NRL: Ranking the top 50 Kiwis in the competition ahead of the 2026 season

Just like that, the NRL season is upon us – and it’s a massive year in league with the World Cup in October.

With that in mind, and the strong Kiwi influence in the NRL, the Herald has ranked the top New Zealanders in the league before the 2026 season – but we have strict criteria because of league’s crazy eligibility laws.

To qualify for our list, players must have been born in NZ and haven’t represented another tier-one nation (Australia or England/Great Britain) or played State of Origin.

The lone exceptions to this rule are if they have already played for NZ at any level, or have a parent who has played for the Kiwis.

This means players like Josh Papali’i and Murray Taulagi, who were born in NZ, but have since gone on to represent Australia, are not eligible, while somebody like Kalyn Ponga, who could switch following the recent eligibility changes, doesn’t qualify at present, but could in future.

Guys like Sione Katoa and Deine Mariner, who were born in NZ and have gone on to play for a ‘tier two’ nation like Tonga or Samoa, do qualify as by the letter of the law, they’re still Kiwis eligible.

Players must have made at least one NRL appearance.

50. Aublix Tawha

Prop, Brisbane Broncos

Born: Waikato. School: N/A.

If there is one player who has the threat to sit much higher on this list in 12 months’ time, it is the 26-year-old from Ngāruawāhia. He’s set for a bigger role after trading Redcliffe for Red Hill. Fun fact is that he’s represented the Netherlands in international rugby.

49. Salesi Foketi

Prop, Sydney Roosters

Born: Auckland. School: St Pauls’ College.

A raw prospect, but somebody with a bright future, having featured 19 times in his rookie season, the highlight being a stunning solo try which featured majestic footwork that even Shaun Johnson would have applauded.

48. Tevita Naufahu

Winger, Dolphins

Born: Auckland. School: St Kentigern College.

Only made his NRL debut last year, going on to bag six tries in seven appearances, which saw him win the club’s Rookie of the Year prize. Would be a bolter to start in round one, but he’s a player the Dolphins will want in their squad, because of his pace and classy finishing.

47. Zach Dockar-Clay

Hooker, Manly Sea Eagles

Born: New Plymouth. School: Hills Sports High School (NSW).

A player who has bounced around numerous clubs in the NRL, Super League and reserve grades, but may have finally found a home at the Sea Eagles where he can push for regular game time. Has been involved with the Kiwis, but yet to make his debut.

46. Greg Marzhew

Winger, Newcastle Knights

Born: Auckland. School: Woodridge State High School (QLD).

Has developed into one of the elite finishers in the NRL, with his strength and tackle-breaking ability. Knights fans will be hoping for more of his 2023 form, when he scored 22 tries, this year.

45. Marata Niukore

Second row, NZ Warriors

Born: Auckland. School: Aorere College.

A strong, hard-hitting forward, who helped the Parramatta Eels reach the 2022 Grand Final. That form hasn’t transitioned to the Warriors, who paid big money to bring him home. With many young forwards hungry for minutes, he will need to show why the Warriors brought him here.

44. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

Winger, NZ Warriors

Born: Hamilton. School: St Dominic’s College (NSW).

Hasn’t been the same since equalling the Warriors’ single season try-scoring record in 2023, injuries playing a big part. Will face plenty of pressure to keep his spot in 2026. Despite his flaws, he is excellent at finding the try line.

43. Davvy Moale

Prop, Melbourne Storm

Born: Christchurch. School: Waverley College (NSW).

At just 22, he’s already racked up 70 NRL games, highlighting his skill and potential. Will be interesting to see how he’s utilised at the Storm this year, having just joined and already committed to the Sea Eagles for 2027.

42. Siosiua Taukeiaho

Prop, Manly Sea Eagles

Born: Auckland. School: St Paul’s College

Has been one of the most steady and consistent performers over the NRL in recent years. Despite his age, his output and work rate is world class.

41. Jojo Fifita

Winger, Gold Coast Titans

Born: Dunedin. School: The Southport School (QLD).

One of the fastest players in the NRL, having competed in athletics during his school years. Coming off his best season with a career-high 11 tries.

