Queensland State of Origin stars Kalyn Ponga and Jojo Fifita are set to be among the new faces in the Kiwis backline for Rugby League World Cup 2026, according to a poll of fans.
Ponga, who has changed his allegiance from Australia to New Zealand, was the top choice among fans to wear the Kiwis No.1 jersey ahead of Keano Kini and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad. The Knights superstar received 80% of votes
Fifita has a decision to make about his eligibility as he was born in New Zealand, grew up in Australia and is the son of former Tonga rugby union international Pila Fifita, but Kiwis fans have made it clear he would be welcomed by his birth nation.
The 23 year-old, who made his Origin debut for Queensland this year, is enjoying a break-out season after being switched from wing to the centres by Titans coach Josh Hannay.
According to the World Cup selector poll, fans picked Fifita in the centres alongside Penrith’s Casey McLean, the top choice, with Canberra’s Matt Timoko a close third.
In the lead up to the most anticipated World Cup since the first tournament in 1954, RLWC2026.com is giving fans the chance to choose their teams.
Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo, Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes and Dolphins five-eighth Kodi Nikorima would be other changes to the Kiwis backline after missing last year’s Pacific Championships through injury.
Knights playmaker Dylan Brown spearheaded the Kiwis to victory in the Pacific Cup final and was widely considered the player-of-the tournament. but he is unavailable for World Cup selection after rupturing his ACL.
However, Kiwis coach Stacey Jones has Nikorima, Warriors playmaker Te Maire Martin or even Ponga as replacement options.
The New Zealand forward pack is well established, with fans choosing captain James Fisher-Harris and his former Panthers frontrow partner as the starting props ahead of the likes of Joseph Tapine, Naufahu Whyte, Xavier Willison and Leo Thompson.
Tanner Stowers-Smith, Jack Williams, Trey Mooney and Griffin Neame are other frontrow contenders.
The secondrow of Briton Nikora and Isaiah Papali’i had overwhelming support, with Jordan Riki polling next highest ahead of Willison, his Broncos team-mate, and Penrith veteran Scott Sorensen.
Warriors lock Erin Clark was preferred over Tapine, although the Raiders captain is almost certain to be in the starting line-up for the opening match against the Kangaroos at Allianz Stadium on October 15.
Dolphins hooker Jeremy Marshall-King was preferred over Newcastle's Phoenix Crossland and South Sydney's Brandon Smith.
Kiwis
- Kalyn Ponga (80%)
- Jamayne Isaako (52%)
- Casey McLean (74%)
- Jojo Fifita (30%)
- Ronaldo Mulitalo (55%)
- Kodi Nikorima (52%)
- Jahrome Hughes (87%
- James Fisher-Harris (75%)
- Jeremy Marshall-King (48%)
- Moses Leota (32%)
- Briton Nikora (39%)
- Isaiah Papali'i (33%)
- Erin Clark (53%)
Interchange
- Phoenix Crossland (36%)
- Joseph Tapine (25%)
- Naufahu Whyte (20%)
- Jordan Riki (15%)
- Te Maire Martin (35%)
- Matt Timoko (24%)
View voting for your Kiwis World Cup team
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.
