Fiji Name 23-Man World Cup Squad as Koroisau Takes Captain's Armband

Fiji have finalised their 23-man squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with veteran hooker Apisai Koroisau handed the captaincy for the tournament that kicks off on October 15.

Coach Mick Potter has blended seasoned internationals with fresh faces. South Sydney pair Bayleigh Bentley-Hape and Elijah Keung earned call-ups after impressive lower-grade campaigns and will make their international debuts at the tournament, while Queensland Cup prop of the year Mitchell Prest — Warrington's new signing — is rewarded for a standout season with Mackay.

The Super League contingent features Bradford's Waqa Blake, Castleford's Semi Valemei and Huddersfield's Taane Milne, with Milne bringing 17 of the trio's 33 combined Fiji caps.

But the Bati will be without one of their biggest names. Powerful Bulldogs back-rower Viliame Kikau has been ruled out after hurting his ankle in Canterbury's final round of the season, while Wests Tigers fullback Jahream Bula also misses out through injury.

Drawn in Pool A with Australia, New Zealand and the Cook Islands, Fiji open their campaign against the Cook Islands in Newcastle on October 18 before facing the Kangaroos in Brisbane on October 25 and the Kiwis on the Gold Coast on October 31. The top two advance to the semi-finals.