'Connection to home': Mato set for switch to Kiwi Ferns at RLWC2026

The birth of son Charnze-Pati has given Shannon Mato a deeper connection with New Zealand and led the star prop to put her hand up to play for the Kiwi Ferns at IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026.

Mato, who is regarded as one of the best forwards in the game, was born in Whangarei and lived in Upper Hutt before moving to Australia at the age of 13.

Until now she has chosen to play for the Jillaroos, making 10 Test appearances since 2022.

However, the IRL Board’s decision to scrap the tiering for Women’s nations has opened the door for Mato to represent New Zealand and since giving birth to Charnze-Pati last October she has felt the ties to her homeland pulling tighter.

“When I first came over here I didn’t know what rugby league was like so, for myself, Australia was the pinnacle,” Mato said.

“I always said I wanted to be the best, I wanted to be the best in the game in my position and I wanted to make Australia, because to be selected in that they pick from the best. Then when I made Australia I wanted to be consistent and keep playing for Australia.

“But ever since my bub was born, I have said to my brother, ‘I wonder what it would be like to wear the black-and-white jersey?’.”

The 27-year-old, who has signed with the Broncos after missing the 2025 NRLW season while pregnant, was previously unable to represent her native New Zealand after making her international debut for Australia at the last World Cup in England in 2022.

The decision to remove tiering from the Women’s game enables players from Australia, New Zealand and England, who are eligible for another of the three Tier 1 nations, to represent their heritage – or in Mato’s case, her homeland.

The move, which is set to ensure a competitive World Cup as dual eligible stars like Mato switch from the Jillaroos to the Kiwi Ferns or England, means players can now represent any nation for which they qualify through birth or if a parent or grandparent was born in that country.

The only restriction is that they cannot represent more than one country in a calendar year.

“I get a bit emotional because my son is half-Samoan, half-Māori and Kiwi, so I want him to represent both of those if he was to grow up and follow that pathway,” Mato said.

I think it is kind of a calling for me and I think my son has been a big, clear answer as to why.

"That is why I want to showcase to him growing up - doing the haka and being part of the environment and knowing that I can do that.

“I have spoken about it with my brother, and I do feel that missing connection. I know that I do play All Stars but when I get there I am like ‘what’s next’. I feel like that is a missing piece to me, especially since my son was born. I think that has been a big purpose for myself.”

Mato has also spoken to Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner about her decision.

The 2024 Nellie Doherty Medal as State of Origin player of the series is among a group of big-name stars who represent their Māori heritage in All Stars but play for Australia, including Olivia Kernick, Kennedy Cherrington, Corban Baxter, Zahara Temera and Rima Butler.

Recent State of Origin eligibility changes also enable them to play for NSW or Queensland, if they qualify, while being able to represent New Zealand.

Mato believes the time is right and the change to the tiering system provide an opportunity to represent her Kiwi culture.

“I would like to represent the Kiwi Ferns in the World Cup this year if that was to arise,” she said.

“If I was given the opportunity I would take it in a heartbeat and I think that is because I am in a different part of my life now.

“I have loved my time in the Jillaroos jersey. It’s a high performance environment and the team is in very good hands under Jess Skinner.

"This decision has come from my heart though, and it is a feeling I can’t ignore.”

Mato said the decision to scrap the tiering was reflective of the many people with mixed backgrounds and would also lead to more competitive women’s matches at international level.

“I love Australia for what it has done for me and my family, but back then there wasn’t really a pathway to play for the Kiwi Ferns so that wasn’t really an option for me growing up here in Australia,” she said.

“Now that it has opened up, I think everyone is on their journey to feel a connection back to home.

“It’s also good for the footy, knowing that I could return home in a different way. I definitely would take the opportunity if that was on the table for myself.”

Rugby League World Cup 2026 returns to Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Where nations clash, heroes rise, and legends are forged. 3 World Cups. 26 Teams. The World’s Best. Tickets are now on sale from $19. Don’t miss the pinnacle of global Rugby League.