Most Competitive World Cup Ever: Kangaroos and Kiwis Set for Explosive RLWC 2026 Opener
Kangaroos stars Isaah Yeo and Nathan Cleary have predicted the 2026 World Cup will be the most competitive ever as the Ashes winners prepare to face Pacific Cup champions New Zealand in the opening match.
Yeo’s Australian team completed a 3-0 series clean sweep of England in the first Ashes series since 2003, while the Kiwis triumphed in the Pacific Championships against Toa Samoa and Tonga to ensure a mouthwatering start to the World Cup.
And with the Kiwis forced to overcome a 14-6 half-time deficit to defeat Samoa in the final and Tonga's narrow 20-14 loss to the Kangaroos in the 2024 Pacific Cup decider, there are at least five nations capable of winning the World Cup.
“It’s certainly going to be the strongest World Cup there’s ever been, and that’s great for international rugby league,” Yeo said.
The Kangaroos and Kiwis have been drawn in Pool A, along with Fiji and the Cook Islands, who claimed the last RLWC26 berth by beating South Africa in a qualifying match on November 9 at CommBank Stadium.
New Zealand star Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad said the Kiwis were looking forward to testing themselves against Australia in the opening match at Allianz Stadium on October 15 after a successful Pacific Championships campaign.
“That is a massive game and it is definitely one we will have circled in the calendar," Nicoll-Klokstad said.
"It is a game that you all want to be a part of so it will be cool to kick off such a prestigious competition like the World Cup with a big game against Australia."
England, Samoa and Lebanon are in Pool B and will play the teams in Pool C – Tonga, Papua New Guinea and France – rather than those in their own pool, and vice-versa.
The top two teams in Pool A and the top two teams in a combined Pool B and Pool C will qualify for the semi-finals, with play-off positions to be determined by:
- for-and-against if two teams from the same pool finish on the same competition points;
- the head-to-head result between a team in Pool B and a team in Pool C if they finish on the same competition points.
Tonga, who are in Pool C, will start their World Cup campaign against England in Perth on Saturday, October 17 and finish with an eagerly awaited clash with Samoa at CommBank Stadium on Sunday, November 3.
A win in either of those matches could ensure Tonga a semi-final berth on head-to-head over the team they beat.
Samoa and Tonga drew a crowd of more than 44,000 for October’s Pacific Cup match at Suncorp Stadium, while nearly 40,000 fans turned out for Tonga’s match against New Zealand at Eden Park.
Despite being in England with the Kangaroos, Cleary said he had followed the Pacific Championships closely and was impressed by the Kiwis, as well as Samoa and Tonga.
“The international game is in the best place it’s ever been, and that’s only going to grow and get better so it’s an exciting time for international rugby league with the World Cup coming up,” Cleary said.
“I’ve got a lot of good mates who were playing in the Pacific Championships, so I was keeping a keen eye on them. All three teams are stacked so it’s exciting to watch as a fan.
“It’s super close and it’s such a great thing with the international game at the moment. England’s team is the best it’s been in a long time. They’ve got a lot of talent, then you’ve got Australia and the Pacific teams have great lineups so it’s exciting to watch.”
Nicoll-Klokstad said many of the New Zealand players were still hurting from their 16-14 loss to Australia at Elland Road in the semi-final of the last World Cup in 2022.
The Kiwis bounced back to inflict a record 30-0 defeat of the Kangaroos in the final of the 2023 Pacific Cup and after being stunned by Tonga in 2024 they will head into the World Cup buoyed by a successful Pacific Championships.
“We have got to feel confident, we have got a lot of young boys coming through and a lot of old heads now," Nicoll-Klokstad said.
"It feels like yesterday that the last World Cup happened so there are going to be a lot of us who want to make that right by beating Australia.
“The first game is very important, there are other teams that are doing their nations proud and really flying up through the ranks by beating big teams in big games, so it is really important that we get our preparations right for the World Cup and make sure we come up with a win."
See the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns draws for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup here.
All the NEWS. All the VIEWS.
All the ACTION.
