New Zealand have so often been the best of the rest at the Rugby League World Cup, but after missing the last two finals, the Kiwis will be desperate to return to the top under Stacey Jones.
With only one real question around the depth chart heading into the tournament for the men wearing black and white, and a chance to be either at, or close to home, they will be confident of their success too.
This is just maybe the best New Zealand squad ever assembled, bettering the one that won the tournament back in 2008 when they beat Australia in the final 34 points to 20.
It’s Australia who will as is often the case cause New Zealand headaches, but the Kiwis will think they have the team to win this tournament – and when you run an eye over the squad, it’s not tough to see why.
Here is how New Zealand will line up for their three matches against Australia on October 15 in Sydney, against the Cook Islands on October 25 in Christchurch and on October 31 against Fiji on the Gold Coast.
Full squad
Erin Clark, James Fisher-Harris, Dane Gagai, Jahrome Hughes, Jamayne Isaako, Keano Kini. Jacob Laban, Moses Leota, Jeremy Marshall-King, Te Maire Martin, Casey McLean, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Briton Nikora, Kodi Nikorima, Isaiah Papali’i, Kalyn Ponga, Scott Sorensen, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Joseph Tapine, Leo Thompson, Naufahu Whyte, Xavier Willison
Fullback
Kalyn Ponga is set to make his debut for New Zealand in the World Cup, giving the Kiwis excellent depth in the number one jumper.
Incumbent Keano Kini, who had a strong year for the Gold Coast Titans but didn’t play in the finals series, is also in the squad and will feature at some point.
If coach Stacey Jones is desperate to play Kini, Ponga could also be used elsewhere in the side, but it feels unlikely.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is also in the squad.
Wingers
On the wings, New Zealand will likely look to their incumbents, Dolphins goal-kicking point-scoring phenomenon Jamayne Isaako, and the ever talented but also inconsistent Cronulla Sharks star Ronaldo Mulitalo.
Isaako will resume goal kicking duties for the Kiwis throughout the tourmnament, with the duo bringing plenty of point-scoring ability.
They also played during the fianls series so won’t be quite as rusty as some.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will back up here as he does in the number one jumper.
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 05: Jamayne Isaako of the Dolphins scores a try during the round one NRL match between the Dolphins and Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium on March 05, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Centres
In the centres, Dane Gagai will make his debut for New Zealand, while Casey McLean, who debuted for the NSW Blues at State of Origin level this year, will line up on the other side of the park.
The duo are both excellent for their own reasons, with Gagai coming off an outstanding finals series, and McLean aiming up on both ends of the park throughout the course of 2026.
As is the case across the rest of the back five, the versatile Nicoll-Klokstad provides back-up.
Halves
In the halves, Jahrome Hughes is the obvious option and will wear the halfback jersey for the Kiwis.
He is playing his first games in the national colours since 2023, and will be out to prove a major point after a tough season with the Melbourne Storm.
Te Maire Martin and Kodi Nikorima will squabble over the number six jersey – we are going with Nikorima, but it’s a genuine coin flip.
Middle forwards
The middle is where the Kiwis are absolutely stacked. James Fisher-Harris is the captain and will start at prop, probably alongside Joseph Tapine, who had another excellent season for Canberra and has been a Kiwis stalwart for years.
Erin Clark should line up at lock for the Kiwis after being named to back-to-back teams of the year in the 13 jumper.
Moses Leota, Naufahu Whyte, Leo Thompson and Xavier Willison lead the back-up, although they could hardly be called that, while Scott Sorensen can also play in the middle, and Tanner Stowers-Smith has been picked for a New Zealand debut after an excellent season.
WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA – MAY 10: Erin Clark of the Warriors looks to pass during the round 10 NRL match between St George Illawarra Dragons and New Zealand Warriors at WIN Stadium on May 10, 2025 in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
Hooker
Hooker is the one key weakness for the Kiwis, with Stacey Jones only having one specialist in his squad owning to the suspension of Phoenix Crossland.
It means the pressure falls squarely on Dolphins key man Jeremy Marshall-King.
Te Maire Martin and Kodi Nikorima are the only other players in the squad who can play at number, with whoever misses the five-eighth role to provide back-up here.
Edge forwards
Briton Nikora and Isaiah Papali’i are the obvious starting options on the edge, although coach Jones does have some options.
Jacob Laban had an excellent season and will feature at some point during the tournament, while Scott Sorensen is also in the squad.
Xavier Willison could also be used on an edge given the enormous depth through the middle.
Interchange
Te Maire Martin, or Nikorima if the former is asked to start, will be the first picked on the bench, while you can also guarantee Keano Kini will be there.
The four forwards New Zealand pick should be led by Naufahu Whyte and Xavier Willison.
Jacob Laban is picked as the specialist second-rower, while we are going with Leota ahead of Thompson for the last spot.
The best 19
1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Dane Gagai
4. Casey McLean
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. James Fisher-Harris
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Briton Nikora
12. Isaiah Papali’i
13. Erin Clark
Interchange
14. Te Maire Martin
15. Moses Leota
16. Jacob Laban
17. Naufahu Whyte
18. Xavier Willison
19. Keano Kini
Not in 19 – Leo Thompson, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Scott Sorensen, Tanner Stowers-Smith