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Wayde Egan unavailable for Kiwis Rugby League World Cup selection

NZ HeraldRNZStuffWednesday 7 October 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated

In this story Stacey Jones

Photo: NZ Herald (opens in new tab)

Warriors hooker Wayde Egan has made himself unavailable for the Kiwis' Rugby League World Cup squad. Coach Stacey Jones named Jeremy Marshall-King as the only specialist hooker in the 23-man team. The tournament is scheduled to begin in Australia next week.

Key facts

5 facts
  • Jeremy Marshall-King is the only specialist hooker in the Kiwis squadNZ Herald
  • The Rugby League World Cup begins in Australia next weekRNZ
  • Cook Islands face Fiji on 18 October in NewcastleRNZ
  • PNG faces Lebanon on 17 October in Port MoresbyRNZ
  • Wayde Egan is eligible for the Kiwis after living in Auckland for over five yearsNZ Herald

The full story

1 min read · 3 outlets

The Kiwis have named a 23-man squad for the Rugby League World Cup, with Jeremy Marshall-King as the sole specialist hooker. The squad includes fullback Ponga and centre Dane Gagai, both of whom recently switched their test allegiance from Australia to New Zealand.NZ Herald

Warriors hooker Wayde Egan was omitted from the Kiwis squad because he made himself unavailable for selection. Kiwis coach Stacey Jones stated that Egan had other commitments to look after.NZ Herald

The Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea have also announced their men's squads for the tournament. The Cook Islands will be led by co-captains KL Iro and Marata Niukore, featuring the debut of former Kangaroo Valentine Holmes.RNZ

The Cook Islands will face Fiji in their opening match on 18 October in Newcastle. Papua New Guinea will begin their campaign against Lebanon in Port Moresby on 17 October.RNZ

Where reports differ

  • The Cook Islands and PNG have named squads containing NRL and Super League playersRNZ

Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, RNZ and Stuff.

How they headlined it

First reported by NZ Herald, Wed 7 Oct, 8:01am · 3 reports from 3 outlets over 6 hours
  1. NZ HeraldNZ Herald

    Rugby League World Cup: Why Warriors hooker Wayde Egan missed Kiwis squad (opens in new tab)

  2. RNZRNZ

    Cook Islands and PNG name mixed squads for Rugby League World Cup (opens in new tab)

  3. StuffStuff

    Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns squads named for Rugby League World Cups (opens in new tab)

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