Kiwi Ferns name 24-strong World Cup squad

Hometown players Kalyn Ponga and Phoenix Crossland have been named in the New Zealand Kiwis’ extended squad for their Rugby League World Cup semifinal against Tonga at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Saturday (8.05pm kick-off local time; 10.05pm NZT).

Fullback Ponga has been selected in jersey #21 as he bids to make his return to the side after breaking his left arm in his Test debut against the Kangaroos in Sydney on October 15.

Hooker Crossland is listed in jersey #22 after being called into the squad last night as a replacement for injured second rower Jacob Laban, who has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament.

In a forced change to the starting lineup, Kiwi head coach Stacey Jones has selected utility Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad on the left wing to replace the suspended Ronaldo Mulitalo.

The rest of the side named is unchanged from the one used in last Saturday’s 78-0 victory over the Fiji Bati in Robina, a record winning margin for the Kiwis topping the 74-0 win over Tonga at Carlaw Park in 1999 and the 84-10 trouncing of the Cook Islands in Reading at the 2000 Rugby League World Cup.

The Kiwis face a Tonga side which comes into the match with three straight wins over England 30-12, Lebanon 36-0 and Toa Samoa 20-18.

After being edged out 24-22 by the Kangaroos at Allianz Stadium in the opening match of the tournament, the Kiwis have scored at a point a minute in racking up 160 points against the Cook Islands (82-16) and Fiji (78-0).

Leading the way in the points-scoring stakes have been centre Casey McLean and winger Jamayne Isaako.

McLean has seven tries in the three games played, including four against Fiji. Scoring in every Test he has played since his debut in 2024, the 20-year-old already has a total of 15 tries in just seven internationals, only seven short of Manu Vatuvei’s New Zealand record of 22.

High-scoring Isaako is closing in on Shaun Johnson’s all-time points-scoring mark of 225 in Tests.

He claimed the record for most goals in a Test for the Kiwis with 13 against the Cook Islands and then repeated it against Fiji to take his career tally for New Zealand to 215. In this World Cup alone he has 74 points in three games including 31 goals from 32 attempts.

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2026 RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP SEMIFINAL

NEW ZEALAND KIWIS v TONGA

McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
8.05pm, Saturday, November 7, 2026

1. Keano Kini | Kiwi #836

2. Jamayne Isaako | Kiwi #808

3. Dane Gagai | Kiwi #845

4. Casey McLean | Kiwi #841

5. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad | Kiwi #820

6. Kodi Nikorima | Kiwi #793

7. Jahrome Hughes | Kiwi #819

8. James Fisher-Harris (c) | Kiwi #801

9. Jeremy Marshall-King | Kiwi #830

10. Moses Leota | Kiwi #827

11. Isaiah Papali’i | Kiwi #817

12. Briton Nikora | Kiwi #818

13. Joseph Tapine (vc) | Kiwi #800

14. Te Maire Martin | Kiwi #802

15. Naufahu Whyte | Kiwi #839

16. Erin Clark | Kiwi #842

17. Xavier Willison | Kiwi #843

18. Scott Sorensen | Kiwi #831

19. Leo Thompson | Kiwi #833

20. Tanner Stowers-Smith | Kiwi #846

21. Kalyn Ponga | Kiwi #844

22. Phoenix Crossland | Kiwi #838

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COACH: Stacey Jones

A determined Kiwi Ferns side will take the field on Saturday for their Rugby League World Cup semi-final clash with Fetu Samoa.

Following three strong wins in the pool stages, the Kiwi Ferns are approaching this match with the same tenacity, assembling an experienced and skilled side.

The return of Warriors centre Mele Hufanga to the lineup will be immense, with the powerful ball carrier creating a lethal combination with Leianne Tufuga on the left wing. 

“Mele is a big game player; she’s proven time and time again that when she puts on the black jersey, she grows another leg. So looking for a bit of strike there for her to play her best footy,” said Kiwi Ferns Head Coach Ricky Henry.

