Champions crowned at the 2025 National District 9s
Boys 18s
After taking out Waikato in the semis, Wellington cemented their place in the final in a bid to go back-to-back. With Bay of Plenty taking out a tough semi against Auckland Blue 8-4 with a late try, it was going to be a tough final.GRAND FINAL: Wellington Orcas vs Bay of Plenty Lakers
Final score: Bay of Plenty Lakers 10-6 In the final showdown of the weekend, Bay of Plenty took it to the Orcas immediately. They took the kick off, gained good metres to get across the line and take the lead right from the off. But Wellington didn’t lay down, with some good possession near the Lakers’ line seeing them get the 4 points. A great conversion in the wind giving them the 2-point buffer. Bay of Plenty fought back. Off the kick off, on the last they managed to out sprint the Wellington defenders to recover their own kick and take back the lead. Another conversion and the Lakers were in front 10-6. A tight second half saw both teams not able to take their opportunities. Bay of Plenty nearly had two tries on the left wing, one over the sideline just before dotting down. Wellington on the other hand, on what was to be the last play of the game, busted through to sprint 50-odd metres. Unable to connect the pass, the whistle blew and Bay of Plenty were crowned 2025 champions.Girls 18s
With Auckland defeated last year by Canterbury, they were looking to go one better this year. In their way in the semis were Waikato, who they dispatched 18-8. On the other side of the draw Manawatu took out the Northern Swords 20-12 to set up the final clash.GRAND FINAL: Auckland Blue vs Manawatu Mustangs
Final score: Auckland Blue 18-0 Manawatu looked to set the tone in the final, immediately busting through after the kick off. Once near the line, the final pass by the Mustangs went along the floor, unfortunately the overlap coming to nothing. Manawatu went close again near the left corner later in the game, only for Auckland to steal the pass, leaving the game scoreless. After another steal by Auckland, an over-the-top pass set their winger off for a 70m sprint to the line. With no one able to catch her, Auckland were able to grab the lead, which they held onto as they went into half time. In the second half, Auckland started off strong from the kick off, muscling their way up to score immediately and extend the lead. A messy kick off next and Auckland were able to get good field position. Unfortunately for them, they coughed up the ball as they crossed the line – a lifeline to Manawatu. Manawatu were then able to make their way up the field, but 10 metres out with numbers on the right, the pass didn’t connect meaning another opportunity lost. Auckland punished the mistake making their way up the field before slicing through the defence to score again. With one more try to Auckland before the hooter, they were just too good. Auckland grab the title with a 18-0 win.Boys 16s
It was an Auckland versus Auckland showdown in the semis, guaranteeing another Auckland team in the final the same as last year. But it was the White team that came out the victors, 18-6. Meanwhile, Wellington kept Bay of Plenty scoreless 22-0 to emphatically march into the finals.GRAND FINAL: Auckland White vs Wellington Orcas
Final score: Auckland White 12-6 It was end-to-end footy to open the Boys 16s clash, but with a couple of back-to-back penalties against Wellington, Auckland were able to grab some good territory. It wasn’t long before another penalty near the posts saw Auckland able to bust over – but they were held up. Eventually the Auckland half stepped the defence to open the scoring and give Auckland the lead, the only points in the first half. It was all on in the second half with a nice step from a Wellington player sending him through the line. On the next play a hand off on the right wing saw Wellington go over to level up. And with the conversion going over, the lead was theirs, 6-4. But Auckland caught Wellington napping off the next kick off. With easy metres down the right edge, they crossed over the line to take the lead back immediately. And with a Wellington knock on from the next kick off, Auckland struck back with a second try in just as many minutes, taking the wind out of Wellington. With only a converted try in it, Wellington had a last-ditch effort on the left wing, a pop pass putting the winger in space but eventually Wellington was tumbled over the side line. Auckland was able to hold on for the 12-6 win, giving Auckland back-to-back titles.Girls 16s
Both last year’s finalists, Waikato and Wellington were on the hunt to make it to the finals again. However, whilst Waikato fell agonisingly short to Manawatu, 12-10, Wellington beat Bay of Plenty by the same scoreline to keep their hopes alive.GRAND FINAL: Manawatu Mustangs vs Wellington Orcas
Final score: Manawatu Mustangs 18-0 After a close encounter yesterday between the two teams, with Manawatu coming out on top 18-16, Wellington was looking to take it to the Mustangs. But two early fumbles of the ball gave Manawatu too much field position, and the Mustangs struck first down the left edge. Not long after they had the ball back again, making good metres down the right wing before swinging to the other side for another try. Wellington did have their chance at the end of the first half but couldn’t convert, down 8-0 at the half. With everything to do in the second for Wellington, a knock on by Manawatu off the kick off gave Wellington good impetus. As thy got closer, a dive over the line resulted in a knock on and it was another chance for Wellington gone begging. Later, Wellington got close again down the right edge but two more tries by Manawatu, one an end-to-end try by the winger, and the gap was far too big. Wellington will rue their chances – a second year in a row as runner’s up – but Manawatu secure the title with an emphatic 18-0 win. For all draws and results, visit Sporty.All the NEWS. All the VIEWS.