NZRL's Pirtek Volunteer of the Month June 2026: Stephanie Noa, Whangamatā Whai
Our Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award celebrates and recognises heroes from our grassroots rugby league community across Aotearoa for their hard mahi, dedicated to our game. This award is given to volunteers who display the core values of The Kiwi Way: being family first, innovative, inclusive, respectful, and humble.
We are proud to announce our fourth winner for 2026, the Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award for July goes to Stephanie Noa from the Whangamatā Whai.
The Whangamatā Whai club was founded four years ago after a group of local U11 players represented Hauraki at an Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Rugby League tournament. With the tamariki having little experience or exposure to rugby league, the idea was sparked to establish a local club where tamariki and rangatahi could learn the game, get involved, and get the most out of rugby league.
Stephanie played an instrumental role in establishing Whangamatā Whai and has been at the heart of the club’s journey from day one, serving as President ever since. In addition to her responsibilities as President, Steph wears many hats around the club, from coaching and managing to administration, photography, social media, and whatever else needs to be done.
Under Steph’s leadership, and through the hard work of the club’s volunteers and community support, Whai has grown from a humble 40 players to more than 200 in 2025, with 12 teams ranging from U5 through to senior men’s and women’s teams.
An achievement for the club was introducing U13 and U15 kōtiro girls’ teams. Steph is passionate about growing women’s rugby league, having played the game herself in Australia for the Burleigh Bears, where she learned from and played alongside some of the pioneers of the modern women’s game.
On top of all the mahi she puts into the club, Steph is also a mum, with three of her daughters playing for Whai. Balancing her work at the club while still being there on the sideline to support her girls can’t be easy, but Steph does it and makes it look effortless.
Her commitment, energy, and passion for the club have helped bring rugby league to life in Whangamatā, giving tamariki, rangatahi, and seniors the opportunity to play, grow, and thrive in the game.
The growth Whangamatā Whai has achieved in such a short time is outstanding, and Steph has been a huge part of that success. Pirtek CEO Chris Bourke shared:
"Congratulations, Stephanie, on being named the Pirtek Volunteer of the Month for July. The time, care, and commitment you put into your club and the people around you don't go unnoticed, and we're proud to recognise the positive difference you continue to make."
Know a volunteer who does exceptional mahi? Help us celebrate these grassroots heroes by nominating them for the next Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award.
Each monthly winner will receive $200 worth of vouchers and have their story shared across our channels.
Make a nomination here: https://share.hsforms.com/2Lq4cbueQRVCRwqK8vsfK_Qsy1ug
Tigers can't stop smiling as Raecene McGregor puts on a show
If anyone thought Wests Tigers Raecene McGregor was on fire in Magic Round, then they will be eagerly awaiting the star halfback lining up against her former club St George Illawarra on Sunday.
McGregor dazzled the Sharks in the 32-20 win in Wagga Wagga with two line breaks, two try assists, and a double herself along with four goals to give her a club record haul of 16 points.
"It’s so good having someone like Rae, who just runs with that ball,” Tigers fullback Caitlin Turnbull told NRL.com.
“She has people falling off her no matter which direction she takes. There’s always inside shoulders she finds or opening up plays on the outside as well.
“Having someone like her on the team is outstanding.
“Obviously I’m still learning fullback – it’s my first full year in the position – but I’m learning so much from Rae.
“I just stay off her hip and work with her – I am loving it.”
McGregor finished her 2025 season at the Dragons prematurely, when work and personal commitments caused some upheaval between her and the club.
“The year didn’t end the way I wanted it to at the Dragons,” she told NRL.com earlier this year.
But incoming Wests Tigers coach Craig Sandercock saw the value in the 2022 Dally M winner.
Skipper and fellow Dally M winner Kezie Apps has a close-up view of McGregor’s skills since they both work the Wests Tigers right edge.
“Rae showed her little magic (in Wagga Wagga) with her footwork, show-and-goes. She’s just an incredible player,” Apps said.
“Just her as a player and how hard she’s worked in the pre-season... her leadership has been amazing and directing us around the park.
“It’s definitely what we needed at the Wests Tigers – somebody like that.”
