Latrell Siegwalt, labelled the “Real Latrell” by master coach Wayne Bennett, has become France’s first representative in the RLWC2026 Team of the Week after his stunning NRL debut for the Rabbitohs.
Siegwalt, who made international headlines after being called up by Bennett to replace Latrell Mitchell for the match against Cronulla, topped the polling for the centre position with 24% of all votes, ahead of Bradman Best (Australia), Casey McLean (New Zealand), Tolu Koula (Tonga) and Herbie Farnworth (England).
Impressively, Siegwalt usually plays five-eighth or fullback, but he showed his versatility by starring at left centre in South Sydney’s 36-12 defeat of Cronulla.
Siegwalt celebrates a special debut
An article about Siegwalt’s debut and his decision to pledge his allegiance to France was published on the Fédération Française de Rugby à XIII (FFR) website.
France coach Laurent Frayssinous, who met with Siegwalt during a recent visit to Australia to inspect accommodation and training facilities during the World Cup, said: “He had a great game. I am very pleased for him".
Frayssinous contacted Siegwalt after the match to congratulate him on his performance.
"He was strong and solid on defence especially with one v one tackle on [Sifa] Talakai close to their try line," he said.
"In attack he added great skills under pressure and under fatigue, good lines at the back of their shape and he had strong carries to get out of their own end.
"He was definitely not out of place, especially knowing he also plays five-eighth but he is real footballer, smart enough to play any position.
"We are still in process with the IRL with his eligibility but if it is confirmed it will be up to him to keep playing like that to be in the squad for the World Cup. I have watched all his games in NSW Cup, and I liked what I saw (against the Sharks)."
The French connection comes from Siegwalt's paternal grandfather, who lives in Walgett and is someone he is keen to honour at the World Cup.
Frayssinous explained about France’s style of play and standards and how he hoped Siegwalt would want to be a part of that.
“I’m very keen if I get the opportunity to represent my father’s side of the family,” Siegwalt said.
“He was just telling me about the standards and how they were building something good and it made it tempting.
“He asked that if I got that opportunity would I be keen to play and I said I would.”
Each week, fans vote for their RLWC2026 Team of the Week from players nominated after the previous weekend's NRL and Super League matches, who are eligible for the 10 nations contesting Rugby League World Cup 2026.
The RLWC2026 Team of the Week is announced each Wednesday.
Rabbitohs captain Cameron Murray was also voted into the RLWC2026 Team of the Week after edging out Kangaroos skipper Isaah Yeo for the lock position. Murray polled 38% of votes compared to 36% for Yeo.
Superstar fullback Kalyn Ponga, who has switched his international allegiance to New Zealand, Samoa winger Greg Marzhew, who has scored eight tries in two matches for the Knights, Kangaroos halfback Nathan Cleary and Tonga secondrower Haumole Olakau’atu were in the previous RLWC2026 Team of the Week.
Tonga’s inspirational leader, who played a club record 295th NRL match for the Cowboys, polled 27% of votes for props, ahead of South Sydney’s Keaon Koloamatangi, who represented Tonga at the last World Cup in 2022 but switched to Australia for last year’s Ashes series.
Dolphins and Kiwis winger Jamayne Isaako was the other winger, with Best joining Siegwalt in the centres and Lebanon playmaker Mitchell Moses, who also went on last year’s Kangaroo tour but did not play, partnering Cleary in the halves.
Jamayne Isaako was in everything!
The pair are expected to be the NSW halves for State of Origin I.
Kangaroos hooker Harry Grant, the 2025 IRL Golden Boot winner, polled 61% of votes after leading the Storm to their first win in eight weeks, while the club’s Samoan secondrower Ativalu Lisati rounded out the Team of the Week selections.
The RLWC2026 Team of the Week is:
- Fullback
Kalyn Ponga 39% - New Zealand (Knights) - Wingers
Greg Marzhew 37% - Samoa (Knights)
Jamayne Isaako 28% - New Zealand (Dolphins) - Centres
Latrell Siegwalt 24% - France (Rabbitohs)
Bradman Best 15% - Australia (Knights) - Halves
Mitchell Moses 12% - Australia/Lebanon (Eels)
Nathan Cleary 49% - Australia (Panthers) - Props
Jason Taumalolo 27% - Tonga (Cowboys)
Keaon Koloamatangi 18% - Australia/Tonga (Rabbitohs) - Hooker
Harry Grant 61% - Australia(Storm) - Secondrowers
Haumole Olakau'atu 32% - Tonga (Sea Eagles)
Ativalu Lisati 17% - Samoa (Storm) - Lock
Cameron Murray 38% - Australia (Rabbitohs)
The Full Package: Cleary pulling the strings
View the RLWC2026 Team of the Week
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.
