Scott Sorensen has always held representing New Zealand as his highest honour in rugby league, but a shift in eligibility rules has the Kiwis forward open to a NSW Blues debut in 2026 — especially with an edge spot potentially up for grabs.
Sydney-born Sorensen picked his heritage over his state ahead of the 2022 Rugby League World Cup in England. With six months until the next instalment of the showpiece event, Sorensen is eyeing a spot in coach Stacey Jones’ team.
However, with Penrith teammate Liam Martin ruled out for up to eight weeks with an knee injury, Sorensen, at 33, could finally get his chance at Origin, 12 years after making his NRL debut.
“I am interested, definitely,” Sorensen said.
“I’ve never really thought about it up until now because I haven’t been able to be in the frame for that.
“I just have to wait and see if that conversation came and see how I felt at the time.”
Sorensen’s Blues aspirations aside, he has plenty of goals to keep him motivated in 2026 — with Penrith looking to reaffirm their dynasty, and the Kiwis facing a blockbuster World Cup opening match against the Kangaroos at Allianz Stadium on October 15.
Sorensen believes New Zealand has turned a corner to becoming one of the strongest teams in the world.
Currently ranked second in the International Rugby League rankings, the Kiwis have the belief that they win the World Cup for the first time since 2008.
“Definitely in the Kiwi space, this is our pinnacle,” Sorensen said.
“It stems from our belief in our group, our coaches and what they instilled in us.
“The leadership in the group has just gone to another level, obviously led by James Fisher-Harris, our captain. He’s not a man of many words, but when he speaks, he’s got the whole group in his hands.”
Incumbent Kangaroos winger Josh Addo-Carr believes this year’s World Cup will be the closest ever contested as New Zealand, England and Pacific nations Tonga and Samoa closing the gap on Australia.
This year’s structure will be the first time the global competition shrinks to 10 teams, which will include one pool of four nations, and two pools of three.
“I think it’s really great for the game,” Addo-Carr said of the new format.
“It’s really going to test us Aussie boys, and really make this competition the way it should be.
“When I was growing up, you always knew it was going to be Australia, now it’s anyone’s game, and that makes it so much better to go up against.”
The 2026 World Cup will take place across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea with the Kangaroos playing the Kiwis in Sydney, Fiji in Brisbane, and Cook Islands in Townsville.
Tickets are on sale for all pool and semi-final matches from $19 for adults and $49 for families.
Tickets for the Suncorp Stadium final start from $39 for adults and $109 for families.