Kalyn Ponga, Keano Kini
Who occupies the No 1 jersey for the tournament will create the biggest headlines in the Kiwis squad, now that Kalyn Ponga is eligible to represent the Kiwis.
Australian-born Ponga is regarded as one of the best players in the NRL with his dynamic speed and playmaking ability.
This has been some time in the making. In 2024, Ponga, who has New Zealand parents, made headlines after withdrawing from the Kangaroos squad because he wanted to play for the Kiwis.
But because he had played in one nines tournament for Australia, he was deemed ineligible and only received sign-off to play this year.
While there is no denying Ponga’s influence – and the combination he’s formed with Dylan Brown at the Newcastle Knights could easily transition into the Kiwis – but does he deserve to start in place of incumbent Keano Kini?
Kini, who overcame a potential career-ending neck injury last year, was electric at fullback for the Kiwis and pivotal in their Pacific Championships triumph last year.
He has also been a key member of the Titans’ spine this year and has stood up when his side needed him most, highlighted by his magical game-winner against the Broncos.
It is a good headache to have, but Kini should be given first crack because he has earned the right.
Should neither be available, it would be expected Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad could fill the void – more on him later – or his Warriors teammate Taine Tuaupiki.
Wingers
Jamayne Isaako, Will Warbrick, Ronaldo Mulitalo
Three wingers should provide more than enough depth for the Kiwis to cover the team, and they have many other players who could step in if required.
Of the three, Jamayne Isaako is the only one likely to be guaranteed a starting spot. He’s on track to be the leading points scorer in the NRL for the third time in four years and has scored more than 12 tries in each of the last four years.
He’s also the first-choice goalkicker, with a success rate in the high 80s. The other spot, though, will likely be determined by form in the second half of the season.
Ronaldo Mulitalo was the other first-choice winger last year, playing in their opening match before failing to finish after tearing his ACL.
Casey McLean started their next two matches on the wing, but he will likely be one of the Kiwis’ starting centres.
Mulitalo has made a swift return to the NRL and scored five tries in five matches.
Will Warbrick wasn’t in consideration last year after an injury-ravaged campaign, but he has bounced back strongly with 14 tries.
If you want somebody who is an aerial threat, Warbrick is your man, but if you want somebody who brings energy and strong carries out of the backfield, look no further than Mulitalo.
Other options could include Josiah Karapani, who was called in as injury cover for Mulitalo last year, although another recent off-field indiscretion could hamper his chances.
Former Kiwis captain Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is also a contender but don’t be surprised if he opts to suit up for Tonga, having previously expressed a desire to switch allegiances.
Matthew Timiko, Casey McLean and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad. Photo/ Photosport
Centres
Casey McLean, Matthew Timoko, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
Last season, McLean and Matthew Timoko were the starting centres, but after the former had to switch to the wing, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad came in to fill the void.
McLean is a lock in the side and one of the first names on the team sheet.
In four tests, he has scored eight tries and despite only being 20, he’s already established himself among the top echelon of centres in the game and well on track to becoming a Kiwis great.
Despite centre not being his preferred position, Nicoll-Klokstad has proven valuable in the position at test level and will be the likely leading contender for the other starting spot.
If he doesn’t start, Nicoll-Klokstad is a proven backline utility capable of playing fullback, wing and five-eighth, however, it seems unlikely he will start in any of those positions.
Timoko has established himself back in the Canberra Raiders side after appearing to be on the outer at the start of the season. Another option could be his teammate Sebastian Kris, who has also had a mixed season, but can also play fullback or wing.
Halves
Dylan Brown, Jahrome Hughes, Te Maire Martin
Should everyone be fit, there would be no debate over who starts with Dylan Brown at five-eighth and Jahrome Hughes at halfback, but it won’t be that simple.
Brown was arguably the Kiwis’ best player en route to their Pacific Championship win and controversially missed out on the Golden Boot award for international player of the year.
If Hughes is fit, then he will start at halfback, however, that is no guarantee. Hughes hasn’t played a test for the Kiwis since 2023 due to injuries.
While he’s yet to miss a match this season, it’s clear Hughes is walking wounded and could rule himself out. Being 31, though, this could be his last chance at a World Cup, so he may opt to play through.
With no Hughes, the Kiwis had to drag Shaun Johnson out of retirement in 2024 and Kieran Foran last year, to play.
However, due to form, there are two emerging contenders who could also play if required.
As Hughes is strictly a halfback, it would make sense for Te Maire Martin to be the next player up as he’s been wearing the No 7 jersey for the Warriors, while his ability to cover fullback, centre, hooker and lock is also valuable.
Kodi Nikorima is another who will be considered. He hasn’t played for the Kiwis since 2024 but has been in career-best form with the Dolphins.
