10/09/2026
Kalyn Ponga, Jack Williams and rising Storm talent Cooper Clarke are among the new faces named in New Zealand’s extended World Cup squad. Ponga is on the verge of his international debut after the eligibility rules were changed, while Williams is awaiting International Rugby League clearance but is expected to qualify through his New Zealand-born mother.
The Kiwis have also selected Origin players Casey McLean and Briton Nikora, while Francis Manuleleua and Thomas Mikeale have been named in both the New Zealand and Samoa squads. Warriors youngsters Jacob Laban, Tanner Stowers-Smith and Taine Tuaupiki are also included, with injuries ruling Kaeo Weekes and Trey Mooney out of contention.
KIWIS EXTENDED SQUAD: Joe Chan, Cooper Clarke, Erin Clark, Phoenix Crossland, James Fisher-Harris, Salesi Foketi, Jahrome Hughes, Jamayne Isaako, Josiah Karapani, Keano Kini, Seb Kris, Jacob Laban, Moses Leota, Alec MacDonald, Francis Manuleleua, Jeremy Marshall-King, Te Maire Martin, Casey McLean, Thomas Mikeale, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Briton Nikora, Kodi Nikorima, Isaiah Papalii, Fonua Pole, Kalyn Ponga, Jordan Riki, Brandon Smith, Scott Sorensen, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Joseph Tapine, Taine Tuaupiki, Leo Thompson, Matthew Timoko, Trent Toelau, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Naufahu Whyte, Jack Williams, Xavier Willison. 📝Michael Carayannis and Brent Read NRL New Zealand Kiwis Rugby League World Cup