40. Demitric Vaimauga

Prop, NZ Warriors

Born: Auckland. School: De La Salle College

Coming off a campaign where he featured in all but one game for the Warriors, 2026 could be a career-defining year for the 21-year-old. With Mitch Barnett to depart the Warriors at the end of the season, leaving a gaping hole in the pack, Vaimauga has the potential to fill that void.

39. Fonua Pole

Prop, Wests Tigers

Born: Wellington. School: Mount Ridley P–12 College (VIC).

Despite the inconsistencies with the Tigers in recent years, Pole has always held his own to become a regular in Benji Marshall’s side. Has a younger brother Suli Pole, who is in the Melbourne Storm system and one to watch in the future.

38. Adam Pompey

Centre, NZ Warriors

Born: Auckland. School: Wesley College

Has developed into a consistent player for the Warriors. Often healthy ability to cover multiple positions and a handy goalkicker when required. You always know what you’re going to get.

37. Griffin Neame

Prop, North Queensland Cowboys

Born: Greymouth. School: Greymouth High School.

After a strong 2024 campaign, where he was among the best Kiwi props in the NRL, the man from the West Coast has struggled to reach those heights, having struggled with shoulder issues. Will be determined for a bounce-back year, with a World Cup on the horizon.

36. Josiah Karapani

Winger, Brisbane Broncos

Born: Auckland. School: Pakūranga College.

Has been a sudden rise, having gone from a train and trial deal at the Broncos to playing in their Grand Final win last season. A solid strike rate of 11 tries in 22 games and his form saw him called into the Kiwis squad for the recent Pacific Championships, although he didn’t play.

35. Chanel Harris-Tavita

Five-eighths, NZ Warriors

Born: Auckland. School: Pakūranga College.

The playmaker is coming off his best season in the NRL, where he registered a whopping 18 try assists. Will be interesting to see if he can maintain that form in 2026, especially being he’s off contract at the end of the season.

34. Taniela Paseka

Prop, Manly Sea Eagles

Born: Auckland. School: Patrician Brothers’ College (NSW).

It was no wonder the Sea Eagles’ season was destined for doom last year after the 28-year-old went down with an Achilles injury, limiting him to just three appearances. Fans will be hoping he can find that form again.

33. Siua Wong

Second row, Sydney Roosters

Born: Auckland. School: Mt Albert Grammar School & Scots College (NSW).

Another young Roosters player who made the most of their opportunity last season to establish himself as a regular in the side. Due to his rugby union background, numerous 15-man code teams have attempted to sign him in the past.

32. Connelly Lemuelu

Second row, Dolphins

Born: Auckland. School: Keebra Park State High School (QLD).

After being in and out of the Cowboys’ squad, the 27-year-old has emerged as a key figure in the Dolphins pack, with a strong ability to break the line and score tries, although it does help when you play outside of Isaiya Katoa.

31. Scott Sorensen

Second row, Penrith Panthers

Born: Sydney. School: Endeavour Sports High School (NSW).

Four tests for the Kiwis, is enough for Sorensen to qualify. But if that wasn’t enough, he comes from the famous bloodline where his grandfather, Bill Sorensen and uncles, Dane and Kurt Sorensen also played for the Kiwis. Black Ferns flier Braxton Sorenson-McGee is his second cousin.

30. Deine Mariner

Winger, Brisbane Broncos

Born: Auckland. School: Palm Beach Currumbin High School (QLD).

Is coming off two strong seasons with the Broncos, including scoring a brace in their grand final win, where his speed was on show for the world to see.

29. Phoenix Crossland

Hooker, Newcastle Knights

Born: Wellington. School: Hunter Sports High School (NSW).

A player who has found his best footy in the pack as a lock or hooker. Needs to bring that to the test arena, due to the lack of depth at dummy half for the Kiwis.

28. Jason Taumalolo

Prop, North Queensland Cowboys

Born: Auckland. School: De La Salle College and Kirwan State High School (QLD).

It seems crazy to have a player of his calibre this low, but the reality is, this is generous as he’s coming off his worst season in the NRL.

27. Brandon Smith

Hooker, South Sydney Rabbitohs

Born: Waiheke. School: Kirwan State High School (QLD)

Like Taumalolo, it feels criminal to have the Waiheke Island lad ranked in the 20s, as he has shown the skill to be inside the top five. But off-field drama, injuries and club changes have seen him struggle to produce the form everyone knows he’s capable of. Here is hoping we see Smith back to his best in 2026.

