Rugby League World Cup 2026, Round 1, team lists, updates, Kangaroos, Kiwis

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Tue 13 Oct 2026, 03:59 PM

Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters has gone with Ashes hero Reece Walsh over reigning Clive Churchill Medalist James Tedesco in the coveted No.1 jersey for Australia's blockbuster World Cup opener against the Kiwis.

Walsh's last game was on August 15 against the Warriors when he suffered a syndesmosis injury that looked set to end his season.

The Roosters marched on to premiership glory and Tedesco came to the fore with a magnificent grand final display but Walsh has been given the nod in a backline that includes Test debutant Jack Bostock on one wing and Tom Trbojevic on the other.

Mitch Moses has beaten Sam Walker to the halfback role while Jacob Preston makes his international debut in the back row with David Fifita set for his Kangaroos debut off the interchange after previously representing Tonga at the 2022 World Cup.

The Kiwis, meanwhile, have Knights superstars Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai pulling on the black jersey for the first time in a backline that also features Jahrome Hughes at halfback in his first Test since 2023 and Dolphins livewire Kodi Nikorima at five-eighth.

James Fisher-Harris captains the side and leads a formidable forward pack that includes Joseph Tapine in his 26th Test match and powerhouse Rooster Naufahu Whyte in his seventh Test.

Inside camp: Joseph Tapine

Wests Tigers skipper Api Koroisau will captain the Fiji Bati in their tournament opener against Cook Islands as he lines up at a fourth World Cup.

Knights prop Jacob Saifiti has served his four-game suspension and will play his eighth Test for the Bati while Dolphins utility Kurt Donoghoe and Sea Eagle Brandon Wakeham combine in the halves.

After riding a rollercoaster of emotions in 2026, Jarome Luai will co-captain Samoa along with Junior Paulo as they open their campaign against France in Sydney.

Paulo and Luai are among five survivors from the Samoa side that lost the 2022 World Cup Final to the Kangaroos along with Brian To'o, Stephen Crichton and Spencer Leniu.

Knights edge forwards Jermaine McEwen and Francis Manuleleua will cap off their stunning 2026 season by making their Test debuts at CommBank Stadium.

Other Round 1 selection highlights include:

Playing at his fourth World Cup, Jason Taumalolo leads a powerhouse Tonga outfit that includes premiership-winning Rooster Rob Toia, Manly flyers Tolu Koula and Lehi Hopoate and Warriors stars Leka Halasima, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Demitric Vaimauga. Dolphins superstar Isaiya Katoa calls the shots alongside rising Tiger Latu Fainu at the scrumbase. Tonga open their campaign against England in Perth.
Roosters premiership winners Hugo Savala and Victor Radley join Herbie Farnworth, Dom Young, AJ Brimson, Morgan Knowles and Kai Pearce-Paul in Brian McDermott's squad for the opener. Dream Team winger Zach Eckersley and his Wigan teammate Sam Walters make their Test debut along with Savala and Bulldog Max King.
Ben Garcia lines up at his fourth World Cup as he skippers a France outfit that includes Souths flyer Latrell Siegwalt in the centres and Hull KR's Arthur Morgue at fullback. Five-eighth Cesar Rouge scored 20 points in France's World Cup qualifying win over Wales in Perpignan in 2024 thanks to two tries and six goals.
NRL stars Jacob Kiraz, Jason Saab, Alex Twal and Jordan Samrani will lead the Cedars into battle against the Kumuls in Port Moresby. Twal captains the side at his second World Cup after playing in 2017 while Kiraz represented Lebanon at the 2022 World Cup. Eels flyer Jordan Samrani and Wests Tigers forward Tony Sukkar make their Test debuts. Bulldogs youngster Alex Conti will steer the ship from halfback in the absence of Mitch Moses, who is representing Australia.
The PNG Kumuls are led by the evergreen Rhyse Martin at his third World Cup while centre Nene MacDonald takes part in his fourth World Cup. Cowboys speedsters Zac Laybutt and Rob Derby will look to light it up out wide while Eels forwards Luca Moretti makes his Kumuls debut having represented Italy in 2022.
Sharks centre KL Iro captains the Cook Islands side that also includes fellow NRL stars Davvy Moale, Mason Teague and Makahesi Makatoa. The backline features Toulouse flyers Paul Ulberg and Reubenn Rennie. Experienced playmaker Esan Marsters wears the No.7 jersey at his second World Cup while 37-year-old Brad Takairangi comes off the bench as he lines up at a fourth World Cup.

NOTE: The World Cup will be played under NRL rules with six players on the interchange bench. Only four of those players may be used as per NRL rules.

Official squads, team lists and schedule for all Round 1 matches of the 2026 Men's Rugby League World Cup.

