The squads for this World Cup are full of veterans, but each also includes a few players who are barely out of their teens. Here are five of the youngest.

Tupou Francis (Lebanon, 18). The Brisbane Broncos forward is the youngest player and remarkably he was eligible for six nations (Australia, New Zealand, Tonga, Fiji, France and Lebanon) and chose the Cedars. He joins his older brother Tony, a Gold Coast Titans player, in the squad, and could line up against his cousin, Tonga’s Lehi Hopoate. He signed with the Broncos through 2028 at the age of 17, and the expectation is that he will play in the middle.

Chaev Kolone (Cook Islands, 19). The Canberra Raiders middle forward, born in March 2007, is the youngest in the Cook Islands squad and has no previous caps. The Raiders congratulated him publicly after the selection. He is a long way from the projected best 19, but he arrives for a tournament in which a first taste of international football can shape a career.

Amare Milford (Cook Islands, 20). The Melbourne Storm forward is one of four Storm players in the Cook Islands squad, along with Davvy Moale, K-Ci Newton-Whare and David Tuariki. He was named among the reserves for the Cook Islands’ World Cup qualifier against South Africa in 2025, so the national setup already knows him. He gives them depth on the edge.

Elijah Keung (Fiji, 20). A South Sydney pathways product, Keung is expected to feature in Fiji’s forward rotation. The Bati are coached by Mick Potter, and Keung is among the youngest players in a squad led by Apisai Koroisau.

Jermaine McEwen (Samoa, 21). Born in Sydney, McEwen qualifies for Samoa through his mother and has said representing her side means a great deal. He is the younger brother of Knights NRLW player Evah McEwen, came through Bloomfield Tigers and re-signed with Newcastle through 2028. He and fellow Knights back-rower Francis Manuleleua helped Newcastle to a grand final this year and are in line for their international debuts.