Turnbull is into her second NRLW season and played mainly on the wing last year before moving into the custodian role this year.
She felt the pain of 2025 when the Wests Tigers enjoyed just one win in 11 games. But she’s been a major part of the revival in 2026 with her kick return metres, tackle busts and her staunch defence.
After winning the opening two rounds, the Wests Tigers had back-to-back 40-point losses to the Broncos and Roosters before returning to the winners’ circle against the Sharks.
“It’s really pleasing. We had those two losses which were hefty but it’s so good to comeback and get a win against a good side like Cronulla,” Turnbull said.
“We’re on the rise here. We only won one match last year – we’re now up to three – but our principles mean the girls get around each other and everyone is working hard.
“It’s only up from here.”
As seen on nrl.com
Family ties inspiring Lauitiiti's personal journey to the big stage
Like father, like daughter.
If you wanted to know where Warriors Ivana Lauitiiti gets that energy from you only have to research her father Ali Lauitiiti, who played 394 first-grade games across 19 years.
Big Ali was a cult figure in his seven years with the Warriors before joining Leeds for eight years and finishing with four seasons at Wakefield Trinity.
He played for the Warriors in the 2002 NRL decider against the Roosters and won a premiership with Leeds in 2004 alongside 20 Tests for New Zealand and seven for Samoa (2000-2010).
Ivana says she’d like to have that kind of lengthy career.
And if you were thinking the NRLW Magic Round might be Ivana’s lucky charm, you’d be right.
She scored a try on her NRLW debut in the 2025 edition at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium, and in 2026 she scored again at Wagga Wagga’s Geohex Park to mark her 20th birthday.
“I don’t really like celebrating my birthday but I wouldn’t want to do anything else than play the sport that I love with the teammates I love,” Lauitiiti told NRL.com.
The young prop said she never felt the pressure “too much” from being Ali Lauitiiti’s daughter.
“I feel like I use him as a lesson, well not really a lesson, but as doing something I want to do well too," she said.
“The only pressure I really feel is do better each game.
“Dad talks to me a lot about footy – and sometimes I don’t listen – but I am quietly very proud of him.”
Ivania was born in Leeds in 2006, while Ali was playing with the Rhinos, and since he didn’t retire until 2016 she remembers him playing.
“I loved watching him... it’s what inspired me to get into football – my dad and my cousins," she said.
She’s not only followed down the club path by being at the Warriors, Ivana has already pulled on the Kiwis Ferns jersey in last year’s Pacific Championships.
Perhaps nothing should really be a surprise in these father-daughter connections.
Lauitiiti also scored on his NRL debut against North Sydney in 1998, and while he won Dally M Second-Rower of the year in 2002 his daughter also has a Dally M honour.
She won the Youi ‘Tackle of the Year’ at the 2025 awards night for her tackle on Wests Tigers centre Emily Bass in the Round 11 win at Campbelltown Stadium last September.
“I do love the physical side of rugby league but also the bridges you build around it with your teammates in and out of footy,” she said.
“We give it our all every game and we hope to play finals this year.
“For me I need to execute all the coaches are teaching me.”
After two away games, the Warriors are sitting in third spot on the NRLW ladder and host the Knights at FMG Stadium Waikato, in Hamilton, this Saturday.
As seen on nrl.com
Player expression of interest: Australia-based U19 boys & girls
Expressions of interest are now open for players interested in selection for the NZRL Taurahere U19 boys and girls representative matches, for Kiwi youth residing in Australia.
Taurahere returns this year to the Gold Coast’s Runaway Bay from 11-13 September, featuring the inaugural girls fixture alongside the traditional boys match.
Two Under-19 boys' squads and two Under-19 girls' squads selected from players residing in NSW and QLD will be chosen to attend a short training camp before facing off in their respective representative fixtures.
Please complete the form below if you wish to express your interest in selection for the Taurahere teams, open to male and female players aged between 17 and 19 years of age who currently reside in Australia.
Expressions of interest will close Wednesday 5 August, complete the form here.
NZRL national tournaments calendar locked in
The countdown is on to our national tournament season, kicking off in just a few weeks across Aotearoa. With a tournament taking place every weekend throughout September and leading into October, another exciting representative season awaits.
