Rugby League

RL World Cup history beckons for Knights ace Frizell

Jun 29, 2026

Tyson Frizell of the Knights — Tyson Frizell could be poised to play for his third country at the rugby league World Cup. -AAP Image

Newcastle Knights forward Tyson Frizell is not closing the door on playing for Tonga one last time as he contemplates creating a little World Cup history later this year.

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No player has represented three different countries at three rugby league World Cups but Frizell has the chance to do just that.

The 34 year-old played for Wales in 2017, for Australia in 2017 and could be in a Tonga jersey for the 2026 tournament being hosted by Australia-New Zealand-Papua New Guinea in October-November.

Frizell has played three Tests for Tonga already, when the Pacific nation toured England in 2023.

"I'm not decided yet … I know I'm coming towards the end of my career," Frizell told AAP.

"And I know my family haven't had the opportunity to be able to watch me play for Tonga.

"So it's something I have thought about … maybe it's a conversation I should have with the coach about whether I'm up to playing or not.

"At the moment I haven't closed that door yet."

As fate would have it the Knights play the Dolphins at McDonald Jones Stadium next Sunday in Round 18 NRL action and Tongan coach Kristian Woolf will be in town as mentor for the Redcliffe-based club.

Frizell didn't play in the 2025 Pacific Championships for Tonga last October.

"I sort of got to the back of the year and I felt like my body needed a rest," he said.

"I told Woolfie that early and he understood. I'm feeling great so far this season but there's a lot of great back rowers for Tonga.

"Whether I'd even be in contention I'm not too sure, but it's something I can't decide just yet."

What isn't up for debate is that Frizell is on course to join the elite NRL 300 Club this year as he sits on 294 with nine games left in the 2026 regular season. The Knights have a bye in Round 27.

The Corrimal Cougars junior has a decorated career with 16 Origins for NSW alongside his 22 Tests for three countries in the back row.

He is in the final year of his contract with the Knights and would love to remain in the red-and-blue jersey for another season or two.

"I'd definitely love to play next year if the club wants to keep me. But I guess sometimes things don't happen as you want them," Frizell said.

"At the moment I just want to play as well as I can and let's see what happens after that."

Frizell has been coming off the bench in all 13 games this year for the Knights averaging 40 minutes and 85 metres in two stints and has a 94 per cent tackle efficiency rating.