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Whutupōro Rīki Whaikaha o Aotearoa, Physical Disability Rugby League NZ Kiwis prepare for World Cup
The inclusivity of rugby league will be on full display during IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026 with players in the second Physical Disability Rugby League World Cup to share the same stage as the stars of the Men’s and Women’s tournaments.
As it was in England in 2022, the PDRL World Cup will be played alongside the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair World Cups, with the final to be played at Allianz Stadium on November 8 before the Men’s and Women’s semi-finals.
The tournament featuring Australia, England and New Zealand will be held at AIIMS Stadium in Cabramatta, with each nation to play games against the other two.
The top two teams will meet in the final at Allianz Stadium on November 8.
“Physical Disability Rugby League Australia is proud to host the Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) World Cup at AIIMS Stadium Cabramatta, where PDRL was born 16 years ago,” NSW PDRL Vice-Chair Keith Povah said.
“Playing on the same global stage as the Men's, Women's, and Wheelchair tournaments means everything to our playing group because it gives them an opportunity to showcase their skills alongside the whole rugby league family.”
England are the current champions after defeating New Zealand 42-10 in the final of the inaugural 2022 PDRL World Cup at Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington.
“The second PDRL World Cup marks a significant landmark for the continued progress of PDRL across the World. Being placed on the same stage as the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair World Cups once more allows all to see that rugby league is a sport for them,” RFL National Inclusion Manager Chris Godfrey said.
“The event will shine a spotlight on these fantastic athletes and spark the imagination of everyone to dream of what is possible for them.”
The 2026 PDRL World Cup will kick off on October 30 with Australia taking on England, who then play New Zealand on November 2 before the trans-Tasman rivals clash on November 5.
"Physical Disability Rugby League New Zealand is thrilled to be part of the second Physical Disability Rugby League World Cup in Sydney in October and November 2026,” NZPDRL Chair Sandra Hickey said.
“Playing alongside the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions is a proud moment that celebrates the many forms of rugby league and the inclusive spirit of the game."
Physical Disability Rugby League World Cup 2026
- Friday, October 30 (6:30pm): Australia v England
- Monday, November 2 (6:30pm): England v New Zealand
- Thursday, November 5 (6:30pm): Australia v New Zealand
- Sunday, November 8 (Kick-off TBC): Final
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.
As seen on rlwc2026.com
Results: NZ 16s & 18s Residents, Clubs & Schools rep matches
The NZ 16s and 18s representative fixtures returned following a hiatus in 2025, with six national representative teams of rangatahi from across the country taking the field at Auckland’s Bruce Pulman Park on Monday, following a weekend of training and connection in camp.
Both NZ Residents 16s teams came away victorious, with the Girls defeating the combined Pasifika Aotearoa Rugby League Collective team, and the Boys overcoming the Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Rugby League side..
In the 18s, the Girls contest was a tightly fought affair, with the Clubs side eventually prevailing by just one converted try.
The Schools Boys, meanwhile, delivered a dominant performance against Clubs, securing a convincing 44-18 victory.
2026 16s & 18s Representative Results
NZ Resident 16s Girls 30 PAC 16s Girls 20
NZ Resident 16s Boys 32 ANZMRL 16s Tama 18
NZ Clubs 18s Girls 24 NZ Schools 18s Girls 16
NZ Schools 18s Boys 44 NZ Clubs 18s Boys 18
Kiwi Ferns squad named for clash with Papua New Guinea
Gold Coast-fostered talent, Zahara Temara, will start for the Kiwi Ferns this week in the team’s final pool match of the Rugby League World Cup against Papua New Guinea.
