The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) today announced the modernisation of State of Origin international eligibility rules to reflect the continued growth and global strength of Rugby League.

Under the updated rules, any player who meets the existing State of Origin eligibility criteria will be able to play State of Origin, regardless of the nation they represent in international fixtures.

Previously, players were required to be eligible to represent Australia or a Tier Two nation as defined by International Rugby League (IRL). The updated rules remove this restriction, allowing players who represent Tier One nations — and who meet the traditional State of Origin criteria — to now be eligible.

The change reflects the strength of the international game and the significant growth of Rugby League, particularly across the Pacific.

Core State of Origin eligibility criteria remain unchanged:

• The player was born in New South Wales or Queensland; or
• The player resided in New South Wales or Queensland prior to their 13th birthday; or
• The player’s father played State of Origin.

ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM said the changes were a necessary and logical evolution for the game in 2026.

“Rugby League has changed, the international game has grown, and our rules need to reflect that,” Mr V’landys said.

“If a player is eligible to play State of Origin, it makes no sense to exclude them simply because they’ve represented New Zealand or England at Test level.

“State of Origin is about where you’re from and what State you’re eligible for — not which country you represent internationally. If you’re eligible, you should be able to play for your State.

“Over 45 years, State of Origin has developed into something special, and we want the best players playing if they’re eligible.

“The Commission has a responsibility to grow both the international game and State of Origin, and this change strengthens both.”

New Zealand will host its first-ever State of Origin match next year at Eden Park, Auckland.

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As seen on nrl.com

Harvey Norman All Stars returns to Aotearoa New Zealand for the 15^th edition of the game’s annual cultural showpiece to kick off the 2026 Rugby League calendar.

The Harvey Norman All Stars Men’s and Women’s fixtures will be played at FMG Stadium Waikato on Sunday 15 February, featuring Indigenous All Stars legends Josh Addo-Carr, Nicho Hynes and Jack Wighton taking on the might of Warriors captain James Fisher-Harris, star back Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and exciting Panthers centre Casey McLean in the Men’s Māori side.

The Indigenous Women’s All Stars will feature Titans superstar Jaime Chapman and Dragons playmaker Taliah Fuimaono against a Māori Women’s outfit boasting Warriors recruit Gayle Broughton and Eels powerhouse Kennedy Cherrington.

The event will also include a clash between the Indigenous and Māori Touch Football teams.

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Indigenous All Stars (Men)

Josh Addo-Carr, Jayden Campbell, Tallis Duncan, Jamal Fogarty, Trai Fuller, Nicholas Hynes, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Josh Kerr, Kaiden Lahrs, Shaquai Mitchell, Oliver Pascoe, Joshua Patston, Hohepa Puru, Jesse Ramien, Ethan Roberts, Blake Steep, Braydon Trindall, Connor Watson, Jack Wighton, Brent Woolf.

‍Coach: Ronald Griffiths

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Māori All Stars (Men)

Jesse Arthars, Joe Chan, Zach Dockar-Clay, JoJo Fifita, James Fisher-Harris, Mawene Hiroti, Royce Hunt, Keano Kini, Jacob Laban, Casey McLean, Te Maire Martin, Trey Mooney, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Briton Nikora, Adam Pompey, Leo Thompson, Trent Toelau, Manaia Waitere, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.

‍Coach: Adam Blair

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Indigenous All Stars (Women)

Essay Banu, Shaylee Bent, Krystal Blackwell, Rhiannon Byers, Jaime Chapman, Bree Chester, Kirra Dibb, Quincy Dodd, Taliah Fuimaono, Tallisha Harden, Caitlan Johnston-Green, Keilee Joseph, Grace Kemp, Ella Koster, Lailani Montgomery, Mahalia Murphy, Jasmine Peters, Phoenix-Raine Hippi, Jada Taylor, Caitlin Turnbull.

‍Coach: Jess Skinner

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Māori All Stars (Women)

Shakira Baker, Corban Baxter, Gayle Broughton, Harata Butler, Rima Butler, Kennedy Cherrington, Rueben Cherrington, Laikha Clarke, Zali Fay, Fane Finau, Matekino Gray, Mya Hill-Moana, Raecene McGregor, Shanice Parker, Ashleigh Quinlan, Jasmin Strange, Payton Takimoana, Chante Temara, Zahara Temara, Tenika Willison.

