James Fisher-Harris has dreamed of lifting the Paul Barrière Trophy since watching Nathan Cayless become the first Kiwi to do it in 2008 and is embracing the strong support for New Zealand to win RLWC26.

Despite Australia's roster of State of Origin stars, the Kiwis are many people's favourites for IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026 and much of that optimism centred on a stacked forward pack and a spine headlined by the addition of Kalyn Ponga.

Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota, Joseph Tapine, Isaah Papali'i and Briton Nikora are stalwarts of New Zealand's last World Cup campaign in 2022 and will be the starting forwards against the Kangaroos at a sold-out Allianz Stadium on Thursday night.

The Kiwi skipper's fellow Dally M prop of the year Naufahu Whyte and Dally M lock of the year Erin Clark will interchange the starting middles, along with Broncos player of the year Xavier Willison.

"I think we have potential to be the best, but again we have to put in the work," Fisher-Harris said. "We've talked about the histories, the lessons and learning over the last four years since the World Cup, now we just focus on playing."

That history no doubt centred on the 2008 World Cup when Cayless led a team featuring Benji Marshall, Lance Hohaia, Adam Blair and Nathan Fien to a 34-20 triumph against the Kangaroos.

"When they won in 2008, I was watching Blairy (Adam Blair) and that, (Nathan) Cayless and obviously Benji (Marshall), so that made me want to go down this path," the enforcer said.

"So hopefully we can do something like that. When you are successful like that, it gets you motivated and you want to play for a certain team or a certain code.

"So that's the plan anyways, to be successful in this World Cup."

Four years on from their 2022 World cup semi-final loss to the Kangaroos in England, the Kiwis believe they are better positioned to challenge for the title.

“We have depth and a better mindset now. We've beaten Australia since then as well, so that will help with our confidence as a team,” Tapine said.

“You look at our squad, and we’ve got world-class players there too. I am very confident in what we’ve got.”

It's a sign of the belief in New Zealand's World Cup prospects that the All Blacks were on hand to watch the Kiwis in their final training session ahead of the tournament opener.

After clinically dismantling the Wallabies last weekend, the All Blacks are providing inspiration for their cross-code comrades as they aim to deliver another blow to Australia.

"It's very cool having the AB’s here, it's just all love and supporting each other," said Fisher-Harris. "There are a lot of things that they do, that we look up too, it’s very special."

The All Blacks emphatic victory was fuel in the rugby league camp, with veteran playmaker Kodi Nikorima acknowledging the significance of opening the World Cup against Australia before the biggest Sydney Test crowd since 1974.

Kiwis captain James Fisher-Harris

“The Kangaroos are the reigning champs; it's going to be a good test for us,” said Nikorima.

Kiwis coach Stacey Jones added: "It would be huge for all the Kiwis, especially those on this side of the ditch. It's good to have the All Blacks supporting us, it's a great connection".

Nikorima, now the longest-serving Kiwi at the World Cup, believes the squad remains grounded despite increasing expectations from outside of the camp.

"Everyone can tell us that we're the favourites, but if we don't go out there and perform it all means nothing,"said Nikorima. "I have full belief within our four walls of what we can achieve."

Nikorima, who first played alongside Ponga for Māori All Stars, believes the Newcastle skipper has embraced the opportunity to reconnect with his heritage.

Ponga's inclusion shapes one of the major storylines of the tournament, with the Newcastle captain set to make this debut in the black jersey.

"The way he handles his business and prepares for training and football, you can tell that he’s really matured over the years," said Nikorima.“He loves being here, and he’s talked a lot about reconnecting with his culture.

“I know he’ll be proud when he runs out there in the black jersey for the first time, and so will his family.”