Temara attended Keebra State High School, a premier rugby league school based in the Gold Coast, from the age of 11 and is among many talents the school has produced, including teammate Chantay Kiria-Ratu, former Kiwi Fern Roxy Murdoch, current Kiwis halfback Te Maire Martin and former Kiwis captain Benji Marshall.
Temara and Kiria-Ratu returned to the school this week to connect with the aspiring young women hoping to also represent their country in rugby league.
Temara said it was one of the most rewarding things to have seen the Keebra girls rugby league programme grow to where it is now.
“When I was there, we never had a footy programme; it was just the boys. To see the girls have a programme, and see them treated exactly like the boys are, that was pretty special to see.
“The mindset that the girls have and what the girls are doing is exactly what we're doing in camp - they're being professional, they're cutting clips, they're looking at shapes and learning wrestle and that type of thing. They've just started so much earlier and they'll probably kill it because they've had a taste of that professionalism. When they come here, it won't be different.”
Talent rotations by Head Coach Ricky Henry see Leianne Tufuga and Abigail Roache also return to the starting lineup at left wing and centre, respectively, with Shannon Mato back at prop. Meanwhile, the relentless Shaniece Monschau earns her first start in the Kiwi Ferns jersey at second row.
“I’m really happy with how the squad is progressing, and the performance last week saw us solidify a lot of our processes,” said Henry.
,“We showcased the style of footy we want to be playing, and are motivated to have put out another strong performance.”
The Kiwi Ferns will round out a triple-header at Cbus Super Stadium this Saturday, facing Papua New Guinea at 4.45pm local time, 7.45pm NZT.
Kiwi Ferns squad to face Papua New Guinea:
- Apii Nicholls
- Leianne Tufuga
- Abigail Roache
- Stacey Waaka
- Mackenzie Wiki
- Zahara Temara
- Raecene McGregor
- Alexis Tauaneai
- Georgia Hale
- Shannon Mato
- Shaniece Monchau
- Kaiyah Atai
- Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa
Interchange:
- Ashleigh Quinlan
- Otesa Pule
- Brooke Anderson
- Ivana Lauitiiti
- Tenika Willison
Reserves:
- Brianna Clark
- Chantay Kiria-Ratu
- Trinity Tauaneai
- Annessa Biddle
Experienced players back for clash against Fiji
Five experienced campaigners return for the New Zealand Kiwis’ critical third-round Rugby League World Cup encounter with the Fiji Bati at Cbus Super Stadium in Robina on Saturday (2.30pm kick-off local time, 5.30pm NZT).
Dane Gagai, who made his Kiwi debut against the Kangaroos on October 15, is back in the centres for Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad after missing Sunday’s 82-16 win over the Cook Islands.
There are three changes in the starting forward pack with Moses Leota named at prop (Joseph Tapine returning to loose forward for Erin Clark) and fellow Test regulars Isaiah Papali'i and Briton Nikora team up again in the second row for Scott Sorensen and Xavier Willison, who move to the six-man bench.
Back on the bench is premiership-winning Roosters front rower Naufahu Whyte, who joins Te Maire Martin, Clark, Willison, Nicoll-Klokstad and Sorensen.
Gagai, Leota, Papali’i, Nikora and Whyte missed the 14-try rout of the Kukis as head coach Stacey Jones recalled Nicoll-Klokstad, Sorensen and prop Leo Thompson while handing Test debuts to prop Tanner Stowers-Smith (Kiwi #846) and Jacob Laban (Kiwi #847).
Apart from Keano Kini starting at fullback for the injured Kalyn Ponga, Jones has named the same starting combination and interchange used in the tournament-opening 22-24 loss to the Kangaroos.
The Kiwis arrived on the Gold Coast on Monday night to prepare for a difficult mission against a Fiji side which led the Kangaroos 16-12 early in the second half before the home side rallied to win 36-22 in their round two clash at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.
The Kiwis have battled against Fiji in the last two World Cups, suffering a shock 2-4 loss in the quarter-finals in Wellington in 2017 and needing a late comeback to escape with a 24-18 quarter-final victory in Hull four years ago.
