New Zealand Kiwi Ferns Rugby League World Cup 2026 Squad
The Kiwi Ferns have won three Women’s Rugby League World Cups, and they’re chasing a fourth this October.
Coach Ricky Henry has blended experienced internationals with cross-code stars and some exciting new faces.
New Zealand have named their 23-player Kiwi Ferns squad for the Rugby League World Cup 2026, led by co-captains Georgia Hale and Raecene McGregor, with seven potential debutants including Stacey Waaka.
Their campaign starts against Fiji in Newcastle on Sunday 18 October.
Below, you’ll find the full squad, the new faces, every fixture and how to watch in New Zealand.
We’ll keep this page updated with any changes before kick-off, so it’s worth bookmarking.
Quick Answer: Kiwi Ferns at the Rugby League World Cup 2026
- Squad: 23 players, named on 6 October 2026
- Co-captains: Georgia Hale and Raecene McGregor
- Coach: Ricky Henry
- Potential debutants: Seven, including Stacey Waaka and Tenika Willison
- Group: Group B with Fiji, France and Papua New Guinea
- First match: Kiwi Ferns v Fiji, Sunday 18 October, Newcastle
- World Cup titles: Three (2000, 2003 and 2008)
New Zealand Kiwi Ferns’ 23-Player Squad for the Rugby League World Cup 2026
Ricky Henry named his squad on 6 October 2026. Here is the full list.
| Players | Players | Players |
|---|---|---|
| Brooke Anderson | Shannon Mato (debut) | Alexis Tauaneai |
| Kaiyah Atai (debut) | Raecene McGregor (co-captain) | Trinity Tauaneai (debut) |
| Annessa Biddle | Shaniece Monschau | Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa |
| Brianna Clark | Apii Nicholls | Zahara Temara (debut) |
| Georgia Hale (co-captain) | Shanice Parker | Leianne Tufuga |
| Mele Hufanga | Otesa Pule | Stacey Waaka (debut) |
| Chantay Kiria-Ratu (debut) | Ashleigh Quinlan | Tenika Willison (debut) |
| Ivana Lauitiiti | Abigail Roache |
Six players won their NRLW club’s player of the year award this season, including both co-captains.
New Faces in the Kiwi Ferns Squad
Stacey Waaka and Tenika Willison are former Black Ferns Sevens stars and Olympic gold medallists. Both are set for their Kiwi Ferns debuts.
Kaiyah Atai and Chantay Kiria-Ratu switched from the Cook Islands, while Shannon Mato and Zahara Temara have previously played for Australia.
Trinity Tauaneai, a late call-up last year, joins her sister Alexis in the squad and could make her debut.
Key Kiwi Ferns Players to Watch
Raecene McGregor
The Wests Tigers halfback was named Dally M Halfback of the Year, and she co-captains the side.
Georgia Hale
The Gold Coast Titans lock is the other co-captain, after winning her club’s top award again this season.
Stacey Waaka
A two-time Rugby World Cup winner in union, the Warriors star is finally fit for her Kiwi Ferns debut.
Kiwi Ferns Fixtures at the Rugby League World Cup 2026
| Date | Match | City |
|---|---|---|
| Sun 18 Oct | Kiwi Ferns v Fiji | Newcastle |
| Sun 25 Oct | Kiwi Ferns v France | Christchurch |
| Sat 31 Oct | Kiwi Ferns v PNG | Gold Coast |
Find every kick-off in your time zone in our Rugby League World Cup 2026 kick-off times guide.
How the Kiwi Ferns Can Reach the Semi-Finals
New Zealand are in Group B with Fiji, France and Papua New Guinea. The top two teams reach the semi-finals on 7 and 8 November.
A likely semi-final opponent is Australia. See their squad on our Jillaroos World Cup squad page.
Our Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2026 guide covers every group and match.
How to Watch the Kiwi Ferns
- New Zealand: Sky Sport
- Australia: Free on the Seven Network and 7plus
- UK and Ireland: Premier Sports
For more countries, see our guide to watching the Rugby League World Cup 2026.
Tickets for the Kiwi Ferns’ Matches
The Christchurch match against France is part of a double-header with the men’s Kiwis v Cook Islands game. See our tickets guide for where to buy safely.
Travelling to Christchurch? A New Zealand eSIM from Airalo keeps you connected from the moment you land.
Kiwi Ferns World Cup Squad: FAQ
Who is in the Kiwi Ferns squad for the Rugby League World Cup 2026?
Ricky Henry named a 23-player squad on 6 October 2026, led by co-captains Georgia Hale and Raecene McGregor, with seven potential debutants.
Who is the Kiwi Ferns captain?
Georgia Hale and Raecene McGregor are co-captains of the Kiwi Ferns.
Is Stacey Waaka playing for the Kiwi Ferns?
Yes. The former Black Ferns Sevens star is in the 23-player squad and is set to make her Kiwi Ferns debut.
When do the Kiwi Ferns play their first World Cup match?
The Kiwi Ferns play Fiji in Newcastle on Sunday 18 October 2026.
How many Women’s World Cups have the Kiwi Ferns won?
The Kiwi Ferns have won three, in 2000, 2003 and 2008.
Conclusion
The Kiwi Ferns head into the Rugby League World Cup 2026 with a squad that mixes proven winners and exciting new faces.
It all starts against Fiji on 18 October. Follow the men’s side on our New Zealand Kiwis squad page.
For official tournament news, visit rlwc2026.com.
Kiwi Ferns Squad Updates
- 7 October 2026: Page published with the Kiwi Ferns’ 23-player World Cup squad.
