Kangaroo killers? NZ announces scary 2026 Rugby League World Cup squad originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

New Zealand isn’t mucking around.

The Kiwis have released their extended squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup beginning next month and it’s sure to give rivals plenty to think – and worry – about including Australia head coach Kevin Walters.

Some of the more interesting selections in Stacey Jones’ formidable squad include young Storm forward Cooper Clarke who was born in Campbelltown but has chosen to represent his father’s Māori roots, Rabbitohs hooker Brandon Smith who hasn’t played for NZ since the last World Cup in 2022, and Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga who switched allegiance to the Kiwis earlier this year having never played a senior international for the Kangaroos.

Several players could have big eligibility decisions to make with Thomas Mikaele and Francis Manuleleua both also selected for Toa Samoa, while Fonua Pole and Salesi Foketi are eligible for Tonga.

Further franking the quality of the squad, 27 of the Kiwi players will be in action during the NRL finals this weekend.

MORE: NRL 2026 Finals Team Lists: Every club’s confirmed lineup for Week 1

New Zealand is drawn in Group A and begins its 2026 World Cup campaign against co-hosts Australia on Thursday October 15 at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.

They will then play the Cook Islands in Christchurch and Fiji on the Gold Coast in their remaining group matches.

The Kiwis were knocked out in the semi finals of the 2022 World Cup in England, losing 16-14 to eventual champions Australia, and famously won the 2008 tournament with an epic 34-20 upset over Australia in the final at Suncorp Stadium.

New Zealand 2026 Rugby League World Cup Extended Squad

Phoenix Crossland (Knights)

James Fisher-Harris (Warriors)

Jamayne Isaako (Dolphins)

Josiah Karapani (Broncos)

Francis Manuleleua (Knights)*

Jeremy Marshall-King (Dolphins)

Te Maire Martin (Warriors)

Thomas Mikaele (Cowboys)*

Ronaldo Mulitalo (Sharks)

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstadd (Warriors)

Isaiah Papalii (Panthers)

Brandon Smith (Rabbitohs)

Scott Sorensen (Panthers)

Tanner Stowers-Smith (Warriors)

Taine Tuaupiki (Warriors)

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Warriors)

Xavier Willison (Broncos)