NZRL History

The birth of son Charnze-Pati has given Shannon Mato a deeper connection with New Zealand and led the star prop to put her hand up to play for the Kiwi Ferns at IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026.

Mato, who is regarded as one of the best forwards in the game, was born in Whangarei and lived in Upper Hutt before moving to Australia at the age of 13.

Until now she has chosen to play for the Jillaroos, making 10 Test appearances since 2022.

However, the IRL Board’s decision to scrap the tiering for Women’s nations has opened the door for Mato to represent New Zealand and since giving birth to Charnze-Pati last October she has felt the ties to her homeland pulling tighter.

“When I first came over here I didn’t know what rugby league was like so, for myself, Australia was the pinnacle,” Mato said.

“I always said I wanted to be the best, I wanted to be the best in the game in my position and I wanted to make Australia, because to be selected in that they pick from the best. Then when I made Australia I wanted to be consistent and keep playing for Australia.

“But ever since my bub was born, I have said to my brother, ‘I wonder what it would be like to wear the black-and-white jersey?’.”

The 27-year-old, who has signed with the Broncos after missing the 2025 NRLW season while pregnant, was previously unable to represent her native New Zealand after making her international debut for Australia at the last World Cup in England in 2022.

The decision to remove tiering from the Women’s game enables players from Australia, New Zealand and England, who are eligible for another of the three Tier 1 nations, to represent their heritage – or in Mato’s case, her homeland.

The move, which is set to ensure a competitive World Cup as dual eligible stars like Mato switch from the Jillaroos to the Kiwi Ferns or England, means players can now represent any nation for which they qualify through birth or if a parent or grandparent was born in that country.

The only restriction is that they cannot represent more than one country in a calendar year.

“I get a bit emotional because my son is half-Samoan, half-Māori and Kiwi, so I want him to represent both of those if he was to grow up and follow that pathway,” Mato said.

"That is why I want to showcase to him growing up - doing the haka and being part of the environment and knowing that I can do that.

“I have spoken about it with my brother, and I do feel that missing connection. I know that I do play All Stars but when I get there I am like ‘what’s next’. I feel like that is a missing piece to me, especially since my son was born. I think that has been a big purpose for myself.”

Mato has also spoken to Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner about her decision.

The 2024 Nellie Doherty Medal as State of Origin player of the series is among a group of big-name stars who represent their Māori heritage in All Stars but play for Australia, including Olivia Kernick, Kennedy Cherrington, Corban Baxter, Zahara Temera and Rima Butler.

Recent State of Origin eligibility changes also enable them to play for NSW or Queensland, if they qualify, while being able to represent New Zealand.

Mato believes the time is right and the change to the tiering system provide an opportunity to represent her Kiwi culture.

“I would like to represent the Kiwi Ferns in the World Cup this year if that was to arise,” she said.

“If I was given the opportunity I would take it in a heartbeat and I think that is because I am in a different part of my life now.

“I have loved my time in the Jillaroos jersey. It’s a high performance environment and the team is in very good hands under Jess Skinner.

"This decision has come from my heart though, and it is a feeling I can’t ignore.”

Mato said the decision to scrap the tiering was reflective of the many people with mixed backgrounds and would also lead to more competitive women’s matches at international level.

“I love Australia for what it has done for me and my family, but back then there wasn’t really a pathway to play for the Kiwi Ferns so that wasn’t really an option for me growing up here in Australia,” she said.

“Now that it has opened up, I think everyone is on their journey to feel a connection back to home.

“It’s also good for the footy, knowing that I could return home in a different way. I definitely would take the opportunity if that was on the table for myself.”

As seen on nrl.com

Newcastle Knights and Queensland Maroons fullback and five-eighth Kalyn Ponga, has officially pledged his international allegiance to New Zealand, after unanimous approval by the IRL Board.  

This follows the recent modernisation of State of Origin eligibility rules, which now allow Ponga to change allegiance from Australia to New Zealand, both Tier 1 nations, while still remaining eligible to represent Queensland.

A proud Māori who has represented the Māori All Stars on three occasions, Ponga was born in Australia but spent years of his childhood in Palmerston North, before moving back across the Tasman.  