Full tournament draw HERE
Get your tickets HERE

Australia v New Zealand

Thursday, October 15, 8.05pm AEDT at Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Round 1 - Round 1 - Thursday 15 Oct

9:05 am

Australia

New Zealand

Team Lists

Squad

Fullback for Australia is number 1 Reece Walsh

Fullback for New Zealand is number 1 Kalyn Ponga
Winger for Australia is number 2 Jack Bostock

Winger for New Zealand is number 2 Jamayne Isaako
Centre for Australia is number 3 Latrell Mitchell

Centre for New Zealand is number 3 Dane Gagai
Centre for Australia is number 4 Kotoni Staggs

Centre for New Zealand is number 4 Casey McLean
Winger for Australia is number 5 Tom Trbojevic

Winger for New Zealand is number 5 Ronaldo Mulitalo
Five-Eighth for Australia is number 6 Cameron Munster

Five-Eighth for New Zealand is number 6 Kodi Nikorima
Halfback for Australia is number 7 Mitchell Moses

Halfback for New Zealand is number 7 Jahrome Hughes
Prop for Australia is number 8 Patrick Carrigan

Prop for New Zealand is number 8 James Fisher-Harris
Hooker for Australia is number 9 Harry Grant

Hooker for New Zealand is number 9 Jeremy Marshall-King
Prop for Australia is number 10 Tino Fa'asuamaleaui

Prop for New Zealand is number 10 Moses Leota
2nd Row for Australia is number 11 Jacob Preston

2nd Row for New Zealand is number 11 Isaiah Papali'i
2nd Row for Australia is number 12 Liam Martin

2nd Row for New Zealand is number 12 Briton Nikora
Lock for Australia is number 13 Isaah Yeo

Lock for New Zealand is number 13 Joseph Tapine
Interchange for Australia is number 14 Tom Dearden

Interchange for New Zealand is number 14 Te Maire Martin
Interchange for Australia is number 15 Cameron Murray

Interchange for New Zealand is number 15 Naufahu Whyte
Interchange for Australia is number 16 Reuben Cotter

Interchange for New Zealand is number 16 Erin Clark
Interchange for Australia is number 17 Keaon Koloamatangi

Interchange for New Zealand is number 17 Xavier Willison
Reserve for Australia is number 18 David Fifita

Reserve for New Zealand is number 18 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
Reserve for Australia is number 19 Bradman Best

Reserve for New Zealand is number 19 Keano Kini
Reserve for Australia is number 20 Blayke Brailey

Reserve for New Zealand is number 20 Scott Sorensen
Reserve for Australia is number 21 James Tedesco

Reserve for New Zealand is number 21 Leo Thompson
Reserve for Australia is number 22 Sam Walker

Reserve for New Zealand is number 22 Jacob Laban

Match Officials

Referee: Adam Gee
Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
Touch Judge: Tyson Brough
Senior Review Official: Chris Butler

Last updated: 10/13/2026 5:38:56 AM

Samoa v France

Friday, October 16, 5.45pm AEDT at CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Round 1 - Round 1 - Friday 16 Oct

6:45 am

Samoa

France

Team Lists

Squad

Fullback for Samoa is number 1 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

Fullback for France is number 1 Arthur Mourgue
Winger for Samoa is number 2 Brian To'o

Winger for France is number 2 Benjamin Laguerre
Centre for Samoa is number 3 Izack Tago

Centre for France is number 3 Latrell Siegwalt
Centre for Samoa is number 4 Stephen Crichton

Centre for France is number 4 Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet
Winger for Samoa is number 5 Deine Mariner

Winger for France is number 5 Leo Darrelatour
Five-Eighth for Samoa is number 6 Chanel Harris-Tavita

Five-Eighth for France is number 6 Cesar Rouge
Halfback for Samoa is number 7 Jarome Luai

Halfback for France is number 7 Theo Fages
Prop for Samoa is number 8 Francis Molo

Prop for France is number 8 Romain Navarrete
Hooker for Samoa is number 9 Benaiah Ioelu

Hooker for France is number 9 Benjamin Garcia
Prop for Samoa is number 10 Junior Paulo

Prop for France is number 10 Lambert Belmas
2nd Row for Samoa is number 11 Connelly Lemuelu

2nd Row for France is number 11 Arthur Romano
2nd Row for Samoa is number 12 Jermaine McEwen

2nd Row for France is number 12 Mathieu Jussaume
Lock for Samoa is number 13 Francis Manuleleua

Lock for France is number 13 Julian Bousquet
Interchange for Samoa is number 14 Jazz Tevaga

Interchange for France is number 14 Amir Bourouh
Interchange for Samoa is number 15 Spencer Leniu

Interchange for France is number 15 Tiaki Chan
Interchange for Samoa is number 16 Shawn Blore

Interchange for France is number 16 Jordan Dezaria
Interchange for Samoa is number 17 Sualauvi Fa'alogo