This year's calendar features several exciting milestones, including the inaugural National U15 Boys Secondary Schools Tournament and Wheelchair Rugby League Nationals, while the National Secondary Schools Tournament is set to be its biggest yet.
The Taurahere programme returns in Australia, the New Zealand Resident 16s and 18s representative programme is back, and senior representative rugby league heads to Hawke's Bay for what promises to be a historic weekend for the region.
See the full tournament calendar below, with more information, key details, and updates to be released in the lead-up to each event.
National U15 Boys Secondary Schools Tournament
Tuesday 1 September – Thursday 3 September
Walter Massey Park, Māngere, Auckland
National Secondary Schools Tournament
Friday 4 September – Sunday 6 September
Bruce Pulman Park, Takanini, Auckland
National Men’s Premiership | North Island qualifiers
Sky Sport National Women’s Premiership
Men’s and Women’s Championships
Saturday 12 September – Sunday 13 September
Mitre 10 Park, Hastings, Hawke’s Bay
National Men’s Premiership | South Island qualifiers
Saturday 12 September – Sunday 13 September
Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub, Aidanfield, Christchurch
Taurahere Australia Resident U19 representative matches
Sunday 13 September
Runaway Bay, Gold Coast, Australia
Wheelchair Rugby League Nationals
Saturday 19 September – Sunday 20 September
Auckland
National Men’s Premiership semi-finals
Saturday 26 September
Bruce Pulman Park, Takanini, Auckland
National Men’s Premiership Grand Final
Sky Sport National Women’s Premiership Grand Final
Sunday 27 September
Bruce Pulman Park, Takanini, Auckland
National Youth Tournament
Sunday 27 September – Tuesday 29 September
Bruce Pulman Park, Takanini, Auckland
New Zealand Resident 16s and 18s representative matches
Monday 26 October
Bruce Pulman Park, Takanini, Auckland
Origin lessons driving Nikora's premiership quest with the Sharks
Cronulla forward Briton Nikora has vowed to draw on the experience of a maiden Origin series as he looks to lead the Sharks back to the NRL finals.
The back rower made his Queensland debut in the interstate contest and impressed for the Maroons despite their loss to NSW in a tense Suncorp Stadium decider.
Nikora was handed a rest by Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon before returning for last week's tight win over the Knights. He will line up in the back-row for Sunday's clash with Manly at 4 Pines Park as the Sharks look to solidify their place in the top four.
Cronulla have progressed to the preliminary final in the past two seasons but have fallen short of a grand final berth and this season looms as the current squad's best chance to win a title before a host of players depart.
Having had a taste of the Origin furnace, Nikora is eager to draw on that experience throughout the upcoming finals series.
"It's exciting to be back with the Sharks after that experience," Nikora told NRL.com. "There's a lot there that I can draw upon leading into the finals. The atmosphere, the games, the intensity of the play.
"It's not just the physical side but mentally preparing myself for those games, it takes a lot to mentally prepare and there is a lot throughout the week leading into the game.
"I'll take those physical lessons and all the mental lessons with me if I play in those big games with the Sharks."
A mainstay in the Kiwis forward pack for the past few years, Nikora's Queensland debut came after eligibility rules were changed earlier this year to allow New Zealand and England players to contest State of Origin.
The forward was 10 when his family moved from New Zealand to the Gold Coast and playing for the Maroons quickly developed into a childhood goal.
After coming off the bench in Game One, the back-rower started in the second and third matches and was among the Maroons' best throughout the series.
While Queensland ultimately lost in the decider, Nikora said there were plenty of lessons learned from coach Billy Slater and his teammates that will hold him in good stead moving forward.
"It was a dream come true," Nikora said. "I never thought I'd see the day and I was so grateful for the opportunity that Billy gave me and the faith Billy and the coaching staff had in me to put that jersey on. I don't take it lightly and it was an honour to do it.
"I learned a lot off Billy and the coaching staff. The detail he shows with his coaching and the focus on the little effort areas. That's what I'm trying to bring back to the Sharks. I want to come back a better player than I was, I want to lift my game and do what I've got to do for the team."
