The 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup is shaping up to be the most competitive tournament in its history, as the gap between the dominant Australian Jillaroos and their rivals continues to narrow. Scheduled amid significant growth in the women’s game, the event reflects the rapid evolution of women’s rugby league globally over the past four years.
Since the last World Cup, the National Rugby League Women’s Premiership (NRLW) has expanded considerably, growing from six teams and five rounds to 12 teams competing over 11 rounds. The tournament has also gained substantial visibility, securing prominent broadcasting slots during the Australian winter. Alongside the NRLW’s rise, the Women’s State of Origin has developed into a three-match series that regularly draws crowds exceeding 20,000 and reaches millions of viewers per game. These advancements have not only enhanced domestic competition but also strengthened international women’s rugby league.
Players from the NRLW now feature across many teams in the 2026 World Cup, not only for Australia but for other competing nations as well. The league’s expansion is creating pathways for players to represent countries linked to their cultural heritage, a trend long established in men’s rugby league. This increased visibility has allowed overseas coaches to identify and recruit talent more effectively, contributing to a more competitive international field.
Eight teams will compete for the title, including five returning from the 2022 tournament: Australia, New Zealand, England, Papua New Guinea, and France. Fiji and Wales will make their debut in the women’s World Cup, while Samoa will participate for the first time since 2003.
Among the challengers, New Zealand and England are considered the most formidable. The New Zealand squad boasts a full roster of NRLW players, such as Canberra Raiders halfback Zahara Temara and Sydney Roosters prop Otesa Pule. England, meanwhile, relies heavily on experience from the Super League, featuring nine players from the dominant Wigan Warriors, supplemented by several Australian NRLW stars, including Roosters second-rower Jasmin Strange.
The Jillaroos retain a significant advantage in team cohesion, with eight players from the undefeated 2026 NRLW premiers Sydney Roosters and thirteen from the New South Wales Sky Blues, the winners of the 2026 Women’s State of Origin series. This core group has extensive experience playing together, fostering a strong winning culture that is expected to prove decisive under pressure.
Coach Jess Skinner faces challenging decisions in finalizing her squad, notably the competition between two talented halfbacks: State of Origin winner Jesse Southwell and NRLW premiership winner Tarryn Aiken. While Aiken holds the starting halfback position for the tournament opener against Samoa, Skinner is anticipated to rotate both players as the competition unfolds. Additionally, Jocelyn Kelleher, set to debut for Australia in the opening match, is poised to secure a key role as five-eighth, bringing a sharp kicking game that has been instrumental for her NRLW and State of Origin teams.
A notable omission from the Australian squad is former captain Ali Brigginshaw, who retired from the NRLW earlier this year. Despite her storied career and aspirations for a World Cup victory, Brigginshaw was not selected for the tournament and will observe from the sidelines. Leadership responsibilities have been entrusted to Isabelle Kelly, captain of both the Sky Blues and Roosters.
As the tournament approaches, the increasing competitiveness across participating nations signals a new era for women’s rugby league on the world stage.