The official RLWC26 men’s squads have been announced, giving supporters a complete picture of the players selected for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. Ten nations will compete, with Australia beginning its title defence against New Zealand on October 15.
Australia enters as the defending champion after beating Samoa in the 2022 final. Isaah Yeo leads the Kangaroos, while the squad lists also feature established international names such as Jarome Luai, Jason Taumalolo, Jahrome Hughes and George Williams.
This guide brings together all ten men’s squads, their listed club affiliations where available, and the main selection talking points. The player lists reflect the published announcements checked on October 8; tournament squads should not be confused with the starting teams selected for individual matches.
For match dates and venues, see the Rugby League World Cup 2026 schedule.
RLWC26 Men’s Squads at a Glance
| Nation | Players listed | Selected names to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 23 | Isaah Yeo, Harry Grant, Reece Walsh |
| Cook Islands | 23 | KL Iro, Valentine Holmes, Marata Niukore |
| England | 23 | George Williams, Herbie Farnworth, Mikey Lewis |
| Fiji | 23 | Apisai Koroisau, Sunia Turuva, Jacob Saifiti |
| France | 23 | Benjamin Garcia, Arthur Mourgue, Théo Fages |
| Lebanon | 23 | Jacob Kiraz, Alex Twal, Jason Saab |
| New Zealand | 23 | Jahrome Hughes, James Fisher-Harris, Kalyn Ponga |
| Papua New Guinea | 23 | Edwin Ipape, Rhyse Martin, Nene MacDonald |
| Samoa | 23 | Stephen Crichton, Jarome Luai, Brian To’o |
| Tonga | 23 | Addin Fonua-Blake, Jason Taumalolo, Isaiya Katoa |
Reading the lists: Club names follow the published squad information. Clubs are omitted where the combined announcement did not provide them. An asterisk beside an Australian player identifies a debutant in that announcement, rather than confirming a place in the opening match.
Australia Kangaroos Squad
Australia’s selection gives the coaching staff several ways to build an attacking combination. James Tedesco, Reece Walsh and Tom Trbojevic provide options across the backline, while Mitchell Moses, Cameron Munster, Tom Dearden and Sam Walker offer different combinations in the halves.
Yeo is named captain, and the announcement identifies six debutants. The selection question is how to fit that depth into a balanced matchday team, particularly against New Zealand in the opener.
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Bradman Best* | Newcastle Knights |
| Jack Bostock* | Dolphins |
| Blayke Brailey* | Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks |
| Patrick Carrigan | Brisbane Broncos |
| Reuben Cotter | North Queensland Cowboys |
| Tom Dearden | North Queensland Cowboys |
| Tino Fa’asuamaleaui | Gold Coast Titans |
| David Fifita* | South Sydney Rabbitohs |
| Harry Grant | Melbourne Storm |
| Keaon Koloamatangi | South Sydney Rabbitohs |
| Liam Martin | Penrith Panthers |
| Latrell Mitchell | South Sydney Rabbitohs |
| Mitchell Moses | Parramatta Eels |
| Cameron Munster | Melbourne Storm |
| Cameron Murray | South Sydney Rabbitohs |
| Jacob Preston* | Canterbury Bulldogs |
| Lindsay Smith | Penrith Panthers |
| Kotoni Staggs | Brisbane Broncos |
| James Tedesco | Sydney Roosters |
| Tom Trbojevic | Manly Warringah Sea Eagles |
| Sam Walker* | Sydney Roosters |
| Reece Walsh | Brisbane Broncos |
| Isaah Yeo — captain | Penrith Panthers |
Debutants: Bradman Best, Jack Bostock, Blayke Brailey, David Fifita, Jacob Preston and Sam Walker.
Cook Islands Squad
KL Iro captains a Cook Islands squad that includes Valentine Holmes, Esan Marsters and Marata Niukore. Their presence gives supporters several familiar names to follow, alongside players with an opportunity to establish themselves on the international stage.
The challenge will be turning individual experience into coordinated performances. Keeping possession and limiting defensive pressure will be especially important against opponents with greater depth.