Nikora was one of three Sharks to feature in the Origin series, with Blayke Brailey and Addin Fonua-Blake playing a key role in the Blues' victory.
Fonua-Blake has brushed off a pec concern to be named for this week's clash with the Sea Eagles, while Brailey has hit the ground running since returning from a broken arm midway through the campaign.
The trio are set to play a key role in Cronulla's run to the finals, with history suggesting Origin experience is a key indicator of premiership success.
It's an area the club has been lacking in recent years and coach Craig Fitzgibbon can already see the impact upon the group's return to the Shire.
"I really respect the way Addin, Blayke and Brit have come back and shown how much the club means to them, of wanting to play and play well," Fitzgibbon said.
As seen on nrl.com
Make the jersey your own: Dad's wise words driving Mackenzie Wiki
Kiwi Fern #183 Mackenzie Wiki has spent her rugby league journey carrying a famous surname, but on a milestone day for the Canberra Raiders centre, she proved the green jersey belongs to her.
Playing her 25th NRLW match for the Raiders, Wiki crossed for two tries as Canberra secured a 42-16 victory against the Warriors in her milestone game.
For Wiki, the occasion carried extra meaning. As the daughter of Raiders and New Zealand Kiwis great Ruben Wiki, she has grown up surrounded by the expectations that come with a legendary name.
But the 24-year-old said the advice from her father has always been simple... embrace the opportunity and make the jersey her own.
“It’s awesome wearing the same colours as my dad. But you know the message from him is to make your own name in the green jersey”, Wiki told NRL.com.
"I think we’ve both made a name for ourselves, and I’m just carrying on that tradition for the Wikis.”
Ruben Wiki played 224 games for the Green Machine from 1993 to 2004, including the Raiders' premiership-winning side in 1994, before finishing his illustrious career with four seasons at the Warriors.
"I’m very grateful to be in the same jersey and I hope I can make many more (memories) in the same jersey," Mackenzie said.
Born and raised in Queanbeyan, which borders the nation’s capital, Wiki has always called the ACT her second home.
“I’ve been here since the inaugural season so 25 games for the Raiders, it's just such a surreal thing," she said.
“I feel like we have such unity in the club and you know I just want to put my best out there for the club and what they’ve done for me over the four years.”
Raiders coach Darrin Borthwick praised not only Wiki’s performance but also her personal drive throughout her time at the club.
“To see her growth and development over the last three years, yeah really happy. I think she’s forged a name for herself now and I know that she will keep continuing to get better," Borthwick said.
“I’m glad she’s on our team and she’s doing a really good job at the moment with our back five and leading the charge with that, so I’m really happy for her.”
While Wiki’s dad has had a hand in shaping her playing career she wasn’t shy to mention the massive impact her mum has made as well.
"I think my mum has been the biggest influence in my career. She is a strong woman. I just want to continue the way she lives life and do that on the field as well.”
As seen on nrl.com
DJI joins NZRL as official technology partner
Leading global technology company DJI (Da-Jiang Innovations) have officially partnered with New Zealand Rugby League, coming on board as technology partners for 2026.
DJI are renowned for their wide range of creative camera products including camera drones, handheld vlogging cameras, stabilising and filmmaking gear, accessories, and more.
NZRL General Manager of Communications and Marketing Amy Thomason shared, “We are thrilled to partner with DJI and look forward to incorporating their leading and innovative products into our technology suite.
“DJI’s products will help enhance our content capture across our grassroots tournaments and competitions, through to the Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns, and Wheel Kiwis World Cup campaigns.”
Deon Holgate, Field Sales Manager at Dicker Data New Zealand, distributor of DJI Consumer products in New Zealand, said on behalf of DJI:
"DJI is proud to partner with New Zealand Rugby League as the Official Technology Partner for 2026.
Innovation is at the heart of everything we do, and rugby league's speed, precision, and teamwork reflect the values that drive DJI. We're excited to support the Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns, and Wheel Kiwis throughout their World Cup campaigns by providing industry-leading imaging technology that captures the game from new perspectives.