Interchange for France is number 17 Mathieu Cozza
Reserve for Samoa is number 18 Ata Mariota

Reserve for France is number 18 Thomas Lacans
Reserve for Samoa is number 19 Clayton Faulalo

Reserve for France is number 19 Louis Grossemy
Reserve for Samoa is number 20 Ronald Volkman

Reserve for France is number 20 Jowasa Drodrolagi
Reserve for Samoa is number 21 Pasami Saulo

Reserve for France is number 21 Romeo Tropis
Reserve for Samoa is number 22 Enari Tuala

Reserve for France is number 22 Fouad Yaha

Match Officials

Referee: Ashley Klein
Touch Judge: Kieren Irons
Touch Judge: Daniel Luttringer
Senior Review Official: Chris Butler

Last updated: 10/13/2026 5:38:46 AM

PNG v Lebanon

Saturday, October 17, 3.25pm AEDT at Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby

Round 1 - Round 1 - Saturday 17 Oct

4:25 am

Papua New Guinea

Lebanon

Team Lists

Squad

Fullback for Papua New Guinea is number 1 Morea Morea

Fullback for Lebanon is number 1 Jacob Kiraz
Winger for Papua New Guinea is number 2 Robert Derby

Winger for Lebanon is number 2 Tony Francis
Centre for Papua New Guinea is number 3 Zac Laybutt

Centre for Lebanon is number 3 Michael Gabrael
Centre for Papua New Guinea is number 4 Nene Macdonald

Centre for Lebanon is number 4 Jordan Samrani
Winger for Papua New Guinea is number 5 Dudley Dotoi

Winger for Lebanon is number 5 Jason Saab
Five-Eighth for Papua New Guinea is number 6 Gairo Voro

Five-Eighth for Lebanon is number 6 Khaled Rajab
Halfback for Papua New Guinea is number 7 Bailey Biondi-Odo

Halfback for Lebanon is number 7 Alex Conti
Prop for Papua New Guinea is number 8 Valentine Richard

Prop for Lebanon is number 8 Jaxson Rahme
Hooker for Papua New Guinea is number 9 Edwin Ipape

Hooker for Lebanon is number 9 Yehya Ayache
Prop for Papua New Guinea is number 10 Luca Moretti

Prop for Lebanon is number 10 James Roumanos
2nd Row for Papua New Guinea is number 11 Rhyse Martin

2nd Row for Lebanon is number 11 Tony Sukkar
2nd Row for Papua New Guinea is number 12 Nixon Putt

2nd Row for Lebanon is number 12 Charbel Tasipale
Lock for Papua New Guinea is number 13 Jack De Belin

Lock for Lebanon is number 13 Alex Twal
Interchange for Papua New Guinea is number 14 Finley Glare

Interchange for Lebanon is number 14 Moustafa Dirani
Interchange for Papua New Guinea is number 15 Liam Horne

Interchange for Lebanon is number 15 Mikael Ibrahim
Interchange for Papua New Guinea is number 16 Epel Kapinias

Interchange for Lebanon is number 16 Jalal Bazzaz
Interchange for Papua New Guinea is number 17 Sylvester Namo

Interchange for Lebanon is number 17 Khalil Rahme
Reserve for Papua New Guinea is number 18 Rodrick Tai

Reserve for Lebanon is number 18 Joseph Nohra
Reserve for Papua New Guinea is number 19 Sanny Wabo

Reserve for Lebanon is number 19 Abbas Miski
Reserve for Papua New Guinea is number 20 Robert Mathias

Reserve for Lebanon is number 20 Tupou Francis
Reserve for Papua New Guinea is number 21 Khaiya Waiembi

Reserve for Lebanon is number 21 Mohamed Alameddine
Reserve for Papua New Guinea is number 22 Zev John

Reserve for Lebanon is number 22 Cameron Kanaan

Match Officials

Referee: Grant Atkins
Touch Judge: Michael Wise
Touch Judge: Jarrod Cole
Senior Review Official: Liam Kennedy

Last updated: 10/13/2026 6:48:11 AM

England v Tonga

Saturday, October 17, 8.05pm AEDT at HBF Park, Perth

Round 1 - Round 1 - Saturday 17 Oct

9:05 am

England

Tonga

Team Lists

Squad

Fullback for England is number 1 AJ Brimson

Fullback for Tonga is number 1 Lehi Hopoate
Winger for England is number 2 Dominic Young

Winger for Tonga is number 2 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
Centre for England is number 3 Hugo Savala

Centre for Tonga is number 3 Tolutau Koula
Centre for England is number 4 Herbie Farnworth

Centre for Tonga is number 4 Robert Toia
Winger for England is number 5 Zach Eckersley

