Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns squads named for Rugby League World Cup

Stacey Jones and Ricky Henry have named their 23-player squads for the Rugby League World Cup. The tournament will be held in Australia, with matches also played in New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. The Kiwis begin their campaign against Australia in Sydney on 15 October.

Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai are among four debutants for the Kiwis. Ponga, a Newcastle Knights teammate of Gagai, became eligible following changes to international eligibility rules. Gagai, who previously played seven tests for Australia including the 2017 World Cup win, was cleared to switch allegiances last week. Other new faces in the Kiwis squad include Warriors players Tanner Stowers-Smith and Jacob Laban.

The Kiwis forward pack is led by captain James Fisher-Harris. The squad includes Naufahu Whyte, Moses Leota, Joseph Tapine, Xavier Willison, Leo Thompson, Isaiah Papali'i, Scott Sorensen, and Briton Nikora. The team is missing playmaker Dylan Brown due to an ACL injury and centre Matt Timoko due to surgery.

The Kiwi Ferns squad features seven debutants, including former Black Ferns Sevens players Stacey Waaka and Tenika Willison. Co-captains Raecene McGregor and Georgia Hale lead the side. The Kiwi Ferns will open their tournament against Fiji in Newcastle next Sunday.

How it developed

• Tue 6 Oct, 7:09pmPonga escaped a potential delay to his debut after being charged with a reckless tackle in the NRL grand final, receiving only a fine.

Where reports differ

• Reports vary on the number of tests Gagai played for Australia, with one citing seven and another citing eight.
• The reason for Phoenix Crossland's unavailability is described as a suspension for a hip-drop tackle or a tackle that caused a broken ankle.

Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, The Post, Stuff, RNZ and 1News.