Lebanon star Jacob Kiraz’s stunning return for the Bulldogs at fullback has earned him a nomination in the RLWC2026 Team of the Week along with Tongan rookie sensation Talanoa Penitani and three Perth Bears recruits.

Kiraz, who had been sidelined by injury for a month, made his return at fullback he wore for the Cedars at the last World Cup in 2022 to help the Bulldogs end a five-match losing streak with a 30-20 defeat of the Storm.

It was just his fourth appearance in the fullback role for Canterbury and his first since last August.

Penitani, the brother of NRLW stars Tiana Penitani Gray and Natasha Penitani, scored two tries on debut for South Sydney and would have a third if he didn’t suffer a hamstring injury while sprinting away from the Cowboys defence.

The 21-year-old winger also saved a certain try when he chased down Jake Clifford after an intercept by the North Queensland halfback, who has also earned a nomination after leading the Cowboys to a 30-18 win – their eighth of the season.

In the Super League, Perth-bound England internationals Mikolaj Oledzki, Harry Newman and James McDonnell l all played key roles in Leeds' 52-0 defeat of Huddersfield, along with playmaker Jake Connor – the 2025 Man of Steel – and Fiji winger Maika Sivo.

Oledzki, the Rhinos' Polish born prop, and Newman, who made a successful return in the centres after a loan spell with Hull FC, each scored two tries, while secondrower McDonnell also crossed for a try.

The trio will join the Bears after the World Cup, and are expected to be part of the England squad, which will play Tonga and France in Perth on October 17 and 24 before travelling east to face PNG in Wollongong on October 30.

Sivo also scored his customary try for Leeds, taking his tally to 18 in 10 Super League appearances for the Rhinos.

Each week, fans vote for their RLWC2026 Team of the Week from players nominated after the previous weekend's NRL and Super League matches, who are eligible for the 10 nations contesting Rugby League World Cup 2026.

The RLWC2026 Team of the Week is announced each Wednesday.

The latest World Cup Team of the Week nominations features eight players who are eligible for Tonga, eight for England, eight for New Zealand, six for Samoa, four for Papua New Guinea, two Fijians and one French international.

Among the players in contention for this week's World Cup Team of the Week are:

Tonga halfback Isaiya Katoa, secondrowers Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (both Dolphins), Sitili Tupouniua (Bulldogs) and Leka Halasima, wingers Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (both Warriors), Talanoa Penitani (Rabbitohs) and prop Taniela Paseka (Sea Eagles)
Toa Samoa fullback Clayton Faulalo (Sea Eagles), centre Enari Tuala (Bulldogs), winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira, five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita and secondrowers Jacob Laban (all Warriors) and Heilum Luki (Cowboys)
Kiwis halfback Te Maire Martin, lock Erin Clark, props James Fisher-Harris (all Warriors), Joseph Tapine (Raiders), Leo Thompson (Bulldogs), hooker Jeremy Marshall-King (Dolphins) and winger Moses Leo (Storm). Raiders fullback Keao Weekes is also eligible for New Zealand.
England lock Morgan Knowles (Dolphins), winger Josh Charnley, centres Umyla Hanley (both Leigh) and Harry Newman, prop Mikolaj Oledzki, secondrower James McDonnell and halves Jake Connor (all Leeds) and Mikey Lewis (Hull KR)
Papua New Guinea winger Zac Laybutt (Cowboys), centre Josh Feledy (Sea Eagles), hooker Edwin Ipape (Leigh) and secondrower Rhyse Martin (Hull KR)
Fiji wingers Maika Sivo (Leeds) and Jason Qareqare (Castleford), who scored a hat-trick of tries against St Helens
France lock Ben Garcia (Catalans)
Lebanon fullback Jacob Kiraz (Bulldogs)

Vote for the RLWC2026 Team of the Week

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.