New Zealand Kiwis Rugby League World Cup Squad 2026
New Zealand are the only country apart from Australia and Great Britain to win the men’s Rugby League World Cup, back in 2008.
Eighteen years on, the Kiwis head to Australia as the world’s second-ranked team, and fans want to know who made the cut.
Coach Stacey Jones has named the Kiwis’ 23-man squad for the Rugby League World Cup 2026, led by captain James Fisher-Harris, with Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai set to debut.
New Zealand open the whole tournament against Australia at Allianz Stadium on Thursday 15 October, at 10:05pm NZ time.
Below, you’ll find the full 23-man squad, every fixture in NZ time, the key players and how to watch on Sky Sport.
We’ll keep this page updated with injuries and changes before kick-off, so it’s worth bookmarking.
Quick Answer: New Zealand Kiwis at the Rugby League World Cup 2026
- Coach: Stacey Jones
- Squad: 23 players, named on 6 October 2026
- Captain: James Fisher-Harris
- Potential debutants: Kalyn Ponga, Dane Gagai, Jacob Laban and Tanner Stowers-Smith
- First match: Australia v New Zealand, Thursday 15 October, Allianz Stadium, Sydney, 10:05pm NZ time
- World Cup titles: 1 (2008)
Has New Zealand Named Its World Cup Squad?
Yes. Stacey Jones named his final 23-man squad on 6 October 2026, cut down from a 39-player training squad.
James Fisher-Harris captains the side after being named Dally M Captain of the Year. Follow official tournament news at rlwc2026.com.
Four players could make their Kiwis debut: Kalyn Ponga, Dane Gagai, Jacob Laban and Tanner Stowers-Smith.
New Zealand Kiwis’ 23-Man Squad: Full Players List
Here is every player in the final squad, with his club.
| Player | Club | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Erin Clark | Warriors | |
| James Fisher-Harris | Warriors | Captain |
| Dane Gagai | Newcastle Knights | Potential debut |
| Jahrome Hughes | Melbourne Storm | |
| Jamayne Isaako | Dolphins | |
| Keano Kini | Gold Coast Titans | |
| Jacob Laban | Warriors | Potential debut |
| Moses Leota | Penrith Panthers | |
| Jeremy Marshall-King | Dolphins | |
| Te Maire Martin | Warriors | |
| Casey McLean | Penrith Panthers | |
| Ronaldo Mulitalo | Cronulla Sharks | |
| Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad | Warriors | |
| Briton Nikora | Cronulla Sharks | |
| Kodi Nikorima | Dolphins | |
| Isaiah Papali’i | Penrith Panthers | |
| Kalyn Ponga | Newcastle Knights | Potential debut |
| Scott Sorensen | Penrith Panthers | |
| Tanner Stowers-Smith | Warriors | Potential debut |
| Joseph Tapine | Canberra Raiders | |
| Leo Thompson | Canterbury Bulldogs | |
| Naufahu Whyte | Sydney Roosters | |
| Xavier Willison | Brisbane Broncos |
Before the final cut, the Kiwis had a 39-player extended squad. Here is that original list.
Full Kiwis Training Squad (39 Players)
Stacey Jones first named this 39-player training squad on 9 September, before cutting it to the final 23 on 6 October.
| Players | Players | Players |
|---|---|---|
| Joe Chan | Jeremy Marshall-King | Scott Sorensen |
| Erin Clark | Te Maire Martin | Tanner Stowers-Smith |
| Cooper Clarke | Casey McLean | Joseph Tapine |
| Phoenix Crossland | Thomas Mikaele | Leo Thompson |
| James Fisher-Harris (c) | Ronaldo Mulitalo | Matthew Timoko |
| Salesi Foketi | Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad | Trent Toelau |
| Jahrome Hughes | Briton Nikora | Taine Tuaupiki |
| Jamayne Isaako | Kodi Nikorima | Dallin Watene-Zelezniak |
| Josiah Karapani | Isaiah Papali’i | Naufahu Whyte |
| Keano Kini | Fonua Pole | Jack Williams |
| Seb Kris | Kalyn Ponga | Xavier Willison |
| Jacob Laban | Jordan Riki | |
| Moses Leota | Brandon Smith | |
| Alec MacDonald | Francis Manuleleua |
Notable absentees from the final 23 include Phoenix Crossland, who is suspended for the pool games, and hooker Brandon Smith.
Key Kiwis Players to Watch
James Fisher-Harris
The Warriors prop captains the Kiwis and leads one of the toughest forward packs at the tournament.
