England set for shock snub in controversial selection; Fiji’s triple blow: World Cup squads

The NRL season is over and attention has quickly turned to the Rugby League World Cup, with a host of nations already naming their final squads for the tournament.

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Kevin Walters confirmed his 23-man squad on Monday while England have sprung a selection shock and Tonga has confirmed its stacked list.

Additionally, a Dragons gun has switched allegiances.

Read on for every squad ahead of the men’s World Cup!

Bradman Best (Newcastle Knights)

Blayke Brailey (Cronulla Sharks)

Patrick Carrigan (Brisbane Broncos)

Lindsay Collins (Sydney Roosters)

Reuben Cotter (North Queensland)

Tom Dearden (North Queensland)

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)

Kotoni Staggs (Brisbane Broncos)

James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters)

Tom Trbojevic (Manly Sea Eagles)

Sam Walker (Sydney Roosters)

Reece Walsh (Brisbane Broncos)

Isaah Yeo (c, Penrith Panthers)

Shadow players: Tom Jenkins (Penrith Panthers), Hamish Stewart (St George Illawarra Dragons), Ethan Strange (Canberra Raiders)

Analysis: The Kangaroos are set to be forced into a late change, with Lindsay Collins (foot) expected to be ruled out according to Code Sports. Penrith’s Lindsay Smith is tipped to replace him. Elsewhere, the big question is going to be who lines up at fullback and halfback, with Kevin Walters giving himself plenty of options at both positions in the final squad he named on Monday. There are six fresh faces with Jack Bostock and Bradman Best likely to start in the backline. Latrell Mitchell and Tom Trbojevic are also healthy and in line to make their long-awaited return to the green and gold as genuine game-breakers in the back five. With that in mind it may make more sense to have a steadier option at fullback in James Tedesco, but Walters seemed to hint in his press conference that Walsh would have a prominent role. There is also a mystery over who will partner Cameron Munster, with Mitchell Moses and his long-range kicking game seeming the logical choice. But Sam Walker is firming after playing a key part in the Roosters’ premiership-winning campaign.

Kalyn Ponga (Newcastle Knights)

Ronaldo Mulitalo (Cronulla Sharks

Casey McLean (Penrith Panthers)

Dane Gagai (Newcastle Knights)

Jamayne Isaako (Dolphins)

Jahrome Hughes (Melbourne Storm)

Moses Leota (Penrith Panthers)

Jeremy Marshall-King (Dolphins)

James Fisher-Harris (c) (New Zealand Warriors)

Isaiah Papali'i (Penrith Panthers)

Erin Clark (New Zealand Warriors)

Joseph Tapine (Canberra Raiders)

Te Maire Martin (New Zealand Warriors)

Naufahu Whyte (Sydney Roosters)

Scott Sorensen (Penrith Panthers)

Briton Nikora (Cronulla Sharks)

Leo Thompson (Canterbury Bulldogs)

Keano Kini (Gold Coast Titans)

Xavier Willison (Brisbane Broncos)

Tanner Stowers-Smith (New Zealand Warriors)

Jacob Laban (New Zealand Warriors)

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (New Zealand Warriors)

Analysis: The Kiwis have named a star-studded roster as they enter the World Cup as one of the tournament favourites alongside Australia. Former Dally M Medallist Jahrome Hughes returns to the side after missing last year’s Pacific Championships with injury and he will be joined by four potential debutants. Among these debutants are Queensland Maroons and Knights duo Dane Gagai and Kalyn Ponga who have pledged their allegiance to New Zealand. Warriors forwards Jacob Laban and Tanner Stowers-Smith are the other potential debutants. While their backline is incredibly exciting, their forward pack is absolutely stacked. This will be led by Dally M Props of the Year James Fisher-Harris and Naufahu Whyte, two-time Dally M Lock of the Year Erin Clark, as well as Joseph Tapine, Moses Leota and Xavier Willison.

Addin Fonua-Blake (Cronulla Sharks)

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (New Zealand Warriors)

Demitric Vaimauga (New Zealand Warriors)

Haumole Olakau’atu (Manly Sea Eagles)

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)

Analysis: The favourites for Pool C have named a star-studded roster, headlined by Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa. He will provide a pinpoint kicking and passing game to make the most of an array of backline weapons, with Tonga set to field a stacked backline. Lehi Hopoate should line up at fullback with Jojo Fifita, Paul Alamoti, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Rob Toia, Tolu Koula and Sione Katoa all options in the centres or on the wing. It means a few will miss out on the starting side, such is the strength of Tonga’s squad despite having Isaiah Iongi and Daniel Tupou unavailable. The forward pack is also full of experience and youth, with premiership-winning second rowers Salesi Foketi and Siua Wong joining forces with Haumole Olakau’atu and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki while Jason Taumalolo, Moeaki Fotuaika, Stefano Utoikamanu and Addin Fonua-Blake will provide plenty of size up front. The only real question mark is the five-eighth jumper. Latu Fainu is the likely leading contender to partner Katoa, but Tuimoala Lolohea, Talatau Amone and even Koula are all options. Either way, Papua New Guinea and France in Pool C have been put on notice.