Together with NZRL, we look forward to bringing fans closer to the game, taking them behind the moments that matter, and sharing the passion, pride, and journey of New Zealand rugby league with audiences around the world."
Wheel Kiwis campaign comes to a close with strong performance on Day 3
After a strong Day 2, it was all on the line on Day 3 of the 2026 LCA NRL Wheelchair Championship for the Wheel Kiwis as a win in Game 1 versus South East Queensland & Central Queensland would give them a chance of heading into the playoffs later in the day.
Game 1 vs South East Queensland & Central Queensland
It was a tight first few minutes with both teams testing and feeling each other out. Unfortunately for the Wheel Kiwis though it was SEQ that took early honours with two converted tries giving them the lead 12-0.
New Zealand was putting a lot of pressure on, looking close with a ball flicked right then back left putting them in a potential gap, only for it to go through the fingertips. SEQ were then able to capitalise almost instantly, kicking down court, recovering the ball to find open space ahead of them. Going under the goal posts, they were able to extend the lead to 18-0.
Some more pressure from New Zealand followed but the half time hooter went, the score still 18-0.
With the second half getting under way, the Wheel Kiwis came out firing. SEQ were able to break down the edge but desperate defence by Josh Hirini-Barclay meant the try was saved. However, SEQ were still able to capitalise straight after dotting down to take the lead to 24-0.
With heads still high, New Zealand was probing. Some good sets saw the pressure mount, and a pass out the back of the hand to Connor Gibbs saw him able to put the first points on the board for New Zealand. Unconverted it was 24-4.
That kickstarted the comeback, with Kauri Murray able to go over after some quick passing on the last tackle to give the Wheel Kiwis back-to-back tries and push their score to 24-10. Not long and it was three in a row, this time on the right edge with Nikia Fa’atau diving with everything he had to touch the ball down and get the team to 24-14.
With the clock ticking by, the team were strong but unable to put any more points on the board, the score ending 24-14 after a superb second half.
Unfortunately, that means the Wheel Kiwis don’t make the playoffs, but they put everything into the campaign and have plenty of positives to take into the World Cup at the end of the year.
A strong day for Wheel Kiwis at NRL Wheelchair Championships
Day 2 of the 2026 LCA NRL Wheelchair Championship and the vibes were high as the team were looking to take the positives out of Day 1, build and hopefully put some wins on the board. And that they did, with some dominating performances that saw them rack up the points.
Game 1 vs Affiliated States (NT, SA & WA)
An early start to the day but the Wheel Kiwis came out firing against the Affiliated States team. Good speed, strong sets in the early possessions culminating in them getting the first try through Nikia Fa’atau, going over in the left corner to put them ahead 4-0.
The Wheel Kiwis didn't stop there, some slick hands seeing Hayden Delves cross the try line to extend the lead to 8-0. While Affiliated States had a few chances, solid defence shut them out of the half. The Wheel Kiwis were able to dot down once more before the half ended, Fa’atau evading defenders through some nimble work. The half ended 14-0, the Wheel Kiwis firing on all fronts.
It didn't take long in the second half for New Zealand to take the ascendancy again, Fa’atau sending Connor Gibbs through on the right side. Gibbs converted his own try to put them 20-0 ahead.
Once again, any attempt by Affiliated States was repelled by New Zealand, the pressure mounting but the Wheel Kiwis holding, hustling on defence, adamant they weren't letting the opposition over their line. With a much tighter middle period, Kauri Murray was able to pry the defence open, finding the gap before racing down court and dotting down. With the conversion over, the Wheel Kiwis finished the game 26-0.
Edie George, Wheel Kiwis Head Coach, happy with the performance, “Our first win of the tournament but won’t be our last. The energy was good, comms were good. A few things to work on but we’ll get there.”
Game 2 vs Victoria
The team were clearly high on confidence as they started the game against Victoria right where they left off. With a near try in the first minute, it was only a few passes later that Jack Brown was able to put first points on the board.
