Manly Players Await World Cup Selection

Haumole Olakau'atu celebrates after scoring a try against the Kangaroos in 2024

More than 150,000 tickets have been sold for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, which begins in Australia and New Zealand on October 15.

The event features 26 teams from 14 nations across men's, women's and wheelchair competitions.

Across nine cities in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, the tournament will include 53 matches.

The opening men's fixture is Australia against New Zealand at Sydney's Allianz Stadium, while England meets Tonga at Perth's HBF Park on October 17.

The competition concludes at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on November 15, when the men's and women's champions will be crowned.

Manly could contribute heavily to Tonga, with Haumole Olakau'atu, Tolu Koula, Lehi Hopoate and Taniela Paseka having previously represented Mate Ma'a Tonga.

Onitoni Large is also eligible, potentially taking Tonga's Sea Eagles contingent to five players.

Caleb Navale, Brandon Wakeham and Kylan Mafoa were named in Fiji's initial 40-man squad, with the final selection due on Monday, September 21.

Tom Trbojevic, Clayton Faulalo, Jason Saab and Josh Feledy are also in contention for Australia, Samoa, Lebanon and Papua New Guinea respectively.

Trbojevic last played for Australia in the 2024 Pacific Championships final, scoring twice in a 20-14 win.

"It's always an honour to wear the green and gold," Trbojevic said.

"I finished the season at Manly in good shape physically. If called on, I'll be ready."

The men's groups are Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Cook Islands; England, Samoa and Lebanon; and Tonga, Papua New Guinea and France.

Tonga's November 1 meeting with Samoa at CommBank Stadium could decide a semi-final place.

Tickets and further information are available at RLWC2026.com.

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