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NZ v India from 7.45pm tonight'Such confidence': Kiwis debutant duo impress ahead of Cook Islands clash
Sport Nation • October 22nd, 2026 2:07 pm
Jacob Laban | Photo: Photosport
Kiwis forward Scott Sorensen is expecting his side to right the wrongs of their narrow opening game defeat to the Kangaroos, fuelled by the injection of two Warriors youngsters.
Both Tanner Stowers-Smith and Jacob Laban have been named on the Kiwis interchange and are set to get their first taste of the black jersey on Sunday against the Cook Islands.
One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch will host both the Kiwis and the Kiwi Ferns on Sunday as part of a bumper weekend in Ōtautahi that includes the Silver Ferns, the Blackcaps, the Rugby League World Cup, and the NPC final.
Stowers-Smith and Laban, coming off outstanding breakthrough seasons for the NZ Warriors in the NRL, missed out on selection in the side's first outing in the RLWC, but feature in Stacey Jones' rotated side this weekend.
Scott Sorensen | Photo: AAP
Speaking to Scotty & Izzy on Sport Nation, Sorensen praised the young duo’s confidence and composure.
"Yeah, it's very exciting, mate, and to see them getting around camp and just the confidence they have at such a young age," the Kiwis forward said.
"Being their young age, I would have just sat in the corner and told them what to do, where these boys just come in with such confidence and such understanding of their game, such understanding of what we're trying to achieve here and made it so special.
"I feel like they were just coming in just for the opposed sessions a few years ago. They're part of the Kiwis club and now being able to be given a Test debut, that's exactly what it's about, and it's so special, and it's a very exciting time for New Zealand Rugby League and the depth that's built in there.
"I feel like the Kiwis jersey's in such a good place and such a great place for years to come as well."
Kiwis vs Cook Islands preview | The Finals Countdown
Sunday afternoon's Pool A contest in Christchurch will be over a week since either team last played, with the Kiwis licking their wounds after an agonising defeat at the hands of the co-hosts last Thursday.
The versatile 33-year-old admitted the Kiwis must "earn the right" against the Cook Islands, especially after a promising start against Australia despite the end result.
"I think off the back of last week, I thought we started the game really well, and I thought we went after it and earned the right to play some good football there.
"So we're just taking the lessons out of that for the Cook Islands this weekend. Just earning the right again, looking to dominate with the ball and earning the field position to go after it with possession of the ball and execute our opportunities."
Listen to the full interview below:
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