The New Zealand Kiwis looked like arguably the most lethal native rugby league team in 2025, and now have set their sights on next year's Rugby League World Cup.
The Kiwis were brimming with confidence after storming to Pacific Championships glory with a commanding 36-14 win over Samoa.
Following the victory, hooker Phoenix Crossland delivered a defiant message to arch-rivals Australia, with the hopes of taking out the Goliath-like squad.
“I'm biased because I play for them, but we've got the best team in the world,” he told NRL.com.
“We've got what it takes to win the World Cup.”
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - OCTOBER 21: James Fisher-Harris, captain of the Kiwis is tackled (C) during the Mens Pacific Championships match between New Zealand Kiwis and Toa Samoa at Eden Park on October 21, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)
The Kiwis' dominant campaign has rocketed them into joint favouritism with the Kangaroos, fuelled by the power and depth of a forward pack led by Joe Tapine, James Fisher-Harris, and Moses Leota.
Their impact was matched by a destructive interchange unit featuring Erin Clark, Xavier Willison, and Naufahu Whyte, who ensured there was no let-up in intensity.
Tapine believes the squad's mix of experience and emerging talent gives them an edge heading into 2026.
“We've got the best forward pack in the world and we want to show it,” Tapine said.
“Australia are still a force, but we'll have a good game if we meet next year.
“The Pacific Island teams are unreal too; they'll be tough to beat.”
Australia, meanwhile, are coming off a 3-0 Ashes sweep over England, but questions linger over their depth following Payne Haas' shock switch to Samoa.
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Reece Walsh (c) of Australia celebrates with Hudson Young after scoring the opening try during the Rugby League Ashes match between England and Australia at Wembley Stadium on October 25, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Kiwis centre Matt Timoko said the squad's Pacific Championship success had set a new benchmark heading into the World Cup.
“It was an unreal feeling to win the Pacific Championships,” he said.
“It sets us up beautifully.
“We've set a performance level this year that we'll have to maintain next year if we want to go all the way.”
After years of frustration, including early World Cup exits in 2017 and 2022, New Zealand's focus is now fixed on redemption, and on toppling the Kangaroos on rugby league's grandest stage.