Additional star power assembles on the right edge with Stacey Waaka and Mackenzie Wiki continuing their thriving try-scoring partnership.

Following a thrilling long-range try last week off the bench, Otesa Pule moves to a starting prop spot, with Alexis Tauaneai. 

Meanwhile, Chantay Kiria-Ratu will rejoin Raecene McGregor to steer the team in the halves. She was a stalwart for the New Zealand side during their record-breaking 92-0 win over France, so she earns another opportunity this weekend.

Fetu Samoa have won convincingly in their last two pool matches, and Henry acknowledges the threat they will present this Saturday. 

“They’re a team that’s riding a high, and they’re confident. We’re looking forward to a really tough battle, and it’s going to be great for women’s rugby league and the World Cup,” said Henry.

The Kiwi Ferns kick off at 5.45pm AEDT / 7.45pm NZDT in Newcastle, ahead of the Kiwis v Tonga match at 8.05pm AEDT / 10.05pm NZDT.

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Kiwi Ferns squad to face Fetu Samoa:

1. Apii Nicholls
2. Leianne Tufuga
3. Mele Hufanga
4. Stacey Waaka
5. Mackenzie Wiki
6. Chantay Kiria-Ratu
7. Raecene McGregor (Co-Captain)
8. Alexis Tauaneai
9. Georgia Hale (Co-Captain)
10. Otesa Pule
11. Shaniece Monschau
12. Kaiyah Atai
13. Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa

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Interchange:

14. Ashleigh Quinlan
15. Annessa Biddle
16. Shannon Mato
17. Ivana Lauitiiti

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Reserves:

18. Brooke Anderson 
19. Brianna Clark
20. Zahara Temara
21. Abigail Roache
22. Tenika Willison

‍‍Injury has forced Jacob Laban out of the New Zealand Kiwis’ Rugby LeagueWorld Cup squad ahead of their semifinal against Tonga at McDonald JonesStadium in Newcastle on Saturday.

The 22-year-old missed training last week and scanssince have confirmed a lower leg injury which has ruled him out for the rest ofthe tournament.

“It’s really disappointing for Jake and for us afterthe outstanding year he has had,” said Kiwi head coach Stacey Jones.

Replacing Laban is Newcastle Knights hooker PhoenixCrossland who has played six times for the Kiwis since 2024, his last Testcoming In the 36-14 win over Toa Samoa in the Pacific Championships final in Sydneylast year.

New Zealand winger Ronaldo Mulitalo and Fiji halfback Brandon Wakeham were sent from the field at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday as the Kiwis tuned up for the semi-finals with a 78-0 smashing of the Bati.

With the Kiwis cruising at 48-0 the match exploded in the 52nd minute when Mulitalo shot in off his wing and made high contact with Ronald Philitoga, who was ruled out of the rest of the game.

Wakeham came in to remonstrate with Mulitalo and threw a punch, leading to him being marched.

With both sides down to 12 men the Kiwis ran in five more tries, with gun centre Casey McLean bagging four to take his record to 15 tries in seven Tests.

While Mulitalo faces a nervous wait for Sunday's judiciary charges his team-mates will revel in the comprehensive nature of the victory that sends an ominous warning to their World Cup rivals.

Chasing their first World Cup title since 2008, the Kiwis' 13-try romp was started and finished by Keano Kini, who racked up 260 run metres and seven tackle breaks.

The clash at Cbus Super Stadium was a shootout for a semi-final berth but in the end the Bati simply had no answers as the loss of Api Koroisau (jaw) and Semi Valemei (head knock) in the first half left them rattled.

By the time the half-time siren sounded the Kiwis had racked up a 48-0 lead as Kini, McLean and Mulitalo broke tackles at will and Naufahu Whyte continued to enhance his reputation as one of the game's elite big men.

Skipper James Fisher-Harris got in on the action with his first Test try since the 2023 Pacific Championships against Samoa, trailing through to pounce on the ball after Mulitalo had tapped back a Jahrome Hughes bomb.