Shawn Blore Anae Ulesese (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)

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)

Analysis: The big name missing is Payne Haas. The superstar prop pledged his allegiance to Samoa but unfortunately is unavailable after undergoing surgery on a knee injury. Terrell May, meanwhile, ruled himself out of contention instead wanting to focus on using the off-season to improve his game for the Tigers. Samoa coach Ben Gardiner said May “wasn’t in our conversations” as a result. “I just want to come back fit and ready for Vegas and obviously signing a long-term contract with the Tigers I feel like I owe them a lot more. It’s a hard one because I do owe Samoa something as well. I feel like if I played in the World Cup it would have affected my pre-season again,” May said on The MAYDAY Podcast. One player who has been named despite being under an injury cloud is Junior Paulo. The Eels were said to be concerned about a chronic knee issue that Paulo was playing through, with reports they hoped he would instead rest up over the off-season with the two sides expected to agree on a one-year extension. Gardiner, however, said the Eels were “completely supportive” of Paulo’s decision and that the Eels front rower was “really keen to play”. Gardiner added that there was not any mention of the knee and that Paulo is “ready to play”. He will lead a pack that includes breakout Knights stars Jermaine McEwen and Francis Manuleleua along with now four-time premiership winner Spencer Leniu. Soon-to-be Parramatta Eels five-eighth Jarome Luai will partner Chanel Harris-Tavita in the halves with electric speedster Sua Fa’alogo at the back while the backline in general is stacked with Panthers teammates Brian To’o and Izack Tago along with Stephen Crichton and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow. The only real question mark is up front with no Haas, May or Tino Fa’asuamaleaui leaving Samoa a bit thin.

Gardiner quizzed on Haas' availability | 01:06

Bayleigh Benty-Hape (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Kitione Kautoga (Canterbury)

Elijah Keung (Canterbury Bulldogs)

Apisai Koroisau (Wests Tigers)

Masake Kurukitoga (Wests Tigers)

Jordan Leiu (Canterbury Bulldogs)

Kylan Mafoa (Manly Sea Eagles)

Taane Milne (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Caleb Navale (Manly Sea Eagles)

Jimmy Ngutlik (Western Suburbs)

Ronald Philitoga (North Sydney)

Emosi Ravosai (Silktails)

Jacob Saifiti (Newcastle)

Solomone Saukuru (Wests Tigers)

Sunia Turuva (Wests Tigers)

Semi Valemei (Castleford)

Brandon Wakeham (Manly Sea Eagles)

Analysis: Fiji were already dealt a blow earlier this week when it was revealed that brothers Sione, Samuela and Latu Fainu would not be available for selection after failing to provide enough evidence to confirm their Fijian heritage. In further bad news, injuries have seen a number of big names that were originally included in the extended squad drop out. Jahream Bula (shoulder), Viliame Kikau (ankle) and Jethro Rinakama (knee) are all unavailable. There will still be a distinct Wests Tigers flavour to the Bati line-up this year, with four Tigers named in the final squad.

Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet (Catalans)

Léo Darrélatour (Catalans)

Julian Bousquet (Catalans)

Romain Navarrete (Catalans)

Benjamin Garcia (Catalans)

Alrix Da Costa (Catalans)

Benjamin Laguerre (Toulouse)

Lambert Belmas (Toulouse)

Louis Grossemy (Toulouse)

Mathieu Jussaume (Toulouse)

Mathieu Cozza (Huddersfield)

Joe Drodrolagi (Carcassonne)

Latrell Siegwalt (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Analysis: There are a few familiar faces for NRL fans, headlined by breakout Rabbitohs outside back Latrell Siegwalt while former Panthers and Broncos forward Benjamin Garcia will captain the Tricolors. Siegwalt is eligible for France through his paternal grandfather. Former Bulldogs second rower Louis Grossemy, who played seven games for their NSW Cup side this year, is also in the final squad. Grossemy signed for Toulouse Olympique in July.

Matty Ashton (Warrington Wolves)

AJ Brimson (Gold Coast Titans)

Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves)

Zach Eckersley (Wigan Warriors)

Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins)

Ethan Havard (Wigan Warriors)

Morgan Knowles (Dolphins)

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)

Luke Thompson (Wigan Warriors)

Sam Walters (Wigan Warriors)

Ben Talty (Brisbane Broncos)

George Williams (Warrington Wolves)

Dom Young (Newcastle Knights)

Analysis: England have pulled a selection shock for the World Cup with Leeds Rhinos star Jake Connor missing out of their final 23-man squad. It is a big call from coach Brian McDermott, who is instead set to pick Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis. Connor is coming off another stellar season, having collected the Man of Steel award last year for the Super League’s best player. This time around he finished with a Super League-high 43 assists. In contrast, Lewis missed time due to multiple suspensions and lacked the all-round consistency of Connor. It is not an unfamiliar feeling for Connor, who was controversially left out of Shaun Wane’s squad for last autumn’s home Ashes series against Australia. Elsewhere, a host of NRL stars have been included in this squad for the first time, with three news faces in Hugo Savala, Max King and Ben Talty who have all earned their maiden call-ups. As expected, they are joined by Dom Young, Herbie Farnworth, Victor Radley, Morgan Knowles, Kai Pearce-Paul, AJ Brimson and Morgan Smithies.