‍Coach: John Strange

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Tickets for Harvey Norman All Stars 2026 are available from nrl.com/tickets, starting at $19 for adults and $59 for families (two adults and two children).

The All Stars matches will be broadcast live on the Nine Network, Fox League, SKY New Zealand and on Watch NRL.

The Harvey Norman All Stars is proudly supported by New Zealand Government through the Major Event Fund and Hamilton City Council.

As seen on nrl.com

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Kiwis in the 2026 Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Tane All Stars:

Briton Nikora #818

Casey McLean #841

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad #820

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak #794

James Fisher-Harris #801

Keano Kini #836

Leo Thompson #833

Te Maire Martin #802

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Kiwi Ferns in the 2026 Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Wahine Toa All Stars:

Ashleigh Quinlan #171

Gayle Broughton #181

Harata Butler #154

Mya Hill-Moana #155

Raecene McGregor #140

Shakira Baker #187

Shanice Parker #163

Joseph Tapine (Kiwi #800) and Mele Hufanga (Kiwi Fern #166) have been named the 2025 NZRL Players of the Year for the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns. Ryan Charles (Wheel Kiwi #1) received the Wheel Kiwis Player of the Year award, while rising star Casey McLean (Kiwi #841) and debutant Ivana Lauitiiti (Kiwi Fern #188) were recognised as Rookies of the Year.  

Joseph Tapine is awarded the Steve Watene Memorial Medal after a stellar season as a key member of the leadership team that guided the Kiwis to their 2025 Pacific Cup title, while also captaining the Canberra Raiders. Mele Hufanga played a vital role in the Broncos’ Premiership-winning season and the Kiwi Ferns’ Pacific Championships campaign, earning her the Player of the Year honour.  

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New Zealand Kiwis Player of the Year: Joseph Tapine (Canberra Raiders)

It was a standout season for Tapine in the NRL. Taking over as Captain at Canberra, he led the team to its first Minor Premiership since 1990. He played 23 of 27 games and claimed a fourth straight Meninga Medal as Raiders’ Player of the Year, making club history. Tapine was also voted into the Rugby League Players' Association (RLPA) Players' Dream Team by his peers. On the international stage, he impressed across all three Championship matches, averaging 140 running metres per game. He made 34 tackles against Toa Samoa, 23 against Tonga, and ran for 174 metres in the final, earning an International Rugby League Golden Boot nomination.   

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New Zealand Kiwi Ferns Player of the Year: Mele Hufanga (Brisbane Broncos)

Hufanga was once again a cornerstone for the Broncos in 2025, scoring eight tries, producing three try assists, and registering 15 line breaks across the season. Her campaign was highlighted by a stunning game-winning try in the Grand Final against the Roosters. Returning for her fourth international season with the Kiwi Ferns, she maintained her try-scoring form with another game-winner against Fetu Samoa off the back of a 90-metre line break. Across the final two Tests against the Jillaroos, Hufanga ran for 217 metres and added two tackle breaks, one line break, and one line break assist, reinforcing her reputation as a consistent game-breaker. 

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New Zealand Kiwis Rookie of the Year: Casey McLean (Penrith Panthers)

The 19-year-old Casey McLean played one game for the Kiwis in the 2024 Pacific Championships, a memorable debut where he scored four tries against Papua New Guinea, in what would be the first glimpse of his talents on the international stage. He enjoyed a breakout 2025 season with Penrith playing 23 matches, finishing with 16 tries and 11 try assists. McLean was a standout in his second campaign for the Kiwis, scoring twice and making three line breaks in Round 1 against Toa Samoa, adding a try and three line breaks against Tonga, and crossing again in the Grand Final against Toa Samoa. The Rookie of the Year has now scored in every Test he has played in, totalling eight tries from four appearances, marking him as an exciting long-term prospect for both the Panthers and the Kiwis. 