NEW ZEALAND KIWIS v FIJI
Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Saturday, October 31, 2026
- Keano Kini | Kiwi #836
- Jamayne Isaako | Kiwi #808
- Dane Gagai | Kiwi #844
- Casey McLean | Kiwi #841
- Ronaldo Mulitalo| Kiwi #824
- Kodi Nikorima | Kiwi #793
- Jahrome Hughes | Kiwi #819
- James Fisher-Harris (C) | Kiwi #801
- Jeremy Marshall-King | Kiwi #830
- Moses Leota | Kiwi #827
- Isaiah Papali'i | Kiwi #817
- Briton Nikora | Kiwi #818
- Joseph Tapine (VC) | Kiwi #800
- Te Maire Martin | Kiwi #802
- Naufahu Whyte | Kiwi #839
- Erin Clark | Kiwi #842
- Xavier Willison | Kiwi #843
- Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad | Kiwi #820
- Scott Sorensen | Kiwi #831
- Leo Thompson | Kiwi #833
- Jacob Laban | Kiwi #846
- Tanner Stowers-Smith | Kiwi #847
Jamayne man: Isaako piles on 38 points as Kiwis win big
A rousing Test debut by Tanner Stowers-Smith and a record 38-point haul from Jamayne Isaako has powered the Kiwis to a 82-16 victory over Cook Islands in Christchurch.
Coming off a narrow loss to Australia in their tournament opener the Kiwis were keen to get their campaign back on track and they did that with a 14-tries-to-three romp.
Stowers-Smith entered the field around the half-hour mark and needed just five minutes to make his mark when he powered over from close range after taking a pass from crafty No.9 Jeremy Marshall-King.
The 22-year-old Warrior was in again in the 50th minute when he proved too strong for the tiring Aitu defence.
Player of the match Casey McLean also helped himself to a double, taking his career tally to 11 tries in just six Tests, while Ronaldo Mulitalo also crossed twice and Isaako snared a hat-trick.
The Kiwis didn't have it all their own way in the first half as an Esom Ioka hat-trick had Cook Islands daring to dream.
After Isaako and Mulitalo had scored early, Ioka picked off an intercept on his own 10m line and went the distance to put the Aitu on the board.
Five minutes later he had a second courtesy of a pinpoint crossfield kick from veteran playmaker Brad Takairangi before another intercept try had Cook Islands ahead 16-12 after 20 minutes.
Isaako made it a double in the 24th minute when he got around the outside of Cameron Brown and crawled over in the corner before converting from wide out to give the Kiwis the lead at 18-16.
Some sweet ball-play from Kodi Nikorima to put Scott Sorensen over on the left edge saw the Kiwis extend their lead to 24-16 before Stowers-Smith got his first.
With half-time approaching McLean finished off a brilliant move started by Erin Clark with a deft offload for Keano Kini before Kodi Nikorima also played his part.
The Kiwis made the ideal start to the second term when Kini burst through a poor attempted tackle by Maui Winitana-Patelesio and dotted down to make it 42-16 after Isaako's seventh successful conversion.
Stowers-Smith completed his double in the 50th minute before Nikorima outpointed Val Holmes in the air and scooted away for the Kiwis' ninth try.
Next to hit the scoreboard were McLean in the 59th minute and Mulitalo in the 65th minute before Isaako completed his hat-trick five minutes from full-time and banged over the conversion to give him 38 points, eclipsing the previous Kiwis record of 32 points set by Tasesa Lavea against Cook Islands in 2000.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad rounded out the scoring in the 79th minute as the Kiwis fine-tuned their game ahead of a Round 3 clash with Fiji on the Gold Coast.
Cook Islands will head to Townsville to take on defending champions Australia as they look to finish their tournament on a high.
As seen on nrl.com
Kiwi Ferns score record points in win over France
One New Zealand Stadium was pumping on Sunday afternoon as the sold-out crowd cheered on the Kiwi Ferns to their highest-ever score, putting 92 points on the French, who had no answer for the onslaught.
The Kiwi Ferns crossed the chalk 18 times, with Apii Nicholls scoring four tries, and fellow Warriors teammates Stacey Waaka and Mele Hufanga achieving hat-tricks.
Dominant defence by the home team restricted France to only 1 tackle inside the Kiwi Ferns 20m zone, and they managed only 14 tackles inside the Kiwi Ferns’ half. This saw a whopping 81% of the match played inside the French half, with the Kiwi Ferns maintaining 74% of possession.