Jack de Belin (Parramatta Eels)

Robert Derby (North Queensland Cowboys)

Dudley Dotoi (Townsville Blackhawks)

Josh Feledy (Manly Sea Eagles)

Finley Glare (London Broncos)

Liam Horne (Leigh Leopards)

Edwin Ipape (Leigh Leopards)

Zev John (Central Queensland Capras)

Epel Kapinias (London Broncos)

Bailey Biondi-Odo (Townsville Blackhawks)

Zac Laybutt (North Queensland Cowboys)

Nene Macdonald (St Helens Saints)

Robert Mathias (London Broncos)

Morea Morea Jnr (London Broncos)

Luca Moretti (Parramatta Eels)

Sylvester Namo (Brisbane Tigers)

Nixon Putt (Central Queensland Capras)

Rodrick Tai (Central Queensland Capras)

Valentine Richard (PNG Hunters)

Gairo Voro (London Broncos)

Khaiya Waiembi (PNG Hunters)

Analysis: NRL record holder Alex Johnston is out for the tournament as he is undergoing finger and knee surgery. Given the Chiefs will enter the NRL in 2028, there will be plenty of intrigued eyes on Papua New Guinea this World Cup to see if there’s any home grown talent who could potentially burst onto the scene in first grade the year after next. Talented hooker Edwin Ipape has been impressing in the Super League and will prove a handful for opposition teams this World Cup out of dummy half. In terms of current NRL talent, Eels prop Luca Moretti joins the fray and will likely make his PNG debut this tournament. Moretti has previously represented Italy. Cowboys outside backs Zac Laybutt and Rob Derby will feature prominently while rising Manly star Josh Felady has been named. Felady impressed for the Sea Eagles in the back end of the 2026 season. In a huge double blow, unfortunately, the Kumuls will be without Gold Coast gun Cooper Bai and Lachlan Lam because of injury. The Titans released a statement revealing Bai suffered a hamstring injury after the NRL season ended when preparing for the World Cup and won’t be back until the start of next season.

Cameron Brown (Brisbane Tigers)

Glassie Glassie (Wests Tigers)

Valentine Holmes (St George Illawarra)

Esom Ioka (Brisbane Tigers)

Makahesi Makatoa (Sydney)

Amare Milford (Melbourne)

K-Ci Newton-Whare (Melbourne)

Rua Ngatikaura (North Sydney)

Marata Niukore (Warriors)

Pride Petterson-Robati (Souths Logan)

Reuben Porter (St George Illawarra)

Reubenn Rennie (Toulouse)

David Tuariki (Melbourne)

Delahia Wigmore (Penrith)

Maui Wintana-Patelesio (Warriors)

Analysis: With four current NRL stars set to line up, the Cook Islands will field one of the strongest fields they ever have in international play. Premiership winning outside back Valentine Holmes is set to make his debut for the Cook Islands this World Cup. He’ll form a lethal centre pairing with Sharks gun KL Iro, who will co-captain the side with Warriors forward Marata Niukore. Niukore most recently represented New Zealand, playing six games for the Kiwis between 2022 and 2024 but made his international debut for the Cook Islands way back in 2015. Storm prop Davvy Moale is the other current NRL player named in the squad.

Mohamed Alameddine (Parramatta Eels)

Yehya Ayache (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Alex Conti (Canterbury Bulldogs)

Moustafa Dirani (St Marys Saints

Ibrahim El Labban (Wentworthville Magpies)

Tony Francis (Gold Coast Titans)

Tupou Francis (Brisbane Broncos)

Michael Gabrael (Cronulla Sharks)

Mikael Ibrahim (Gold Coast Titans)

Jacob Kiraz (Canterbury Bulldogs)

Abbas Miski (Wigan Warriors)

Brad Morkos (St George Illawarra Dragons)

Joseph Nohra (Parramatta Eels)

Khaled Rajab (Newtown Jets)

Jaxson Rahme (Sydney Roosters)

Khail Rahme (Newtown Jets)

James Roumanos (Toulouse Olympique)

Jason Saab (Manly Sea Eagles)

Jordan Samrani (Parramatta Eels)

Tony Sukkar (Wests Tigers)

Charbel Tasipale (Newtown Jets)

Analysis: After being granted a one-day extension to name their squad, Lebanon have been dealt a devastating blow with their first-choice halves pairing of Adam Douehi and Mitchell Moses unavailable for selection. While the star duo won’t play for the Cedars, there are several NRL stars in the squad including the likes of Alex Twal, JordanSamrani and JacobKiraz. Meanwhile, prodigy Tupou Francis has pledged his allegiance to the nation having been available for Australia, New Zealand, France and Tonga.