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New Zealand Kiwi Ferns Rookie of the Year: Ivana Lauitiiti (New Zealand Warriors)

One of Aotearoa’s most promising young prospects in recent years, Ivana Lauitiiti enjoyed an unforgettable 2025 rookie season, making both her NRLW and international debuts. Her strong performances earned her a regular bench role for the Warriors, finishing with six appearances, two tries, 36 tackle breaks, 105 average running metres, and 71 tackles. A bone-rattling hit in Round 11 earned her the NRLW Dally M Tackle of the Year, and she was named Warriors Rookie of the Year. Her stellar club form secured selection in the Kiwi Ferns squad, appearing in all three Tests as an interchange prop. She made her international debut in the Round 1 comeback win over Fetu Samoa. Across her maiden campaign as the youngest in the squad, Ivana ran for 131 metres, making 32 tackles, and delivering six offloads, a solid start to the Rookie of the Year’s international career. 

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New Zealand Wheel Kiwis Player of the Year: Ryan Charles

Ryan Charles was named Wheel Kiwis Player of the Year after exemplifying excellence both on and off the court. A respected leader for the Wheel Kiwis, he guided his teammates with professionalism, humility, and a strong sense of whanaungatanga. At the inaugural NRL Wheelchair National Championships, he was a standout performer, converting almost every kick and adding several tries. His performances combined accurate kicking, creative playmaking, and strong game awareness. Off the court, Ryan serves as a mentor and role model, promoting wellbeing, hauora, and positive team culture through his holistic approach to leadership. His commitment, leadership, and passion for wheelchair rugby league make him a truly deserving recipient of this award.

Shortlist: Jayson Hooker, Mitch Stone.

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2025 New Zealand Rugby League high performance award winners

New Zealand Kiwis Player of the Year: Joseph Tapine (Canberra Raiders)

New Zealand Kiwi Ferns Player of the Year: Mele Hufanga (Brisbane Broncos)

New Zealand Wheel Kiwis Player of the Year: Ryan Charles

New Zealand Kiwis Rookie of the Year: Casey McLean (Penrith Panthers)

New Zealand Kiwi Ferns Rookie of the Year: Ivana Lauitiiti (New Zealand Warriors)

A new generation of New Zealand stars is determined to create their own legacy as they look to replicate the heroics of the 2008 World Cup triumph.

It will be 18 long years between drinks by the time the tournament rolls around next October, with many of the current squad too young to remember the historic victory at Suncorp Stadium.

Building towards the World Cup was a key theme throughout the Kiwis' successful Pacific Championships campaign, with coach Stacey Jones bringing in a number of the 2008 champions to shed light on a stunning upset over the Kangaroos.

Star winger Casey McLean was just two at the time and said the speeches inspired the current squad to create their own piece of history.

"We've had the old boys come into camp and talk about their journeys," McLean told NRL.com. "There were a couple of times that World Cup came up and when it did the hunger crept into the room. The boys are hungry and want that feeling again.

"The World Cup is the pinnacle of rugby league. Especially as a Kiwi, we don't play State of Origin so for us we take so much pride any time we're able to put on the Kiwis jersey."

The Kiwis are riding high on the back of a dominant Pacific Championships campaign and have emerged as the primary threat to the Kangaroos stranglehold on the trophy.

The two teams will face off in the opening game of the tournament at Allianz Stadium on October 15.  

The full schedule was unveiled on Sunday, with New Zealand joining Australia, Fiji and the Cook Islands in Pool A.

The Kiwis will host the Aitu in front of an expected sold-out crowd at the new state-of-the-art One NZ Stadium in Christchurch in their second game of the tournament.

After a disappointing semi-final exit in 2022, New Zealand have spent the past few years laying the foundation for redemption in 2026.

The squad features the perfect mix of youth and experience, an imposing forward pack and a blistering backline.

Veteran leaders James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota and Joe Tapine set the tone up front, while McLean headlines a new generation of exciting talent.

Eight players have made their international debuts in the past two years, with Naufahu Whyte and Keano Kini helping usher in a new era for the team.

Should all go to plan in 2026, the Kiwis will return to the scene of the 2008 triumph for another crack at the title.

Suncorp Stadium will host the decider on November 15 as part of a double-header with the women's final.

Getting there, however, won't be easy.

New Zealand have fallen short at the last two World Cups, losing to Fiji in the quarter-final in 2017 and Australia in the semi-final in 2022.

Samoa and Tonga have emerged as genuine international powerhouses while England are a perennial contender.

Just getting out of the group stages will be a major achievement and McLean recognises the Kiwis can't afford an early slip-up.

"The international game's growing hugely," McLean said. "It's not just the same old countries that are going to win, it's anyone's game now.

