Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns name five debutants for World Cup double header

The Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns will blood five debutants in their Rugby League World Cup double header this Sunday.

Warriors Jacob Laban and Tanner Stowers-Smith are set to make their Kiwis debuts against the Cook Islands in Christchurch.

Both Laban and Stowers-Smith, born and raised in Christchurch, have been named on the interchange bench.

It is especially poignant for St Bede's College product Stowers-Smith who follows in the footsteps of his great grandfather Canterbury legend Pat Smith, who played ten tests for the Kiwis, all as captain.

Elsewehere Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Scott Sorensen return to the international stage.

After missing the dramatic 22-24 World Cup-opening loss to the Kangaroos, Nicoll-Klokstad has been brought into the side in the centres while four-times premiership-winning Penrith back rower Scott Sorensen comes into the side for the first time in two years.

In all Jones has made six changes to the side that started against Australia.

The injured Kalyn Ponga is replaced at fullback by Keano Kini, while Nicoll-Klokstad is in for last week's Kiwi debutant Dane Gagai.

Joseph Tapine is switched from loose forward to prop for Moses Leota, with Sorensen and Xavier Willison to start in the second row for regulars Isaiah Papali'i and Briton Nikora.

Captain James Fisher-Harris and hooker Jeremy Marshall-King are the only two players remaining from the run-on pack in Sydney.

Meanwhile, Newcastle Knights winger Tenika Willison and Cronulla Sharks first-five Chantay Kiria-Ratu will earn their first caps for their Kiwi Ferns against France.

This will be Willison's fourth black jersey, formerly representing New Zealand in touch, rugby sevens and 15s.

Willison now chases a league World Cup title to add to her already illustrious sporting career, which includes an Olympic gold medal, Sevens World Cup and Commonwealth Games gold.

Kiria-Ratu has also built an impressive CV at only 22 years old, representing Queensland in this year's Origin, as well as under 19 Maroons in 2022 and 2023.

During her time with the Gold Coast Titans, she ran out for the 2023 NRLW grand final and helped steer the Cook Islands Moana to their Pacific Bowl win in 2025.

She lines up this week alongside Raecene McGregor in the halves.

Sister of prop Alexis Tauaneai, St George-Illawara Dragons lock Trinity Tauaneai, will also make her highly anticipated debut off the bench in her second season with the squad.

Meanwhile, Canberra Raiders Mackenzie Wiki starts on the wing after coming into camp this week as an injury replacement for Shanice Parker.

Head Coach Ricky Henry said the debutants have all earned their spots.

"They have all slotted in well to our environment and been working hard on and off the field since we assembled. They've shown us they're hungry for their opportunity, so we have no doubt they will come out firing on Sunday."

With Wiki on the wing, Stacey Waaka shifts to the centres alongside Mele Hufanga.

Brooke Anderson, Ivana Lauitiiti and Alexis Tauaneai earn starts this week, with Shannon Mato moving to the bench.

One New Zeland Stadium, Christchurch

7. Raecene McGregor (Co-Captain)

9. Georgia Hale (Co-Captain)

19. Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa

3. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

8. James Fisher-Harris (c)