New Zealand vs Papua New Guinea 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!
A win for New Zealand guarantees them top spot in Pool B, but Papua New Guinea are not out of contention yet and can still qualify for the last four themselves.
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: McGregor available
There were fears that Raecene McGregor had suffered an injury that would end her tournament, but she is fine and available to play here for New Zealand at halfback alongside Zahara Temara.
Squad: Apii Nicholls, Leianne Tufuga, Abigail Roache, Stacey Waaka, Mackenzie Wiki, Zahara Temara, Raecene McGregor, Alexis Tauaneai, Georgia Hale, Shannon Mato, Shaniece Monschau, Kaiyah Atai, Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa, Ashleigh Quinlan, Otesa Pule, Brooke Anderson, Ivana Lauitiiti, Tenika Willison, Brianna Clark, Chantay Kiria-Ratu, Trinity Tauaneai, Annessa Biddle
Papua New Guinea team news: Gwasamun gone
Belinda Gwasamun is out for Papua New Guinea, who have removed Ivanda Wong from their squad and brought in several players such as Mala Mark, Mya Muller, Josephine Howard and Jasmine Joe to name just four.
Squad: Anika Butler, Jasmine Joe, Relna Wuruki-Hosea, Tia Molo, Naomi Kelly, Fleur Ginn, Cynthiah Peters, Elsie Albert, Ua Ravu, Jenny David, Emily Veivers, Shellie Long, India Seeto, Therese Aiton, Essay Banu, Gemma Walker, Vanesa Nakas, Mala Mark, Mya Muller, Josephine Howard, Lilah Malabag, Jafinda Sap
How many points will New Zealand score in this game?
Open poll and resultsNew Zealand vs Papua New Guinea prediction
New Zealand sent a message in the last round of pool play with an utterly formidable showing which saw them absolutely destroy France 92-0 in Christchurch. Papua New Guinea represent tougher opposition, especially as they fight for their lives in Pool B, but the Kiwi Ferns are well ahead of their opponents when it comes to ability and skill.
All the momentum is with New Zealand after Papua New Guinea were torn apart by Fiji in their last game prior to this one. The Orchids’ backline is in for another long 80 minutes this time around and New Zealand are a good bet to accumulate another sky-high score. With that in mind, back them to defeat Papua New Guinea by a significant distance.
New Zealand vs Papua New Guinea tip: New Zealand to win with -55.5 handicap