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"While I was born in Australia, my connection to New Zealand runs deep through every generation of my family. My father, Andre Ponga, was born in Palmerston North, and my mother, Adine Ponga, was born in Wellington. All four of my grandparents were also born in New Zealand. My roots, my whakapapa, and my identity are firmly grounded in this country and its people," Ponga wrote in his application to the IRL.  

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"I am immensely proud of my Māori heritage, and that pride has only grown stronger with each passing year. I have had the privilege of representing the Māori All Stars on three occasions, and those experiences have only deepened my connection to New Zealand rugby league and to the broader Māori community.”

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New Zealand Rugby League GM of Football and High Performance Motu Tony commented, “Kalyn is very proud of his Māori heritage and connection to New Zealand. This decision reflects his strong desire to represent his whānau and whakapapa on the international stage.  

“Kalyn is a highly talented player and a great addition to our existing player pool, and we’re thrilled he’s chosen to align his international future with the Kiwis.  

“Like all players he’ll go through the usual selection process, but we’re excited to potentially see him in the Kiwis jersey as we build towards the World Cup.”

We’re less than one month out from the return of the NZRL National District 9s for 2026, marking the fifth year of this exciting and fast-paced tournament.

This year, the National 9s heads to Rotorua for the first time, taking place at Puketawhero Park over the Easter weekend, from Saturday 4 to Sunday 5 April.

Close to 30 teams across the four grades (16s Boys, 16s Girls, 18s Boys, and 18s Girls) will go head-to-head over two days to crown the best rangatahi 9s teams in the country.

Nine Districts from across Aotearoa will be represented, including Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Coastline, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne Tairāwhiti, Taranaki, Manawatū, and Southland.  

In 2025, Manawatū took out the 16s Girls title, while Bay of Plenty were crowned champions in the 18s Boys grade. Auckland will look to defend their titles in the 16s Boys and 18s Girls grades.

Several National 9s alumni have gone on to make successful NRL debuts and careers, including the Warriors’ Leka Halasima, who represented Auckland, and teammate Tanner Stowers-Smith, who featured for Canterbury.

Similarly, in the NRLW, Wellington sisters Alexis and Trinity Tauaneai both won Tournament MVP awards in 2022 and 2023, with Alexis now a Kiwi Fern and Bulldogs mainstay, and Trinity playing for the Dragons.

Fields 1 and 2 are set to be live-streamed on Saturday 4, and all major games on Field 1 will be live-streamed on Sunday 5.

Keep an eye on our NZRL Grassroots social media channels for more tournament information and details to be released in the coming weeks.  

The NZRL Board announces that Greg Peters has informed the board of his intention to step down from his position as CEO, concluding an eight-year tenure marked by transformation and impact.

Since his appointment in 2018, Greg has led the organisation through some initially very turbulent times into a period of significant growth overseeing a 30% increase in revenue; investment into the grassroots game – doubling player numbers from 22,000 to 45,000. Greg has also overseen the reestablishment of the international game with regular test matches for both the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns in New Zealand – both teams have equivalent programmes and pay equity for Kiwi Fern athletes.

NZRL Chair, Justin Leydesdorff, says Greg was instrumental in establishing the Pacific Championship competition as well as constitutional changes which saw Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Rugby League becoming a voting member of NZRL, with a permanent Board seat.

“On behalf of the board and our members, I want to acknowledge and thank Greg for his outstanding contribution to the game,” says Justin.

“We have been extremely fortunate to have had one of the country’s top sports administrators lead the sport over eight years. Greg successfully combined his love for the grassroots game with the commercial complexities of running an NSO and leaves the code significantly better off than when he took over,” he says.

Reflecting on his tenure, Greg Peters says it has been an honour and privilege to lead NZRL.

“I’m incredibly proud of what my small and very committed team has achieved over the past few years. And I am in awe of, and want to pay tribute to, the thousands of people who toil at the grassroots of the game and drive the growth and development week in week out with very scarce resources” says Greg.

“NZ Rugby League will always have a big place in my heart and I look forward to watching the game reach new heights in future years,” he says.