Hughes finished the day with three try assists as he tuned up for the knockout stage of the tournament where the Kiwis are a chance of welcoming back superstar Kalyn Ponga from a broken arm.

Ponga suffered the injury in the tournament opener against Australia on October 15 and most expected he was done for the campaign but the Knights No.1 has worked tirelessly on his rehab and looms as a real X-factor for the Kiwis next week.

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As seen on rlwc2026.com

The Kiwi Ferns have finished the pool stages of the Rugby League World Cup with a dominant 40-12 win over Papua New Guinea in the Gold Coast. This secures their spot in the semi-finals where they will face Fetu Samoa in Newcastle, Australia.

In damp conditions, it was a tug-of-war for the first half, but a try from Kaiya Atai just before the break pulled the Kiwi Ferns ahead to 14-12.

Opening the second half strongly, NRLW Premiership winner Otesa Pule scored a barnstorming 60m runaway try, which set the tone for the final 35 minutes.

Mackenzie Wiki followed with her second try, and fellow Canberra Raiders winger Leianne Tufuga ran in another. Two tries from Abigail Roache sealed the deal for the New Zealand side, with Papua New Guinea unable to retaliate.

Head Coach Ricky Henry said: “They turned up ready to play and put a bit of pressure on us, but then I thought the second half for us, [we] definitely got on top and were able to maintain our composure and start to put in some tries. So really happy with the second half, but obviously there are things we need to work on.”

The strong attacking game saw the Kiwi Ferns run 1313 metres, to Papua New Guinea’s 756, and make 11 line breaks while their opposition managed one.

Kiwi Ferns fullback Apii Nicholls took out Player of the Match, leading the stats boards for try assists (2), run meters (200), and runs (17).

The Kiwi Ferns v Fetu Samoa semi-final will kick off at 5.45pm AEDT on Saturday 7 November at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle.

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Tries: Kiwi Ferns: Stacey Waaka, Mackenzie Wiki (2), Kaiyah Atai, Otesa Pule, Leianne Tufuga, Abigail Roache (2). Papua New Guinea: Tia Molo, Elsie Albert

Conversions: Kiwi Ferns: Zahara Temara (4). Papua New Guinea: Emily Veivers (2)

Nine years ago, Kaiyah Atai was in the Suncorp Stadium grandstand to see the New Zealand women’s team go down in a classic Rugby League World Cup final against Australia.

The Kiwi Ferns newcomer is eyeing the opportunity to run onto the field at the same venue on November 15, most likely against the Jillaroos in a fifth successive trans-Tasman World Cup decider.  

Kaiyah’s mum, Sharlene Atai (née Johnson), was part of New Zealand’s 2017 World Cup squad – the conclusion of a remarkable international career spanning 17 seasons. The pair created history this month as the Kiwi Ferns’ first-ever mother-daughter representatives.  

“It was a very proud moment for myself and my family,” Kaiyah told NRL.com.

“My mum was very happy when I chose to play for Kiwi Ferns this World Cup, we always talk about history and just to be a part of that, especially in the black jersey, is so cool.”

Sharlene was a winger as New Zealand defeated Great Britain in the inaugural women’s Rugby League World Cup final in 2000 – less than a year before Kaiyah was born.  

Family commitments ruled her out of the Kiwi Ferns’ 2003 and 2013 RLWC campaigns, but she was on the flank as they routed the Jillaroos 34-0 in the 2008 final at Suncorp Stadium. At the age of 40, she ended a seven-year hiatus from the national side to win selection for the 2017 World Cup.  

“I think the only memory I have from her playing in the World Cup was in 2017,” Kaiyah said.

“I flew over to support her in the final – unfortunately they lost, but it was just so cool to be around that environment when I was young. And some of the Kiwi Ferns she played with, I'm now playing with in this World Cup.

“It’s such an honour to represent the Kiwi Ferns, and I think just being around all the girls has made it really easy for us debutants, being new into camp, and I’m really enjoying it.”

