Rugby League World Cup Squads Confirmed

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) has named the final squads for the PNG LNG Kumuls and Santos PNG Orchids, who will represent Papua New Guinea at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.

The selections mark another significant moment for Papua New Guinea rugby league, with both national teams preparing to take on the world’s best on the international stage.

PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hondina said the naming of the two squads was an important step in the teams’ World Cup preparations and congratulated all players selected to represent the country.

“We are proud to name our PNG LNG Kumuls and Santos PNG Orchids squads for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup,” Hondina said. 

“Representing Papua New Guinea at a World Cup is one of the highest honors a player can achieve, and we congratulate every player selected.

“These squads reflect the talent, hard work, and commitment of our players, as well as the work being done across our pathways, clubs, and competitions. 

We look forward to seeing both teams carry the pride of Papua New Guinea onto the world stage.”

PNG Kumuls Squad

1. Bailey Biondi-Odo — New Zealand Warriors

2. Jack De Belin — Parramatta Eels

3. Robert Derby — North Queensland Cowboys

4. Dudley Dotoi — Townsville Blackhawks

5. Joshua Feledy — Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

6. Finley Glare — London Broncos

7. Liam Horne — Leigh Leopards

8. Edwin Ipape — Leigh Leopards

9. Zev John — Central Queensland Capras

10. Epel Kapinias — London Broncos

11. Zac Laybutt — North Queensland Cowboys

12. Nene Macdonald — St Helens

13. Rhyse Martin — Hull KR FC

14. Robert Mathias — London Broncos

15. Morea Morea — London Broncos

16. Luca Moretti — Parramatta Eels

17. Sylvester Namo — PNG Hunters

18. Nixon Putt — Central Queensland Capras

19. Rodrick Tai — Central Queensland Capras

20. Valentine Richard — Central Queensland Capras

21. Gairo Voro — London Broncos

22. Sanny Wabo — PNG Hunters

23. Khaiya Waiembi — PNG Hunters

Shadow Players

24. Kyle Laybutt

25. Alex Max — London Broncos

26. Jacob Taulani — Newcastle Knights

Head Coach: Jason Demetriou

The Santos PNG Orchids 23-player final squad:

Santos PNG Orchids Squad

1. Therese Aiton — Ipswich Jets

2. Elsie Albert — Parramatta Eels

3. Essay Banu — North Queensland Cowboys

4. Annika Butler — Maitland Pickers

5. Jenny David — Brisbane Tigers

6. Fleur Ginn — Parramatta Eels

7. Belinda Gwasamun — Mt. Hagen Eagles

8. Josephine Howard — Central Dabaris

9. Jasmine Joe — Port Moresby Vipers

10. Naomi Kelly — Central Dabaris

11. Shellie Long — Northern Pride

12. Mala Mark — Central Dabaris

13. Tia Molo — Brisbane Broncos

14. Mya Muller — Penrith Panthers

15. Vanessa Nakkas — Central Dabaris

16. Cynthia Peters — Rabaul Gurias

17. Ua Ravu — South Sydney Rabbitohs

18. Jafinda Sap — Central Dabaris

19. India Seeto — Brisbane Tigers

20. Emily Vievers — North Queensland Cowboys

21. Gemma Walker — Western Clydesdales

22. Ivania Wong — ACT

23. Relna Wuruki-Hosea — Canberra Raiders

Development Players

24. Gian Kaupa — Lae Snax Tigers

25. Jacinta Garry — Mt. Hagen Eagle

26. Joyce Hobert — Port Moresby Vipers

Head Coach: Craig Sandercock

The 2026 Rugby League World Cup will provide both teams with the opportunity to showcase Papua New Guinea’s growing strength and depth in rugby league while representing the nation on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

For the players selected, the tournament will be an opportunity to wear the national colors with pride and build on the strong history and legacy of the Kumuls and Orchids.

PNGRFL Chairman Sandis Tsaka said the selection of the two squads was a proud moment for the players, their families, clubs, and the wider rugby league community.

“To represent Papua New Guinea at a Rugby League World Cup is a tremendous honor, and we are incredibly proud of the players selected to wear the PNG LNG Kumuls and Santos PNG Orchids jerseys,” Tsaka said.

“We know what these teams mean to our people. They carry the hopes and pride of a nation, and we encourage Papua New Guineans at home and abroad to get behind our players as they prepare to take on the world.

“On behalf of the PNGRFL Board, we congratulate the players, coaches, support staff, families, and everyone who has contributed to their journeys. We wish both teams every success at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.”