Winger for Tonga is number 5 Jojo Fifita
Five-Eighth for England is number 6 George Williams

Five-Eighth for Tonga is number 6 Latu Fainu
Halfback for England is number 7 Harry Smith

Halfback for Tonga is number 7 Isaiya Katoa
Prop for England is number 8 Max King

Prop for Tonga is number 8 Addin Fonua-Blake
Hooker for England is number 9 Brad O'Neill

Hooker for Tonga is number 9 Soni Luke
Prop for England is number 10 Morgan Knowles

Prop for Tonga is number 10 Jason Taumalolo
2nd Row for England is number 11 Junior Nsemba

2nd Row for Tonga is number 11 Haumole Olakau'atu
2nd Row for England is number 12 Kai Pearce-Paul

2nd Row for Tonga is number 12 Siua Wong
Lock for England is number 13 Victor Radley

Lock for Tonga is number 13 Tyson Frizell
Interchange for England is number 14 Jez Litten

Interchange for Tonga is number 14 Salesi Foketi
Interchange for England is number 15 Luke Thompson

Interchange for Tonga is number 15 Stefano Utoikamanu
Interchange for England is number 16 Ethan Havard

Interchange for Tonga is number 16 Demitric Vaimauga
Interchange for England is number 17 Sam Walters

Interchange for Tonga is number 17 Leka Halasima
Replacement for England is number 18 Jack Welsby
Reserve for England is number 19 Matty Ashton

Reserve for Tonga is number 18 Tuimoala Lolohea
Reserve for England is number 20 Ben Currie

Reserve for Tonga is number 19 Paul Alamoti
Reserve for England is number 21 Mikey Lewis

Reserve for Tonga is number 20 Taniela Paseka
Reserve for England is number 22 Ben Talty

Reserve for Tonga is number 21 Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
Reserve for Tonga is number 22 Sione Katoa

Match Officials

Referee: Gerard Sutton
Touch Judge: Dave Munro
Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein

Last updated: 10/13/2026 5:38:27 AM

Fiji v Cook Islands

Sunday, October 18, 4.05pm AEDT at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Round 1 - Round 1 - Sunday 18 Oct

5:05 am

Fiji

Cook Islands

Team Lists

Squad

Fullback for Fiji is number 1 Bayleigh Bentley-Hape

Fullback for Cook Islands is number 1 Esom Ioka
Winger for Fiji is number 2 Sunia Turuva

Winger for Cook Islands is number 2 Paul Ulberg
Centre for Fiji is number 3 Waqa Blake

Centre for Cook Islands is number 3 KL Iro
Centre for Fiji is number 4 Solomone Saukuru

Centre for Cook Islands is number 4 Reubenn Rennie
Winger for Fiji is number 5 Semi Valemei

Winger for Cook Islands is number 5 Cameron Brown
Five-Eighth for Fiji is number 6 Kurt Donoghoe

Five-Eighth for Cook Islands is number 6 Maui Winitana-Patelesio
Halfback for Fiji is number 7 Brandon Wakeham

Halfback for Cook Islands is number 7 Esan Marsters
Prop for Fiji is number 8 Jacob Saifiti

Prop for Cook Islands is number 8 Davvy Moale
Hooker for Fiji is number 9 Apisai Koroisau

Hooker for Cook Islands is number 9 Mason Teague
Prop for Fiji is number 10 Mitchell Prest

Prop for Cook Islands is number 10 Makahesi Makatoa
2nd Row for Fiji is number 11 Taane Milne

2nd Row for Cook Islands is number 11 Delahia Wigmore
2nd Row for Fiji is number 12 Kitione Kautoga

2nd Row for Cook Islands is number 12 Reuben Porter
Lock for Fiji is number 13 Caleb Navale

Lock for Cook Islands is number 13 Pride Petterson-Robati
Interchange for Fiji is number 14 Josese Lanyon

Interchange for Cook Islands is number 14 Rua Ngatikaura
Interchange for Fiji is number 15 Emosi Ravosai

Interchange for Cook Islands is number 15 K-CI Newton-Whare
Interchange for Fiji is number 16 Elijah Keung

Interchange for Cook Islands is number 16 Rhys Dakin
Interchange for Fiji is number 17 Ronald Philitoga

Interchange for Cook Islands is number 17 Brad Takairangi
Reserve for Fiji is number 18 Apenisa Driti

Reserve for Cook Islands is number 18 Glassie Glassie
Reserve for Fiji is number 19 Jordin Leiu

Reserve for Cook Islands is number 19 Chaev Kolone
Reserve for Fiji is number 20 Joseph Litidamu

Reserve for Cook Islands is number 20 Brody Tamarua
Reserve for Fiji is number 21 Zion Johnson

Reserve for Cook Islands is number 21 David Tuariki
Reserve for Fiji is number 22 Kylan Mafoa