The Warriors back-rower made her Kiwi Ferns debut in their torrid tournament-opening win over Fiji in Newcastle, lining up alongside 2017 survivors Raecene McGregor, Georgia Hale and Apii Nicholls.  

Atai was a standout in New Zealand’s record-breaking 92-0 win over France in Christchurch, scoring a try, making three line breaks and producing a try assist.  

“We had to hold our nerve there, [France] showed us very different defence but we still stuck to our game plan, which I think our coach would be very proud of," she said.

A star in the Auckland competition with Richmond Roses and on the New Zealand domestic rep scene, she turned out for Cook Islands in 2023-24 prior to making her NRLW debut.  

“It’s so cool that I get to represent both my cultures,” she said.

“Obviously I was brought up in New Zealand, but I've lived in the Cook Islands for a bit. My dad's all Cook Island heritage, and whatever jersey I put on, I'm very proud to represent where I'm from.”

Atai has used the Warriors’ reintroduction to the NRLW as a springboard to becoming one of the game’s rising back-row talents.  

She was named the Warriors’ rookie of the year in 2025, while her industrious, high-quality performances – averaging 97 metres and 29 tackles a game – garnered the player of the year award this season for a team that collectively fell short of expectations.

“I played footy when I was 18 in New Zealand, the Warriors weren't back in the comp and we didn't have a team until two years ago," she said.

“So I guess that was my pathway, and then once the Warriors finally got back in I got a call from the coach. I’m just very proud that I get to represent home, the Warriors being the only New Zealand team [in the NRLW].

“It was kind of a tough season, but to get those honours was something really cool, and I think I can be proud of that. A disappointing season [for the team] but I think that's only going to make us hungrier for next year, so it’ll be a big off-season ahead after the World Cup.”

Following the wake-up call provided by World Cup debutants Fiji – recovering from an error-strewn display to prevail 18-12 – the Kiwi Ferns used the week on home soil to recalibrate and refocus.  

“It was good to just soak it all up, our second week in camp and our only home game in Christchurch,” Atai said.

“The weather, the fans and just the buzz around the town was so cool for us, and I think it showed in our performance as well.  

“But the rest of our games are in Australia, so we'll just need to reset and keep our momentum going.”

The Kiwi Ferns will look to clinch top spot in Pool B when they take on PNG Orchids as part of Saturday's triple-header at Cbus Super Stadium.

While a semi-final against Samoa or England looms and potential showdown with Australia on November 15 is the ultimate goal, Atai says the Ricky Henry-coached Kiwi Ferns can’t afford to look any further ahead than their next assignment.  

"We'll take a lot of confidence out of our performance [against France] and build into next week. We're here at a World Cup for a reason, and we're wanting to make that final and push the Aussies, who’ve won the last three World Cups," she said.

“You never take any side lightly and we give respect to all of the teams we're playing. It was a close one against Fiji, and we still want to stick to our game plan against PNG and come off with another win while still sticking to our processes.”

As seen on nrl.com

The inclusivity of rugby league will be on full display during IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026 with players in the second Physical Disability Rugby League World Cup to share the same stage as the stars of the Men’s and Women’s tournaments.

As it was in England in 2022, the PDRL World Cup will be played alongside the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair World Cups, with the final to be played at Allianz Stadium on November 8 before the Men’s and Women’s semi-finals.

The tournament featuring Australia, England and New Zealand will be held at AIIMS Stadium in Cabramatta, with each nation to play games against the other two.

The top two teams will meet in the final at Allianz Stadium on November 8.

“Physical Disability Rugby League Australia is proud to host the Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) World Cup at AIIMS Stadium Cabramatta, where PDRL was born 16 years ago,” NSW PDRL Vice-Chair Keith Povah said.

“Playing on the same global stage as the Men's, Women's, and Wheelchair tournaments means everything to our playing group because it gives them an opportunity to showcase their skills alongside the whole rugby league family.”

England are the current champions after defeating New Zealand 42-10 in the final of the inaugural 2022 PDRL World Cup at Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington.