Head Coach Ricky Henry said: “We played our style of footy and stuck to it, which I'm really, really happy with. We had to be really disciplined there because we knew we were going to get a few looks at different things. So the big takeaway for us was sticking to what works for us and knowing that when we do that, we get some joy.”
Henry was complimentary of his debutants too, describing the three new additions as “awesome.”
Tenika Willison scored two tries and showed her dynamic skills, switching from wing to centre in the second half. Chantay Kiria-Ratu notched 18 points off her boot, plus a try, and 19-year-old Trinity Tauaneai was immense through the middle with strong carries and played big minutes despite starting off the bench.
The Kiwi Ferns now travel to the Gold Coast where they will prepare for their final pool game against Papua New Guinea.
Tries: Apii Nicholls (4), Chantay Kiria-Ratu (1), Kaiyah Atai (1), Mackenzie Wiki (2), Mele Hufanga (3), Raecene McGregor (2), Stacey Waaka (3), Tenika Willison (2)
Conversions: Chantay Kiria-Ratu (9), Apii Nicholls (1)
Go Media get behind the Kiwi Ferns for the Rugby League World Cup
New Zealand Rugby League strengthens their partnership with Go Media, who will continue as official outdoor media partner and join the Kiwi Ferns as a jersey sponsor for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
Since first coming on board as official outdoor media partner of NZRL in 2024, Go Media has been a valued collaborator in helping reach fans far and wide through their out of home network across Aotearoa.
Their support now extends to the Kiwi Ferns as they compete in the World Cup, with the team winning their opening match against Fiji and now preparing to face France in Christchurch this weekend. As the Kiwi Ferns’ only dedicated partner, it’s a significant milestone for NZRL and Go Media in driving exposure and growth through the women’s game.
NZRL CEO Andrea Nelson said,
“We’ve built a great relationship with Go Media and we’re excited to see our partnership continue to grow.
“Having them extend their support to the Kiwi Ferns for the World Cup is fantastic, especially as we continue to take great strides in growing the Kiwi Ferns fanbase and increasing female participation in rugby league as a whole.”
Mike Gray Go Media Director shared, “Go Media has always been a passionate supporter of New Zealand sport, and we're incredibly proud to be extending our partnership with New Zealand Rugby League to support the Kiwi Ferns on the world stage.
“The Kiwi Ferns are outstanding ambassadors for our country, and we believe women's sport deserves the same visibility, recognition and commercial support as the men's game.
“As a New Zealand-owned business, having our brand on the Kiwi Ferns jersey at a World Cup is something we're immensely proud of. We look forward to using our national outdoor media network to help shine a spotlight on the team and inspire the next generation of young women to get involved in rugby league.”
Get ready for the NZ 16s & 18s Schools, Clubs & Residents Labour Day matches
The New Zealand Residents 16s Girls and Boys, New Zealand Secondary Schools 18s Girls and Boys, and New Zealand Clubs 18s Girls and Boys teams will play their representative fixtures this coming Labour Day, Monday 26 October, at Auckland's Bruce Pulman Park.
The NZ Secondary Schools teams were selected from students who represented their schools at the NZRL National Secondary Schools Tournament in early September. Their opponents, the NZ Clubs teams, were selected from players who represented their respective districts and zones at the NZRL National Youth Tournament in late September.
In the 16s grade, the NZ Residents teams were selected from both the Secondary Schools and National Youth tournaments. They will face the Pasifika Aotearoa Rugby League Collective 16s Girls and Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Rugby League 16s Tama, respectively.
New Zealand Residents 16s Girls vs Pasifika Aotearoa Rugby League Collective 16s Girls - 10:05 am
New Zealand Residents 16s Boys vs Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Rugby League 16s Tama - 11:35 am
New Zealand Secondary Schools 18s Girls vs New Zealand Clubs 18s Girls - 1:05 pm
New Zealand Secondary Schools 18s Boys vs New Zealand Clubs 18s Boys - 2:35 pm
Livestream
Watch all games live and free on the NZRL YouTube channel here.
Parking
Spectator parking at Bruce Pulman Park is available through Gate A (Walters Road) and Gate C (Kuaka Drive). The carpark through Gate B (Walters Road) is reserved for teams and staff, spectators will not be permitted entry all the way through to the carpark in front of the clubroom.
Willison, Kiria-Ratu, Tauaneai to debut for Kiwi Ferns in Christchurch
Newcastle Knights winger Tenika Willison and Cronulla Sharks first-five Chantay Kiria-Ratu earn starting spots for their Kiwi Ferns debuts against France this Sunday.
