While there is no denying Ponga\u2019s influence \u2013 and the combination he\u2019s formed with Dylan Brown at the Newcastle Knights could easily transition into the Kiwis \u2013 but does he deserve to start in place of incumbent Keano Kini?<\/p>\n
Kini, who overcame a potential career-ending neck injury last year, was electric at fullback for the Kiwis<\/a> and pivotal in their Pacific Championships triumph last year. <\/p>\n He has also been a key member of the Titans\u2019 spine this year and has stood up when his side needed him most, highlighted by his magical game-winner against the Broncos.<\/p>\n It is a good headache to have, but Kini should be given first crack because he has earned the right.<\/p>\n Should neither be available, it would be expected Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad could fill the void \u2013 more on him later \u2013 or his Warriors teammate Taine Tuaupiki.<\/p>\n Wingers<\/p>\n Jamayne Isaako, Will Warbrick, Ronaldo Mulitalo<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Of the three, Jamayne Isaako is the only one likely to be guaranteed a starting spot. He\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n He\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Ronaldo Mulitalo was the other first-choice winger last year, playing in their opening match before failing to finish after tearing his ACL. <\/p>\n Casey McLean started their next two matches on the wing, but he will likely be one of the Kiwis\u2019 starting centres.<\/p>\n Mulitalo has made a swift return to the NRL and scored five tries in five matches.<\/p>\n Will Warbrick<\/a> wasn\u2019t in consideration last year after an injury-ravaged campaign, but he has bounced back strongly with 14 tries.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Former Kiwis captain Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is also a contender but don\u2019t be surprised if he opts to suit up for Tonga<\/a>, having previously expressed a desire to switch allegiances.<\/p>\n Centres<\/p>\n Casey McLean, Matthew Timoko, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n McLean is a lock in the side and one of the first names on the team sheet.<\/p>\n In four tests, he has scored eight tries and despite only being 20, he\u2019s already established himself among the top echelon of centres<\/a> in the game and well on track to becoming a Kiwis great.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n If he doesn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n Timoko has established himself back in the Canberra Raiders side after appearing to be on the outer at the start of the season<\/a>. Another option could be his teammate Sebastian Kris, who has also had a mixed season, but can also play fullback or wing.<\/p>\n Halves<\/p>\n Dylan Brown, Jahrome Hughes, Te Maire Martin<\/p>\n 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\u2019t be that simple.<\/p>\n Brown was arguably the Kiwis\u2019 best player<\/a> en route to their Pacific Championship win and controversially missed out on the Golden Boot award for international player of the year.<\/p>\n If Hughes is fit, then he will start at halfback, however, that is no guarantee. Hughes hasn\u2019t played a test for the Kiwis since 2023 due to injuries.<\/p>\n While he\u2019s yet to miss a match this season, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n With no Hughes, the Kiwis had to drag Shaun Johnson out of retirement<\/a> in 2024 and Kieran Foran<\/a> last year, to play.<\/p>\n However, due to form, there are two emerging contenders who could also play if required.<\/p>\n As Hughes is strictly a halfback, it would make sense for Te Maire Martin to be the next player up as he\u2019s been wearing the No 7 jersey for the Warriors, while his ability to cover fullback, centre, hooker and lock is also valuable.<\/p>\n Kodi Nikorima is another who will be considered. He hasn\u2019t played for the Kiwis since 2024 but has been in career-best form with the Dolphins.<\/p>\n Middles<\/p>\n James Fisher-Harris, Joseph Tapine, Moses Leota, Erin Clark, Xavier Willison, Naufahu Whyte, Leo Thompson<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Last year the Kiwis were unstoppable in the middle with captain James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota and Joseph Tapine<\/a> leading the charge before Naufahu Whyte, Xavier Willison and Erin Clark all brought impact from the bench.<\/p>\n Expect that to continue, although there is a case for Fisher-Harris, Tapine and Clark to be the starters \u2013 but why change what isn\u2019t broken?<\/p>\n Whyte and Willison are the perfect duo to bring off the bench with size and power.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Another option could be Griffin Neame, while Tanner Stowers-Smith would be a bolter.<\/p>\n Hooker<\/p>\n Jeremy Marshall-King, Phoenix Crossland <\/p>\n The Kiwis will likely select two hookers, and the two favourites bring different styles of play to the role.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Depending on how the rest of the NRL season plays out, Brandon Smith could emerge as a wildcard, although he hasn\u2019t played for the Kiwis since the last World Cup.<\/p>\nMatthew Timiko, Casey McLean and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad. Photo\/ Photosport<\/p>\n
Jeremy Marshall-King and Phoenix Crossland. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n