One of the biggest World Cup selection battles is set to take centre stage in the opening match of the NRLW finals series as Kiwi playmakers Raecene McGregor and Zahara Temara go head-to-head.
McGregor, the 2022 IRL Golden Boot winner, has returned to her best form with Wests Tigers this season, while Temara has steered the Raiders to their first finals series.
The pair have been two of the leading halfbacks in the NRLW this season but it's a hot field with 2024 Golden Boot winner Tarryn Aiken recovering from an ACL injury to star for Sydney Roosters, England's Georgia Roche taking over the Knights' No.7 role following Jesse Southwell's move to the Broncos.
Jaime Chapman gets a first-half hat-trick
And if selecting the halfback for the Kiwi Ferns or Jillaroos isn't hard enough, what about choosing the best No.7 in the NRLW this season.
Ahead of the NRLW finals, rlwc2026.com is inviting fans to pick their World Cup Team of the Year by voting for players in each position based on form in the regular season.
Alongside the battle of the halves, Friday night’s contest at Campbelltown Stadium will feature many of the international stars set to light up Rugby League World Cup 2026.
From Jillaroos captain Kezie Apps to England lock Hollie Mae-Dodd and fullback contender Caitlin Turnbull, Fiji's Losana Lutu, Isabella Waterman and Sereana Naitokatoka and Kiwi Ferns backs Leianne Tufuga and Mackenzie Wiki, Friday night's clash doubles as a World Cup audition for many players.
While the Jillaroos have been a dominant force at international level, the Kiwi Ferns are set to boast a punishing World Cup team, with Warriors centres Stacey Waaka and Mele Hufunga, fullback Apii Nicholls and five-eighth Gayle Broughton among the key players.
Pure class: Tamika Upton gets a double
Titans captain Georgia Hale is set to again lead New Zealand, who dominated women's rugby league until 2013, when the Jillaroos triumphed for the first time in the World Cup final in England.
Australia boast the biggest names in the NRLW, with Isabelle Kelly, Tamika Upton, Olivia Kernick and Millie Elliott joining the likes of Aiken, Apps and Ali Brigginshaw.
Despite a disappointing 2026 season for the Cowboys, Leeds-born fullback Fran Goldthorp was a stand-out and she is set to be joined in the England side by the likes of Roche, Dodd, Turnbull and Roosters second-rower Jasmine Strange, who is eligible through her mother.
There is no shortage of talent among the Pacific nations, with Samoa skipper Annetta Nu’uausala set to be joined by experienced stars Evania Isa'ako and Taliah Fuimaono.
PNG Orchids forwards Elsie Albert and Essay Banu have also impressed in 2026 and remain cult heroes amongst the passionate PNG fan base.
Vote for your NRLW World Cup Team of the Year
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.