Full squad: Cameron Brown; Rhys Dakin; Glassie Glassie; Valentine Holmes; Esom Ioka; KL Iro (captain); Chaev Kolone; Makahesi Makatoa; Esan Marsters; Amare Milford; Davvy Moale; K-Ci Newton-Whare; Rua Ngatikaura; Marata Niukore; Pride Petterson-Robati; Reuben Porter; Reubenn Rennie; Brad Takairangi; Mason Teague; David Tuariki; Paul Ulberg; Delahia Wigmore; Maui Winitana-Patelesio.
England Squad
England combines a substantial Wigan contingent with players from other Super League clubs and the NRL. Harry Smith, George Williams and Mikey Lewis provide playmaking choices, while Herbie Farnworth and Dom Young give the backline considerable attacking appeal.
The October 17 meeting with Tonga in Perth is an early test. England’s ability to manage field position and maintain defensive organisation will matter as much as the attacking quality of its best-known players.
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Matty Ashton | Warrington Wolves |
| AJ Brimson | Gold Coast Titans |
| Ben Currie | Warrington Wolves |
| Zach Eckersley | Wigan Warriors |
| Herbie Farnworth | Dolphins |
| Ethan Havard | Wigan Warriors |
| Max King | Canterbury Bulldogs |
| Morgan Knowles | Dolphins |
| Mikey Lewis | Hull KR |
| Jez Litten | Hull KR |
| Junior Nsemba | Wigan Warriors |
| Brad O’Neill | Wigan Warriors |
| Kai Pearce-Paul | Wests Tigers |
| Victor Radley | Sydney Roosters |
| Hugo Savala | Sydney Roosters |
| Harry Smith | Wigan Warriors |
| Morgan Smithies | Canberra Raiders |
| Ben Talty | Brisbane Broncos |
| Luke Thompson | Wigan Warriors |
| Sam Walters | Wigan Warriors |
| Jack Welsby | St Helens |
| George Williams | Warrington Wolves |
| Dom Young | Newcastle Knights |
Fiji Squad
Apisai Koroisau, Sunia Turuva and Jacob Saifiti are among the leading names in Fiji’s selection. The squad draws players from NRL organisations, British clubs and Australian state competitions, creating a mixture of backgrounds and experience.
For Fiji, the balance between controlled possession and attacking ambition will be worth watching. Getting the basics right should create more opportunities for the players capable of making decisive breaks.
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Bayleigh Bentley-Hape | South Sydney Rabbitohs |
| Waqa Blake | Bradford Bulls |
| Kurt Donoghoe | Dolphins |
| Apenisa Driti | Northern Pride |
| Kitione Kautoga | Parramatta Eels |
| Elijah Keung | South Sydney Rabbitohs |
| Apisai Koroisau | Wests Tigers |
| Josese Lanyon | Wests Tigers |
| Jordan Leiu | Norths Devils |
| Joseph Litidamu | Melbourne Storm |
| Kylan Mafoa | Manly Sea Eagles |
| Taane Milne | Huddersfield Giants |
| Caleb Navale | Manly Sea Eagles |
| Jimmy Ngutlik | Mackay Cutters |
| Ronaldo Philitoga | North Queensland Cowboys |
| Mitchell Prest | Mackay Cutters |
| Emosi Ravosai | New Zealand Warriors |
| Jacob Saifiti | Newcastle Knights |
| Solomone Saukuru | Wests Tigers |
| Sunia Turuva | Wests Tigers |
| Semi Valemei | Castleford Tigers |
| Brandon Wakeham | Manly Sea Eagles |
| Jordan Miller | Parramatta Eels |
France Squad
France’s list contains a strong concentration of players from Catalans and Toulouse. That familiarity could help combinations develop, although international opposition will present different demands from club rugby.
Benjamin Garcia, Julian Bousquet and Théo Fages bring recognisable experience, while Arthur Mourgue is another important name. France’s prospects will depend partly on how effectively its established players support the less experienced members of the squad.
