New Zealand vs Fiji Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup | Pool Stage
by Alex Sarwar ·
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
New Zealand will be heavy favourites against Fiji as the Kiwi Ferns look to take that final step after losing in the final to Australia at the last World Cup.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / USA – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / USA – Premier Player
Tickets: Visit this link to access the latest 2026 Rugby League World Cup tickets
New Zealand team news: Olympian among squad
New Zealand are able to field an Olympic champion in Stacey Waaka, who won a gold medal in 2020 playing for her country’s rugby sevens team. West Tigers Raecene McGregor enjoyed an outstanding domestic season and lines up here at halfback.
Squad: Apii Nicholls, Leianne Tufuga, Mele Hufanga, Abigail Roache, Stacey Waaka, Zahara Temara, Raecene McGregor, Otesa Pule, Georgia Hale, Shannon Mato, Annessa Biddle, Kaiyah Atai, Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa, Ashleigh Quinlan, Alexis Tauaneai, Ivana Lauitiiti, Brianna Clark, Brooke Anderson, Tenika Willison
Fiji team news: Naitokatoka skippers the side
Fiji head coach Jone Wesele has named a squad which includes NRLW players such as Rory Muller, Cassie Staples and Isabella Waterman to name just three. Sereana Naitokatoka captains the team, with the only current Fiji-based player in Naomi Tegu named in the reserves.
Squad: Cassie Staples, Maria Paseka, Isabella Waterman, Taina Naividi, Sienna Laing, Luisa Yaranamua, Losana Lutu, Latisha Smythe, Sereana Naitokatoka, Leilani Ahsam, Elizabeth Naleba, Tamika Jones, Talei Holmes, Tahlia Marshall, Teaghan Hartigan, Lorren Ieli, Nanise Vakacavu, Naomi Tegu, Aliti Namoce
Will this be the year New Zealand finally topple Australia?
Open poll and resultsNew Zealand vs Fiji prediction
This is going to be a long 80 minutes for Fiji, who face a massive uphill climb to pull off an upset here against a power-packed New Zealand side with the likes of Mele Hufanga and Otesa Pule lining up for the Kiwi Ferns. Motivation is extremely high among Ricky Henry’s squad, who are so often second best to Australia and are determined to make 2026 their year.
Whilst it would be understandable if New Zealand weren’t at their most fluent with this being the opening game, the number two ranked nation in the world are still a much better team than Fiji, who in contrast are currently ranked outside of the top ten. Back New Zealand to grow into this contest as it goes on, ultimately sending a message to the Jillaroos with a big win.
New Zealand vs Fiji tip: New Zealand to win with -30.5 handicap
