Kawerau's Will Warbrick Reflects On His Journey to the Melbourne Storm
Growing up, mum says it was never about a lack of ability, she said I just never had confidence in myself.
Will Warbrick
"I think the high school sport experience damaged my confidence and my enjoyment of rugby at the time too. "I was a late bloomer who was in the mindset that if you didn’t peak in high school then you probably never would. "I was always an athlete growing up, always did running, but being an athlete is different to being a good sportsperson. "There was a lack of a sense of belonging around talented sportspeople." He switched to rugby league briefly in 2015 in the hope of finding opportunities in the 13-aside game. When he attended a national Māori age-group tournament swarming with talent scouts that year the only attention he attracted was from a man who told him he should try a different sport. "There was a bloke there representing AFLNZ who said I should give it a go," Will says. "So I spent a season playing AFL and it ended up being the first time I got to represent my county in anything, as part of the New Zealand U18s. "St Kilda at the time had a development pathway deal in NZ and I thought if I was good enough I could get a trial with them. "But that never worked out for me and if I’d wanted to make it I would have needed to move to Australia, which would have been a pretty big move at the time for a kid." While the experience had given him a reason to believe he had what it took to exist and excel in an elite sporting environment, Will stopped playing sport altogether the following year and instead focused on studying to become an engineer at university. However, struggles with mental health led him to return home and take up a job in mid-2016, and it was back in Kawerau – the small Māori majority settlement on New Zealand's East Coast, not far from where his England-born ancestor Abraham Warbrick landed and settled in the 1840s before marrying the daughter of a local iwi chief – that Will's journey changed course. A group of friends convinced him to lace up the boots again for the Te Teko Rugby Club and before long the flame was back. "Going back to a grassroots Māori rugby team seemed to really help me enjoy sports again and with my life at the time, it gave me more purpose," he told the Hisense Upgrade Season Series. "I was playing for enjoyment and not trying to make something out of it." While that was his mindset, mum Carroll hadn't given up hope of her boy making it in sport and signed him up to the Ignite7 competition, in which some of the country's best athletes came to trial for a place in the New Zealand sevens development squad. Will begrudgingly attended, struggling to hold his own in most of the physical testing but starring in the sprint category and impressing once a ball was introduced to drills. He ended up being one of three male athletes picked to advance to the development camp early in 2019, and despite injury preventing him from taking part in most of the activities, he did enough in the opposed session to convince selectors he was worthy of a spot in the national squad. Two years later he was an Olympic silver medalist, and in an alternate universe Will would be about to go to his second Olympic Games in Paris this month with the Kiwi sevens team. Instead, he's firing on all cylinders for a Storm side who are in pole position to claim the minor premiership and challenge for the title later this year, following an excellent debut campaign in 2023 which saw him nominated for Dally M Rookie of the Year honours. "If the sevens boys win a gold medal I’ll probably feel a bit like I am missing out, but I’m in a good spot now. I have no regrets," he says. "It looks pretty good over there in Paris and it’s cold here in Melbourne right now, but I’m enjoying what I am doing. "I am where I need to be." While life is good now and he's a first-choice player for the Storm, initially Will feared he'd made a big mistake in moving across to league. "When I first got here I wasn’t amazing anyone. If anything I was humbled and it was a shock to the system," he says.I thought, ‘I’ve stuffed up here, I’m not cut out for league'.
Will Warbrick
"I struggled with the contact aspect, the collisions and the volume of it, and then the running forward and back 10 metres, and obviously going from a 14-minute game to an 80-minute game." After an at-times frustrating first year with the Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Queensland Cup, the moment to become an NRL player arrived in Round 1 of 2023 and Will seized it. He'd go on to score 17 tries in 25 games that season and earn a spot in the New Zealand 'A' team at the end of the year.The only reason I came to league was because it was with the Storm. I had opportunities to explore a pre-season at the Warriors and the Wests Tigers... I don’t think I would have crossed over for any other team.
Will Warbrick
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NZ Schools, Clubs, and Residents team management announced for youth representative fixtures
Team management appointments have been confirmed for 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 ahead of their representative fixtures on Labour Day, Monday 26 October.
The NZ Secondary Schools 18s Girls and Boys teams were selected from students who represented their schools at the NZRL National Secondary Schools Tournament in early September. Their opponents on Labour Day, the NZ Clubs 18s Girls and Boys 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 Girls and Boys 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.
