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Kiwis ‘absolutely stacked’ despite Dylan Brown blow
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • July 28th, 2026 4:45 pm
Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
The New Zealand Kiwis may still be the team to beat at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, despite the major setback of losing Dylan Brown to an ACL rupture, according to NRL writer Brad Walter.
Walter, who is currently working full-time on the Rugby League World Cup, said it is hard to argue against the strength of the Kiwis on paper as excitement builds three months out from the tournament opener.
The World Cup will begin with a blockbuster clash between New Zealand and Australia at Allianz Stadium on October 15.
“Australia is going to have a very good side, right? But the other teams look just as strong, and New Zealand in particular - what a great team,” Walter told Sport Nation Afternoons.
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The absence of Brown after last weekend's brutal knee injury is a significant blow for New Zealand, with Walter saying the playmaker had been one of the standout international players of the previous year.
“Dylan Brown, that’s a huge blow without a doubt,” Walter said.
“He was pretty close to being the Golden Boot winner last year. I think he was a runner-up, and he was certainly the player of the tournament in the Pacific Championships. He had a great year, but New Zealand are absolutely stacked.”
Jahrome Hughes | Photo: Alex Whitehead/Photosport
One of the biggest boosts for the Kiwis will be the expected return of Jahrome Hughes, who did not feature last year due to a severe neck injury.
Walter also pointed to the depth the Kiwis have in key playmaking positions.
“Kodi Nikorima has been in great form for the Dolphins this season, and they’re going to go deep into the finals, you would think,” he said.
“And then obviously there’s Te Maire Martin at the Warriors, who’s done a fantastic job since getting his chance there.”
The Kiwis led by James Fisher-Harris | Photo: Photosport
He also mentioned how the Kiwis have no shortage of forward firepower, with several top-class options available.
James Fisher-Harris, Joseph Tapine, Moses Leota, Briton Nikora, Isaiah Papali’i and Xavier Willison are among the players who could feature, giving New Zealand a powerful platform to build their campaign around.
Listen to the full interview below:
