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'I’ve only dreamt of that': Stowers-Smith treasures emotional Kiwis debut
Jaxin Daniels • October 26th, 2026 10:03 am
Tanner Stowers-Smith was one five multiple tryscorers at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch | Photo: Photosport
Tanner Stowers-Smith says his Kiwis debut in Christchurch is a moment he and his family will remember for years, after he scored twice in New Zealand’s win over the Cook Islands to get their Rugby League World Cup campaign back on track.
The forward received a standing ovation as he left the field, with friends and family among the home crowd.
“I'm still processing it. I know from here on out, I'll look back on that and realise how such a special moment for not just me but my family and all the people that have helped me to be here,” Stowers-Smith said.
Seeing familiar faces in the stands made the occasion even more meaningful.
“It was pretty cool to be able to walk around and look into the crowd and see friends and family and everyone that I know from the city,” he said.
Stowers-Smith admitted he had expected the emotions to overwhelm him during his first haka and national anthem in a Kiwis jersey.
“I thought I was going to cry, but nah, it didn't happen like that,” he said. “But I was very emotional inside.”
Tanner Stowers-Smith (centre) during the national anthem ahead of his Kiwis debut | Photo: Andrew Cornaga / Photosport
His first try was especially memorable, and he said the crowd’s reaction made the moment even sweeter.
“Yeah, I don't have words,” he said. “That first try was amazing and just looking into that crowd and the way they reacted was really cool. I've only dreamt of that.”
The debut also gave Stowers-Smith the chance to play alongside experienced forward James Fisher-Harris, whose standards have made an impression on him.
“It's just the drive that he brings for everyone as a team and everyone as individuals to be at our best all the time,” Stowers-Smith said.
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The Warriors forward said the Kiwis’ connection and support for one another would be important as the team continued through the tournament.
“Are you going to turn on your brother or are you going to have their back and go through that hard patch together,” he said. “That is what gets you through those tough times and those moments.”
Kiwis teammate and cousin Jamayne Isaako said he was proud to see Stowers-Smith make his debut and score twice.
“He was the first person I walked to in the changing rooms there after the game,” Isaako said.
“Just so proud of him, being able to get a debut, especially back here at home, and getting to play in front of his family.”
Jamayne Isaako dives into the corner for his third try of the game | Photo: Andrew Cornaga / Photosport
Isaako also made history on the night, becoming the Kiwis’ highest point-scorer in a single game with 38.
He said the achievement was a proud moment, though his focus remained on doing his job for the team.
“I don't really play the games for those accolades,” he said. “I guess that helps being a try scoring winger and kicking the goals.”
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