"Even Papua New Guinea and Fiji are holding their own. It's cool that the international space is growing immensely and great to be involved from a Kiwis point of view."

Samoa and Tonga's rise has triggered a surge in support for international rugby league, with more than 44,000 fans descending on Suncorp Stadium for their clash last month.

A sell out is expected at the ground for next year's World Cup final and would break the record set during the 2008 decider for an international match at the ground.

McLean had a taste of the Suncorp atmosphere during the NRL finals series, when more than 52,000 fans packed into the stadium to watch Brisbane stun Penrith in the preliminary final.

The 19-year-old is determined to return to write new memories at the venue next November.

"The prelim was an unreal experience," McLean said. "I expected it going up to Suncorp. It was a packed crowd that was loud and it was super exciting to play there and put on a show in front of all those people.

"The atmosphere is loud, it's like an echo. It's never quiet, you can never hear a pin drop so it'll will be unreal to experience again if we get there."

For tickets and more information head to RLWC2026.com

As seen on nrl.com

The Wheel Kiwis are hoping their inclusion at next year’s Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup will bring more eyes to one of the most inclusive and diverse sports there is.

The team are fairly new, having played their first match just 13 months ago against Australia’s Wheelaroos, but New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) boss Greg Peters has ambitious ideas for the sport, which has surged in popularity since the last World Cup in 2022.

That was because more people were watching the sport as it ran alongside the men’s and women’s tournaments for the first time in England, forcing the International Rugby League to do the same for next year’s tournament in Australia.

But the uniqueness of the sport is also captivating. It pits disabled and non-disabled, male and female, on the same teams, while it’s an adaptation of the running game with many of the same rules, where tackles are made by removing tags from the opponents’ shoulders, and play-the-balls involve tapping it on the ground.

Each game is made up of two 40-minute halves and generally played on a 46m x 20m court, with five players on each team and tries – worth four points – are scored by grounding a smaller version of a league ball in the opponent’s goal area. There are no forward passes and plenty of hard hits at lightning speed, while kicks are performed with an AFL-style pass.

Out of the five players on the court at any given time, two can be non-disabled.

In terms of a sport, it’s relatively young, having been devised in 2000 in France, but after seeing the success of the last World Cup, Peters knew it was time New Zealand got involved.

“I think we saw how it exploded on to the scene, really, and now it’s a full-blown World Cup alongside men’s and women’s,” Peters told the Herald.

“We knew we needed to be part of that because, as a high-capability rugby league nation, we should be fielding a team in all World Cups that are available for us to do so.

“The game is unique in that you can have able-bodied people playing with disabled people on the same court, which makes it fully inclusive, plus the physicality and the nature of it ... [makes it] a great entertainment spectacle too.”

New Zealand’s participation in the wheelchair sport was 16 years in the making, after plans for them to participate in the inaugural 2008 tournament fell through.

But after seeing the World Cup, the Warriors Community Foundation joined forces with the NZRL, Auckland Rugby League, Counties Manukau Rugby League and Disability Sport Auckland for a have-a-go day, and the wheels in motion have been in place since.

That led to the creation of the Wheel Kiwis, and Edie George was tasked with coaching the squad, after initially just reaching out to offer a helping hand.

George has been involved in the sport since 2013, which began while working at a rehab centre in Sydney. He began playing before moving up the ranks, eventually, serving as an assistant for Australia at the last World Cup.

It was a tough start at the beginning, with George having to teach the basics to all the players, because most of the squad had never played the sport before.

They took to the court for the first time on November 1, 2024, on Auckland’s North Shore, going down 98-4 to the Wheelaroos and again 110-8 days later.

But 12 months later, they’ve progressed in leaps and bounds – the team won three of their six matches at the NRL’s Wheelchair championship against Australian states.

George said he’s grateful for the opportunities the sport has given him.

“I never thought I’d be in this position, ever,” George said. “Once I started coaching, I fell in love, and it’s a huge honour to be able to coach a team into the World Cup.

“I’ll be proud of it for the rest of my life, and [it’s] something that I’ll always cherish and appreciate.

“We want to grow the participation at grassroots level in New Zealand, and to be competitive as we can in the World Cup.”

George said he’s always blown away by the skills of the players involved.

“In rugby league, when you take a hit-up, you’re running, focusing on catching the ball and hitting the gap,” George said. “In wheelchair rugby league, it’s completely different.

