The biggest prize in women's international rugby league is up for grabs as Australia and New Zealand prepare to renew their fierce rivalry in the 2026 Women's Rugby League World Cup Final on Sunday in Brisbane.

The Jillaroos and Kiwi Ferns will meet in a blockbuster trans-Tasman decider, with both nations determined to finish their campaigns on top of the world. Australia arrive with plenty of confidence after overcoming Fiji in the semi-finals, while New Zealand booked their place in the final with a convincing victory over Samoa.

Australia have made just one change to the side that defeated Fiji, with Jesse Southwell returning at five-eighth and Jocelyn Kelleher dropping back to the reserves.

Kelleher has featured in three of the Jillaroos' four matches at the tournament, but Southwell gets the nod at No.6 after wearing the jersey during Australia's record-breaking victory over Wales.

There is also a fitness watch surrounding winger Jaime Chapman, who has been named despite leaving the field early in Sunday's semi-final with hamstring awareness. Chapman's availability will be important for the Australians, particularly given the damage she has caused throughout the tournament.

Sheridan Gallagher has once again been named as the 18th player, with Quincy Dodd, Ellie Johnston and Kelleher completing the reserves.

The Jillaroos also possess a strong core of World Cup-winning experience, with seven members of the squad having been part of the Australian side that defeated New Zealand in the 2022 World Cup Final at Old Trafford. Jess Sergis, Isabelle Kelly, Tarryn Aiken, Keeley Nizza, Kezie Apps, Simaima Taufa and Shaylee Bent all know what it takes to lift the trophy.

Captain Isabelle Kelly will also reach a significant milestone, with the final marking her 25th Test appearance for Australia.

New Zealand, meanwhile, have opted for stability, naming the same 17 players who got the job done against Samoa in the semi-finals.

Brooke Anderson has been named as the 18th player, with the Kiwi Ferns looking to build on their impressive performances throughout the tournament.

There is plenty of experience within the New Zealand squad too, with six players having featured in the 2022 World Cup Final against Australia. Apii Nicholls, Mele Hufanga, Raecene McGregor, Brianna Clark, Abigail Roache and Otesa Pule will be determined to help the Ferns turn the tables on their great rivals this time around.

Nicholls and McGregor will both feature in their third World Cup Final, bringing invaluable experience to a side that knows exactly what is required on the biggest stage.

One of the major threats for New Zealand will be centre Stacey Waaka, who has been in sensational try-scoring form, crossing nine times in just four World Cup matches. Her ability to find space and punish defensive mistakes could prove crucial against a formidable Australian outfit.

However, Australia have their own attacking weapon in Chapman, who has scored an outstanding 10 tries in four matches at the tournament. If fit and firing, she could once again be a major difference-maker for the Jillaroos.

The history books certainly favour Australia. The Jillaroos have won their last three World Cup Finals against the Kiwi Ferns, while New Zealand have managed just one victory in their last 12 Tests against Australia.

But a World Cup Final is a different occasion, and the Ferns will be determined to put that record behind them and create their own piece of history.

Australia (squad): Tamika UPTON, Jaime CHAPMAN, Jessica SERGIS, Isabelle KELLY, Abbi CHURCH, Jesse SOUTHWELL, Tarryn AIKEN, Millie ELLIOTT, Olivia HIGGINS, Simaima TAUFA, Tiana PENITANI, Shaylee BENT, Olivia KERNICK, Keeley NIZZA, Keilee JOSEPH, Kezie APPS, Sariah Paki, Sheridan GALLAGHER, Sarah TOGATUKI, Quincy DODD, Jocelyn KELLEHER, Ellie JOHNSTON

New Zealand (squad): Apii Nicholls, Leianne TUFUGA, Mele Hufanga, Stacey WAAKA, Mackenzie WIKI, Chanty KIRIA-RATU, Raecene McGregor, Alexis TAUANEAI, Georgia Hale, Otesa PULE, Shaniece MONSCHAU, Kaiyah ATAI, Angelina TEAKARAANGA KATOA, Ashleigh Quinlan, Nessa BIDDLE, Shannon Lorraine MATO, Ivana LAUITITI, Brooke ANDERSON, Zahara TEMARA, Brianna Clark, Abigail Roache, Tenika WILLISON