New Zealand have lost their opening encounter of the Rugby League World Cup - and perhaps star recruit Kayln Ponga for the rest of the tournament – slipping to a 24-22 defeat against archrivals and defending champions Australian in Sydney.

Thirty-five-year-old Dane Gagai will become the second oldest Test debutant in NZ rugby league history when he takes the field for the Kiwis' against the Kangaroos in the opening game of the Rugby League World Cup on Thursday.

NZ Kiwis coach Stacey Jones has rolled the dice with just one specialist hooker in a 23-man squad to contest the Rugby League World Cup over the next two months.

The Warriors have featured strongly in the 2026 NRL Dally M Medal awards with the club having representation six times.

The Warriors held strong in the end to score a big win over the Rabbitohs to take their place a tthe top of the NRL points table

Wayde Egan will be at hooker again for the Warriors with James Fisher-Harris back alongside him PHOTO: MARTIN HUNTER/LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY

Injuries and State of Origin commitments have forced a major reshuffle of the Warriors’ squad for their round 15 NRL encounter with the Cronulla Sharks at a sold-out Go Media Stadium on Saturday

Co-captain Mitchell Barnett heads a group of four players who return to the New Zealand Warriors’ squad for their NRL Magic Round encounter with the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday

Three experienced NZ Warriors are available along with one new face for the season-opening NRL clash against the Sydney Roosters at a sold-out Go Media Stadium on Friday night.

Are the Kiwis ready to beat Tonga and the Kiwi Ferns the Jillaroos? PHOTO: NRL

Plenty of action as the New Zealand men's and women's rugby league sides line up to take on Samoa at Go Media Stadium on Sunday.

Kiwis Head Coach Stacey Jones has named an experienced 21-man squad for the Pacific Championships campaign against Samoa and Tonga starting this month.

The Warriors will finish sixth on the NRL ladder after a 27-26 loss away at Manly and will host an elimination final against either the Roosters or Panthers next weekend.

Captain James Fisher-Harris, hooker Wayde Egan and half Chanel Harris-Tavita will all miss the One New Zealand Warriors’ round 22 NRL clash against the Dolphins

One of the most satisfying performances from the Warriors in 2025 has seen them thrash the Sharks 40-10 against the crowd, the refs, the bunker and commentators.

NZ Warriors co-captains Mitchell Barnett and James Fisher-Harris have both been named along with centre Rocco Berry for Sunday’s 13th-round NRL clash against the Rabbitohs

The Warriors will be without co-captain James

Co-catpain James Fisher-Harris eturned to the Warriors after several weeks injured and was as aggressive as expecteda across the field in the win over the Dolphins.

New Zealand Warriors co-captain James Fisher-Harris and wing Roger Tuivasa-Sheck are in line to return from injury in a double boost for the club’s 11th-round clash against the Dolphins

Injury and suspension have forced several changes for the New Zealand Warriors’ Saturday night’s round seven NRL clash against Brisbane at Mt Smart. .