“You’re pushing with your arms, the ball’s coming toward you, and you have to let go of the chair, manoeuvre it as you catch the ball, then secure it in your lap and keep pushing all while avoiding contact.

“We’re starting to showcase that despite the sport being played in a wheelchair, you can still showcase talents of rugby league skills.

“These are athletes, and they should be treated as athletes as well. So, by having men’s, women’s, wheelchair all together, that’s, you know, will be a huge boost for the game.”

Plans are in place to stage an open tournament in New Zealand next year for anybody who wants to try the sport, and possibly put their hand up for future representation of the Wheel Kiwis.

Peters admits they are in the early stages of developing the sport in New Zealand, but says they are on the right track for future success.

He’s ambitious about where he would love to see the sport in five years with the hope of having a domestic league across New Zealand, aligned with local clubs.

Countries like England and France have already established domestic competitions, with some Super League clubs entering their own sides, players earning MBEs for their services to the sport, and thousands of fans turning out to watch.

But there is one goal Peters would love to tick off.

“I’d love to sell out Spark Arena for a wheelchair rugby league spectacle,” Peters said.

“I think it’s just an amazing entertainment sport, and it has the ability to wrap other things around it, like music, and make it a real entertainment spectacle.

“I’d encourage anyone that hasn’t seen it, have a look on YouTube and see what it’s like, because it’s an amazing sport.

“We want the sport to be as accessible to as many people as possible, and adding the Wheel Kiwis to the teams that represent New Zealand overseas and at World Cups and internationally is a really important part of that.”

New Zealand have been drawn in Pool B, alongside Australia, France and Scotland for the World Cup, with all matches taking place in Wollongong.

As seen on nzherald.co.nz

The end of the 2025 season brings the curtain down on a remarkable group of Kiwis players whose international and professional careers will be long remembered. Each has left a lasting mark on New Zealand rugby league and the Black and White jersey, having made major contributions to our great game throughout their careers.

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Jared Waerea-Hargreaves #755

33 Kiwis Tests  

8 Points (2 tries)

340 professional matches (NRL and Super League)

Rotorua native Waerea-Hargreaves made his Kiwis debut in 2009, going on to become New Zealand’s veteran enforcer in the middle. He played 33 Test matches, with his last appearance coming at the 2022 World Cup. He enjoyed a long and decorated professional career, reaching 310 NRL games for the Sydney Roosters and finishing with 340 professional appearances following a move to the Super League in 2025.

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Kieran Foran #757

34 Kiwis Tests

16 Points (1 try, 6 goals)

318 NRL matches

Foran made his NRL debut in 2009 as a 19-year-old, before earning selection in the New Zealand Four Nations squad and making his international debut in a loss to England. This marked the beginning of an NRL and international career spanning 17 seasons from 2009 to 2025 - the longest Test career in Kiwis history. The Ellerslie Eagles junior was a key figure in major tournament wins, including the 2014 Four Nations, the 2023 Pacific Cup, and the 2025 Pacific Cup.  

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Elijah Taylor #770

11 Kiwis Tests

8 points (2 tries)

279 professional matches (NRL, Super League & Championship)

Taylor made his NRL debut in 2011 for the New Zealand Warriors, later that same year debuting for the Kiwis in the Four Nations. He played 10 additional Tests fthrough to 2013, while continuing a strong NRL career of 186 matches through to 2020. He then moved to the United Kingdom, competing in the Super League and Championship until the end of 2025.

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Martin Taupau #785

24 Kiwis Tests

256 NRL matches

Martin “Marty” Taupau made his NRL debut in 2010 for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, captaining the Junior Kiwis that same year. He debuted for the Kiwis in the 2014 ANZAC Test and played every match of the Four Nations Series later that year. Taupau played 24 Kiwis Tests over 4 years before switching international allegiance to Samoa. He retires in 2025 with 256 NRL appearances.

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Kenny Bromwich #796

15 Kiwis Tests

12 points (3 tries)

260 NRL matches

Bromwich began his professional career in 2013 when he debuted for the Melbourne Storm at age 22. The Manurewa native and junior would became a Melbourne stalwart, playing 216 matches before moving to Redcliffe in 2023. He made his Kiwis debut in the 2016 ANZAC Test, going on to play 15 Tests through to his final international appearance at the 2022 World Cup. He now retires with 260 NRL games.