The Board is in the early stages of commencing a process to recruit a successor and NZRL remains firmly focused on delivering its strategic priorities and serving its community and stakeholders. Greg has agreed to continue support the Board during this period of transition.

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge and mourn the passing of Jeremy Hendrix-Harris, Whutupōro Rīki Whaikaha o Aotearoa Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRLNZ) Kiwi #14.

Jeremy was a cherished member of the PDRLNZ community for many years and proudly represented Aotearoa on multiple occasions. His international appearances included the 2018 Rugby League Emerging Nations World Championships in Sydney and the 2021 PDRL World Cup in England, the inaugural competition in which the PDRLNZ Kiwis achieved a historic silver-medal finish.

Jeremy also took the field in the 2023 Pacific Championships Grand Final curtain-raiser at FMG Waikato, representing the PDRL Kiwis in the match against the PDRL Kiwis A side.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Jeremy’s whānau, friends, the PDRLNZ and wider PDRL community, and all who knew and loved him. He will be greatly missed, moe mai rā Jeremy.

The NRL is oozing with talent across the board and many of them hail from New Zealand, from small settlements in the Far North to metropolitan cities such as Auckland.

We know many of the established names, but with the trials complete, we got the chance to see many youngsters who are on the cusp of making their NRL debuts.

The Herald looks at 17 New Zealand-born or raised players who impressed during pre-season and could make the step up to the NRL.

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1. Mason Barber – North Queensland Cowboys

Age: 19. School: Keebra Park State High School (Qld).

After missing all of 2025, the kid from Hokianga is primed to stamp his mark by showcasing electric footwork and blistering speed, with the ability to cover all back five positions. As the Cowboys are not flush with depth in the backs it might not be long before he’s given an opportunity. He scored the game-clinching try against the Bulldogs in the pre-season, which highlighted his incredible footwork.

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2. Siale Faeamani – Gold Coast Titans

Age: 21. School: St Peter’s College.

The 21-year-old has emerged as a bolter after arriving on the Gold Coast via the Warriors and most recently the Panthers. Since then, he’s impressed new coach Josh Hannay, who has overhauled the squad, and Faeamani is destined to start in their season opener against the Sharks.

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3. Caelys-Paul Putoko – New Zealand Warriors

Age: 19. School: Hamilton Boys’ High School.

A player who was chased by numerous Super Rugby franchises before settling back home at the Warriors after a stint with the Titans. Putoko was part of the Cook Islands squad that qualified for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. Still room for improvement, but he does already look like a star of the future.

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4. Dean Tauaa – South Sydney Rabbitohs

Age: 18. School: Mabel Park State High School (Qld).

If you ever wanted to see a centre with the speed of a wing and the ability to carry like a middle forward then Tauaa is your man. He’s been dominating the SG Ball (Under-19s) for the Rabbitohs, who have locked him down long term. While he won’t join the NRL squad for a couple more years, if he keeps up his current vein of form, that debut could come sooner rather than later.

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5. Setu Tu – St George Illawarra Dragons

Age: 27. School: Ōtāhuhu College.

On the back of multiple impressive seasons with the Warriors’ reserves, where he managed 44 tries in 67 appearances, Tu made the move to Sydney and had an immediate impact. Initially signed to a development contract, coach Shane Flannagan said he had been impressed with Tu’s energy and evasiveness. Tu has been named to make his long-awaited debut in Las Vegas this weekend.

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6. Jett Cleary – New Zealand Warriors

Age: 20. School: St Dominic’s College (NSW).

It would be silly not to include the brother of Panthers star Nathan Cleary and the son of former Warriors player and coach Ivan Cleary. Andrew Webster has stressed there is no need to rush the youngest Cleary, but with plenty of potential changes on the horizon, that debut could happen sooner rather than later. While it’s unlikely he will play for the Kiwis, he was born in Auckland, so New Zealand might as well claim him while we can.

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7. David Bryenton – Canterbury Bulldogs

Age: 18. School: Keebra Park State High School (Qld).

