The Best 19 Players Missing From the 2026 Rugby League World Cup

The 2026 Rugby League World Cup will feature some of the biggest names in international rugby league, but a number of NRL stars will be watching from home rather than representing their nations.

From devastating injuries to selection omissions and players switching codes, there is enough missing talent to assemble a formidable 19-man side.

With a strong spine, explosive outside backs and plenty of power through the middle, this team would be capable of competing with some of the nations at the World Cup.

Here is the best 19-man team of NRL players missing from the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.

1. Dylan Edwards — Fullback

Reason: Knee injury

Edwards is one of the NRL's most consistent fullbacks, but a knee injury suffered during Penrith's finals campaign ruled him out of the World Cup.

The Panthers star has been a regular contender for representative selection, and his reliability under the high ball, support play and defensive positioning would have made him a strong option at the back. Australia will instead turn to Reece Walsh and its other fullback options.

2. Alex Johnston — Wing

Reason: Rib injury

Johnston is one of the greatest try-scorers in NRL history, but a rib injury has ruled him out of Papua New Guinea's World Cup campaign.

The South Sydney winger would have been a major weapon for the Kumuls, bringing exceptional speed and an outstanding finishing record. His absence deprives PNG of one of its most dangerous attacking players.

3. Simi Sasagi — Centre

Reason: Not selected for Samoa

Sasagi has the versatility to play in the centres and across the forward pack, making him a useful option in a team like this.

Despite being among the players considered in discussions around Samoa's potential line-up, he was not named in the final squad. His versatility and physical approach would have given Toa Samoa another option across the backs and forwards.

4. Selwyn Cobbo — Centre

Reason: Ankle and lower-back injuries

Cobbo's explosive running and ability to beat defenders make him one of the most dangerous outside backs in the NRL.

However, he was not included in Australia's final World Cup squad due to multiple injuries he was carrying. His athleticism and ability to cover centre and wing would have made him a valuable option for the Kangaroos.

5. Greg Marzhew — Wing

Reason: Injured

Marzhew's power and ability to break tackles would have made him an exciting addition to Samoa's backline should he have remained fit.

The Newcastle Knights winger was among the outside backs discussed during the build-up to the tournament but will unfortunely now miss the World Cup. His ability to generate metres and finish attacking opportunities would have given Samoa another powerful option out wide. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava has been named as his replacement.

6. Ethan Strange — Five-eighth

Reason: Declined international approaches

Strange is one of the most promising young playmakers in the NRL, but he will not feature at the World Cup after turning down approaches from England and New Zealand, hoping for an Australian selection.

The Canberra Raiders star had options through his family heritage but chose not to take up either opportunity. His attacking instincts and running game would have made him an exciting addition to either nation, and was in the running for a green and gold jersey.

7. Nathan Cleary — Halfback

Reason: Leg and foot injuries

Cleary is arguably the biggest name missing from the tournament. The Penrith Panthers halfback suffered a compound fracture in his left leg during the preliminary final and also required surgery on a stress fracture in his right foot.

His kicking game, composure and ability to control the tempo of a match would have made him central to Australia's title defence. Without one of the world's premier halfbacks, the Kangaroos will need other playmakers to take responsibility during the tournament.

8. Payne Haas — Prop

Reason: Hand surgery

Haas would have been one of the most intimidating forwards at the tournament, but surgery on a hand injury has ruled him out of Samoa's campaign.

The Brisbane Broncos powerhouse has consistently dominated opposition packs with his explosive carries and remarkable strength. His absence is a major blow for Toa Samoa, who will be without the game's most destructive middle forwards.

9. Reece Robson — Hooker

Reason: Not selected for Australia

Robson has established himself as a quality NRL hooker, offering reliable service, defensive intensity and the ability to create opportunities around the ruck.

However, he was not included in Australia's final squad, with the selectors opting for other dummy-half options in Harry Grant and Blayke Brailey.

10. Terrell May — Prop

Reason: Chose to focus on his club preparation

May is a powerful middle forward who would have strengthened Samoa's pack, but he opted out of World Cup selection to focus on his development and preparation for the next NRL season.

The Wests Tigers prop has the ability to bend the line, generate quick play-the-balls and provide impact through the middle. His decision leaves Samoa without another experienced NRL forward.

11. Hudson Young — Second row

Reason: Achilles injury

Young has developed into one of the NRL's most aggressive and effective back-rowers, but an Achilles injury has ruled him out of the tournament.

The Canberra Raiders forward brings a strong work rate, damaging carries and defensive intensity. His absence removes another experienced forward from Australia's potential options.

12. Viliame Kikau — Second row

Reason: Ankle injury

Kikau is one of the most damaging edge forwards in rugby league, but an ankle injury has ruled him out of Fiji's World Cup campaign.

The Canterbury Bulldogs forward combines size, power and exceptional athleticism, making him a constant threat near the try line. His absence is a significant setback for Fiji, who will need other players to provide the same attacking impact.

13. Max Plath — Lock

Reason: Not selected for Australia

Plath's versatility and work rate would've made him a valuable addition to the middle for Australia.. The Dolphins forward can contribute in several positions and has demonstrated his ability to handle the physical demands of the NRL.

However, he missed Australia's final squad, with the selectors choosing other options for the forward pack. His mobility and ability to maintain intensity through the middle would have made him a useful lock.

14. Jahream Bula — Fullback

Reason: Shoulder injury

Bula is another major loss for Fiji. The Wests Tigers fullback suffered a shoulder injury that ruled him out of the tournament. His speed, support play and ability to create opportunities from broken field would have made him one of the Bati's most dangerous attacking players.

15. Jeremiah Nanai — Second row

Reason: Not selected for Samoa

Nanai's attacking ability and knack for scoring tries would have made him a valuable addition to Samoa's forward pack. The North Queensland Cowboys back-rower has a strong aerial game and is particularly dangerous close to the line, but he was not named in Samoa's final squad.

16. Cooper Bai — Prop

Reason: Hamstring injury

Bai was ruled out of Papua New Guinea's campaign with a hamstring injury. The young forward would have brought mobility and energy to the Kumuls' middle rotation, but his absence means PNG must look to other forwards to fill the gap. He is one of several players whose tournament hopes have been ended by injury.

17. Lindsay Collins — Prop

Reason: Foot injury

Collins was initially named in Australia's squad but was subsequently ruled out because of a foot injury. The Sydney Roosters prop had played through the problem during the finals, helping his club to the premiership, but it ultimately prevented him from adding to his international appearances.

His experience and powerful running would have made him a strong option through the middle.

18. Angus Crichton — Second row

Reason: Rugby union

Crichton is unavailable for the tournament as he prepares for his return to rugby union. The Sydney Roosters back-rower has been one of the NRL's leading forwards, combining physicality with strong attacking contributions.

His absence is not simply a selection decision: his move away from rugby league means he will not feature in this World Cup campaign.

19. Mark Nawaqanitawase — Wing

Reason: Return to rugby union

Nawaqanitawase enjoyed a successful stint in rugby league, showcasing his elite athleticism and finishing ability with the Sydney Roosters.

However, he has returned to rugby union and signed with Japan's Saitama Wild Knights, meaning he will not feature in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. His ability to finish tries and dominate in the air would have made him an exciting addition to this side.