The stage is set for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with Dolphins stars preparing to go head-to-head as the opening round gets underway.
With players representing six nations across the tournament, Round 1 will see familiar faces become rivals as teammates trade their Dolphins jerseys for national colours.
From a Trans-Tasman blockbuster to an England and Tonga showdown, there is plenty to look forward to as the tournament kicks off on Thursday, October 15.
Australia v New Zealand – Thursday, October 15
Kick-off: 7:05pm AEST
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
The tournament opens with a blockbuster Trans-Tasman clash as Australia takes on New Zealand at Allianz Stadium.
Dolphins outside back Jack Bostock has been named on the wing for the Kangaroos and is set to make his international debut against three familiar faces in Jeremy Marshall-King, Jamayne Isaako and Kodi Nikorima.
The Kiwi trio have all earned starting positions, with Isaako named on the wing, Marshall-King at hooker and Nikorima at five-eighth.
The two nations last met during the 2024 Pacific Championships, where Australia claimed a 22-10 victory over New Zealand.
With four Dolphins lining up across the two rival nations, the opening fixture promises an exciting start to the World Cup as Bostock looks to make his mark on the international stage.
Samoa v France – Friday, October 16
Kick-off: 4:45pm AEST
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Samoa will kick off their World Cup campaign against France on Friday afternoon, with three Dolphins named in the starting side.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will take the field at fullback, while Francis Molo has been named in the front row and Connelly Lemuelu in the second row.
Tabuai-Fidow returns to the international stage after representing Samoa at the previous Rugby League World Cup, where he featured on the wing. This time, the electric outside back will take on the fullback role as Samoa looks to make a strong start to the tournament.
Lemuelu is set to make his second appearance for Samoa, having made his international debut against Australia in the opening round of the 2023 Pacific Championships.
Meanwhile, Molo brings valuable international experience to the forward pack as he prepares for his seventh appearance in Samoan colours, having last represented the nation during the 2025 Pacific Championships.
With all three Dolphins earning starting roles, Samoa will be looking to open their campaign with a victory over France.
England v Tonga – Saturday, October 17
Kick-off: 7:05pm AEST
Venue: Perth
Saturday’s clash between England and Tonga shapes as one of the must-watch fixtures of the opening round, with four Dolphins stars and Head Coach Kristian Woolf involved.
English internationals Herbie Farnworth and Morgan Knowles will come up against club teammate Isaiya Katoa, while Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has been named in Tonga’s extended squad.
Farnworth has been named in the centres for England and is preparing for his 10th international appearance, having previously represented his nation at the 2022 Rugby League World Cup.
Joining him is fellow English international Morgan Knowles, who has been named at lock. Knowles also featured alongside Farnworth at the previous World Cup and is set to make his 12th appearance for England.
On the Tongan side, Dolphins co-captain Isaiya Katoa will steer the side from halfback as he prepares for his 12th international appearance.
Finefeuiaki has also been included in Tonga’s extended squad, adding another Dolphins connection to the highly anticipated encounter.
Adding to the occasion, Dolphins Head Coach Kristian Woolf will take charge of Tonga, bringing another familiar face into the international showdown.
Fiji v Cook Islands – Sunday, October 18
Kick-off: 3:05pm AEST
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Fiji and the Cook Islands will round out the opening weekend, with Dolphins utility Kurt Donoghoe named at five-eighth for Fiji.
The Newcastle junior will return to familiar territory at McDonald Jones Stadium, this time representing his nation on the international stage.
Donoghoe is set to make his eighth appearance for Fiji, bringing his trademark toughness and versatility to the halves as the side looks to kick off its World Cup campaign with a victory.
With Dolphins representatives featuring across all four days of the opening round, there will be plenty of action for Phins fans to follow.
