‘My heart lies with New Zealand’: Stowers-Smith ready for emotional Kiwis debut

Tanner Stowers-Smith has dreamed about playing for the Kiwis for as long as he can remember.

Speaking with PMN News intern Brooke Fonoti for Pacific Huddle, the Warriors prop says he has deliberately kept his emotions in check during the build-up to Saturday’s clash with the Cook Islands.

“I think when I’m out there singing the national anthem, it’ll hit me,” Stowers-Smith says.

“I’ve just taken it as a normal week so far, and just let the emotions roll when I actually get out there.”

On Sunday, that moment arrives when New Zealand face the Cook Islands Aitu at One NZ Stadium.

New Zealand come into the match looking to bounce back from a 24–22 opening-round loss to Australia in Sydney, where the Kiwis were in the contest throughout but were left to rue a handful of costly moments despite long periods of strong play.

Listen to the full interview with Tanner Stowers-Smith on Facebook

For Stowers-Smith representing the Kiwis has been a goal for as long as he can remember, even while remaining deeply connected to his Samoan heritage.

“I’m a proud Samoan, but I think my heart lies with New Zealand,” he says.

“I’ve always dreamed of playing for New Zealand. The Kiwis have been such a big pillar and a big inspiration to my footy.”

After returning home at the end of the Warriors season, Stowers-Smith assumed he had missed selection as the week wore on without news.

The Cook Islands rugby league team after training this week, preparing to take on the Kiwis in Christchurch. Photo/Cook Islands Rugby League Facebook/

Then he got the call up from Kiwis coach Stacey Jones and delivered the news to his family.

“I just opened the door and sort of yelled the news out to all of them. It was pretty cool to be able to tell them in person.”

Stowers-Smith says his mother and father have probably felt the significance of the occasion more than he has so far.

“My dad’s really proud and my mum also was quite emotional. It’s going to mean a lot to them … to run out there and represent their name.”.

Tanner Stowers-Smith, left wearing cap, during a visit to his former school St Bede’s College in Christchurch, where he was presented with the 2026 Old Boys’ Association Sportsman of the Year award ahead of the Kiwis’ World Cup clash with the Cook Islands. Photo/St Bede's College Old Boys' Association Facebook/

His mother’s family migrated from Sāmoa and settled in Aranui, where Stowers-Smith spent part of his childhood.

“I want to make that side of my family proud,” he says. “For me to be able to represent that side of my culture as well, it is a big motivator.”

Stowers-Smith’s great-grandfather Pat Smith was a former Kiwis captain who played 10 Tests for New Zealand between 1947 and 1949, captaining the side in every one.

“Hopefully one day (I’ll) be a leader like he was and be remembered in the black jersey.”

First, though, comes the Cook Islands.

Stowers-Smith says he does not want to chase a spectacular debut or become distracted by the occasion, he aims to work hard, earn the trust of his teammates and play the same uncompromising football that earned him selection.

“I’m just trying to go out there and make my teammates proud and make them trust me as a player,” he says.

But when the anthem begins and he looks into the Christchurch crowd for his family and friends, keeping those emotions contained may be difficult.

“It’s something that I’ve dreamt of, to play for this jersey,” Stowers-Smith says. “It’s definitely going to be a very emotional time for me and my family.”

The Kiwis face the Cook Islands Aitu at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch tomorrow, with kick-off at 6.05pm New Zealand time.