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet | Catalans |
| Léo Darrélatour | Catalans |
| Julian Bousquet | Catalans |
| Romain Navarrete | Catalans |
| Benjamin Garcia | Catalans |
| Alrix Da Costa | Catalans |
| Benjamin Laguerre | Toulouse |
| César Rougé | Toulouse |
| Thomas Lacans | Toulouse |
| Lambert Belmas | Toulouse |
| Tiaki Chan | Toulouse |
| Louis Grossemy | Toulouse |
| Mathieu Jussaume | Toulouse |
| Roméo Tropis | Toulouse |
| Amir Bourouh | Hull FC |
| Arthur Romano | Hull FC |
| Arthur Mourgue | Hull KR |
| Jordan Dezaria | Hull KR |
| Mathieu Cozza | Huddersfield |
| Joe Drodrolagi | Carcassonne |
| Théo Fages | Pia |
| Fouad Yaha | Albi |
| Latrell Siegwalt | South Sydney |
Lebanon Squad
Lebanon’s selection includes Jacob Kiraz, Jason Saab, Abbas Miski and Alex Twal. Those names provide a useful starting point for supporters assessing the Cedars, but tournament progress will require contributions throughout the squad.
An important question is whether Lebanon can generate enough consistent possession to bring its attacking players into the game. Defensive discipline and effective support around the ball will be central to that task.
Full squad: Abbas Miski; Alex Conti; Alex Twal; Brandon Morkos; Charbel Tasipale; Ibrahim El Labban; Jacob Kiraz; Jalal Bazzaz; James Roumanos; Jason Saab; Jaxson Rahme; Jordan Samrani; Joseph Nohra; Khaled Rajab; Khalil Rahme; Michael Gabrael; Mikael Ibrahim; Mohamed Alameddine; Moustafa Dirani; Tanous Sukkar; Tony Francis; Tupou Francis; Yehya Ayache.
New Zealand Kiwis Squad
New Zealand’s selection features Jahrome Hughes and a range of backline options, including Kalyn Ponga, Keano Kini and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad. How those players fit into the final combination is one of the most interesting questions surrounding the Kiwis.
James Fisher-Harris, Joseph Tapine and Moses Leota are also included. Against Australia on opening night, the relationship between the forwards and playmakers will offer an early indication of how the side intends to attack.
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Erin Clark | Warriors |
| James Fisher-Harris | Warriors |
| Dane Gagai | Knights |
| Jahrome Hughes | Storm |
| Jamayne Isaako | Dolphins |
| Keano Kini | Titans |
| Jacob Laban | Warriors |
| Moses Leota | Panthers |
| Jeremy Marshall-King | Dolphins |
| Te Maire Martin | Warriors |
| Casey McLean | Panthers |
| Ronaldo Mulitalo | Sharks |
| Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad | Warriors |
| Briton Nikora | Sharks |
| Kodi Nikorima | Dolphins |
| Isaiah Papali’i | Panthers |
| Kalyn Ponga | Knights |
| Scott Sorensen | Panthers |
| Tanner Stowers-Smith | Warriors |
| Joseph Tapine | Raiders |
| Leo Thompson | Bulldogs |
| Naufahu Whyte | Roosters |
| Xavier Willison | Broncos |
Papua New Guinea Kumuls Squad
The Kumuls have named Edwin Ipape, Rhyse Martin, Nene MacDonald and Jack de Belin among their 23 players. The selection also includes Morea Morea, Finley Glare and Sanny Wabo, giving supporters several different stories to follow.
For Papua New Guinea, maintaining structure around its attacking threats will be important. Strong individual moments can change a match, but repeatable combinations and disciplined possession are what allow a team to build sustained pressure.
Full squad: Bailey Biondi-Odo; Jack de Belin; Robert Derby; Dudley Dotoi; Josh Feledy; Finley Glare; Liam Horne; Edwin Ipape; Zev John; Epel Kapinias; Zac Laybutt; Nene MacDonald; Rhyse Martin; Robert Mathias; Morea Morea; Luca Moretti; Sylvester Namo; Nixon Putt; Valentine Richard; Rodrick Tai; Gairo Voro; Sanny Wabo; Khaiya Waiembi.
Toa Samoa Squad
Samoa returns after reaching the previous men’s World Cup final. Stephen Crichton, Jarome Luai and Brian To’o are included, alongside Spencer Leniu, Junior Paulo and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.
There is considerable attacking potential in this selection. The key will be finding combinations that use it consistently, rather than depending on isolated moments. The November 1 meeting with Tonga should provide a particularly demanding examination of Samoa’s execution under pressure.