While NZRL tournaments and representative fixtures give rangatahi the opportunity to grow as players, they also create opportunities for those working behind the scenes to build their skills and experience in a representative environment. From coaches and trainers to team managers, these appointments recognise the important role staff play in supporting the next generation of rugby league talent.
NZRL National Coach Development Manager George Lajpold shared, "We received a high volume of quality applications for management roles across all teams. The appointment of these staff is a crucial step in strengthening our national pathways - not just for our players, but for the coaches, the trainers, and the managers who support them. Just as our rangatahi earn the opportunity to represent their country and culture on the national stage through their schools, clubs, and districts, this programme provides a parallel pathway for management staff to develop and hone their craft at the national representative level.
“Elevating local coaching and management talent directly aligns with our mission to raise the standard of rugby league across Aotearoa, ensuring that as our athletes grow, the support systems around them continue to excel at every stage of the journey."
New Zealand Secondary Schools 18s Girls team staff
Head Coach: Marama Rayner | Turangawaewae RLSCC, Hamilton Fraser High School, Waikato
Assistant Coach: Anthone Sims | Papamoa Bulldogs, Thames High School, Bay of Plenty
Manager: Tairi Ford | Tokoroa High School, Bay of Plenty
Head Trainer: Clayton Parai | Coastline, Bay of Plenty
Assistant Trainer: Michael Naylor | Papanui Tigers, Canterbury
New Zealand Secondary Schools 18s Boys team staff
Head Coach: Eugene Davis | Waikato
Assistant Coach: Shaun Egan | West Coast Rugby League
Manager: Ruana Maruariki | Ellerslie Eagles, Auckland
Head Trainer: Jason Clarke | Otago Rugby League, Southern Zone
Assistant Trainer: Nui Ririnui | Wainuiomata Lions, Wellington
New Zealand Clubs 18s Girls team staff
Head Coach: Sharlene Atai | Richmond Rovers, Auckland
Assistant Coach: Tai Arona | Hornby Panthers, Canterbury
Manager: Dianne Tuitama | Richmond Rovers, Auckland
Head Trainer: Marrin Haggie | Ngāruawāhia Panthers, Waikato
Assistant Trainer: La Winitana | Te Aroha Rugby Eels, Wellington
New Zealand Clubs 18s Boys team staff
Head Coach: Henri Nicolas | Richmond Rovers, Auckland
Assistant Coach: Zane Pocklington | Marist Saints, Auckland
Manager: Natasha Fergus | Hornby Panthers, Canterbury
Head Trainer: Ben Collins | Pt. Chevalier Pirates, Auckland
Assistant Trainer: Ralph Leafe | Randwick Kingfishers, Wellington
New Zealand Residents 16s Girls team staff
Head Coach: Ruth Vae | Richmond Rovers, Auckland
Assistant Coach: Jason Tangianau | Te Aroha Eels, Wellington
Manager: Rose Iefata | Richmond Rovers, Auckland
Head Trainer: Raynard Haggie | Ngāruawāhia Panthers, Waikato
Assistant Trainer: John Mainuu | Randwick Kingfishers, Wellington
New Zealand Residents 16s Boys team staff
Head Coach: David Bhana | Northcote Tigers, Auckland
Assistant Coach: Kevin Charlie | Otahuhu Rovers, Auckland
Manager: Raneigh Smith | Eastern Eagles, Canterbury
Head Trainer: Ula Lopati | Mount Albert Lions, Auckland
Assistant Trainer: Rob Nepia | Riccarton Knights, Canterbury
Ponga to have surgery after breaking arm
Sydney, Australia, October 16, 2026
Kalyn Ponga has been booked in for surgery after breaking the radius in his left arm in the Kiwis’ 22-24 loss to the Kangaroos in last night’s opening match of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup in Sydney.
The 28-year-old fullback remained on the field until the 70th minute after suffering the break earlier in the second half.
“We wish Kalyn all the best with his surgery today,” said team doctor Greg Macleod.
“We’ll see how that goes but for now he will remain in camp.”
Ponga marked an outstanding Test debut by scoring two tries, running 253 metres from 16 runs, making three line breaks and five tackle breaks.
Kiwis fall just short in thrilling World Cup opener against Australia
The New Zealand Kiwis narrowly fell short against Australia 24-22 in the opening match of the IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026.