26. Leo Thompson

Prop, Canterbury Bulldogs

Born: Gisborne. School: Napier Boys’ High School.

Like the Knights, Thompson had a tough 2025 campaign, but now with a fresh start at the Bulldogs, expect the 25-year-old to push for a spot at the World Cup, although a calf injury to start the season could derail those plans.

25. Sebastian Kris

Centre, Canberra Raiders

Born: Brisbane. School: St Mary MacKillop College (ACT)

A dynamic centre, who qualifies for the Kiwis through his mother. Brings plenty of speed and power to the Raiders’ left edge.

24. Sitili Tupouniua

Second row, Canterbury Bulldogs

Born: Auckland. School: Mt Albert Grammar School.

An enforcer-style player, it was safe to say the Bulldogs pack wasn’t as dominant without his physical presence last season. One of the biggest hitters in the game.

23. Kodi Nikorima

Five-eighths, Dolphins

Born: Palmerston North: School: Wavell State High School (QLD).

A versatile playmaker who has been vital to the success of the Dolphins in the NRL, and is a real assist machine. Can also cover hooker and fullback and that utility value could be valuable to the Kiwis later this year.

22. Xavier Willison

Prop, Brisbane Broncos

Born: Waikato. School: Hamilton Boys’ High School.

Started to show his true potential at the back end of the 2025 NRL season, with a coming-of-age display in the grand final. He was then rewarded with Kiwis selection where he seamlessly replaced Nelson Asofa-Solomona.

21. Matt Timoko

Centre, Canberra Raiders

Born: Auckland. School: Auckland Grammar School.

Emerged as a premier centre across the NRL in 2025, with plenty of strength and power carrying the ball, while his durability is also worth noting.

20. Jordan Riki

Second row, Brisbane Broncos

Born: Raglan. School: St Thomas of Canterbury College.

Played a key role in the Broncos’ triumph last season, particularly at the back end of the campaign. Probably unlucky to miss out on the Kiwis squad last year, but another strong season will see him back in the mix.

19. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

Fullback, NZ Warriors

Born: Auckland. School: St Paul’s College.

A versatile player who would probably run through brick walls for the Warriors. Despite his efforts, some Warriors fans would rather a different fullback, but the 30-year-old is always a safe pair of hands.

18. Will Warbrick

Winger, Melbourne Storm

Born: Kawerau. School: Rotorua Boys’ High School.

Having come from a sevens background, Warbrick has adapted to rugby league with ease to become a key member of the Storm. Struggled with injury last season, but don’t be surprised when he’s back among the tries again in 2026.

17. Jeremy Marshall-King

Hooker, Dolphins

Born: Whakatāne. School: Keebra Park State High School (QLD).

He’s a very talented hooker for the Dolphins, and the brother of Kiwis icon Benji Marshall, but Marshall-King does struggle to stay fit. Prime example being he will miss the start of the season after slipping over at home.

16. Briton Nikora

Second row, Cronulla Sharks

Born: Tauranga. School: Keebra Park State High School (QLD)

Has established himself as a key member of the Sharks’ pack with his exceptional hole-running, speed, and defensive work. Could be a player who benefits from the recent eligibility rules, which could see him play for Queensland.

15. Jamayne Isaako

Winger, Dolphins

Born: Christchurch. School: Shirley Boys’ High School and Endeavour Sports High School (NSW).

Never gets the plaudits he deserves where he is always in the mix for the NRL try-scoring and point scoring races.

14. Ronaldo Mulitalo

Winger, Cronulla Sharks

Born: Auckland. School: Marcellin College.

The best winger for the Kiwis over recent years, having been among the top try scorers. Sadly he will miss most of the NRL season with a torn ACL, making him touch and go for the World Cup.

13. Moses Leota

Prop, Penrith Panthers

Born: Auckland. School: N/A.

One of the premier props in the NRL. Leota is a bruising and hard-working prop who played a key role in four of the Panthers’ four titles.

12. James Fisher-Harris

Prop, NZ Warriors

Born: Hokianga. School: Whangārei Boys’ High School.

A man who leads with his actions more than his words. Warriors fans will be hoping for an improved year on the field, but there is no denying the mana he has among his peers.