“The second PDRL World Cup marks a significant landmark for the continued progress of PDRL across the World. Being placed on the same stage as the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair World Cups once more allows all to see that rugby league is a sport for them,” RFL National Inclusion Manager Chris Godfrey said.

“The event will shine a spotlight on these fantastic athletes and spark the imagination of everyone to dream of what is possible for them.”

The 2026 PDRL World Cup will kick off on October 30 with Australia taking on England, who then play New Zealand on November 2 before the trans-Tasman rivals clash on November 5.

"Physical Disability Rugby League New Zealand is thrilled to be part of the second Physical Disability Rugby League World Cup in Sydney in October and November 2026,” NZPDRL Chair Sandra Hickey said.

“Playing alongside the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions is a proud moment that celebrates the many forms of rugby league and the inclusive spirit of the game."

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Physical Disability Rugby League World Cup 2026

• Friday, October 30 (6:30pm): Australia v England
• Monday, November 2 (6:30pm): England v New Zealand
• Thursday, November 5 (6:30pm): Australia v New Zealand
• Sunday, November 8 (Kick-off TBC): Final

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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.

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As seen on rlwc2026.com

The NZ 16s and 18s representative fixtures returned following a hiatus in 2025, with six national representative teams of rangatahi from across the country taking the field at Auckland’s Bruce Pulman Park on Monday, following a weekend of training and connection in camp.

Both NZ Residents 16s teams came away victorious, with the Girls defeating the combined Pasifika Aotearoa Rugby League Collective team, and the Boys overcoming the Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Rugby League side..

In the 18s, the Girls contest was a tightly fought affair, with the Clubs side eventually prevailing by just one converted try.

The Schools Boys, meanwhile, delivered a dominant performance against Clubs, securing a convincing 44-18 victory.

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2026 16s & 18s Representative Results

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NZ Resident 16s Girls 30 PAC 16s Girls 20

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NZ Resident 16s Boys 32 ANZMRL 16s Tama 18

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NZ Clubs 18s Girls 24 NZ Schools 18s Girls 16

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NZ Schools 18s Boys 44 NZ Clubs 18s Boys 18

Gold Coast-fostered talent, Zahara Temara, will start for the Kiwi Ferns this week in the team’s final pool match of the Rugby League World Cup against Papua New Guinea.

Temara attended Keebra State High School, a premier rugby league school based in the Gold Coast, from the age of 11 and is among many talents the school has produced, including teammate Chantay Kiria-Ratu, former Kiwi Fern Roxy Murdoch, current Kiwis halfback Te Maire Martin and former Kiwis captain Benji Marshall.

Temara and Kiria-Ratu returned to the school this week to connect with the aspiring young women hoping to also represent their country in rugby league.

Temara said it was one of the most rewarding things to have seen the Keebra girls rugby league programme grow to where it is now. 

“When I was there, we never had a footy programme; it was just the boys. To see the girls have a programme, and see them treated exactly like the boys are, that was pretty special to see.

“The mindset that the girls have and what the girls are doing is exactly what we're doing in camp - they're being professional, they're cutting clips, they're looking at shapes and learning wrestle and that type of thing. They've just started so much earlier and they'll probably kill it because they've had a taste of that professionalism. When they come here, it won't be different.”

Talent rotations by Head Coach Ricky Henry see Leianne Tufuga and Abigail Roache also return to the starting lineup at left wing and centre, respectively, with Shannon Mato back at prop. Meanwhile, the relentless Shaniece Monschau earns her first start in the Kiwi Ferns jersey at second row.

“I’m really happy with how the squad is progressing, and the performance last week saw us solidify a lot of our processes,” said Henry.

,“We showcased the style of footy we want to be playing, and are motivated to have put out another strong performance.”

The Kiwi Ferns will round out a triple-header at Cbus Super Stadium this Saturday, facing Papua New Guinea at 4.45pm local time, 7.45pm NZT.