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Jordan Rapana #798

16 Kiwis Tests

82 points (11 tries, 19 goals)

242 professional matches (NRL and Super League)

Rapana made his NRL debut in 2008 for the Gold Coast Titans against the Sydney Roosters. After a hiatus from rugby league, he joined the Canberra Raiders in 2014 where he would play for a decade until 2024. He debuted for the Kiwis in the 2016 Four Nations, playing 16 Tests through to 2022. Rapana’s final professional season was with Hull F.C. in the Super League this year.

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David Fusitu’a #799

2 Kiwis Tests

8 points (2 tries)

151 professional matches (NRL and Super League)

A Warriors junior throughout his youth, Fusitu’a made his first-grade debut in 2014. The winger debuted for the Kiwis in 2016, playing two Tests in the Four Nations before switching allegiance to Tonga the following year. He continued at the Warriors before moving to the Super League’s Leeds Rhinos in 2022, retiring with 151 professional appearances across a ten-year career.

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Ken Maumalo #810

9 Kiwis Tests

20 points (5 tries)

135 NRL matches

A South Auckland local and Warriors junior, Maumalo made his first-grade debut in 2015. He made his Kiwis debut later in 2018, playing nine Tests across 2018-2019. The winger continued his try-scoring form for the Warriors until 2021, before a mid-season move to the Wests Tigers. He played his final first-grade match in 2023 and continued in the Queensland Cup until his retiring in 2025.

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Fa'amanu Brown #835

3 Kiwis Tests

4 points (1 try)

97 professional matches (NRL and Super League)

Born in Christchurch, Brown became a Sharks junior after moving to Australia in his youth. He made his NRL debut for the Sharks in 2014, later joining the Bulldogs in 2018. After successful stints in both the NRL and Super League, he made his Kiwis debut in 2023, playing three Tests including the historic 30-0 victory over Australia in the Pacific Cup final.

See the official New Zealand Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns draws for the 2026 IRL Rugby League World Cup, with their matches to be played across Australia and New Zealand. The Wheelchair World Cup will be played entirely at Wollongong, Australia's WIN Entertainment Centre.

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Tickets on sale via the Rugby League World Cup website here rlwc2026.com/home

Kangaroos stars Isaah Yeo and Nathan Cleary have predicted the 2026 World Cup will be the most competitive ever as the Ashes winners prepare to face Pacific Cup champions New Zealand in the opening match.

Yeo’s Australian team completed a 3-0 series clean sweep of England in the first Ashes series since 2003, while the Kiwis triumphed in the Pacific Championships against Toa Samoa and Tonga to ensure a mouthwatering start to the World Cup.

And with the Kiwis forced to overcome a 14-6 half-time deficit to defeat Samoa in the final and Tonga's narrow 20-14 loss to the Kangaroos in the 2024 Pacific Cup decider, there are at least five nations capable of winning the World Cup.

“It’s certainly going to be the strongest World Cup there’s ever been, and that’s great for international rugby league,” Yeo said.

The Kangaroos and Kiwis have been drawn in Pool A, along with Fiji and the Cook Islands, who claimed the last RLWC26 berth by beating South Africa in a qualifying match on November 9 at CommBank Stadium.

New Zealand star Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad said the Kiwis were looking forward to testing themselves against Australia in the opening match at Allianz Stadium on October 15 after a successful Pacific Championships campaign.

“That is a massive game and it is definitely one we will have circled in the calendar," Nicoll-Klokstad said.

"It is a game that you all want to be a part of so it will be cool to kick off such a prestigious competition like the World Cup with a big game against Australia."

England, Samoa and Lebanon are in Pool B and will play the teams in Pool C – Tonga, Papua New Guinea and France – rather than those in their own pool, and vice-versa.

The top two teams in Pool A and the top two teams in a combined Pool B and Pool C will qualify for the semi-finals, with play-off positions to be determined by:

• for-and-against if two teams from the same pool finish on the same competition points;
• the head-to-head result between a team in Pool B and a team in Pool C if they finish on the same competition points.

Tonga, who are in Pool C, will start their World Cup campaign against England in Perth on Saturday, October 17 and finish with an eagerly awaited clash with Samoa at CommBank Stadium on Sunday, November 3.