11. Isaiah Papali’i

Second row, Penrith Panthers

Born: Auckland. School: Mount Albert Grammar School.

This time last year, the 27-year-old would have found himself down the order after two underwhelming years at the Tigers, by his standards. But a change of scenery saw him back to his best where he found some consistent play at the backend of the season.

10. Erin Clark

Lock, NZ Warriors

Born: Auckland. School: Manurewa High School.

In his first season at the Warriors, Clark stood up in ways nobody expected, through his workhorse mentality, following the sudden retirement of Tohu Harris. Will be intriguing to see if that form continues.

9. Casey McLean

Centre, Penrith Panthers

Born: Sydney. School: Newington College (NSW).

Australian born, but plays for the Kiwis – and thank God he does because McLean brings plenty of attacking flair and speed. Despite only being 19, he’s already among the elite centres of the game and don’t be surprised to see him playing State of Origin later this year. Remarkably, has scored eight tries in four tests.

8. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

Winger, NZ Warriors

Born: Samoa. School: Ōtāhuhu College.

After some wobbles in his return to the 13-man code, Tuivasa-Sheck found his mojo back on the wing where he equalled his record for most tries in a season with 12. He also bagged the Simon Mannering Medal awarded to the Warriors 2025 NRL player of the year. Expect another big metre-eating season, and with his contract up at season’s end, it will be an intriguing time to see where his future lies.

7. Dylan Brown

Halfback, Newcastle Knights

Born: Auckland. School: Hills Sports High School (NSW).

While his rating here could be regarded as quite high after a poor 2025 NRL season with the Eels, the 25-year-old did show what he’s capable of during the Pacific Championships with the Kiwis. A fresh start at the Knights might be what the doctor ordered, but with a big shiny contract, being a top three-player going forward is the bare minimum.

6. Addin Fonua-Blake

Prop, Cronulla Sharks

Born: Sydney. School: Matraville Sports High School (NSW).

A sole test for the Kiwis in 2017 makes the 30-year-old eligible for this list, despite his defection to Tonga. Fonua-Blake is continually among the best props in the game and one of the hardest men to stop. Knows his way to the tryline.

5. Naufahu Whyte

Prop, Sydney Roosters

Born: Auckland. School: Kelston Boys’ High School.

After biding his time, Whyte emerged as a star of the pack in 2025, and was arguably the NRL’s most improved player, where he took that form to the Kiwis during the Pacific Championships. His numbers matched the elite props of the game alongside Payne Haas and Terrell May. Expect Whyte to play a bigger role with the Roosters in 2026 and don’t be surprised if he does surpass others to become the best prop in the game.

4. Keano Kini

Fullback, Gold Coast Titans

Born: Auckland. School: Rosmini College and Palm Beach Currumbin State High School (QLD).

After returning from a potential career-ending neck injury, Kini proved why he’s already among the best fullbacks in the game, with his dynamic speed and elusiveness. League fans should pencil in April 4 where it will be a battle of the NZ and Australian No 1s.

3. Isaiya Katoa

Halfback, Dolphins

Born: Wellington. School: Barker College (NSW).

Has improved every year since becoming a starting halfback in the NRL and based on his efforts in 2025, it will be scary to see how much better he will be this season. An elite ball-playing No 7, with world-class game management. A true halfback and playmaker.

2. Jahrome Hughes

Halfback, Melbourne Storm

Born: Wellington. School: Palm Beach Currumbin State High School (QLD).

In recent years, Hughes has emerged as one of the best playmakers in the game, making significant advances from where he was 10 years ago as a fullback struggling for game time. Winner of the 2023 Dally M medal, the 31-year-old is getting the recognition across the NRL he deserves, although injuries have limited his time on the field, particularly in the black jersey over the past two seasons. Important he stays fit, especially with a World Cup looming.

1. Joseph Tapine

Prop, Canberra Raiders

Born: Wellington. School: Rongotai College.

It is neck and neck at the top, but Tapine edges it largely due to fitness over the past couple of years, including Kiwis participation. A true leader of men, who has established himself as one of the best forwards in the NRL. He was a big reason behind the Raiders’ and Kiwis’ success in 2025.

Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the NZ Herald who covers breaking sports news.