Fifty years on: Celebrating 1971 Kiwis' historic odyssey
06 September 2021
From an age when sporting tours were more akin to odysseys, the Kiwis’ 1971 trek to Britain and France was and always will be among the most remarkable in New Zealand sporting history.
Across 86 days the New Zealanders crammed in 26 matches – six of them Tests – and achieved the singular feat of winning the series against Great Britain 2-0 and backed it up with a 2-0 result in France.
In doing so the Lory Blanchard-coached, Roy Christian-led Kiwis completed an unprecedented sweep which had started with a stunning four-tries-to-one 24-3 upset of the world champion Kangaroos at Carlaw Park in late June.
While the All Golds had beaten the Northern Union 2-1 on their trailblazing 1906-08 tour, the 1971 Kiwis were the first official New Zealand team to win a series in the United Kingdom.
It all comes back into focus now in recalling this tour of all tours kicking off 50 years to the day – September 4, 1971 – in the Lancashire town of Rochdale at the foothills of the South Pennines.
The very mention of the tour is at once evocative, memories flooding back of all manner of deeds and details.
Among them is the vivid recollection as a 16-year-old schoolboy waking up in the early hours to listen to the excitable Murray King’s commentary on a trusty transistor under the pillow (no live television then, of course). And quite some time later there were BBC television replays aided - and perhaps abetted - by unique commentator Eddie Waring’s Yorkshire brogue.
However, marking the 50th anniversary of this story of such spectacular triumph against all odds is also clouded in so much sadness, for now but 13 of the 26 players who toured are still alive; only recently two more of this special crew passed away, standoff-halfback Gary Woollard last month and fellow halfback Shane Dowsett in June.
The first to pass away was goal-kicking front rower Henry Tatana (1998) followed by hooker Bill Burgoyne (1999), prop Doug Gailey (2007), winger Bob McGuinn (2012), loose forward Tony Kriletich (2016), winger Phil Orchard (2018), centre John O’Sullivan (2018), second rower Bill Deacon (2019), fullback Mike McClennan (2019), prop Robert Orchard (2020) and fullback John Whittaker (2020). Blanchard passed away in 2013.
If the win over Australia offered hope heading into the tour it was seemingly eroded by the Kiwis’ form in the opening matches.
In an era when the four-tackle rule was in force - and hometown referees were the norm - the Kiwis beat the Rochdale Hornets 23-8 to open their account but faced a frantic schedule with six matches in the space of 14 days leading into the first Test at The Willows in Salford; their only other win was over Widnes while losses to St Helens, Hull Kingston Rovers, Castleford and Warrington suggested the first Test would be beyond them.
And when coach Blanchard revealed his side for the opening Test there was more than a degree of incredulity with his choice of John Whittaker at fullback. He hadn’t played there in the lead-up matches but Blanchard had three exceptional wingers in Phil Orchard, Mocky Brereton and Whittaker and felt they all needed to play. What a masterstroke it would prove to be turning Whittaker into a fullback.
Another standout feature of the first Test side was the inclusion of the gifted Dennis Williams at standoff. Turning 18 just the day before his international debut, he was outstanding leaving his mark with a sizzling stepping run on his way to a brilliant first half try.
Despite that, the Kiwis were 12-13 down at halftime but had a 15-13 lead through the powerful Phil Orchard early in the second half. Nervously they clung to the advantage until another Orchard try – this time the equally potent Robert – powered over close to the posts. Tatana failed to convert from the handy angle but the Kiwis negotiated the final hectic minutes to secure a stunning 18-13 win.
WATCH FIRST TEST v GREAT BRITAIN
In their next four matches they beat Barrow, Whitehaven and Wigan while dropping a midweek clash against Swinton.
Great Britain made numerous changes for the second Test at Wheldon Road in Castleford – including recalling feisty halfback Alex Murphy – in a desperate effort to level the series. Also selected was former Welsh rugby union star David Watkins making his Great Britain Test debut.
The changes were working well when the home side led 8-0 and then ominously extended to 11-0 after Roger Millward ducked under high tackles and scooted to score wide out.
The Kiwis struck back with a sensational near length-of-the-field try sparked by a wonderful Dennis Williams break; he linked with speedster Phil Orchard on halfway, the winger burning off the cover for his first try of the contest. A Tatana penalty soon after left the Kiwis 5-11 behind at halftime.
Soon after the break they were in again, Phil Orchard stretching the defence with an electric carry. On the next tackle halfback Ken Stirling was at dummy half for a rehearsed play working a slick scissors move which had all the forwards in motion. Second rower John Greengrass crossed to the right, prop Doug Gailey headed wide to the left and the others moved up the middle, Stirling picking up a steaming Tatana who charged over to score.
At 10-11 the Kiwis were right back in it and soon after came one of two heroic defensive plays which would prove critical to the result.
WATCH SECOND TEST v GREAT BRITAIN
This one unfolded as winger Joe Walsh cut through and was in the process of putting the ball down only for a desperate Stirling to jolt the ball loose in a last-ditch try-saving tackle.
Not long after a shocking late and high shot from Murphy flattened the courageous Stirling, an act which was ignored by match officials but ended the Kiwi halfback’s involvement in the match.
A Tatana penalty edged the Kiwis ahead 12-11, Watkins missed a long-range penalty but then winger Clive Sullivan had Great Britain ahead 14-12.
There it stayed until the Kiwis attacked from depth again, shifting the ball across field to the right where centre Roy Christian released the destructive Orchard some 60 metres from the line. Orchard’s combination of speed, strength and balance was breathtaking as he diced with the touchline, stumbled after bumping off fullback Derek Edwards but then scrambled over for a try of exceptional quality and one of major moment.