Showing their defence was just as good as their attack once again, they stopped any attempt from Victoria before piling on the points. Hayden Delves was once again on the scoreboard after a breakaway try, as was Kauri Murray who dotted down twice to put the Wheel Kiwis ahead 20-0 going into the break.
Getting straight into it, Gibbs opened the scoring in the second half for New Zealand after good hands saw him take the ball out wide. It wasn’t long till Delves got another, then Fa’atau, taking the lead out to 38-0.
Jamie Tapp was probing all game on the left edge, some strong carries setting the team up nicely. Josh Hirini-Barclay was next to put 4 points next to his name, with Fa’atau’s speed too good in the last minute, getting the final points for the team to finish up 50-0.
Game 3 vs ACT
Facing off in the final game of the day against the reigning champs, the Wheel Kiwis needed a win to secure their place in the playoffs.
A bit of a slower start compared to the two earlier games, and unfortunately it was ACT that was able to get the first points, diving in the corner to take them to 6-0. From there the game got really tight, both teams probing but unable to make inroads.
Giggs proved the differentiator, once again in the action diving under the goal posts to add 4 points before converting his own try to level it up 6-6. But ACT came back strongly, their line speed helping them secure good metres on the carries before they were able to take back the lead 10-6 as they went into half time.
The second half was tight once again with the first 8 mins still locked at the half time score. Again though ACT went on to score, extending their lead to 16-6. Despite best efforts from New Zealand that’s where the scoring ended, the full time score remaining at 16-6.
The Wheel Kiwis will be facing off against South East Queensland & Central Queensland in the morning, a win likely to put them into the playoffs.
Wheel Kiwis show heart as they kick off 2026 LCA NRL Wheelchair Championship campaign
The 2026 LCA NRL Wheelchair Championship has kicked off on the Gold Coast of Australia with the Wheel Kiwis squad taking to the court twice in the day. First up they faced off against New South Wales before heading back out later in the day to battle it out with North Queensland.
With numerous new faces to the team, as well as it being the first hit out in a while for many, the team were looking to build those on-court connections early on and lay the foundations for some strong performances from there.
Game 1 vs New South Wales
It was a tough first up opponent in New South Wales, the squad featuring numerous Australian Wheelaroos representatives. But New Zealand went into the match up with high spirits and a strong determination.
Despite a first up try by NSW, the Wheel Kiwis were coming up strong in defence, led by co-captain Kauri Murray especially. With some quick line speed, NSW were able to challenge the Wheel Kiwis, crossing the line another two times to take the lead 16-0.
New Zealand had their chances, getting some good territory and challenging the NSW line. An intercept try by NSW didn't help the cause however, with the team going into half time 22-0.
At half time Head Coach Edie George spoke of the team slowly building confidence with the message heading into the second half to play their natural style and stick to the game plan.
Three minutes into the second half NSW were able to score again to put them ahead by 28 by New Zealand were building, piling on some pressure and putting good phases together. After a solid set, Nikia Fa’atau was able to find the gap, reaching through to secure New Zealand’s first try. With the conversion going through the middle, it was 28-6.
Despite two more tries, the final score 38-6, George was happy to see the team build in the second half.
“Definitely positive about how the team finished the game.
“Our completion rate went from 50 percent in the first half to 75 percent in the second half, and definitely better defensively as well. There was a lot more comms, more energy.
“We need to start every game the same way we finished the second half of the first game.”
Game 2 vs North Queensland
The Wheel Kiwis faced off against arguably the tournament favourites North Queensland in Game 2. Featuring the Wheel Kiwis inaugural captain, Jayson Hooker, North Queensland came out strong, the first few tries of the game going their way.
With both teams finding it hard to penetrate the defence during the middle of the half, the game featured plenty of end-to-end kick chases, some of which coming nail bitingly close to being tries.
Midway through the half, New Zealand’s Connor Gibbs saw the gap on the kick, weighting it perfectly. Nikia Fa’atau was able to scoop it up on the chase, evade the last remaining defenders and cross over for the Wheel Kiwis. With Gibbs converting, it was 18-6.
With the Wheel Kiwis holding out North Queensland with seconds to go, it was only a field goal that was added to the tally as both teams went into the break, the score at 19-6.
