With all competing nations in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup revealing their squads, the competition is set to be one of the best World Cups yet.
Unlike previous tournaments, there will be no definitive winner based on the calibre of players selected from the NRL, as each squad holds many exciting players ready to represent their homelands.
Here are the players most likely to breakout at the World Cup across the ten competing teams.
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AustraliaJack Bostock
Coming off the back of a standout year, Jack Bostock’s selection for Australia seemed only right as the Shellharbour Stingrays junior looks to add another representative trophy under his belt in 2026.
Before the Dolphins’ preliminary final loss to the Sydney Roosters, Bostock remained undefeated for 2026, having played 15 games for the Dolphins, his sole ACL comeback match in reserve grade and the Game Three win for New South Wales in this year’s State of Origin series.
He shared this interesting statistic with his sister and NRLW Gold Coast Titans winger, Indie Bostock. She made her debut for the women’s side in round two and went on to win ten straight games but, just like her brother, went down in the preliminary final.
Bostock has shown he can handle representative rugby league and will be making his debut for Australia, most likely on the wing.
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 19: Jack Bostock of the Dolphins celebrates scoring a try during the round 11 NRL match between Wests Tigers and Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium, on May 19, 2024, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Jacob Preston
Another debutant for the Kangaroos, Jacob Preston represents the future of rugby league back rowers. The 24-year-old stood out in what was a poor season for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, appearing in 20 and scoring in seven.
Preston prides himself on line breaks and spotting defensive gaps, and he has done this throughout his tenure at the Bulldogs. A regular 80-minute player, Preston should start alongside Penrith Panthers back-rower Liam Martin and edge out fellow debutant David Fifita.
Preston was selected to represent the Kangaroos in the 2025 Ashes Test series against England last year but failed to find game time. This World Cup is his chance to secure his spot on the field for Australia for years to come.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 09: Jacob Preston of the Bulldogs makes a break during the round six NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and Penrith Panthers at Accor Stadium on April 09, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
