Another top-shelf performance in a stirring hometown return has put breakout Warriors prop Tanner Stowers-Smith in the frame for a Rugby League World Cup 2026 appearance with the Kiwis in Ōtautahi Christchurch later this year.

One of the competition’s most improved players, Stowers-Smith played a prominent role in the Warriors’ 38-20 defeat of North Queensland on Sunday following the exit of front-row ironman Jackson Ford with a pec injury 20 minutes in.

The rugby league world is afflicted with Christchurch fever after the spectacular scenes under the roof at One New Zealand Stadium’s NRL debut.

The match took on extra significance for locally born-and-bred Stowers-Smith, playing in front of a legion of familiar faces among the heaving 25,365-strong crowd – though he maintained a relaxed approach to the homecoming.

“To be able to have my family and all my mates there and play in front of everyone that’s been there for me – and in the city that raised me – it’s unreal,” Stowers-Smith told NRL.com post-match.

“It’s quite funny, I thought I’d be really emotional or really hyped, but I think it’s been one of my chillest, this week.

“Thinking about the game I get amped up quite a bit, but I was just cruising the whole time.

“Not really thinking about it too much because that can alter your game when you’re playing to the crowd and do too much for your family and friends.

“It’s obviously proud days to play in front of everyone here, but I just cruised through the week and took it as is.”

Playing his 21st match in the top grade, Stowers-Smith churned out a career-high 180 metres from 18 carries and topped the Warriors’ tackle count with 32.

Photo: A break-out season with the Warriors has Tanner Stowers-Smith in contention for a Kiwis' World Cup jersey. @NRL Photos

While he prepared as if it was “just another game”, the Halswell Hornets junior’s standout display was a symbolic full-circle moment with many of those who have nurtured his progress in attendance.

“I love Halswell, the club’s done so much for me,” the 22-year-old said.

“The people from the club, obviously I wouldn’t be here without the hands that pushed me there. I’ve got so much time for my old club and I’m going to continue to keep coming back and giving whatever I can back to the club.

“They’ve got so much love and support for me, there was a few Halswell jerseys out there actually that I’ve seen and that I’ve signed.

“It’s just awesome for the younger generation too coming up and seeing there is a path through in rugby league, [when it’s been] dominated by rugby here.”

St Bede’s College product Stowers-Smith was recruited by the Warriors as part of the club’s SG Ball Cup re-entry in 2023. At 19, he was a NSW Cup regular by the end of that season and broke through for an NRL debut in Round 11 last year, featuring in 13 of the high-flying Warriors’ last 16 games.

But the tyro has gone up a level or two in 2026 after starring in the pre-season. Compact for a prop at 95kg, Stowers-Smith’s late footwork, leg drive and stout defence have rendered him a key part of a middle rotation hailed as arguably the NRL’s best.

“I’ve just been trying to build my game each week and gain more and more confidence.

“I’ve got such great leaders in front of me like Erin Clark, Mitch Barnett, James Fisher-Harris and Jackson Ford – the best front-rowers you could name.

“Their leadership and the confidence they’ve given me, being able to take stuff from their game and add to mine, has been helping me quite a bit.”

Though the Kiwis are flush with elite forwards, Stowers-Smith has emerged as a World Cup bolter.

A call-up to Stacey Jones’ squad would mean another reunion with friends and whānau, with Christchurch set to host New Zealand’s only RLWC fixtures – a Kiwis versus Cook Islands and Kiwi Ferns versus France double-header at One New Zealand Stadium on October 25.

“I’m a Kiwi boy and a proud Samoan, but that’s always been a dream of mine is to put that black jersey on,” Stowers-Smith revealed.

“I haven’t thought about it too much, they’ve got some really great players obviously – their pack is bloody insane.

“Look, if anything happens, I’ll take it with both hands. I’m just happy to be playing each week in the NRL.”

Photo: Christchurch's new One New Zealand Stadium will host a World Cup double-header. @NRL Photos.

Stowers-Smith’s blockbusting form aside, there’s little doubt about his place in the Warriors line-up in the short term with Kiwis captain Fisher-Harris still sidelined and major concern around the severity of Ford’s pectoral muscle injury.

The second-placed Warriors’ depth and the development of their younger brigade is providing coach Andrew Webster with comfort amid a growing injury toll.

“We’re so confident in our young guys, particularly guys like Tanner, and another Christchurch boy, [Makaia Tafua] came off the bench at hooker for Wayde (Egan) there for a period,” Webster praised after the defeat of the Cowboys, which was just the club’s second win on debut at a New Zealand venue.

“Tanner’s improving each week. He’s his harshest critic. He’s got high standards. He wants it bad.

“He’s really proud to come home, both of them, him and ‘Maka’. But yeah, he’s a beauty, Tanner – if he keeps working hard, he’s only going to keep getting better.

“And we need him to, but we’ve got so much faith in what he brings."

Rugby League World Cup 2026 returns to Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Where nations clash, heroes rise, and legends are forged. 3 World Cups. 26 Teams. The World’s Best. Tickets are now on sale from $19. Don’t miss the pinnacle of global Rugby League.