Rookie prop Toby Couchman has emerged as a possible World Cup bolter for the Kangaroos after becoming the first Dragons player selected in the RLWC2026 Team of the Week.
Couchman edged out Tonga captain Addin Fonua-Blake, who will make his State of Origin debut for NSW in the May 27 series opener at Accor Stadium, Blues and Warriors prop Mitch Barnett and Kiwis enforcer Naufahu Whyte after a late surge of votes.
The 22-year-old has arguably been the most consistent player in a St George Illawarra team yet to win a game this season and was previously nominated after the club's Round 1 Golden Point loss to Canterbury in Vegas.
He was among a group of young forwards to earn praise from coach Dean Young following their 28-6 loss to Penrith last weekend after running 163m with the ball and making 58 tackles.
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.
More than 50,000 votes were received for the latest World Cup Team of the Week with Kiwis and Warriors lock Erin Clark polling the highest of any player.
Clark received 53% of votes for the lock position to finish ahead of Australia, NSW and Panthers captain Isaah Yeo (28%).
New Zealand fullback Kalyn Ponga, who has successfully applied to change his international eligibility from Australia, Kangaroos hooker Harry Grant and Tonga secondrower Haumole Olakau'atu each polled 46 per cent of votes for their position.
The trio, along with Australian halfback Nathan Cleary, were members of the previous RLWC2026 Team of the Week and are among five players chosen to play for NSW or Queensland in Origin I.
Cleary is one of six players in the latest RLWC2026 Team of the Week pushing for Kangaroos selection, although Grant is the only other one to have played at international.Â
The Team of the Week also comprises of three New Zealand players, three Tonga internationals, and English centre Herbie Farnworth, who polled 35% of votes for the position.
RLWC2026 Team of the Week: Round 11
Tonga and Manly speedster Tolu Koula, who will make his Origin debut on the wing for NSW, is the other centre.
There is further Tongan representation through Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Sea Eagles secondrower Haumole Olakau'atu.
Ponga, Clark and Warriors prop James Fisher-Harris, the Kiwis captain, are the three Kiwis in the RLWC2026 Team of the Week.Â
Rounding out the World Cup Team of the Week are Panthers winger Thomas Jenkins, who has scored 18 tries in 11 matches this season, Cowboys playmaker Jake Clifford and Warriors secondrower Kurt Capewell, who is in the Maroons squad.
The RLWC2026 Team of the Week is:
- Fullback
Kalyn Ponga 46% - New Zealand (Knights) - Wingers
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 28% - Tonga (Warriors)
Thomas Jenkins 16% - Australia (Panthers) - Centres
Herbie Farnworth 35% - England (Dolphins)
Tolu Koula 29% - Tonga (Sea Eagles) - Halves
Jake Clifford 20% - Australia (Cowboys)
Nathan Cleary 29% - Australia (Panthers) - Props
James Fisher-Harris 28% - New Zealand (Warriors)
Toby Couchman 14% - Australia (Dragons) - Hooker
Harry Grant 46% - Australia (Storm) - Secondrowers
Haumole Olakau'atu 46% - Tonga (Sea Eagles)
Kurt Capewell 12% - Australia (Warriors) - Lock
Erin Clark 53% - New Zealand (Warriors)
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. Â
