Pacific Championship: Kiwis face the ‘sea of red’ in upcoming tests

The Pacific Championship returns to Aotearoa with a number of exciting test matches spread across the country.

The Kiwis will face the Kangaroos in Otautahi (Christchurch) in a double header with the Kiwi Ferns, who will face the Jillaroos at Apollo Projects Stadium. They will then face off against Mate Ma’a Tonga at Go Media Stadium in Auckland.

Kiwis captain James Fisher-Harris said he is excited to pull on the Kiwis jersey on home soil.

“It’s pretty special, especially having the family around. But pretty much, just (being back) in the black and white jersey, that’s probably the main thing.”

After toppling Toa Samoa in last year's Pacific Championship at Eden Park, the Kiwis will face another Pacific rival in Mate Ma’a Tonga.

NZRL media.

Fisher-Harris was part of the team that beat Tonga in their last test match at Go Media Stadium in 2022, where they won 26 - 6.

He said it’s always a tough battle coming up against Tonga, and the “sea of red”.

“It’s always a good match playing against Tonga, the atmosphere, the sea of red. Singing the whole game, 80 minutes of singing.

“They’re a physical team and they’re gonna be a good side this year. Iliesa Katoa is going really good, and they’ve always got a really good forward pack.

“Always a bit sore after those games, but it’s really good.”

The double-header in Otautahi (Christchurch) will also be the first test match for the Kiwis since 1998.

Fisher-Harris said it’ll be great to spread the game in the South Island.

“I don’t think I’ve played down there before for the Kiwis, but yeah we have a few South Island boys in Griff Neame, Jamayne Isaako, Nu’u Brown who are from down there.

“I’ve been talking to them and they’re pretty keen to represent and play in front of their family, and I heard league is going really good down there.

“It will be good for the community, and a good chance to get up against Australia as well.”

Find the full Pacific Championship schedule here:

2024 rugby league Pacific Championships schedule announced with three Tests in Aotearoa | (nzrl.co.nz)