Played before Sydney’s biggest Test crowd in more than 50 years, the clash of the trans-Tasman titans had everything fans could hope to see – the game’s biggest stars scoring spectacular tries and stopping them, brutal defence, high drama and an atmosphere deserving of the occasion.
Kangaroos Captain Isaah Yeo said, “A game like that deserves an atmosphere like that. International rugby league feels like it is growing and that was an outstanding way to start this tournament.
“It feels like even just the media surrounding this World Cup has been different. The last World Cup was over in England, so it maybe didn’t get spoken about enough but I felt like there was a real excitement around it here.”
The crowd of 41,255 was the biggest for a Test in Sydney since 55,505 fans packed the SCG to watch the decider in the 1974 Ashes series between Australia and Great Britain and the city’s biggest World Cup attendance since the 1968 final between Australia and France.
Kiwis captain James Fisher-Harris said: “That was probably the best Australia versus New Zealand atmosphere I’ve played in to be honest. It was pretty special”.
And no one went home disappointed after the two heavyweights of the World Cup traded blows for 80 minutes until Australia ran out narrow victors after Jack Bostock completed a hat trick on debut with a spectacular aerial try.
“It was a high quality game with the intensity and everything about it. We are fierce rivals and that was one of the best games of footy I have seen for a long time,” Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters said.
“We will take the win but understanding and respectful that the next time we come across each other it will be a similar game.”
Kiwis coach Stacey Jones was also upbeat about his team’s chances of winning the tournament, despite the defeat and the loss of superstar fullback Kalyn Ponga, who scored two brilliant individual tries in the second half before coming from the field with an injured arm.
“There’s lots of stuff to be proud of, lots of stuff to like but there is a lot more to go in this tournament,” Jones said.
“There is lots of teams in this competition who are going to play some really good footy and what a spectacle for everyone, unfortunately we were on the losing side but we will learn from it and we will get better and we will make some adjustments – not big adjustments but we are always looking to get better every time.
Fisher-Harris said: “It’s a long tourney, well hopefully it is a long campaign and hopefully we just get better. I back this squad against anyone.”
“It is a big honour to represent my people and my country, everything that comes with it and to have all my family watching. Obviously it a big honour leading the boys out there, singing the anthem and doing the haka, there is no bigger honour than that.
As seen on rlwc2026.com/news/this-world-cup-feels-differerent
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Four Kiwis named in World Cup Referees Squad
Congratulations to local referees Paki Parkinson (Auckland), Jack Feavers (Canterbury), Maxine Godinet (Auckland), and Rochelle Tamarua (Queensland) on their selection in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup Referees Squad.
Parkinson and Tamarua both return for their second World Cup campaigns, having represented New Zealand at the 2022 tournament in England while Feavers and Godinet prepare to make their World Cup debuts.
Parkinson officiated across Auckland competitions throughout 2026 including refereeing the Fox Memorial Grand Final, as well as NZRL national tournaments and competitions, most notably refereeing the NZRL National Men's Premiership Grand Final.
He also enjoyed another season refereeing in the SG Ball, Jersey Flegg, and NSW Cup pathway competitions, while serving as a Touch Judge for all NRLW matches played in New Zealand.
Feavers officiated Canterbury club football throughout the 2026 season culminating in the Canterbury Premier Men's Grand Final, and featured across several NZRL national tournaments including refereeing the National Men's Premiership semi-final.
He also refereed alongside Parkinson in the Jersey Flegg and SG Ball competitions and was appointed as a Touch Judge for NSW Cup matches.
While also a highly experienced rugby league official, Godinet will officiate in the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup held in Wollongong, after training and gaining experience in the code at the 2025 LCA NRL Wheelchair Championships and the 2026 NZRL Wheelchair Nationals.
After several years officiating across Auckland and NZRL national competitions before relocating to Queensland three years ago, Tamarua has continued to build her experience on the Australian stage. Over the past two seasons, she has featured as both a Referee and Touch Judge in the NRLW and now prepares to enter her second World Cup campaign.
New Zealand Rugby League National Referees Manager, Alan Caddy shared, “We’re incredibly proud of Paki, Jack, Maxine and Rochelle on their selection in the World Cup Referees Squad.
“They’ve all excelled across domestic and representative competitions and are well deserving of this opportunity to represent New Zealand and officiate on the world stage. It’s an outstanding achievement and a great example for our young and grassroots referees to aspire to, with clear pathways available to progress through the game.”
Kiwi Ferns name accomplished side to face Fiji Bulikula
The Kiwi Ferns have named an accomplished side for their first match of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup against the Fiji Bulikula.
It will be a fierce battle at McDonald Jones Stadium this Sunday as the two sides test each other in their first-ever encounter.
Kiwi Ferns Head Coach Ricky Henry said: “Our focus this week is on the basics; run hard, strong defence and make sure every play is properly executed. That’s what is going to set us up well for Fiji, but also build a strong foundation for the weeks to come.”
Henry has also built a strong foundation for his first squad, naming four players already seasoned in the Rugby League World Cup arena; Co-Captains Georgia Hale and Raecene McGregor, Apii Nicholls and former World Cup winner with Australia, Shannon Mato, who this year switched allegiance to honour her birth country, New Zealand.
“Getting the chance to debut this weekend, I know I’m going to get very emotional,” said Mato.
“I never thought this day would ever come, because of the rules, but I’m just grateful that God led me to this pathway, and I get to enjoy it with all my loved ones. I think it's a huge achievement for myself… It’s a sense of belonging for me, and I’m really excited.”
Alongside Whangarei-born Mato in the forwards is NRLW Champion Otesa Pule, Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa at lock, and back rowers Annessa Biddle and former Cook Islands international Kaiyah Atai.
Also swapping allegiance from Australia, five-eighth Zahara Temara, earns her first start in the black jersey to create an impressive spine alongside Nicholls, McGregor, and Hale.
Cross-code star Stacey Waaka will make her debut on the left wing with Canberra Raiders Player of the Year Leianne Tufuga on the right, alongside experienced centres Mele Hufanga and Abigail Roache.
Bringing impact off the bench will be Ashleigh Quinlan, Alexis Tauaneai, Ivana Lauitiiti and Brianna Clark, with Brooke Anderson as 18th-man.
“We’re expecting a physical challenge on Sunday from Fiji, so we’ll need to stick to our systems. This year, we are lucky to have a wealth of footy IQ and experience in the group, which will be key in the high-pressure moments of this tournament,” said Henry.
The Kiwi Ferns kick off against Fiji Bulikula in Newcastle at 1.50pm AEDT / 3.50pm NZT, ahead of the mens match between Fiji and the Cook Islands at 4.05pm AEDT / 6.05pm NZT. Matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sport.
Kiwi Ferns Squad To Face Fiji Bulikula:
- Apii Nicholls
- Leianne Tufuga
- Mele Hufanga
- Abigail Roache
- Stacey Waaka*
- Zahara Temara*
- Raecene McGregor
- Otesa Pule
- Georgia Hale
- Shannon Mato*
- Annessa Biddle
- Kaiyah Atai*
- Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa
- Ashleigh Quinlan
- Alexis Tauaneai
- Ivana Lauitiiti
- Brianna Clark
- Brooke Anderson
- Shaniece Monschau
- Tenika Willison*
- Shanice Parker
- Chantay Kiria-Ratu*
*denotes debutant
Match Info:
Kiwi Ferns v Fiji Bulikula
18 October 2026
Kick Off: 1:50 pm AEDT / 3:50 pm NZDT
McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Ponga and Gagai to debut in Kiwis' RLWC opener
Dane Gagai will become the second-oldest Test debutant in New Zealand history when he joins fellow first-time Kiwi Kalyn Ponga in the opening match of the Rugby League World Cup against defending champion Australia at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Thursday (8.05pm AEDTkick-off).
Named in the centres, Gagai will be 35 years 286 days on Thursday night, nine years after playing the first of his seven Tests for the Kangaroos in the opening match of the 2017 World Cup in Melbourne.
Alf Chorley has the record as the Kiwis’ oldest debutant. He was 36 years 46 days when New Zealand played Great Britain in 1910 while Canterbury hooker Jim Fisher, who passed away just last month at the age of 85, was the next oldest at 30 years 75 days when he lined up in the first Test against Great Britain in Salford in 1971.
Gagai, who has Māori heritage on his mother’s side, was cleared to switch his eligibility to New Zealand on the eve of Newcastle’s appearance in the NRL grand final against the Sydney Roosters on October 4.
He has previously played three times for the Māori All Stars and also appeared three times for the Indigenous All Stars through his father’s heritage.
Gagai’s Knights teammate Ponga will line up at fullback against the Kangaroos, capping his ambition to play for the Kiwis after representing the Māori All Stars three times.
Kiwi head coach Stacey Jones has included the grand finalists in a potent combination which draws on an experienced pack.
Of the forwards used in the 36-14 win over Toa Samoa in the Pacific Championships final last year, five return – captain James Fisher-Harris (One New Zealand Warriors) and Moses Leota (Panthers) as the starting props with Briton Nikora (Sharks) and Isaiah Papali’i (Panthers) in the second row and vice-captain Joseph Tapine (Raiders) at loose forward. The only player missing is Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland, ruled out through suspension; he’s replaced by Dolphins dummy half Jeremy Marshall-King.
Jones has also named the same impressive interchange combination from the victory over Samoa with Te Maire Martin (Warriors) joining middle forwards Naufahu Whyte (Roosters), Erin Clark (Warriors) and Xavier Willison (Broncos).
With Ponga coming into the side, Keano Kini (Titans) moves onto the extended bench while Ronaldo Multialo (Sharks) returns on the left wing after being injured in the opening match of last year’s Pacific series against Samoa.
Gagai is paired in the centres with Casey McLean (Panthers), with halfback Jahrome Hughes (Storm) back in the Kiwi jersey for the first time since the 30-0 triumph over Australia in the 2023 Pacific Championships final. Wearing the #6 jersey will be Kodi Nikorima (Dolphins), the longest-serving Kiwi in the squad who debuted in 2015.
NEW ZEALAND KIWIS v KANGAROOS
Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Thursday, November 15, 2026
- Kalyn PONGA | Debutant
- Jamayne ISAAKO | Kiwi #808
- Dane GAGAI | Debutant
- 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
- Keano KINI | Kiwi #836
- Scott SORENSEN | Kiwi #831
- Leo THOMPSON | Kiwi #833
- Jacob LABAN | Debutant
Coach: Stacey JONES
The defeat driving Jahrome Hughes' World Cup campaign
The pain of New Zealand's semi-final defeat to Australia four years ago is driving Jahrome Hughes in his bid to lead the Kiwis to IRL Rugby League World Cup glory.
New Zealand led 2022 semi-final 14-10 at half-time before a Cam Murray try put the Kangaroos in front with 27 minutes to play.
The Kiwis had a number of chances to hit back but were unable to break through Australia's desperate defence.
As New Zealand's on-field general, Hughes blamed himself for the loss and will carry that pain into Thursday's showdown with the Kangaroos to kick off the World Cup at Allianz Stadium.
"Getting so close in 2022 and losing to Australia in the semi-final, there's still a bit of fire in the belly," Hughes said. "I take a lot of blame for losing that game.
"It’s fuelling that fire and making sure that doesn’t happen again. That’s what happened in that last World Cup. I feel like it’s worked for me already with my preparation and my mindset going into this tournament.”
A crowd exceeding 40,000 fans is expected to pack into Allianz Stadium for a match that will give the winner pole position for the World Cup.
Hughes was a 14-year-old who had just moved to the Gold Coast when New Zealand hoisted the Paul Barrière Trophy for the first and only time back in 2008.
The playmaker has fond memories of watching Benji Marshall lead his nation to a stunning upset over the Kangaroos at Suncorp Stadium.
Should all go to plan, Hughes will have a chance to emulate the 2008 side at the same ground in just over a month. Having fallen short four years ago, the halfback is desperate not to let this opportunity slip.
"I think back to '08 when I was a kid and how that win made me feel," Hughes said. "If we were to lift that trophy at the end of this World Cup, the things it would do for the kids back home in New Zealand and all our supporters would be special.
"Seeing the way our game has grown over there, it's a credit to the Warriors. We see all the hype they've got over there and the new fans they've got. For us to win it would be really special, not just for us players but the whole country."
While he still carries the pain of defeat four years ago, Hughes also knows the elation of victory over the Kangaroos.
The halfback's last outing in a Kiwis jumper was a record 30-0 trouncing of Australia in the 2023 Pacific Championships final.
While injuries have prevented Hughes from lining up for New Zealand in the past two years, he said this year's camp has plenty of similarities to 2023.
"It was an awesome experience," he said. "Being able to win the Pacific Championships with the quality of that Kangaroos team and the way we did it.
"The feeling in the camp the whole campaign, we worked hard to build something special and we were able to end it on a high. I haven't been in camp since then but this camp's got a similar feel and we've got some great leaders in our captain [James Fisher-Harris]."