Tatana converted splendidly from wide out to put the Kiwis 17-14 ahead facing a frenetic final stanza if they were to take out the match and clinch the series.
And now came the most astonishing and vital defensive act of the game. Great Britain attacked relentlessly, the Kiwis repelled them but then Mike Stephenson created space on the left edge for replacement winger Billy Benyon. He was airborne and set to score when out of nowhere loose forward Tony Kriletich launched to knock the ball out of Benyon’s grasp. Not just a match winner but a series clincher. History.
After such a climax the Kiwis lapsed with three straight losses, won three and then lost again in a scarcely believable schedule of seven matches in 14 days ahead of the third Test.
The New Zealanders couldn’t complete a clean sweep going down 3-12 to the Brits in Leeds before blitzing France 27-11 and 24-2 in the first two Tests (Orchard with five tries in total) and winding up the tour with a 3-3 draw in the third Test.
Among a long list of outstanding performers Phil Orchard was an absolute standout. He missed just seven matches on tour, scoring 27 tries in his 19 appearances including eight in five Tests.
Holding it all together was a wonderful leader in Roy Christian, a man held in such high esteem. History sadly shows no New Zealand rugby league player has ever been knighted; Christian would be highly deserving and, had he played another code, he surely would have been recognised years ago.
Barring continued Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, Christian and a group of the surviving members of the famed 1971 Kiwis will be saluted at the ex-Kiwis’ annual reunion traditionally held in October.
Theirs will always be a story and time in New Zealand sporting history to cherish.
Richard Becht
1971 KIWIS TO BRITAIN AND FRANCE | SQUAD
Fullbacks | John Whittaker (Wellington), Mike McClennan (Auckland)
Wingers | Phil Orchard (Bay of Plenty), Mocky Brereton (Canterbury), Bob McGuinn (Auckland)
Centres | Roy Christian (Auckland) captain, Bernie Lowther (Auckland), John O’Sullivan (Auckland), Dave Sorensen (Auckland)
Halves | Dennis Williams (Auckland), Gary Woollard (Auckland), Ken Stirling (Auckland), Graeme Cooksley (Canterbury), Shane Dowsett (Auckland)
Hookers | Jim Fisher (Canterbury), Bill Burgoyne (Auckland)
Props | Henry Tatana (Auckland), Doug Gailey (Auckland), Robert Orchard (Auckland), Don Mann (Auckland)
Second rowers | John Greengrass (Canterbury), Gary Smith (Wellington), Bill Deacon (Waikato), Ray Williams (Auckland)
Loose forwards | Tony Kriletich (Auckland), Murray Eade (Auckland)
1971 KIWIS TO BRITAIN AND FRANCE | RESULTS
September 4 v Rochdale Hornets, Athletic Grounds, Rochdale WON 23-8
September 6 v St Helens, Knowsley Road, St Helens LOST 8-18
September 8 v Hull Kingston Rovers, Craven Park, Hull LOST 10-12
September 12 v Widnes, Naughton Park, Widnes WON 18-15
September 15 v Castleford, Wheldon Road, Castleford LOST 8-25
September 18 v Warrington, Wilderspool, Warrington LOST 2-13
September 25 v Great Britain, The Willows, Salford WON 18-13
September 30 v Barrow, Craven Park, Barrow-in-Furness WON 25-15
October 2 v Whitehaven, Recreation Ground, Whitehaven WON 21-8
October 8 v Swinton, Station Road, Manchester LOST 15-26
October 10 v Wigan, Central Park, Wigan WON 24-10
October 16 v Great Britain, Wheldon Road, Castleford WON 17-14
October 17 v Huddersfield, Fartown, Huddersfield LOST 10-11
October 20 v Leigh, Hilton Park, Leigh LOST 5-10
October 22 v Salford, The Willows, Salford LOST 30-31
October 24 v Wakefield Trinity, Belle Vue, Wakefield WON 23-12
October 27 v Oldham, The Watersheddings, Oldham WON 24-13
October 30 v Bradford Northern, Odsal, Bradford WON 30-23
October 31 v York, Clarence Street, York LOST 5-11
November 6 v Great Britain, Headingley, Leeds LOST 3-12
November 11 v France, Stade Gilbert Brutus, Perpignan WON 27-11
November 14 v Littoral Province, Stade St Ruf, Avignon WON 14-9
November 18 v Combined XIII, Stade Municipal d’Albi, Albi WON 20-9
November 21 v France, Stade Albert Domec, Carcassonne WON 24-2
November 24 v Combined XIII, Stade Chaban-Delmas, Bordeaux WON 20-9
November 28 v France, Stade Municipal, Toulouse DREW 3-3
1971 KIWIS TO BRITAIN AND FRANCE | RIP
Henry Tatana (#455) aged 53 in 1998
Bill Burgoyne (#487) aged 52 in 1999
Doug Gailey (#476) aged 59 in 2007
Bob McGuinn (#481) aged 64 in 2012
Tony Kriletich (#459) aged 72 in 2016
Phil Orchard (#475) aged 70 in 2018
John O'Sullivan (#493) aged 68 in 2018
Bill Deacon (#445) aged 75 in 2019
Mike McClennan (#488) aged 75 in 2019
Robert Orchard (#443) aged 74 IN 2020
John Whittaker (#485) aged 70 in 2020
Shane Dowsett (#495) aged 74 in 2021
Gary Woollard (#420) aged 79 in 2021
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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.
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, October 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