The countdown to the Rugby League World Cup is entering its final stages, with just one month to go until the heavyweight showdown between the Kangaroos and Kiwis kicks off the tournament at Allianz Stadium on October 15.
While final squads are yet to be announced, we can expect to see several Sea Eagles players representing their heritage across the four-week tournament.
Tonga could have as many as five Manly players in their lineup when squads are confirmed. Those who have previously represented Mate Ma’a Tonga include Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolu Koula, Lehi Hopoate and Taniela Paseka, while Onitoni Large is also eligible for selection.
Caleb Navale, Brandon Wakeham, and Kylan Mafoa have been selected in the initial 40-man squad for the Fiji Bati team with the final squad to be announced on Monday 21st September.
Other players in World Cup contention include Tom Trbojevic (Australia), Clayton Faulalo (Samoa), Jason Saab (Lebanon), and Josh Feledy (Papua New Guinea).
Turbo last featured for Australia in the final of the 2024 Pacific Championships, scoring two tries in the Kangaroos’ 20-14 victory.
The Sea Eagles fullback, who has played mostly in the centres at international level, is ready, willing and available if selectors come calling.
It’s always an honour to wear the green and gold.
Tom Trbojevic Sea Eagles Co-captain
“I finished the season at Manly in good shape physically. If called on, I’ll be ready.”
More than 150,000 tickets have already been sold as anticipation builds for Rugby League World Cup 2026, which involves 26 teams representing 14 nations in three tournaments - Men's, Women's and Wheelchair.
Staged across nine cities in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, RLWC26 features 53 matches in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Port Moresby, Christchurch, Newcastle, Wollongong, Gold Coast and Townsville.
The tournament culminates on November 15 at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium, where the Men's and Women's World Cup champions will be crowned after a month of intense competition.
Men's World Cup
Group A: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Cook Islands
Group B: England, Samoa, Lebanon
Group C: Tonga, Papua New Guinea, France
The Men's tournament begins on October 15 with Australia facing New Zealand at Allianz Stadium, while England's opening clash against Tonga at Perth's HBF Park on October 17 is set to be another highlight of the opening weekend.
The Group stage concludes with a showdown between Pacific rivals Tonga and Samoa at CommBank Stadium on November 1 that could determine which nation progresses to the semi-final stage.
For more info and to purchase tickets visit RLWC2026.com
