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Sport Nation
Wayde Egan open to Kiwis call-up if eligible
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • June 12th, 2026 1:53 pm
Wayde Egan | Photo: Photosport
Warriors hooker and interim captain Wayde Egan says he would be open to representing New Zealand in the Kiwis rugby league team, however remains unsure if he meets team requirements.
The Australian signed a contract with the NZ Warriors in 2019 where he moved to Auckland for four months, before the Covid-19 pandemic forced him back to Australia where the team was based for two years.
He returned with the team for their first post-COVID game on New Zealand soil in 2022, before permanently moving back to Auckland in 2023.
Wayde Egan | Photo: Photosport
The unusual circumstances has left the 29-year-old unsure if he would meet the eligibility criteria as players are required to have to resided in New Zealand for the preceding 60 months (5 years).
Egan told Sport Nation’s Scotty & Izzy on Friday: “I actually need to go to whatever it is, the government and ask them if I'm eligible... I'm going to have to get some actual proof.”
Egan says while he hasn’t thought about the possibility in depth, he would be open to stepping up if coach Stacey Jones needed him.
“If Stace needed me, I got a call from him to help him out, I'd probably help him," Egan explained.
Stacey Jones | Photo: Photosport
“He’s a pretty good fella. I love Stace. So, when that sort of time comes, I guess we'll have further discussion.”
However, Egan is conscious of stepping on toes of other eligible players who could represent New Zealand.
“I don't want to also put guys out that are proud Kiwis as well, I sort of don’t want to do that to people that grew up here and have family here and stuff like that."
Egan and Warriors second-rower Jackson Ford are among the quality players to be snubbed by New South Wales selectors for the State of Origin, despite being asked to pack extra luggage to their Australian game, the week before the commencement of Origin camps.
Millsy slams changes to State of Origin's eligibility rules | Millsy & Guy
“You try not to think too much about it or try not to get too disheartened if you don't get picked and stuff because life goes on in this world and we got a game this week that we're sort of focused on myself and Jacko.
“As cliche as it is, we just try and play our best to speak for the Warriors and then accolades come off the back of that if it is you know New South Wales, Kiwis as you mentioned, whatever it is."
Listen to the full interview below:
