New Zealand vs Fiji team news is in for the Rugby League World Cup 2026. The Kiwis have made five changes for their must-win Pool A match at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast, with kick-off at 3:30 PM AEDT on Saturday 31 October. Several big names return. For the score, open New Zealand vs Fiji live.
New Zealand line-up v Fiji
| No. | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | Keano Kini |
| 2 | Jamayne Isaako |
| 3 | Dane Gagai |
| 4 | Casey McLean |
| 5 | Ronaldo Mulitalo |
| 6 | Kodi Nikorima |
| 7 | Jahrome Hughes |
| 8 | James Fisher-Harris (captain) |
| 9 | Jeremy Marshall-King |
| 10 | Moses Leota |
| 11 | Isaiah Papali'i |
| 12 | Briton Nikora |
| 13 | Joseph Tapine (vice-captain) |
Interchange: Te Maire Martin, Naufahu Whyte, Erin Clark, Xavier Willison, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Scott Sorensen, Leo Thompson, Jacob Laban, Tanner Stowers-Smith. Only four of the interchange can be used in a match. Team lists can change late, so confirm the final line-ups on the official RLWC 2026 site.
New Zealand team news
- Dane Gagai and Moses Leota return after being rested for the Cook Islands game.
- Isaiah Papali'i is back in the starting side in the back row, with Briton Nikora.
- Joseph Tapine switches to lock.
- Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad moves to the interchange, and Xavier Willison, Erin Clark and Scott Sorensen also go to the bench.
- Keano Kini is at fullback again, after Kalyn Ponga was ruled out with a broken arm.
Fiji team news
Fiji's team list for this match was not available when we wrote this article. We will update it once the team is named, so check back before kick-off or follow the live page. Fiji, coached by Mick Potter, beat the Cook Islands 40–12 and then lost 22–36 to Australia.
New Zealand vs Fiji prediction
Our prediction: New Zealand to win. The Kiwis beat the Cook Islands 82–16 and bring back their rested stars. Their only defeat was a 22–24 loss to Australia. But this fixture has history: Fiji beat New Zealand 4–2 in the 2017 quarter-final, and the Kiwis needed to come back to win 24–18 in the 2022 quarter-final. Fiji also went close against Australia. Expect a tight game. This is editorial opinion, not betting advice.
What is at stake
Australia have won both of their games and are already through to the semi-finals. New Zealand and Fiji both beat the Cook Islands and lost to Australia, so each has two points. The winner of this match will have four points and the loser will stay on two, which makes it close to a straight shootout for the second Pool A semi-final place. Check the pool tables for the latest standings.
How the teams got here
- New Zealand lost 22–24 to Australia, then beat the Cook Islands 82–16.
- Fiji beat the Cook Islands 40–12, then lost 22–36 to Australia.
Kick-off time in your timezone
| Region | Local time (Saturday 31 October) |
|---|---|
| Australia, Sydney (AEDT) | 3:30 PM |
| Australia, Gold Coast and Brisbane (AEST) | 2:30 PM |
| Australia, Perth (AWST) | 12:30 PM |
| New Zealand (NZDT) | 5:30 PM |
| Fiji | 4:30 PM |
| Tonga and Samoa | 5:30 PM |
| Papua New Guinea | 2:30 PM |
| Bangladesh | 10:30 AM |
| India | 10:00 AM |
| Pakistan | 9:30 AM |
| South Africa | 6:30 AM |
| France (CET) | 5:30 AM |
| United Kingdom (GMT) | 4:30 AM |
| USA Eastern (EDT) | 12:30 AM |
| USA Pacific (PDT) | 9:30 PM, Friday 30 October |
UK and French clocks went back on 25 October. US clocks do not change until 1 November.
Where to watch
- New Zealand: Sky Sport, and ThreeNow for free-to-air coverage.
- Australia: Seven, free-to-air, and 7plus Sport, free with an account.
- UK, Ireland, USA and Canada: Premier Sports.
- Fiji and the rest of the Pacific: check the official RLWC 2026 site for your local broadcaster.
- Everywhere else: check the official RLWC 2026 site.
More on New Zealand vs Fiji
Frequently asked questions
Who is in the New Zealand team to play Fiji?
New Zealand: Keano Kini; Jamayne Isaako, Dane Gagai, Casey McLean, Ronaldo Mulitalo; Kodi Nikorima, Jahrome Hughes; James Fisher-Harris (captain), Jeremy Marshall-King, Moses Leota, Isaiah Papali'i, Briton Nikora, Joseph Tapine (vice-captain).
What are the New Zealand changes for Fiji?
Five changes: Dane Gagai and Moses Leota return after being rested, Isaiah Papali'i is back in the back row, Joseph Tapine moves to lock, and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Xavier Willison, Erin Clark and Scott Sorensen go to the bench.
Who will win New Zealand vs Fiji?
Our prediction is a New Zealand win, but Fiji have beaten the Kiwis at a World Cup before. This is editorial opinion, not betting advice.
Who is New Zealand's coach?
Stacey Jones coaches New Zealand. Fiji are coached by Mick Potter.
What time is New Zealand vs Fiji?
Kick-off is 3:30 PM AEDT on Saturday 31 October 2026 at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast, which is 5:30 PM in New Zealand and 10:30 AM in Bangladesh.