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Kiwi Ferns squad to face Papua New Guinea:

1. Apii Nicholls
2. Leianne Tufuga
3. Abigail Roache
4. Stacey Waaka
5. Mackenzie Wiki
6. Zahara Temara
7. Raecene McGregor
8. Alexis Tauaneai
9. Georgia Hale
10. Shannon Mato
11. Shaniece Monchau
12. Kaiyah Atai
13. Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa

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Interchange:

14. Ashleigh Quinlan
15. Otesa Pule
16. Brooke Anderson
17. Ivana Lauitiiti
18. Tenika Willison

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Reserves:

19. Brianna Clark
20. Chantay Kiria-Ratu
21. Trinity Tauaneai
22. Annessa Biddle

Five experienced campaigners return for the New Zealand Kiwis’ critical third-round Rugby League World Cup encounter with the Fiji Bati at Cbus Super Stadium in Robina on Saturday (2.30pm kick-off local time, 5.30pm NZT).

Dane Gagai, who made his Kiwi debut against the Kangaroos on October 15, is back in the centres for Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad after missing Sunday’s 82-16 win over the Cook Islands.

There are three changes in the starting forward pack with Moses Leota named at prop (Joseph Tapine returning to loose forward for Erin Clark) and fellow Test regulars Isaiah Papali'i and Briton Nikora team up again in the second row for Scott Sorensen and Xavier Willison, who move to the six-man bench.

Back on the bench is premiership-winning Roosters front rower Naufahu Whyte, who joins Te Maire Martin, Clark, Willison, Nicoll-Klokstad and Sorensen.

Gagai, Leota, Papali’i, Nikora and Whyte missed the 14-try rout of the Kukis as head coach Stacey Jones recalled Nicoll-Klokstad, Sorensen and prop Leo Thompson while handing Test debuts to prop Tanner Stowers-Smith (Kiwi #846) and Jacob Laban (Kiwi #847).

Apart from Keano Kini starting at fullback for the injured Kalyn Ponga, Jones has named the same starting combination and interchange used in the tournament-opening 22-24 loss to the Kangaroos.

The Kiwis arrived on the Gold Coast on Monday night to prepare for a difficult mission against a Fiji side which led the Kangaroos 16-12 early in the second half before the home side rallied to win 36-22 in their round two clash at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.

The Kiwis have battled against Fiji in the last two World Cups, suffering a shock 2-4 loss in the quarter-finals in Wellington in 2017 and needing a late comeback to escape with a 24-18 quarter-final victory in Hull four years ago.

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NEW ZEALAND KIWIS v FIJI

Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Saturday, October 31, 2026

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1. Keano Kini | Kiwi #836
2. Jamayne Isaako | Kiwi #808
3. Dane Gagai | Kiwi #844
4. Casey McLean | Kiwi #841
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo| Kiwi #824
6. Kodi Nikorima | Kiwi #793
7. Jahrome Hughes | Kiwi #819
8. James Fisher-Harris (C) | Kiwi #801
9. Jeremy Marshall-King | Kiwi #830
10. Moses Leota | Kiwi #827
11. Isaiah Papali'i | Kiwi #817
12. Briton Nikora | Kiwi #818
13. Joseph Tapine (VC) | Kiwi #800
14. Te Maire Martin | Kiwi #802
15. Naufahu Whyte | Kiwi #839
16. Erin Clark | Kiwi #842
17. Xavier Willison | Kiwi #843
18. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad | Kiwi #820
19. Scott Sorensen | Kiwi #831
20. Leo Thompson | Kiwi #833
21. Jacob Laban | Kiwi #846
22. Tanner Stowers-Smith | Kiwi #847

A rousing Test debut by Tanner Stowers-Smith and a record 38-point haul from Jamayne Isaako has powered the Kiwis to a 82-16 victory over Cook Islands in Christchurch.

Coming off a narrow loss to Australia in their tournament opener the Kiwis were keen to get their campaign back on track and they did that with a 14-tries-to-three romp.

