Surprised if he doesn’t win': Marshall backs SJ for Dally M

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)

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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Penalty Goals:

Kiwi Ferns: Zahara Temara x2