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Shawn Blore | Melbourne Storm |
| Stephen Crichton | Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs |
| Sua Fa’alogo | Melbourne Storm |
| Clayton Faulalo | Manly Warringah Sea Eagles |
| Chanel Harris-Tavita | Warriors |
| Benaiah Ioelu | Sydney Roosters |
| Connelly Lemuelu | Dolphins |
| Spencer Leniu | Sydney Roosters |
| Jarome Luai | Wests Tigers |
| Francis Manuleleua | Newcastle Knights |
| Deine Mariner | Brisbane Broncos |
| Ata Mariota | Canberra Raiders |
| Greg Marzhew | Newcastle Knights |
| Jermaine McEwen | Newcastle Knights |
| Francis Molo | Dolphins |
| Junior Paulo | Parramatta Eels |
| Pasami Saulo | Newcastle Knights |
| Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow | Dolphins |
| Izack Tago | Penrith Panthers |
| Jazz Tevaga | Wakefield Trinity |
| Brian To’o | Penrith Panthers |
| Enari Tuala | Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs |
| Ronald Volkman | Parramatta Eels |
Tonga Squad
Tonga’s squad features Addin Fonua-Blake, Jason Taumalolo, Haumole Olakau’atu and Stefano Utoikamanu. Isaiya Katoa, Latu Fainu and Tuimoala Lolohea provide further options as the team shapes its attacking combinations.
The published NRL list also includes Moeaki Fotuaika, completing the 23-player selection. Tonga’s forward resources will attract attention, but turning territorial advantage into points could be the difference in close matches against England and Samoa.
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Addin Fonua-Blake | Cronulla Sharks |
| Dallin Watene-Zelezniak | New Zealand Warriors |
| Demitric Vaimauga | New Zealand Warriors |
| Haumole Olakau’atu | Manly Sea Eagles |
| Isaiya Katoa | Dolphins |
| Jason Taumalolo | North Queensland Cowboys |
| Jojo Fifita | Gold Coast Titans |
| Talatau Amone | Wynnum-Manly Seagulls |
| Kulikefu Finefeuiaki | Dolphins |
| Latu Fainu | Wests Tigers |
| Lehi Hopoate | Manly Sea Eagles |
| Moeaki Fotuaika | Gold Coast Titans |
| Paul Alamoti | Penrith Panthers |
| Robert Toia | Sydney Roosters |
| Salesi Foketi | Sydney Roosters |
| Sione Katoa | North Queensland Cowboys |
| Siua Wong | Sydney Roosters |
| Soni Luke | North Queensland Cowboys |
| Stefano Utoikamanu | Melbourne Storm |
| Taniela Paseka | Manly Sea Eagles |
| Tolutau Koula | Manly Sea Eagles |
| Tuimoala Lolohea | Huddersfield Giants |
| Tyson Frizell | Newcastle Knights |
Key Fixtures for These Squads
Three matches stand out when considering how the announced squads might perform against leading opposition.
| Date | Match | Main talking point |
|---|---|---|
| October 15 | Australia vs New Zealand | An immediate test of both teams’ selected combinations |
| October 17 | England vs Tonga | England’s playmaking choices against Tonga’s forward resources |
| November 1 | Tonga vs Samoa | A major Pacific rivalry featuring several leading tournament players |
Supporters planning to attend can consult the RLWC 2026 tickets booking guide before choosing their matches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have the official RLWC26 men’s squads been announced?
Yes. The combined men’s squad announcement was published on October 7, 2026. This article reflects the player lists checked on October 8.
How many players are listed for each country?
The published lists contain 23 players for each of the ten men’s teams, including Moeaki Fotuaika in Tonga’s selection.
Who is Australia’s captain for RLWC26?
Isaah Yeo is named captain of the Australia Kangaroos. KL Iro is identified as Cook Islands captain in the same combined announcement.
Are these the starting teams for the opening matches?
No. These are tournament squads. Each nation’s matchday selections determine who starts, who is named among the replacements and which squad members sit out a particular fixture.
Where can supporters check official squad information?
The official RLWC26 men’s squad announcement and NRL’s published squad lists provide the source information for this guide. Check subsequent official announcements for replacements or other changes before individual matches.