Ponga and Gagai set for Kiwis debuts at Rugby League World Cup
New Zealand will open against Australia on 15 October, while hamstring and wrist injuries have sidelined Papua New Guinea’s Cooper Bai and Lachlan Lam.
Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai are among four newcomers selected by coach Stacey Jones for New Zealand’s 23-man Rugby League World Cup squad. The Newcastle pair are set to make their first Kiwis appearances, with Australia awaiting at Allianz Stadium for the tournament opener on 15 October.
For Knights captain Ponga, the tournament will also mark his Test debut. The former Queensland representative gained permission to play for New Zealand earlier this year and said his wish to deepen his understanding of his Maori culture drove the choice.
Gagai received IRL Board approval to change national teams on the basis of his heritage and the time since his last Australian appearance in 2018. His representative record includes 23 Queensland games and seven for Australia, among them the winning 2017 World Cup final.
Warriors players Jacob Laban and Tanner Stowers-Smith complete the group of newcomers. James Fisher-Harris has been named captain, with Naufahu Whyte, Moses Leota and Xavier Willison also selected in the forwards.
Papua New Guinea’s selections come amid several absences. A hamstring injury has ruled out Gold Coast forward Cooper Bai, while Leigh halfback Lachlan Lam requires wrist surgery. Alex Johnston and Xavier Coates are also missing from the squad.
Jason Demetriou has picked Parramatta veteran Jack de Belin alongside Josh Feledy and Luca Moretti, who are both uncapped. PNG begin against Lebanon in Port Moresby on 17 October, followed by a home game against Samoa and a meeting with England in Wollongong.
