When I caught up with Kiwis coach Stacey Jones earlier this year, he had only one thing on his mind.
It’s a Rugby League World Cup year – which always brings more pressure on coaches – but Jones wasn’t thinking about tournament glory, or the final on November 15 in Sydney.
As he explained, the focus was more on the getting to the start line than worrying about the finish.
“We just have to have to wait and see who is available,” said Jones. “That’s the reality of our sport.”
It can be harsh. The NRL gets more gruelling every season and there are inevitable casualties. Newcastle’s Dylan Brown was outstanding for the Kiwis in 2025 but he is already out, after the major knee injury suffered in July. Fellow playmaker Jahrome Hughes hasn’t featured for New Zealand since 2023, due to repeated end of season surgeries.
Jones won’t know his full list available until the last match of the club season – the NRL grand final – is over, which makes for tough planning and numerous contingencies.
But the Kiwis have great depth, with contenders from almost every club. They have pedigree and confidence, thanks to the nature of their Pacific Championship triumph last year, coming through three tough battles against Samoa and Tonga.
This could be a special team. James Fisher-Harris and Joseph Tapine are as good as any Kiwi prop pairings of the past, while Naufahu Whyte is a destructive dynamo. Add in Erin Clark, Moses Leota, Isaiah Papali’i and Briton Nikora and it’s a pack that can dominate any team. There are exceptional backline talents, especially fullback Keano Kini and centre Casey McLean, while Queensland Origin star Kalyn Ponga is an exciting wildcard.
It feels like the Kiwis are primed to deliver, in their best opportunity since 2008. There was a similar feeling ahead of the last World Cup in 2022, before New Zealand was edged by the Kangaroos in the semi-final. However, this group has more talent, greater experience and a stronger culture, while more accurate seedings mean – after an opening round clash – they can’t meet Australia again until the final.
But this won’t be a simple assignment, with the event expected to be the most competitive in the tournament’s 78-year history, with five genuine title contenders.
Twelve-time champions Australia will be as strong as ever, especially on home soil. They also have the best spine in the game. Samoa reached the final last time and have improved immensely since, with a roster that includes Payne Haas, probably the best forward in the sport. They will also be more comfortable in Australian conditions. Tonga have oscillated in recent years but can’t be discounted. They’ll have the biggest pack at the tournament – including Warriors’ dynamos Leka Halasima and Demetric Vaimauga – and will attract huge support, especially if they gain early momentum. England will be strong – with six Australian-born players in their wider squad – and could surprise, given they reached the final the last time the tournament was held in this part of the world.
Jones admitted it is a huge challenge, adding that the Kiwis “won’t be under the radar” after their deeds of last season.
The 10-team men’s tournament will be staged in 11 venues, including the New Zealand-Cook Islands clash in Christchurch.
The eight nation women’s event will run in parallel, with New Zealand hoping to stop the Australian juggernaut. The Jillaroos haven’t been beaten in a World Cup match since 2008 but the Kiwi Ferns have pushed hard in recent years, including a famous 12-6 win in 2023.
Rugby League – Michael Burgess