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 \u2014 especially with an edge spot potentially up for grabs.<\/p>\n
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\u2019 team.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am interested, definitely,\u201d Sorensen said. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve never really thought about it up until now because I haven\u2019t been able to be in the frame for that.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just have to wait and see if that conversation came and see how I felt at the time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sorensen\u2019s Blues aspirations aside, he has plenty of goals to keep him motivated in 2026 \u2014 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. <\/p>\n
Sorensen believes New Zealand has turned a corner to becoming one of the strongest teams in the world. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cDefinitely in the Kiwi space, this is our pinnacle,\u201d Sorensen said. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt stems from our belief in our group, our coaches and what they instilled in us. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe leadership in the group has just gone to another level, obviously led by James Fisher-Harris, our captain. He\u2019s not a man of many words, but when he speaks, he\u2019s got the whole group in his hands.\u201d<\/p>\n
Incumbent Kangaroos winger Josh Addo-Carr believes this year\u2019s World Cup will be the closest ever contested as New Zealand, England and Pacific nations Tonga and Samoa closing the gap on Australia.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s really great for the game,\u201d Addo-Carr said of the new format. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really going to test us Aussie boys, and really make this competition the way it should be.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I was growing up, you always knew it was going to be Australia, now it\u2019s anyone\u2019s game, and that makes it so much better to go up against.\u201d <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Tickets are on sale for all pool and semi-final matches from $19 for adults and $49 for families. <\/p>\n
Tickets for the Suncorp Stadium final start from $39 for adults and $109 for families.<\/p>\n