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.
New Zealand Residents 16s Boys & Girls representative fixtures confirmed
The NZRL New Zealand Residents 16s Boys and Girls teams’ fixtures are confirmed for Labour Day, facing Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Rugby League (ANZMRL) and the Pasifika Aotearoa Rugby League Collective (PAC).
The fixtures will be played in two weeks' time on Monday 26 October at Auckland’s Bruce Pulman Park, preceding the NZRL New Zealand 18s Clubs and 18s Schools Boys and Girls fixtures.
The New Zealand Residents 16s teams have been selected from players identified through the recent NZRL National Secondary Schools Tournament and NZRL National Youth Tournament.
“The return of NZRL’s youth representative programme is a fantastic opportunity for emerging talent across the 16s and 18s grades. It will be an exciting day of high-quality rugby league featuring some of the country’s best boys and girls representing the NZ Residents, as well as the ANZMRL and PAC teams. It’s a chance for these young players to showcase their talent on the national stage while proudly representing their country and culture", said Motu Tony, NZRL General Manager of Football and High Performance.
ANZMRL will select a 16s Tama team from players identified at their Rangatahi Tama Tournament, and PAC, which represents Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau and ANZMRL, will select a 16s Girls team from tournaments taking place this month.
Through their respective tournaments across Aotearoa, ANZMRL and PAC provide rangatahi with opportunities to celebrate and connect with their culture and whakapapa, while representing their whānau and communities.
ANZMRL’s Titia Graham shared, “Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Rugby League is proud of our 16s Tama team and management who will carry with them the mana of their whakapapa, whānau, hapū, iwi and roopū, showcasing not only their talent and passion for rugby league but also the strength, pride and identity of who they are and who they represent. Tū Kaha, Tū Maia, Tū Māori!”
PAC Chair Phillip Tasmania commented, "Our Pasifika Aotearoa Collective U16 Girls don't just wear a jersey - they carry the mana of their families, their villages, and every young woman who has ever dared to dream of playing representative rugby league in Aotearoa. This game against the NZRL NZ Resident U16 Girls is more than a fixture; it's a doorway. For our girls, culture is the foundation, opportunity is the invitation, and this pathway is the future we are building - one powerful step at a time."
Several current professional and semi-professional players have progressed through NZRL’s youth representative pathways and gone on to successful NRL and NRLW careers and international selection, including Ivana Lauitiiti, Jordan Riki, and Jacob Laban.
Remembering Pat Spellman
New Zealand Rugby League very sadly mourns the passing of sports stalwart Pat Spellman (Ngāti Maruwharanui, Mangaia), a renowned local sports journalist, broadcaster, administrator, and supporter.
Pat was a beloved and well-known member of the wider sports community in Aotearoa, and was an admired emcee of several NZRL national tournaments from 2017-2019.
He held a number of roles within media, including at Moana Radio, while being a major advocate for the sport of touch, working closely with Touch New Zealand and Māori Touch New Zealand for years. Pat co-founded the Pacific Cup Sports Trust with the purpose of growing Pasifika participation in touch, and worked for CLM Leisure Management.
Pat has left a lasting legacy in Aotearoa and beyond that will be remembered for years to come. We offer our sincerest condolences to Pat's whānau, friends, community, and all who knew and loved him. Moe mai rā e te rangatira.
JD Sports announces first national team sponsorship with NZRL
Global sports fashion retailer JD Sports has partnered with New Zealand Rugby League, marking JD Sports' first sponsorship of a national team, coming on board as Major Partner & Official Sneaker Supplier of the Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns and Wheel Kiwis.
The partnership brings together two brands with a shared passion for sport, culture and style, with JD Sports set to put its mark on New Zealand's national rugby league teams as the Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns and Wheel Kiwis prepare to represent Aotearoa on the world stage.
As Major Partner & Official Sneaker Supplier, JD will fit out all players in exclusive Only at JD Sports product throughout the tournament and will be present at moments that matter during the World Cup, giving fans a different look at what the NZRL teams are getting up to.
NZRL General Manager of Communications and Marketing, Amy Thomason, said:
"JD Sports is a brand that understands the role sport plays in culture, particularly with younger audiences, and that makes this a really exciting partnership for us.
"We're looking forward to JD bringing great energy to the Rugby League World Cup, and together putting the Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns and Wheel Kiwis firmly in the spotlight not only on, but off the field."