The Auckland teen has one of the cooler stories in making it to the Bulldogs after a social media message led to him joining the illustrious Keebra Park State High School before being chased by several NRL clubs, eventually landing with the Doggies. While fullback is his natural position, he has been wearing the No 7 jersey for the SG Ball (Under-19s) side through the opening rounds. An NRL debut is a long shot in 2026, but he’s already highly regarded. Last year he was the recipient of the Peter Sterling Medal, which is awarded to the best schoolboy player in Australia and has been won by the likes of Payne Hass and Tom Dearden.

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8. Salesi Ataata – South Sydney Rabbitohs

Age: 23. School: Pakūranga College.

A big, powerful front rower with great footwork and a strong leg drive. After limited chances in New Zealand, he made the move to Sydney, where he began in the Cronulla Sharks’ system before finding a home with the Bunnies. His breakout form for the reserves side has led to him being added to the Rabbitohs’ supplementary list for the 2026 season.

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9. John Fineanganofo – Dolphins

Age: 20. School: Auckland Grammar.

A player that has emerged as an early season bolter is the 20-year-old from Auckland Grammar, being he’s the only specialist fit hooker at the Dolphins on the eve of the NRL season. The Dolphins do have players capable of filling the void, but Fineanganofo’s undergone a steady apprenticeship in the Queensland Cup and early indications say he’s ready to go. He is the younger brother of Hurricanes winger Fehi Fineanganofo.

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10. Elijah Rasmussen – Dolphins

Age: 21. School: Westlake Boys’ High School.

The only non-New Zealand-born player to feature on this list, as he spent his early years in England while his dad, Dale Rasmussen, played professional rugby. A tall, powerful middle forward, he attended Westlake Boys’ and was later scouted after playing in a Māori tournament in Rotorua. Was previously part of the Blues’ Under-18s squad.

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11. Mason Kira – North Queensland Cowboys

Age: 20. School: Mountain Creek State High School (Qld).

New Zealand-born but raised in Queensland, Kira has been on the cusp of a debut for the past couple of years but has been held back by injuries. Has already represented the Queensland U19s team and can play in the middle or second-row.

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12. Francis Manuleleua – Newcastle Knights

Age: 21. School: King’s College.

The former King’s College First XV captain has earned a promotion to the Knights’ top 30 squad after a standout New South Wales Cup campaign, where he received the players’ player award. Has been labelled as a powerful ball runner with a good offload. With plenty of youth in the club’s forward pack, expect that opportunity to eventuate in 2026.

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13. Alekolasimi Jones – Canterbury Bulldogs

Age: 21. School: St Paul’s College.

A strong, powerful forward who has worked his way through the ranks of the Bulldogs and now sits on the cusp of a debut. Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould has labelled him as the next breakout forward at the club, which says something about the talent and potential he possesses. He is part of the Doggies’ extended squad in Las Vegas.

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14. Makaia Tafua – New Zealand Warriors

Age: 21. School: Shirley Boys’ High School.

It has been some time since the Warriors have had a New Zealand-born hooker leading the side, but the 21-year-old could be that person. Has plenty of speed coming out of the ruck and a strong kicking game to boot. He is part of a promising South Island core at the Warriors, including Jason Salalilo and Bishop Neal.

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15. Toby Crosby – Panthers

Age: 22. School: St Patrick’s College Silverstream.

If there was a player who is on a massive upward trajectory, then don’t look past Toby Crosby, a player the Warriors might regret letting go. A player with a union background, the 22-year-old took to league like water off a duck’s back with his work ethic and defence being big highlights.

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16. Zac Garton – Dolphins

Age: 19. School: Caloundra State High School (Qld).

Has worked his way through the ranks at the Dolphins, starting with the Under-6s at Redcliffe. Was born in Kaitāia but relocated to Australia at a young age. Another player who featured for the Queensland U19 team and the Australian Schoolboys. An edge back-rower who brings plenty of size and footwork.

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17. Kayliss Fatialofa – New Zealand Warriors

Age: 21. School: De La Salle College.

The 21-year-old looks destined to be the next graduate from the Warriors’ pathways system on the back of an impressive NSW Cup, where he was named in the team of the year. Across the season, he averaged 89m and 27 tackles per game, which are impressive numbers for an edge forward. Nearly made the move to the Panthers but backflipped during the 10-day cooling period, but has the skills to become a regular in first grade.

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As seen on nzherald.co.nz

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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