Kalyn Ponga
The Knights and Queensland fullback switched his allegiance to New Zealand this year.
He had never played a senior Test for the Kangaroos, so he’s free to face Australia in the opener.
Jahrome Hughes
The Melbourne Storm halfback is one of the best game managers in the NRL.
His kicking and organisation will be key in the big matches against Australia and Fiji.
Dane Gagai
The Knights centre last played for Australia eight years ago, and he’s set to debut for the Kiwis alongside club teammate Kalyn Ponga.
Eligibility Watch: Players Also Wanted by Samoa and Tonga
Francis Manuleleua, who was in the Kiwis’ training squad, chose Toa Samoa. Salesi Foketi and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak are playing for Tonga.
Follow them on our Samoa and Tonga squad pages.
New Zealand Fixtures and Kick-off Times (NZ Time)
| Date | Match | Stadium | NZ time | UK time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu 15 Oct | Australia v New Zealand | Allianz Stadium, Sydney | 10:05pm | 10:05am |
| Sun 25 Oct | New Zealand v Cook Islands | One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch | 6:05pm | 5:05am |
| Sat 31 Oct | New Zealand v Fiji | Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast | 5:45pm | 4:45am |
For every other match, see our full RLWC 2026 schedule.
The Only World Cup Match in New Zealand
The Christchurch double-header on 25 October is the only RLWC 2026 fixture played in New Zealand.
The Kiwi Ferns play France at 3:50pm, before the Kiwis take on the Cook Islands at 6:05pm.
Tickets start from $19 NZD for adults and $49 NZD for families, and Kiwis fans have a dedicated supporters’ bay in sections 136 and 137.
How New Zealand Can Reach the Semi-Finals
New Zealand are in Group A with Australia, Fiji and the Cook Islands. The top two teams reach the semi-finals.
The opener against Australia will probably decide who tops the group. See their rivals on our Australia and Fiji squad pages.
Who Is New Zealand’s Coach?
Stacey Jones is the Kiwis head coach through to the end of the 2026 World Cup.
Known as “the little general” in his playing days, he’s one of New Zealand’s greatest halfbacks and won the Golden Boot in 2002.
As coach, he led the Kiwis to a dominant 2025 Pacific Championships title.
How to Watch the Kiwis
- 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 RLWC 2026.
New Zealand’s World Cup History
New Zealand have played at every Rugby League World Cup since the first in 1954.
They won the trophy in 2008, beating Australia 34–20 in the final in Brisbane, and reached the finals of 2000 and 2013 too.
At the last World Cup, they lost a thrilling semi-final to Australia 16–14. See every result in our Rugby League World Cup winners list.
The Kiwi Ferns: New Zealand’s Women’s Team
The Kiwi Ferns have won three Women’s World Cups, in 2000, 2003 and 2008.
- Sun 18 Oct: New Zealand v Fiji, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
- Sun 25 Oct: New Zealand v France, One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch, 3:50pm
- Sat 31 Oct: New Zealand v PNG, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
See the full women’s schedule in our Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2026 guide.
New Zealand World Cup Squad: FAQ
Has New Zealand named its Rugby League World Cup 2026 squad?
Yes. Stacey Jones named a 23-man squad on 6 October 2026, captained by James Fisher-Harris, with four potential debutants including Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai.
Who is the Kiwis coach?
Stacey Jones is the Kiwis head coach through to the end of the 2026 World Cup.
Who is the Kiwis captain?
Warriors prop James Fisher-Harris is the Kiwis captain. He was named Dally M Captain of the Year in 2026.
When is New Zealand’s first World Cup match?
New Zealand play Australia on Thursday 15 October 2026 at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, at 10:05pm NZ time.
Is Kalyn Ponga playing for New Zealand?
Yes. Kalyn Ponga switched his allegiance to New Zealand this year and is set to make his Kiwis debut at the World Cup.
Is Phoenix Crossland in the Kiwis squad?
No. Crossland is serving a four-match ban that covers all three of New Zealand’s pool games, and he was not named in the 23.
Conclusion
The Kiwis arrive as the world’s second-ranked team, with a 23-man squad packed with NRL stars and four potential debutants.
Their campaign starts with the biggest match of the group stage, against Australia on 15 October.
Follow injury news on our Rugby League World Cup 2026 injury list, and see how the Kiwis compare in our who will win guide.
New Zealand Squad Updates
- 6 October 2026: Final 23-man squad named, captained by James Fisher-Harris, with four potential debutants.
- 9 September 2026: 39-player training squad named.