Stowers-Smith entered the field around the half-hour mark and needed just five minutes to make his mark when he powered over from close range after taking a pass from crafty No.9 Jeremy Marshall-King.

The 22-year-old Warrior was in again in the 50th minute when he proved too strong for the tiring Aitu defence.

Player of the match Casey McLean also helped himself to a double, taking his career tally to 11 tries in just six Tests, while Ronaldo Mulitalo also crossed twice and Isaako snared a hat-trick.

The Kiwis didn't have it all their own way in the first half as an Esom Ioka hat-trick had Cook Islands daring to dream.

After Isaako and Mulitalo had scored early, Ioka picked off an intercept on his own 10m line and went the distance to put the Aitu on the board.

Five minutes later he had a second courtesy of a pinpoint crossfield kick from veteran playmaker Brad Takairangi before another intercept try had Cook Islands ahead 16-12 after 20 minutes.

Isaako made it a double in the 24th minute when he got around the outside of Cameron Brown and crawled over in the corner before converting from wide out to give the Kiwis the lead at 18-16.

Some sweet ball-play from Kodi Nikorima to put Scott Sorensen over on the left edge saw the Kiwis extend their lead to 24-16 before Stowers-Smith got his first.

With half-time approaching McLean finished off a brilliant move started by Erin Clark with a deft offload for Keano Kini before Kodi Nikorima also played his part.

The Kiwis made the ideal start to the second term when Kini burst through a poor attempted tackle by Maui Winitana-Patelesio and dotted down to make it 42-16 after Isaako's seventh successful conversion.

Stowers-Smith completed his double in the 50th minute before Nikorima outpointed Val Holmes in the air and scooted away for the Kiwis' ninth try.

Next to hit the scoreboard were McLean in the 59th minute and Mulitalo in the 65th minute before Isaako completed his hat-trick five minutes from full-time and banged over the conversion to give him 38 points, eclipsing the previous Kiwis record of 32 points set by Tasesa Lavea against Cook Islands in 2000.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad rounded out the scoring in the 79th minute as the Kiwis fine-tuned their game ahead of a Round 3 clash with Fiji on the Gold Coast.

Cook Islands will head to Townsville to take on defending champions Australia as they look to finish their tournament on a high.

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As seen on nrl.com

One New Zealand Stadium was pumping on Sunday afternoon as the sold-out crowd cheered on the Kiwi Ferns to their highest-ever score, putting 92 points on the French, who had no answer for the onslaught.

The Kiwi Ferns crossed the chalk 18 times, with Apii Nicholls scoring four tries, and fellow Warriors teammates Stacey Waaka and Mele Hufanga achieving hat-tricks. 

Dominant defence by the home team restricted France to only 1 tackle inside the Kiwi Ferns 20m zone, and they managed only 14 tackles inside the Kiwi Ferns’ half. This saw a whopping 81% of the match played inside the French half, with the Kiwi Ferns maintaining 74% of possession. 

Head Coach Ricky Henry said: “We played our style of footy and stuck to it, which I'm really, really happy with. We had to be really disciplined there because we knew we were going to get a few looks at different things. So the big takeaway for us was sticking to what works for us and knowing that when we do that, we get some joy.”

Henry was complimentary of his debutants too, describing the three new additions as “awesome.” 

Tenika Willison scored two tries and showed her dynamic skills, switching from wing to centre in the second half. Chantay Kiria-Ratu notched 18 points off her boot, plus a try, and 19-year-old Trinity Tauaneai was immense through the middle with strong carries and played big minutes despite starting off the bench.

The Kiwi Ferns now travel to the Gold Coast where they will prepare for their final pool game against Papua New Guinea.

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Tries: Apii Nicholls (4), Chantay Kiria-Ratu (1), Kaiyah Atai (1), Mackenzie Wiki (2), Mele Hufanga (3), Raecene McGregor (2), Stacey Waaka (3), Tenika Willison (2)

Conversions: Chantay Kiria-Ratu (9), Apii Nicholls (1)