Both teams came into the second half with renewed energy, Fa’atau throwing everything into trying to unsuccessfully save a try in the corner. With plenty more long kicks, North Queensland were able to take advantage and exert their dominance on the score board, scoring multiple tries to end the game 46-6.
With a lot of heart shown, the Wheel Kiwis will go into Day 2 with even more energy, giving it everything as they face off against Affiliated States (NT, SA & WA), ACT and Victoria.
NRLW watch: Northland, Auckland & Wellington wāhine make debuts
The opening three rounds of the 2026 NRLW season have seen several grassroots products make their long-awaited debuts, while a host of other homegrown talents continue to cement their place in the competition.
The New Zealand Warriors introduced Christabelle Onesemo-Tuilaepa and Ocean Tierney, who were initially signed as supplementary and development players before earning early opportunities following a run of injuries.
Richmond Rovers' Christabelle debuted off the bench in the Round 1 season opener against the Bulldogs, playing 40 minutes in the second row and recording six carries and 17 tackles. She has quickly established herself in the side, featuring in every match since, including starts in the second row in Round 2 and at lock in Round 3.
Christabelle was a member of the 2024 Ahi Kā Aotearoa under-21 girls representative side that travelled to the Gold Coast to compete in the NRL Harvey Norman Women's Championship.
Teammate Ocean made a memorable first appearance in Round 2 against the Canberra Raiders, scoring two of the Warriors' three tries. She also finished with seven carries, four tackle breaks, nine tackles, and an offload.
A Northland product, Ocean represented the Swords in the 2025 NZRL Women's Championship, where she was named Player of the Tournament after a standout campaign where she helped lead her side to the title. Ocean was signed by the Warriors after again impressing for Northland in this year's Auckland Rugby League Kath Wharton Cup.
Māngere East Hawks juniors Mary-Jane (MJ) Taito, Giovanna Suani, and Evelyn Roberts have all made NRLW debuts for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs after progressing through the club's junior and development sides, all part of the 2024 NSWRL Lisa Fiaola Cup-winning team.
MJ and Giovanna both debuted off the bench in Round 1 against the Warriors at FMG Stadium Waikato, a fitting debut game at "home" with many of their whānau and supporters in the crowd.
MJ entered the game at hooker and played out the remaining 46 minutes, finishing with 31 tackles, four runs, a line break, an offload and a near try. The 18-year-old is a former Counties Manukau representative, and in 2023 was named MVP of the NZRL National Youth 16s Girls Tournament after captaining Counties to the national title. She was also selected in the 2024 NZRL NZ Clubs 18s Girls team.
Giovanna came off the bench and into the middle forwards, making an immediate impact with eight tackles and two carries. She was a member of the NZRL National Secondary Schools Girls team in both 2022 and 2023 after representing Auckland Girls Grammar School at the NZRL National Secondary Schools Tournament, the 2023 title-winners.
Evelyn followed in Round 2, making her debut as an interchange hooker, where she made eight tackles and two runs in 24 minutes against a strong Gold Coast Titans side.
After helping the Bulldogs win the 2024 Lisa Fiaola Cup, she captained the side in 2025 - a breakout year in which she also won the QRL BMD Women's Premiership with the Brisbane Tigers, earning BMD Rookie of the Year, Five-Eighth of the Year, and the Steph Hancock medal, all at 17-years-old. Before moving across the Tasman, Evelyn was part of the 2023 NZRL National Secondary Schools Girls team after representing McAuley High School at the NZRL National Secondary Schools Tournament.
In the same Round 2 match-up between the Bulldogs and Titans, Wellington's Fanua Rimoni also made her first NRLW appearance for the Titans, starting at prop and playing 46 minutes. The 18-year-old produced an impressive performance, finishing with 10 carries for 104 metres and 28 tackles without zero missed.
A Wainuiomata Lions junior, Fanua represented the Wellington Orcas before earning selection in the 2023 Aotearoa Whaanui 16s Girls team. The following year, she played a key role in the Orcas winning the NZRL National Youth 18s Girls title and was selected in the NZRL NZ Clubs 18s Girls team.