Gagai to Become Oldest Kiwi Debutant Ever as Ponga Named Fullback for World Cup Opener

Dane Gagai is about to make rugby league history. The Newcastle veteran will become the oldest Test debutant in New Zealand's history when he takes the field against defending champions Australia in the Rugby League World Cup opener at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Thursday night. Aged 36 years 286 days, Gagai will smash a record that has stood for 55 years, set by Canterbury hooker Jim Fisher — who debuted at 30 years 75 days against Great Britain in Salford in 1971 and passed away just last month at 85. Gagai's selection caps a remarkable switch of allegiance. He played seven Tests for the Kangaroos — the first coming in the opening match of the 2017 World Cup in Melbourne — before being cleared to represent New Zealand through Māori heritage on his mother's side on the eve of the Knights' NRL grand final appearance against the Sydney Roosters on October 4. He has also played three times each for the Māori All Stars and Indigenous All Stars. Alongside him at fullback will be his Knights teammate Kalyn Ponga, fulfilling his long-held ambition to play for the Kiwis after three Māori All Stars appearances. Coach Stacey Jones has leaned on an experienced pack: captain James Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota start at prop, with Isaiah Papali'i, Briton Nikora and vice-captain Joseph Tapine across the back row, while Dolphins dummy half Jeremy Marshall-King replaces the suspended Phoenix Crossland at hooker. Kodi Nikorima, the longest-serving Kiwi in the squad after debuting in 2015, wears No.6 alongside Jahrome Hughes, back in the black jersey for the first time since the 14-16 loss to Australia in the 2022 World Cup semifinal in Leeds. It is a side built to defend the Kiwis' honor on home soil — and to spoil the champions' party.