Panthers players took to the international stage in Round 1 of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, representing Australia, New Zealand, Samoa and the Cook Islands.
Isaah Yeo made his World Cup captaincy debut for Australia, playing all 80 minutes in a thrilling 24-22 victory over New Zealand, while Casey McLean scored the opening try of the tournament for the Kiwis. Samoa also made a flying start, recording a commanding 78-4 victory over France.
Highlights: Australia v New Zealand
Isaah Yeo led from the front for the Kangaroos, recording 53 tackles at 96.36% efficiency and 141 running metres. The Panthers co-captain played through a ruptured pectoral muscle, delaying surgery until after the tournament, and produced a crucial defensive effort to help Australia hold off a late New Zealand comeback.
Yeo & Fisher-Harris react to World Cup epic
Liam Martin also featured in Australia's victory, returning to the green and gold for the first time in three years. Starting in the second row, Martin made 35 tackles at 87.5% efficiency and contributed two offloads.
Casey McLean made an immediate impact for New Zealand, scoring the first try of the World Cup in the fourth minute. The Panthers winger showed impressive athleticism to ground the ball in the corner under pressure, finishing with two line breaks and 176 running metres from 14 runs in the narrow defeat.
Every Casey McLean Kiwis try so far
Isaiah Papali'i also played a key role for the Kiwis, providing a line break assist and six offloads while making 37 tackles at 94.87% efficiency. Moses Leota added two offloads and recorded 76 running metres in New Zealand's hard-fought opening match.
Samoa enjoyed a dominant start to their campaign, with Brian To'o and Izack Tago both contributing to the big win over France. To'o ran for 163 metres and produced a crucial second-half hit to force an error, which Stephen Crichton collected to score and extend Samoa's lead.
Highlights: Samoa v France
Tago also made his mark, crossing for a try and providing three line break assists while running for 152 metres in the 74-point victory.
Tago's Samoa Spectacular
Delahia Wigmore represented the Cook Islands in Round 1, making 32 tackles and contributing one offload in his opening appearance of the tournament.
With Round 2 approaching, the Panthers contingent will look to build on their opening performances as the World Cup continues.
