-studded 23-man squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with four players in line to make their international debuts.
Head coach Stacey Jones has selected a squad combining the core of last year’s Pacific Championships-winning side with a host of fresh talent, including Kalyn Ponga, Jahrome Hughes and Dane Gagai.
Captain James Fisher-Harris will lead the Kiwis once again after a standout NRL season which saw him named Dally M Captain of the Year and Prop of the Year.
He will be joined in the forward pack by fellow Dally M Prop of the Year Naufahu Whyte, who has just won an NRL premiership with the Sydney Roosters, while two-time Dally M Lock of the Year Erin Clark also returns.
Erin Clark | Photo: Photosport
“We’re very excited for this World Cup campaign. We’ve been building towards this over the past few years, and winning the Pacific Championships last year was a big step in that journey,” Jones said.
“I’m confident in this squad. We’ve got a good mix of experienced players who have been part of the team for a long time, and some new blood who all bring great talent.”
NRL top point scorer Jamayne Isaako retains his place, alongside Dolphins teammates Jeremy Marshall-King and Kodi Nikorima, who returns to the Kiwis after last featuring for New Zealand in 2024.
Melbourne Storm star Jahrome Hughes also makes his international return after an injury-enforced absence, having last represented the Kiwis in their 2023 Pacific Championships final victory over Australia.
The biggest selection headline is Ponga, who is set to make his Kiwis debut after pledging his allegiance to New Zealand earlier this year following changes to State of Origin and international eligibility rules.
James Fisher-Harris | Photo: Photosport
The Newcastle Knights fullback is joined by teammate and Māori All Stars star Dane Gagai, who is also in line for his Kiwis debut after the International Rugby League board approved his switch to New Zealand.
Warriors duo Jacob Laban and Tanner Stowers-Smith round out the four potential debutants.
Stowers-Smith, who hails from Christchurch, will also continue a proud family legacy with the Kiwis, having been selected to follow in the footsteps of his great-grandfather Pat Smith, a former New Zealand captain.
The Kiwis will open their World Cup campaign against Australia in Sydney on October 15 in the tournament's opening match.
They will then return to New Zealand to face the Cook Islands at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch before travelling to the Gold Coast for their final pool match against Fiji.
The Rugby League World Cup final will be played at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, November 15.
New Zealand World Cup squad:
Erin Clark, James Fisher-Harris, Dane Gagai, Jahrome Hughes, Jamayne Isaako, Keano Kini, Jacob Laban, Moses Leota, Jeremy Marshall-King, Te Maire Martin, Casey McLean, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Briton Nikora, Kodi Nikorima, Isaiah Papali'i, Kalyn Ponga, Scott Sorensen, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Joseph Tapine, Leo Thompson, Naufahu Whyte, Xavier Willison
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