Kiwis head coach Stacey Jones has named a formidable 23-man squad for IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026, with their campaign kicking off in a week across New Zealand and Australia.
The squad combines a strong core of players from the 2025 Pacific Championships-winning side, alongside equally impressive new talent in line to make their Kiwis debuts.
Captain James Fisher-Harris will lead the side once again after a standout NRL season that saw him named Dally M Captain of the Year and Prop of the Year.
Fellow Prop of the Year Naufahu Whyte returns fresh from an NRL premiership victory with the Sydney Roosters on Sunday, while two-time Lock of the Year Erin Clark will again add strength to the forward pack.
“We’re very excited for this World Cup campaign. We’ve been building towards this over the past few years, and winning the Pacific Championships last year was a big step in that journey,” said Jones.
“I’m confident in this squad. We’ve got a good mix of experienced players who have been part of the team for a long time, and some new blood who all bring great talent.”
The 2026 NRL Top Point Scorer, Jamayne Isaako, retains his place alongside Dolphins teammates Jeremy Marshall-King and Kodi Nikorima, who returns after last featuring for the Kiwis in 2024.
Melbourne Storm star Jahrome Hughes also makes his return to the Kiwis after an international hiatus due to injury.
Last representing the Kiwis in their 2023 Pacific Championships Grand Final victory over Australia, Hughes will bolster the New Zealand spine.
Headlining the four potential debutants is Kalyn Ponga, the 2023 Dally M Medallist and Queensland Maroons representative, who pledged his allegiance to New Zealand earlier this year following changes to State of Origin and international eligibility rules.
Ponga's Newcastle Knights and Māori All Stars teammate Dane Gagai also joins the squad for the first time, with the IRL Board recently approving his switch to New Zealand after he last represented Australia eight years ago.
New Zealand Warriors duo Jacob Laban and Tanner Stowers-Smith are also in line to make their Kiwis debuts, having both featured for the last Kiwis A side in 2023.
Christchurch’s Stowers-Smith will also carry on a proud family legacy as the great-grandson of former Kiwis captain and great Pat Smith.
The Kiwis will open their World Cup campaign against Australia in Sydney in the RLWC competition opening match before returning to home soil to face the Cook Islands at Ōtautahi Christchurch’s One NZ Stadium. They will then travel to the Gold Coast for their final Pool match against Fiji.
The Rugby League World Cup Grand Finals will be played at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Sunday, 15 November.
New Zealand Kiwis squad
- Erin Clark (Warriors)
- James Fisher-Harris (Warriors)
- Dane Gagai (Knights)
- Jahrome Hughes (Storm)
- Jamayne Isaako (Dolphins)
- Keano Kini (Titans)
- Jacob Laban (Warriors)
- Moses Leota (Panthers)
- Jeremy Marshall-King (Dolphins)
- Te Maire Martin (Warriors)
- Casey McLean (Panthers)
- Ronaldo Mulitalo (Sharks)
- Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Warriors)
- Briton Nikora (Sharks)
- Kodi Nikorima (Dolphins)
- Isaiah Papali'i (Panthers)
- Kalyn Ponga (Knights)
- Scott Sorensen (Panthers)
- Tanner Stowers-Smith (Warriors)
- Joseph Tapine (Raiders)
- Leo Thompson (Bulldogs)
- Naufahu Whyte (Roosters)
- Xavier Willison (Broncos)
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.
