From cleaning a home to the Kiwis: Laban’s World Cup call-up

Jacob Laban was cleaning a home when New Zealand Kiwis coach Stacey Jones rang to tell him he had made the Rugby League World Cup squad.

The Warriors forward showed his wife the caller’s name, answered the phone and heard the news. Then the pair jumped up and down.

“It was pretty crazy,” Laban told PMN News.

Now the 2026 World Cup debutant is preparing to face Australia in the tournament opener, carrying the hopes of his family and a season that saw him named the Warriors’ Players’ Player of the Year.

For Laban, the call also marked a personal milestone. Born in Sāmoa and raised in New Zealand, he had considered representing Toa Sāmoa but says he had always leaned towards the Kiwis after coming through New Zealand’s representative system.

His father, who is Sāmoan, backed his decision. “He just keeps it to himself or blocks it off,” Laban joked when asked how his family in Sāmoa had reacted to his selection.

The New Zealand Kiwis prepare for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, where they open their campaign against Australia before facing the Cook Islands and Fiji in Pool A. Photo/AAP/Photosport/Robbie Stephenson

But his father’s advice was clear: “Kiwis gave me an opportunity, New Zealand gave me an opportunity, just pay it back and be loyal.”

Laban says having coaches believe in him has also made a difference. “I think if no one really backs you, then it's sort of like you're on your own, back against the wall."

The young forward will share the World Cup experience with his brother Tanner Stowers-Smith, who is also in line to make his Kiwis debut. Laban remembers when they were playing for the Kiwi A team two years ago.

Tanner Stowers-Smith and Jahrome Hughes have been named in the NZ Kiwis side for the RLWC which kicks off next week. Photo/AAP/Photosport/Robbie Stephenson

“Two years, we were in the Kiwis squad,” he said. “So I'm happy that I can be in the Kiwis squad with them as well.”

Laban’s story reflects the different journeys behind the black jersey as several players make deeply personal decisions about the country they represent.

Newcastle Knights star Kalyn Ponga, who grew up in New Zealand but has spent much of his career in Australia, says his connection to Māori culture and his family helped guide his decision to play for the Kiwis.

“To go out there and represent where I'm from, my family, my culture and the country, it's pretty special,” Ponga told a media standup in Auckland.

For Dane Gagai, the call-up also carries family meaning. The Newcastle outside back has previously represented Australia and won a World Cup with the Kangaroos but says his New Zealand family ties remain central to who he is.

“Being Kiwi for me isn't just where you're born and raised, it's who you are and I was raised by my family,” Gagai said.

Newcastle Knights stars Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai say representing New Zealand means honouring their families, culture and where they come from. Photo/AAP/Photosport/Robbie Stephenson

Jahrome Hughes, returning to the Kiwis after missing recent campaigns through injury, said pulling on the jersey was something he had dreamed of since childhood.

“I dreamed putting these colours on since I was a young kid,” the Melbourne Storm halfback said.

The Kiwis are ranked second in the latest International Rugby League men’s rankings and finished the 2022 World Cup with a narrow 16-14 semi-final loss to Australia.

They won the Pacific Championships in 2025 and now begin their World Cup campaign against the Kangaroos in Sydney on Thursday, 15 October.

New Zealand, captained by Warriors co-leader James Fisher-Harris, are in Pool A with Australia, the Cook Islands and Fiji. After the opening match, the Kiwis face the Cook Islands in Christchurch on 25 October before meeting Fiji on the Gold Coast on 31 October.

Jones said Laban and Stowers-Smith had earned their places after strong seasons with the Warriors.

Kiwis coach Stacey Jones, centre with white hat, says Warriors teammates Jacob Laban and Tanner Stowers-Smith have earned their places in the World Cup squad after strong seasons. Photo/AAP/Photosport/Robbie Stephenson

“Jakey was our Players' Player of the Year this year,” the coach said. “They're going to add something to this group.”

Laban believes the next few weeks will be about learning from some of the game’s biggest names, building combinations, and enjoying his first taste of a World Cup.

“Just probably all the banter around the boys, see what their banter's like,” he said.

The Kiwis’ first test comes against the reigning champions, Australia, in the opening match of the tournament.

The 2026 Rugby League World Cup kicks off on 15 October and ends on 15 November. Games will be held across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.