This will be Willison’s fourth black jersey, formerly representing New Zealand in touch, rugby sevens and 15s. A gifted cross-code athlete, Willison now chases a league World Cup title to add to her already illustrious sporting career, which includes an Olympic gold medal, Sevens World Cup and Commonwealth Games gold.
Kiria-Ratu has also built an impressive CV at only 21 years old, representing Queensland in this year's Origin, as well as Under 19 Maroons in 2022 and 2023. During her time with the Gold Coast Titans, she ran out for the 2023 NRLW grand final and helped steer the Cook Islands Moana to their Pacific Bowl win in 2025. She lines up this week alongside Raecene McGregor in the halves.
Sister of prop Alexis Tauaneai, St George-Illawara Dragons lock Trinity Tauaneai, will also make her highly anticipated debut off the bench in her second season with the squad. Meanwhile, Canberra Raiders Mackenzie Wiki starts on the wing after coming into camp this week as an injury replacement for Shanice Parker.
Head Coach Ricky Henry is excited for this week’s debutants.
“They have all slotted in well to our environment and been working hard on and off the field since we assembled. They’ve shown us they’re hungry for their opportunity, so we have no doubt they will come out firing on Sunday,” said Henry.
With Wiki on the wing, Stacey Waaka shifts to the centres alongside Mele Hufanga. Brooke Anderson, Ivana Lauitiiti and Alexis Tauaneai earn starts this week, with Shannon Mato moving to the bench. Ashleigh Quinlan and Shaniece Monschau will add further fire to the interchange.
The Kiwi Ferns kick off at 4pm NZT this Sunday against France at One New Zealand Stadium, followed by the Kiwis clash with the Cook Islands.
Kiwi Ferns Squad to play France:
- Apii Nicholls
- Tenika Willison*
- Mele Hufanga
- Stacey Waaka
- Mackenzie Wiki
- Chantay Kiria-Ratu*
- Raecene McGregor (Co-Captain)
- Alexis Tauaneai
- Georgia Hale (Co-Captain)
- Ivana Lauitiiti
- Annessa Biddle
- Kaiyah Atai
- Brooke Anderson
- Ashleigh Quinlan
- Shannon Mato
- Shaniece Monschau
- Trinity Tauaneai*
- Abigail Roache
- Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa
- Otesa Pule
- Zahara Temara
- Leianne Tufuga
*denotes debutant
Laban and Stowers-Smith to make Test debuts
Jacob Laban and Tanner Stowers-Smith are set to make their Test debuts while Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Scott Sorensen return to the international stage for the New Zealand Kiwis’ round two Rugby League World Cup encounter with the Cook Islands at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch on Sunday (6.00pm kick-off).
Selection adds another layer to an outstanding year for the 22-year-old New Zealand Warriors forwards Laban and Stowers-Smith, both named on the interchange bench.
Samoa-born, Wellington-raised Laban’s season was capped by him being voted the Players’ Player of the Year after missing just one of the Warriors’ 26 NRL matches.
Christchurch-born and raised Stowers-Smith made 21 appearances, 18 of them off the bench.
Being chosen is especially poignant for St. Bede’s College product Stowers-Smith, who follows in the footsteps of his great-grandfather Canterbury legend Pat Smith (Kiwi #301), whose 36 appearances for the Kiwis from 1947-1949 included 10 Tests, all as captain.
After missing the dramatic 22-24 World Cup-opening loss to the Kangaroos, another Warrior Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has been brought into the side in the centres by head coach Stacey Jones while four-time premiership-winning Penrith back rower Scott Sorensen comes into the second row after last playing for the Kiwis against Papua New Guinea in the 2024 Pacific Championships.
In all, Jones has made six changes to the side that started against Australia.
The injured Kalyn Ponga is replaced at fullback by Keano Kini, Nicoll-Klokstad is in for last week’s Kiwi debutant Dane Gagai, Joseph Tapine is switched from loose forward to prop for Moses Leota, Sorensen and Xavier Willison start in the second row for regulars Isaiah Papali’i and Briton Nikora and Erin Clark is named in the #13 jersey.
It means captain James Fisher-Harris and hooker Jeremy Marshall-King are the only two players remaining from the run-on pack used.