Michael Weatherston, JD Sports APAC Marketing Director said:
"We're incredibly proud to partner with New Zealand Rugby League as our first ever national team sponsorship. Having the iconic JD roundel on the NZRL national jersey, and a presence at a World Cup is a special moment for us. We're continuing to strengthen our connection with fans through our sports partnerships we’ve built over the past nine years, meeting our audience in cultural moments that matter most.
"As we expand our store base in New Zealand, we want to continue to show up for New Zealanders with the right partnerships that drive passion and engagement with our core audience. Leveraging each team off pitch through our range of exclusive sports lifestyle products gives us a unique and credible access point within the Rugby League World Cup, and we’re excited to partner with the NZRL to build some amazing moments throughout the tournament. Expect to see us show up in a way that only JD can - driving highly engaging content and providing athletes with the best products that you can find only at JD.”
New Zealand Kiwis announce blockbuster squad for Rugby League World Cup
New Zealand Kiwis head coach Stacey Jones has named a formidable 23-man squad for the Rugby League World Cup, with their campaign kicking off in a week across New Zealand and Australia.
The squad combines a strong core of players from the 2025 Pacific Championships-winning side, alongside equally impressive new talent in line to make their Kiwis debuts.
Captain James Fisher-Harris will lead the side once again after a standout NRL season that saw him named Dally M Captain of the Year and Prop of the Year. Fellow Prop of the Year Naufahu Whyte returns fresh from an NRL premiership victory with the Sydney Roosters on Sunday, while two-time Lock of the Year Erin Clark will again add strength to the forward pack.
“We’re very excited for this World Cup campaign. We’ve been building towards this over the past few years, and winning the Pacific Championships last year was a big step in that journey,” said Jones.
“I’m confident in this squad. We’ve got a good mix of experienced players who have been part of the team for a long time, and some new blood who all bring great talent.”
The 2026 NRL Top Point Scorer, Jamayne Isaako, retains his place alongside Dolphins teammates Jeremy Marshall-King and Kodi Nikorima, who returns after last featuring for the Kiwis in 2024.
Melbourne Storm star Jahrome Hughes also makes his return to the Kiwis after an international hiatus due to injury. Last representing the Kiwis in their 2023 Pacific Championships Grand Final victory over Australia, Hughes will bolster the New Zealand spine.
Headlining the four potential debutants is Kalyn Ponga, the 2023 Dally M Medallist and Queensland Maroons representative, who pledged his allegiance to New Zealand earlier this year following changes to State of Origin and international eligibility rules. Ponga's Newcastle Knights and Māori All Stars teammate Dane Gagai also joins the squad for the first time, with the IRL Board recently approving his switch to New Zealand after he last represented Australia eight years ago.
New Zealand Warriors duo Jacob Laban and Tanner Stowers-Smith are also in line to make their Kiwis debuts, having both featured for the last Kiwis A side in 2023. Christchurch’s Stowers-Smith will also carry on a proud family legacy as the great-grandson of former Kiwis captain and great Pat Smith.
The Kiwis will open their World Cup campaign against Australia in Sydney in the RLWC competition opening match before returning to home soil to face the Cook Islands at Ōtautahi Christchurch’s One NZ Stadium. They will then travel to the Gold Coast for their final Pool match against Fiji.
The Rugby League World Cup Grand Finals will be played at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Sunday, 15 November.
