New Zealand Wheel Kiwis will lean on the experience of former Wheelaroos representative Mitchell Stone for their historic IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026 campaign in Wollongong.

Stone, who played for Australia at the 2013 World Cup in England, was named in the Wheel Kiwis squad after switching international allegiances to New Zealand.

His move follows a change to the IRL international eligibility tiers for Wheelchair Rugby League in May, with Australia and New Zealand reclassified as Tier 2 nations.

Previously, players who had played for Australia, England, France or New Zealand were unable to play for any of the other Tier 1 nations. However, they could play for a Tier 2 or Tier 3 nation provided they were eligible.

The changes make it easier for players - like Stone, whose parents are from New Zealand - to represent a nation for which they qualify through birth or if a parent or grandparent was born in that country.

"Here it is. What I have been working towards for the last 12 months. My opportunity to earn the dual international badge," Stone said in a social media posted thanking his family for their support.

Photo: Mitchell Stone has switched from Australia to New Zealand.

England and France remain Tier 1 nations as they have won every Wheelchair World Cup - 2008 (England), 2013 (France), 2017 (France), 2021 (England).

The Wheel Kiwis made their international debut in 2024 and will play in their first Word Cup from October 30, with matches against Australia, France and Scotland.

Preparation for the World Cup has been building since early 2026, with a wider squad following a dedicated training programme and competing in the 2026 LCA NRL Wheelchair Championships and the recent inaugural NZRL Wheelchair Nationals.

The selected Wheel Kiwis 10-man squad combines experience, strength, and emerging talent, with five returning members from the first-ever Test side that faced Australia in 2024.

Among those returning are Nikia Fa’atau, Kauri Murray, and Wheel Kiwi #1 Jayson Hooker, who will captain the team throughout their World Cup campaign.

The squad also features five debutants in Jack Brown, Hayden Delves, Joshua Hirini-Barclay, Pele Sulusi, and Mitch Stone. While yet to earn Test caps, all five have experience in the national programme, representing the New Zealand Resident Wheel Kiwis sides that competed in the 2025 and 2026 LCA NRL Wheelchair Championships.

Head Coach Edie George will also return to lead the team, having been instrumental in the Wheel Kiwis programme since their maiden 2024 campaign. George has continued to develop the side through the 2025 and 2026 LCA NRL Wheelchair Championships and the NZRL Wheelchair Nationals.

“Representing Aotearoa at our first-ever Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup is a huge honour for this group," Geroge said.

"We’ve worked incredibly hard to get here, and I’m proud of the commitment, growth, and belief the players have shown. We’re excited to take this next step together and represent New Zealand on the world stage.”

Photo: The Wheel Kiwis perform a haka before their trans-Tasman clash with the Wheelaroos. @NRL Photos

The team will continue their preparations in the coming weeks, with the squad set to come together in Auckland for a connection and training camp before travelling to Australia for the World Cup.

New Zealand Wheel Kiwis squad

1. Jack Brown
2. Ryan Charles
3. Hayden Delves
4. Nikia Fa’atau
5. Joshua Hirini-Barclay
6. Jayson Hooker (C)
7. Kauri Murray (VC)
8. Pele Sulusi
9. Mitch Stone
10. Jamie Tapp

Rugby League World Cup 2026 returns to Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Where nations clash, heroes rise, and legends are forged. 3 World Cups. 26 Teams. The World’s Best. Tickets are now on sale from $19. Don’t miss the pinnacle of global Rugby League.