Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns name debutants for Christchurch World Cup matches

Tuesday 20 October 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Tue 20 Oct, 10:45pm

In this story Warriors, Kiwi Ferns, Jacob Laban

The Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns will feature five debutants during their Rugby League World Cup double header in Christchurch this Sunday. Jacob Laban and Tanner Stowers-Smith will debut for the Kiwis against the Cook Islands, while Tenika Willison and Chantay Kiria-Ratu will earn first caps for the Kiwi Ferns against France.

How they headlined it

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1. NZ HeraldTue 20 Oct, 6:45pm

   Rugby League World Cup: Kiwis make big changes for Cook Islands clash in Christchurch (opens in new tab)

2. RNZTue 20 Oct, 6:51pm

   Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns name five debutants for World Cup double header (opens in new tab)

3. StuffTue 20 Oct, 10:45pm

   Three debutants named in Kiwi Ferns team to play France in Christchurch (opens in new tab)