Dean Tauaa, Francis Manuleleua, John Fineanganofo and Caelys-Paul Putoko are among the New Zealand-born player who could make their NRL debuts in 2026. Photos / Photosport
The NRL is oozing with talent across the board and many of them hail from New Zealand, from small settlements in the Far North to metropolitan cities such as Auckland.
We know many of the established names, but with the trials complete, we got the chance to see many youngsters who are on the cusp of making their NRL debuts.
The Herald looks at 17 New Zealand-born players who impressed during pre-season and could make the step up to the NRL.
1. Mason Barber – North Queensland Cowboys
Age: 19. School: Keebra Park State High School (Qld).
After missing all of 2025, the kid from Hokianga is primed to stamp his mark by showcasing electric footwork and blistering speed, with the ability to cover all back five positions. As the Cowboys are not flush with depth in the backs it might not be long before he’s given an opportunity. He scored the game-clinching try against the Bulldogs in the pre-season, which highlighted his incredible footwork.
Welcome back, Mason Barber 👏 pic.twitter.com/ATNKcI7TRD
— NQ Cowboys (@nthqldcowboys) February 7, 2026
2. Siale Faeamani – Gold Coast Titans
Age: 21. School: St Peter’s College.
The 21-year-old has emerged as a bolter after arriving on the Gold Coast via the Warriors and most recently the Panthers. Since then, he’s impressed new coach Josh Hannay, who has overhauled the squad, and Faeamani is destined to start in their season opener against the Sharks.
3. Caelys-Paul Putoko – New Zealand Warriors
Age: 19. School: Hamilton Boys’ High School.
A player who was chased by numerous Super Rugby franchises before settling back home at the Warriors after a stint with the Titans. Putoko was part of the Cook Islands squad that qualified for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. Still room for improvement, but he does already look like a star of the future.
4. Dean Tauaa – South Sydney Rabbitohs
Age: 18. School: Mabel Park State High School (Qld).
If you ever wanted to see a centre with the speed of a wing and the ability to carry like a middle forward then Tauaa is your man. He’s been dominating the SG Ball (Under-19s) for the Rabbitohs, who have locked him down long term. While he won’t join the NRL squad for a couple more years, if he keeps up his current vein of form, that debut could come sooner rather than later.
5. Setu Tu – St George Illawarra Dragons
Age: 27. School: Otahuhu College.
On the back of multiple impressive seasons with the Warriors’ reserves, where he managed 44 tries in 67 appearances, Tu made the move to Sydney and had an immediate impact. Initially signed to a development contract, coach Shane Flannagan said he had been impressed with Tu’s energy and evasiveness.
6. Jett Cleary – New Zealand Warriors
Age: 20. School: St Dominic’s College (NSW).
It would be silly not to include the brother of Panthers star Nathan Cleary and the son of former Warriors player and coach Ivan Cleary. Andrew Webster has stressed there is no need to rush the youngest Cleary, but with plenty of potential changes on the horizon, that debut could happen sooner rather than later. While it’s unlikely he will ever play for the Kiwis, he was born in Auckland, so New Zealand might as well claim him while we can.
7. David Bryenton – Canterbury Bulldogs
Age: 18. School: Keebra Park State High School (Qld).
The Auckland teen has one of the cooler stories in making it to the Bulldogs after a social media message led to him joining the illustrious Keebra Park State High School before being chased by several NRL clubs, eventually landing with the Doggies. While fullback is his natural position, he has been wearing the No 7 jersey for the SG Ball (Under-19s) side through the opening rounds. An NRL debut is a long shot in 2026, but he’s already highly regarded. Last year he was the recipient of the Peter Sterling Medal, which is awarded to the best schoolboy player in Australia and has been won by the likes of Payne Hass and Tom Dearden.
8. Salesi Ataata – South Sydney Rabbitohs
Age: 23. School: Pakūranga College.
A big, powerful front rower with great footwork and a strong leg drive. After limited chances in New Zealand, he made the move to Sydney, where he began in the Cronulla Sharks’ system before finding a home with the Bunnies. His breakout form for the reserves side has led to him being added to the Rabbitohs’ supplementary list for the 2026 season.
9. John Fineanganofo – Dolphins
Age: 20. School: Auckland Grammar.
A player that has emerged as an early season bolter is the 20-year-old from Auckland Grammar, being he’s the only specialist fit hooker at the Dolphins on the eve of the NRL season. The Dolphins do have players capable of filling the void, but Fineanganofo’s undergone a steady apprenticeship in the Queensland Cup and early indications say he’s ready to go. He is the younger brother of Hurricanes winger Fehi Fineanganofo.
10. Elijah Rasmussen – Dolphins
Age: 21. School: Westlake Boys’ High School.
The only non-New Zealand-born player to feature on this list, as he spent his early years in England while his dad, Dale Rasmussen, played professional rugby. A tall, powerful middle forward, he attended Westlake Boys’ and was later scouted after playing in a Māori tournament in Rotorua. Was previously part of the Blues’ Under-18s squad.
11. Mason Kira – North Queensland Cowboys
Age: 20. School: Mountain Creek State High School (Qld).
New Zealand-born but raised in Queensland, Kira has been on the cusp of a debut for the past couple of years but has been held back by injuries. Has already represented the Queensland U19s team and can play in the middle or second-row.
12. Francis Manuleleua – Newcastle Knights
Age: 21. School: King’s College.
The former King’s College First XV captain has earned a promotion to the Knights’ top 30 squad after a standout New South Wales Cup campaign, where he received the players’ player award. Has been labelled as a powerful ball runner with a good offload. With plenty of youth in the club’s forward pack, expect that opportunity to eventuate in 2026.
13. Alekolasimi Jones – Canterbury Bulldogs
Age: 21. School: St Paul’s College.
A strong, powerful forward who has worked his way through the ranks of the Bulldogs and now sits on the cusp of a debut. Bulldogs GM Phil Gould has labelled him as the next breakout forward at the club, which says something about the talent and potential he possesses. He is part of the Doggies’ extended squad in Las Vegas.
14. Makaia Tafua – New Zealand Warriors
Age: 21. School: Shirley Boys’ High School.
It has been some time since the Warriors have had a New Zealand-born hooker leading the side, but the 21-year-old could be that person. Has plenty of speed coming out of the ruck and a strong kicking game to boot. He is part of a promising South Island core at the Warriors, including Jason Salalilo and Bishop Neal.
15. Toby Crosby – Panthers
Age: 22. School: St Patrick’s College Silverstream.
If there was a player who is on a massive upward trajectory, then don’t look past Toby Crosby, a player the Warriors might regret letting go. A player with a union background, the 22-year-old took to league like water off a duck’s back with his work ethic and defence being big highlights.
16. Zac Garton – Dolphins
Age: 19. School: Caloundra State High School (Qld).
Has worked his way through the ranks at the Dolphins, starting with the Under-6s at Redcliffe. Was born in Kaitāia but relocated to Australia at a young age. Another player who featured for the Queensland U19s team and the Australian Schoolboys. An edge backrower who brings plenty of size and footwork.
17. Kayliss Fatialofa – New Zealand Warriors
Age: 21. School: De La Salle College.
The 21-year-old looks destined to be the next graduate from the Warriors’ pathways system on the back of an impressive NSW Cup, where he was named in the team of the year. Across the season, he averaged 89m and 27 tackles per game, which are impressive numbers for an edge forward. Nearly made the move to the Panthers but backflipped during the 10-day cooling period. Overall was quiet during the trials, but has the skills to become a regular in first grade.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.