Rugby League World Cup: The star players the Kiwis missed out on
The New Zealand rugby league team is looking to bolster its roster by attracting dual-eligible players following recent changes to eligibility rules. The article highlights prominent players like Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary who have previously considered or been linked to the Kiwis.
Why it matters
Changes in international eligibility rules are shifting the landscape of professional rugby league, potentially altering the competitive balance between national teams.
New Zealand's international rugby league side has had its fair share of missed opportunities over the past couple of decades and, when it comes to player selection and retention, some of the biggest names in the game have been aligned with the Kiwis - only to ultimately pull on another nation's jersey.
There are signs the tide is beginning to turn, with experienced campaigners Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai joining New Zealand's 2026 Rugby League World Cup squad . The path has been made clearer by changes to the eligibility rules that now allow New Zealand internationals to play State of Origin. It could mark the beginning of a new wave of dual-eligible talent choosing to represent the Kiwis.
We take a look at some of the biggest players who have slipped through the Kiwis' hands:
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