The six-man bench features just one player named last week – utility Te Maire Martin – with Laban and Stowers-Smith joined by Leo Thompson, whose last Test was in 2024, and Papali’i and Nikora.
Filling out the extended bench are Gagai, Naufahu Whyte and Leota, while all six Warriors in the squad have been selected – Fisher-Harris, Nicoll-Klokstad, Clark, Martin, Laban and Stowers-Smith.
NEW ZEALAND KIWIS v COOK ISLANDS
One NZ Stadium, Christchurch
Sunday, October 25, 2026
- Keano Kini | Kiwi #836
- Jamayne Isaako | Kiwi #808
- Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad | Kiwi #820
- Casey McLean | Kiwi #841
- Ronaldo Mulitalo| Kiwi #824
- Kodi Nikorima | Kiwi #793
- Jahrome Hughes | Kiwi #819
- James Fisher-Harris (C) | Kiwi #801
- Jeremy Marshall-King | Kiwi #830
- Joseph Tapine (VC) | Kiwi #800
- Xavier Willison | Kiwi #843
- Scott Sorensen | Kiwi #831
- Erin Clark | Kiwi #842
- Te Maire Martin | Kiwi #802
- Leo Thompson | Kiwi #833
- Tanner Stowers-Smith | Debutant
- Jacob Laban | Debutant
- Isaiah Papali'i | Kiwi #817
- Briton Nikora | Kiwi #818
- Dane Gagai | Kiwi #844
- Naufahu Whyte | Kiwi #839
- Moses Leota | Kiwi #827
Kiwi Ferns defeat Fiji Bulikula in Newcastle opener
The Kiwi Ferns have kicked off their 2026 Rugby League World Cup campaign with a gritty win over the Fiji Bulikula in Newcastle.
Player of the Match Stacey Waaka opened the scoring early on debut, dotting down just two minutes after kick-off. However, it was an arm wrestle for the rest of the half, with Fiji pulling ahead, scoring two tries in quick succession to open up the game.
The Kiwi Ferns battled back with Waaka scoring again with 4 mins left to go in the first half, converted by fellow debutant Zahara Temara.
Temara added another two off the tee from a penalty against Fiji, bringing the score to 12-all. Fiji were offered the same for a Kiwi Ferns infringement but were unable to convert.
The tied-up score put the game into a tense battle for the final 10 minutes. However, the Kiwi Ferns dug deep to pull ahead with another converted penalty by Temara.
A precise kick through from Raecene McGregor then set up Leianne Tufuga in the corner, with the try converted to bring the score to 18-12 for the final whistle.
Head Coach Ricky Henry said: “The way we played obviously wasn’t how we planned to, but proud of the girls that they found a way. We will take it away, and obviously there are some things we’ve got to work on.”
The Kiwi Ferns dug deep for the match, racking up 42 more tackles than Fiji as they fought to keep them out of their territory.
Attacking strongly, centre Mele Hufanga pushed for the full 70 minutes, achieving a game-leading 7 tackle breaks. Prop Shannon Mato on debut in the black jersey also propelled the team forward with over 100 running metres, the highest of all forwards for the match.
The Kiwi Ferns now travel to Christchurch ahead of their second pool match against France at One New Zealand Stadium.
Tries:
Kiwi Ferns: Stacey Waaka (2, 31), Leianne Tufuga
Fiji: Losana Lutu (21), Sienna Laing (27)
Conversions:
Kiwi Ferns: Zahara Tamara x2
Fiji: Sereana Naitokatoka, Luisa Varanamua
Penalty Goals:
Kiwi Ferns: Zahara Temara x2
Shanice Parker ruled out of Rugby League World Cup campaign
Kiwi Ferns centre Shanice Parker has been ruled out of the Rugby League World Cup campaign after sustaining a calf injury in training on Thursday.
Canberra Raiders' Mackenzie Wiki, Kiwi Fern #183, will join the squad as her injury replacement.
Wiki now enters her second Rugby League World Cup campaign, having previously represented the Cook Islands Moana in 2021. However, she has committed to New Zealand since her 2024 Kiwi Ferns debut, when she scored a hat-trick against the PNG Orchids in the Pacific Championships.
Wiki is the third of her family to pull on the black jersey, following her aunt Germaine Wiki, Kiwi Fern #40, and her father Ruben Wiki, Kiwi #655, who played a nation-leading 55 Tests.
She joins the team in Newcastle ahead of their first match against Fiji.