The biggest surprise was the inclusion of just one specialist hooker in Jeremy Marshall-King, with Phoenix Crossland serving a suspension that meant he wouldn’t be available until the semi-finals should the Kiwis make it that far, while Brandon Smith made himself unavailable.
While not selected, Jones said Crossland could still be picked should any injuries arise.
It leaves the Kiwis in a pickle for the pool stages as Kodi Nikorima, Te Maire Martin or possibly Erin Clark will have to spend time covering dummy half.
Jones said he spoke with Wayde Egan about representing the Kiwis, but the Warriors rake couldn’t commit for the tournament.
That will affect selections in the halves alongside Jahrome Hughes, with Nikorima and Martin serving as the specialist five-eighths, although Ponga could wear the No 6 jersey, allowing Keano Kini to stay at fullback.
Jamayne Isaako and Ronaldo Mulitalo are the specialist wingers, with the former likely to serve as the team’s goalkicker, while Gagai adds experience to the centres alongside Casey McLean and likely Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.
The forward pack is immense with Fisher-Harris, Clark, Naufahu Whyte, Joseph Tapine, Xavier Willison, Stowers-Smith and Leo Thompson all options in the middle, while Isaiah Papali’i, Bruton Nikora, Scott Sorensen and Laban will battle it out on the edges.
Jones felt it was close to his strongest possible squad, noting the absence of five-eighths Dylan Brown and centre Matt Timoko through injury.
“It’d be close to it,” Jones said. “I feel that every squad we’ve had has been good, but compared to last year [it’s] a very good squad.”
Jones said he’s excited for the chance to help the Kiwis capture the World Cup for a second time, with their lone triumph in 2008.
“When I go back to when I was announced as the coach, it’s a proud moment,” Jones said.
“It’s something you’re really honoured about and the privilege of being the coach.
“I’ve got a job to do, but look, this group of players that we have now drive the engine of this team.
“That 2008 team did something special and we’re hoping that we can replicate that and if there’s an opportunity to get some of those boys around this group we will.”
The Kiwis will open their World Cup campaign against Australia in Sydney in the RLWC opening match on October 15 before returning to home soil to face the Cook Islands in Christchurch. They will then travel to the Gold Coast for their final pool match against Fiji.
Meanwhile, former Black Ferns Sevens stars Stacey Waaka and Tenika Willison headline a group of seven uncapped players in the Kiwi Ferns squad.
The talented duo won Olympic gold together at the rescheduled Tokyo Games in 2021.
Both made a successful switch to league after the last Sevens Olympics campaign.
Many Kiwi Ferns players head to the World Cup after a strong NRLW season in which they won player of the year awards.
They include co-captains Raecene McGregor (Tigers) and Georgia Hale (Titans), with Kaiyah Atai (Warriors), Alexis Tauaneai (Bulldogs), Leianne Tufuga (Raiders) and Willison (Knights).
“We are really excited for this campaign. The depth of Kiwi talent we had to select from made this a tough decision, but we have absolute faith in these women we have named to pull on the jersey this year,” said Kiwi Ferns coach Ricky Henry.
“The way our last World Cup ended has lit the fire and hunger to go one better this time, and I believe we have the team to do that.”
The Kiwi Ferns face Fiji, France and Papua New Guinea in their pool matches.
The Wheel Kiwis have also named their squad in what will be their first Wheelchair World Cup appearance.
The team, which played their first test in 2024, will be led by Jayson Hooker, while five debutants feature among the 10-man squad.
The milestone competition will be held from October 30, with the Wheel Kiwis set to face Australia, France and Scotland in pool B.
Kiwis squad: Kalyn Ponga, Keano Kini, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Jamayne Isaako, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Casey McLean, Dane Gagai, Kodi Nikorima, Te Maire Martin, Jahrome Hughes, James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota, Xavier Willison, Naufahu Whyte, Leo Thompson, Joseph Tapine, Erin Clark, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Scott Sorensen, Isaiah Papali’i, Briton Nikora, Jacob Laban, Jeremy Marshall-King.
Kiwi Ferns squad: Brooke Anderson, Kaiyah Atai, Annessa Biddle, Brianna Clark, Georgia Hale, Mele Hufanga, Chantay Kiria-Ratu, Ivana Lauitiiti, Shannon Mato, Raecene McGregor, Shaniece Monschau, Apii Nicholls, Shanice Parker, Otesa Pule, Ashleigh Quinlan, Abigail Roache, Alexis Tauaneai, Trinity Tauaneai, Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa, Zahara Temara, Leianne Tufuga, Stacey Waaka, Tenika Willison.
Wheel Kiwis squad: Jayson Hooker, Nikia Fa’atau, Kauri Murray, Ryan Charles, Jamie Tapp, Jack Brown, Hayden Delves, Joshua Hirini-Barclay, Pele Sulusi, Mitch Stone.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.