New Zealand Kiwis 2026 Rugby League World Cup squad
Name, Heritage Number, NRLW club
- Erin CLARK #842, New Zealand Warriors
- James FISHER-HARRIS #801, New Zealand Warriors
- Dane GAGAI, Newcastle Knights*
- Jahrome HUGHES #819, Melbourne Storm
- Jamayne ISAAKO #808, The Dolphins
- Keano KINI #836, Gold Coast Titans
- Jacob LABAN, New Zealand Warriors*
- Moses LEOTA #827, Penrith Panthers
- Jeremy MARSHALL-KING #830, The Dolphins
- Te Maire MARTIN #802, New Zealand Warriors
- Casey McLEAN #841, Penrith Panthers
- Ronaldo MULITALO #824, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
- Charnze NICOLL-KLOKSTAD #820, New Zealand Warriors
- Briton NIKORA #818, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
- Kodi NIKORIMA #793, The Dolphins
- Isaiah PAPALI'I #817, Penrith Panthers
- Kalyn PONGA, Newcastle Knights*
- Scott SORENSEN #831, Penrith Panthers
- Tanner STOWERS-SMITH, New Zealand Warriors*
- Joseph TAPINE #800, Canberra Raiders
- Leo THOMPSON #833, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
- Naufahu WHYTE #839, Sydney Roosters
- Xavier WILLISON #843, Brisbane Broncos
*denotes potential debutant
Kiwis Rugby League World Cup Fixtures:
Thursday 15 October 2026
Kiwis v Australia
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, Australia
Sunday 25 October 2026
Kiwis v Cook Islands
One NZ Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand
Saturday 31 October 2026
Kiwis v Fiji
Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast, Australia
Star-studded Kiwi Ferns squad announced for Rugby League World Cup
New Zealand Rugby League today announced a star-studded Kiwi Ferns squad to hunt their fourth Rugby League World Cup title in the Australasia-based tournament this October.
Head Coach Ricky Henry’s strong 23 boasts a range of talent and experience with players delivering virtuosic performances across their respective NRLW seasons.
Co-Captain Raecene McGregor led from the front throughout her season, earning her runner-up for the Dally M Medal (just two points behind Australia’s Tamika Upton), as well as being named Dally M Halfback of the Year, and the Wests Tigers Player of the Year.
McGregor, Alexis Tauaneai, Leianne Tufuga, and newcomers Kaiyah Atai and Tenika Willison all took out their respective clubs’ top honours for their impressive, consistent NRLW performances.
“We are really excited for this campaign. The depth of Kiwi talent we had to select from made this a tough decision, but we have absolute faith in these women we have named to pull on the jersey this year,” said Henry.
“The way our last World Cup ended has lit the fire and hunger to go one better this time, and I believe we have the team to do that.”
Named as part of the 2025 wider squad, Willison’s outstanding season earns her a certified place this year, where she is reunited with fellow cross-code star and former Black Fern Sevens teammate Stacey Waaka. The talented duo won an Olympic gold medal together at the Tokyo 2020 Games, and, showing their strong athletic ability, both made their successful switch to league following the last Sevens Olympics campaign.
Returning to their roots, Chantay Kiria-Ratu and Kaiyah Atai join the squad after switching their allegiance from the Cook Islands, as do Shannon Mato and Zahara Temara, who have previously represented Australia. After joining last year’s squad as a late replacement, Trinity Tauaneai, younger sister of Alexis, has earned her place in the 23 and returns with an opportunity to make her debut.
The Kiwi Ferns assemble this weekend in Newcastle to kick off their Rugby League World Cup campaign against Fiji. They will then face France in Christchurch, and Papua New Guinea on the Gold Coast to fight for their place in the playoffs.
Kiwi Ferns 2026 Rugby League World Cup Squad:
Name, Heritage Number, NRLW club
- Brooke Anderson #172, St. George Illawarra Dragons
- Kaiyah Atai, New Zealand Warriors*
- Annessa Biddle #169, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
- Brianna Clark #164, Brisbane Broncos
- Georgia Hale #122, Gold Coast Titans
- Mele Hufanga #166, New Zealand Warriors
- Chantay Kiria-Ratu, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks*
- Ivana Lauitiiti #188, New Zealand Warriors
- Shannon Mato, Brisbane Broncos*
- Raecene McGregor #140, Wests Tigers
- Shaniece Monschau #189, Wests Tigers
- Apii Nicholls #134, New Zealand Warriors
- Shanice Parker #163, Newcastle Knights
- Otesa Pule #165, Sydney Roosters
- Ashleigh Quinlan #171, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
- Abigail Roache #168, North Queensland Cowboys
- Alexis Tauaneai #182, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
- Trinity Tauaneai, St. George Illawarra Dragons*
- Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa #173, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
- Zahara Temara, Canberra Raiders*
- Leianne Tufuga #170, Canberra Raiders
- Stacey Waaka, New Zealand Warriors*
- Tenika Willison, Newcastle Knights*
*denotes potential debutant
Kiwi Ferns Rugby League World Cup Fixtures:
Sunday 18 October 2026
Kiwi Ferns v Fiji
McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, Australia
Sunday 25 October 2026
Kiwi Ferns v France
One NZ Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand
Saturday 31 October 2026
Kiwi Ferns v Papua New Guinea
Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast, Australia