Sorensen to continue family dynasty with Kiwis debut

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.

‍

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.

‍

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)

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.”

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.

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:

1. Apii Nicholls
2. Tenika Willison*
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. Ivana Lauitiiti
11. Annessa Biddle
12. Kaiyah Atai
13. Brooke Anderson
14. Ashleigh Quinlan
15. Shannon Mato
16. Shaniece Monschau
17. Trinity Tauaneai*
18. Abigail Roache
    
    
    
19. Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa
20. Otesa Pule
21. Zahara Temara
22. Leianne Tufuga

*denotes debutant

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

‍

1. Keano Kini | Kiwi #836
2. Jamayne Isaako | Kiwi #808
3. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad | Kiwi #820
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. Joseph Tapine (VC) | Kiwi #800
11. Xavier Willison | Kiwi #843
12. Scott Sorensen | Kiwi #831
13. Erin Clark | Kiwi #842
14. Te Maire Martin | Kiwi #802
15. Leo Thompson | Kiwi #833
16. Tanner Stowers-Smith | Debutant
17. Jacob Laban | Debutant
18. Isaiah Papali'i | Kiwi #817
19. Briton Nikora | Kiwi #818
20. Dane Gagai | Kiwi #844
21. Naufahu Whyte | Kiwi #839
22. Moses Leota | Kiwi #827

‍

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.”