A win in either of those matches could ensure Tonga a semi-final berth on head-to-head over the team they beat.

Samoa and Tonga drew a crowd of more than 44,000 for October’s Pacific Cup match at Suncorp Stadium, while nearly 40,000 fans turned out for Tonga’s match against New Zealand at Eden Park.

Despite being in England with the Kangaroos, Cleary said he had followed the Pacific Championships closely and was impressed by the Kiwis, as well as Samoa and Tonga.

“The international game is in the best place it’s ever been, and that’s only going to grow and get better so it’s an exciting time for international rugby league with the World Cup coming up,” Cleary said.

“I’ve got a lot of good mates who were playing in the Pacific Championships, so I was keeping a keen eye on them. All three teams are stacked so it’s exciting to watch as a fan.

“It’s super close and it’s such a great thing with the international game at the moment. England’s team is the best it’s been in a long time. They’ve got a lot of talent, then you’ve got Australia and the Pacific teams have great lineups so it’s exciting to watch.”

Nicoll-Klokstad said many of the New Zealand players were still hurting from their 16-14 loss to Australia at Elland Road in the semi-final of the last World Cup in 2022.

The Kiwis bounced back to inflict a record 30-0 defeat of the Kangaroos in the final of the 2023 Pacific Cup and after being stunned by Tonga in 2024 they will head into the World Cup buoyed by a successful Pacific Championships.

“We have got to feel confident, we have got a lot of young boys coming through and a lot of old heads now," Nicoll-Klokstad said.

"It feels like yesterday that the last World Cup happened so there are going to be a lot of us who want to make that right by beating Australia.

“The first game is very important, there are other teams that are doing their nations proud and really flying up through the ranks by beating big teams in big games, so it is really important that we get our preparations right for the World Cup and make sure we come up with a win."

See the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns draws for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup here.

Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns players have welcomed the opportunity to play a double-header at Christchurch’s new indoor stadium during next year’s IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026.

The Kiwis will begin their World Cup campaign in a blockbuster tournament opener against Australia at Allianz Stadium on October 15, while the Kiwi Ferns meet Fiji Bulikula at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium on October 18.

Both New Zealand teams will then travel home to play their Round 2 matches at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch, which is due to open in April.

The Kiwis will host the Cook Islands, while the Kiwi Ferns take on France, in the 30,000 roofed stadium – a new experience for many of the players.

“That will be amazing to play a game in Christchurch, let alone in a World Cup,” star fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad said. “There will be a lot of excitement and a real buzz in the air in Christchurch.‍

“Everyone down there loves their rugby league so for us to play a World Cup game in Christchurch will be amazing. It is going to packed out with black-and-white fans, and everyone is going to get behind us.”

Recent matches in Christchurch involving the Kiwis or Warriors, including the 2024 Test double-header against Australia, have attracted capacity crowds at the 17,000 seat Apollo Projects Stadium.

Kiwis second-rower Isaiah Papali’i said that playing a pool match in Christchurch would be a boost for New Zealand’s World Cup campaign.

“Playing a game at home, in our country, is what every Kiwi looks forward to and I love playing down there,” Papali’i said.

“It is going to be in the new stadium, so I am looking forward to that. I have never played in an indoor stadium so it will be something different but just being at home is a big advantage, so I am looking forward to that game.”

Both New Zealand teams will also feature in a Round 3 double-header at Cbus Stadium on the Gold Coast, with the Kiwis to meet Fiji Bati and the Kiwi Ferns playing the PNG Orchids.

Kiwi Ferns forward Alexis Tauaneai said she was excited about the chance to play against France in Christchurch, as well as the Bulikula and Orchids, ahead of the semi-finals and final.

"To play in the World Cup is on my bucket list," Tauaneai said. "I am looking forward to seeing all of the other countries, as well, to see how they go on the world stage.

"I reckon it will be very exciting and a different type of footy, especially with the way they play compared to how we play.

Prop Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa said the World Cup was an opportunity to showcase the development of women's rugby league and the talent and skill within the Kiwis Ferns squad.

"I think the game has already gone leaps and bounds and for us Kiwi Ferns we just want to put on a good product and show what we can do as a footy team," Teakaraanga-Katoa said.

"I know the girls have been building over the last couple of World Cup campaigns to win one so if we could do that it would be awesome."    

See the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns draws for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup here.