Middles
James Fisher-Harris, Joseph Tapine, Moses Leota, Erin Clark, Xavier Willison, Naufahu Whyte, Leo Thompson
This area for the Kiwis picks itself with a plethora of elite props and locks, who are exceptional leaders and capable of playing big minutes.
Last year the Kiwis were unstoppable in the middle with captain James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota and Joseph Tapine leading the charge before Naufahu Whyte, Xavier Willison and Erin Clark all brought impact from the bench.
Expect that to continue, although there is a case for Fisher-Harris, Tapine and Clark to be the starters – but why change what isn’t broken?
Whyte and Willison are the perfect duo to bring off the bench with size and power.
The last spot could be a flip of a coin, but Leo Thompson is likely to be in the box seat for a recall for the first time since 2024.
Another option could be Griffin Neame, while Tanner Stowers-Smith would be a bolter.
Jeremy Marshall-King and Phoenix Crossland. Photo / Photosport
Hooker
Jeremy Marshall-King, Phoenix Crossland
The Kiwis will likely select two hookers, and the two favourites bring different styles of play to the role.
Jeremy Marshall-King, who started in the opening Pacific Championships test last year before succumbing to injury, brings speed and elusiveness around the ruck and will likely be the favourite to start in the No 9 jersey.
The other option is Phoenix Crossland, who filled the void in the absence of Marshall-King. He is strong defensively and, with his background as a halfback, has the ability to kick deep from the ruck.
Depending on how the rest of the NRL season plays out, Brandon Smith could emerge as a wildcard, although he hasn’t played for the Kiwis since the last World Cup.
There is no denying that at his best, Smith is one of the most dynamic in the NRL, but injuries and a spate of off-field issues have seen him have limited game time in recent years.
He’s has enjoyed a decent run of games of late, but whether he can keep that up will determine if we see him in the black jersey for the World Cup. Smith could also cover lock if needed.
As mentioned, a player like Martin could also fill in if necessary.
Edge
Briton Nikora, Isiah Papali’i, Jordan Riki, Scott Sorensen
The Kiwis are relatively blessed here, with edge forwards capable of playing a full game, but expecting them to do that across five games at a World Cup is unlikely.
Briton Nikora and Isaiah Papali’i are the incumbents on the edge and will likely get the starting nod, while Jordan Riki would be an excellent third option.
Nikora has gone through some blips in form this season, but still made his State of Origin debut for Queensland, while Papali’i has been a regular in the Penrith Panthers side.
Scott Sorensen will likely be included as a fourth option and can also cover prop if required. He was part of the last World Cup squad and last year’s Pacific Championship side but didn’t play.
If there was one bolter for this position, Jacob Laban could be an option.
Kaeo Weekes is named after the small Northland town, where his family is from. Photo / Photosport
Eligibility
Players who could switch nations
The squad of players selected above are those who as of now are eligible, although there is a chance others could put their hands up for consideration after International Rugby League Board approved changes to their eligibility rules.
That means players, like Ponga, who have played State of Origin, are able to represent other tier one nations, New Zealand and England, where in the past they couldn’t.
Players like Jack Howarth and Kaeo Weekes, who previously turned down approaches to play for the Kiwis in order to play Origin, can now put their hands up for selection.
Howarth is a player who can cover centre and second row, while Weekes, named after the small Northland town, can play fullback or in the halves.
Earlier this year, Parramatta Eels forward Jack Williams, who is capable of playing in the middle or on the edge, expressed his desire to play for the Kiwis, with his mum hailing from New Zealand.
Warriors hooker Wayde Egan has said he would put his hand up if required, although it would need to be determined whether he meets team requirements on residency grounds of five years.
Egan joined the Warriors in 2019, but spent lots of time living in Australia due to Covid, so it is unclear if there would be an exception to the rule.
Two middle forwards who could also make themselves eligible are Trey Mooney and Cooper Clarke, both whom have Māori heritage.
Both Howarth and Mooney have previously been picked for the Kiwis A side.
Likely squad
Predicted Kiwis squad for Rugby League World Cup
Fullbacks: Kalyn Ponga, Keano Kini.
Wingers: Jamayne Isaako, Will Warbrick, Ronaldo Mulitalo.
Centres: Casey McLean, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Matt Timoko.
Halves: Dylan Brown, Jahrome Hughes, Te Maire Martin.
Middles: James Fisher-Harris, Joseph Tapine, Moses Leota, Erin Clark, Xavier Willison, Nafahu Whyte, Leo Thompson.
Hookers: Jeremy Marshall-King, Phoenix Crossland.
Edge: Briton Nikora, Isaiah Papali’i, Jordan Riki, Scott Sorensen.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.