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Jack Brady, AAP •  November 11th, 2026 3:54 pm
New Zealand's Stacey Waaka has one more box to tick when she lines up in the World Cup final | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
Very few achievements have evaded New Zealand centre Stacey Waaka, but on Sunday she will run out in a Rugby League World Cup final for the first time.
Triumph has followed the dual international her entire career.
Across both rugby codes, the three-time World Cup winner and dual Olympic gold medallist has represented New Zealand a combined 199 times.
The 31-year-old made the jump to league in 2024 with the Brisbane Broncos, with only injury preventing her from debuting for the Kiwi Ferns before this year's World Cup.
Stacey Waaka has achieved virtually every goal possible - apart from a Rugby League World Cup title | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
"Winning the World Cup in rugby league is my final goal to tick off," Waaka said.
"I am so grateful to be in this position, but I know it comes with a lot of effort."
Waaka has enjoyed a stellar tournament, scoring nine tries, including a hat-trick in New Zealand's 32-0 semi-final win over Samoa on Saturday.
"Stace is amazing. She's an awesome character, an absolute competitor. With all the experience she brings, there's so much wisdom and a whole heap of professionalism," Kiwi Ferns skipper Georgia Hale said.
"She always has a smile on her face and does everything so passionately, which she's been able to sprinkle and spread across our team. I've learnt so much from her and it's great to see her out there shining. It encourages and motivates us."
Stacey Waaka is not underestimating the challenge facing New Zealand against Australia | Photo: Darren Pateman/AAP
Waaka remains unperturbed by the might of Australia, with her focus firmly on New Zealand breaking their 13-year World Cup drought.
"We have been building over the weeks and it's coming together really well,'' she said.
"Our individual confidence continues to grow as we progress. It's been a bit down with the errors we have made.
"We weren't perfect against Samoa, so we're going to have to be better in every single area to beat Australia."
