New Zealand names both Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns for RLWC opener; England picks half‑back duo and drops Lewis

New Zealand has unveiled both its men’s Kiwis and women’s Kiwi Ferns squads for the Rugby League World Cup opening matches. The two lists include a handful of players who have switched codes or even countries to earn their first caps for the respective sides.

Across the Tasman, England has settled its half‑back selections for the tournament’s first game against Tonga. Harry Smith joins captain George Williams in the half‑back roles, with Smith expected to take the primary duties while Williams provides leadership from the same position.

The only notable omission from England’s squad is Mikey Lewis, who was left out of the half‑back department for the opener.

The contrast is stark: New Zealand is busy naming two full squads for parallel opening fixtures, while England is focused on narrowing its half‑back choices to a single pairing.