The 2025 Pacific Championships is just days away, kicking off on Saturday with some of the best men's and women's rugby league teams from across the Pacific region.

The Pacific Championships is an annual tournament featuring national teams from the Pacific Islands, New Zealand, and Australia.

The tournament, launched in 2019 as the Oceania Cup, featured a two-tier format with Australia, New Zealand, and Tonga in the top tier, while Fiji, Sāmoa, and Papua New Guinea were in the second tier.

Australia won the inaugural Cup, and Fiji won the shield, earning promotion for 2020. The 2020 edition was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with the Cook Islands set to replace Fiji in the shield.

In 2023, the tournament returned as the Pacific Championships, supported by a $7 million investment to develop rugby league in the region and as part of the International Rugby League's new international calendar.

The women's competition was introduced in 2024, with games held in 2023 as friendlies. The 2024 Women's Bowl competition served as the Asia-Pacific qualification for the 2026 Women's Rugby League World Cup. Promotion and relegation will now occur via playoffs instead of automatically.

The Australian men, who won the title in 2024 defeating Tonga 20-14, will not be featuring in the 2025 tournament because they are hosting the 2026 World Cup. Toa Sāmoa will replace them. In the women's competition, the Australian Jillaroos are defending champions after thrashing the Kiwi Ferns 24-4 in last year's final.

This year, 12 teams - six men's: New Zealand, Sāmoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Fiji and Papua New Guinea (PNG), and six women's: Australia, Sāmoa, New Zealand, Cook Islands, PNG and Tonga will take part in two separate competitions - the Pacific Cup and the Pacific Bowl. This will give teams a platform to showcase their elite talent and grow the game across the region.

The tournaments kick off on 18 October, with a double header featuring PNG Orchids vs Cook Islands Moana in the women's, before Fiji Bati men play Cook Islands Aitu at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

NZ Kiwis star Dylan Brown in possession against the Kangaroos during their Pacific Championship Rugby League match at AAMI Park, Melbourne, on 28 October 2023. Brown headlines a strong Kiwis squad this year. Photo/Photosport/David Neilson

Who's playing?

Men: Pacific Cup - New Zealand, Sāmoa, and Tonga.

Pacific Bowl - Fiji Bati, Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea.

Women: Pacific Cup - Australia, New Zealand, Sāmoa.

Pacific Bowl - Cook Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea.

Jarome Luai will lead a strong Toa Sāmoa team. Photo/Photosport/Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com

How the tournament works

In the men's format, each group (Cup and Bowl) plays each other once. In the Pacific Cup, the top two teams after round-robin matches will play a final to decide the winner.

In the Pacific Bowl, the top-ranked team after the pool games will be crowned the winner. There is no final held.

Women's format

The same format applies: Pacific Cup - the top two teams play a final, while in the Pacific Bowl, the top-ranked team wins the title directly.

How to watch

New Zealand: All games are streaming live on Sky Sport Now. Check local listings in Australia and Papua New Guinea for TV and streaming options in your country.

Match schedule (All times NZDT)

Opening day: Saturday 18 October at Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby, PNG.

Women: PNG Orchids vs Cook Islands Moana - 5pm.

Men: Fiji Bati vs Cook Islands Aitu - 7pm.

Tui Kamikamica, with ball, will turn out for Fiji. Photo/Photosport/Brett Phibbs

Full fixtures

Men

• Sunday 19 October: New Zealand Kiwis vs Toa Sāmoa - 6.05pm (Go Media Stadium, Auckland).

• Saturday 25 October: PNG vs Cook Islands - 7pm (Port Moresby)

• Toa Sāmoa vs Tonga - 7pm (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)

• Saturday 1 November: PNG vs Fiji - 7pm (Port Moresby)

• Sunday 2 November: New Zealand vs Tonga - 7:05pm (Eden Park, Auckland)

• Sunday 9 November 9: Pacific Cup Final - 6.05pm (CommBank Stadium, Sydney)

Tonga's Isaiya Katoa, right, will don the red jersey this year, and while Will Hopoate, left, is not in the side, his younger brother Lehi has been named in the team. Photo/Photosport/SWpix.com/Allan McKenzie

Women

• Sunday 19 October: Kiwi Ferns vs Fetu Sāmoa - 3.35pm (Go Media Stadium, Auckland)

• Saturday 25 October: Cook Islands Moana vs Tonga - 5pm (Port Moresby)

• Sunday 26 October: Jillaroos vs Fetu Sāmoa - 5pm (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)

• Saturday 1 November: PNG Orchids vs Tonga - 5pm (Port Moresby)

• Sunday 2 November: Kiwi Ferns vs Jillaroos - 3.35pm (Eden Park, Auckland)

• Sunday 9 November: Pacific Cup Final - 3.35pm (CommBank Stadium, Sydney).

How to watch

New Zealand: All games are streaming live on Sky Sport Now. Check local listings in Australia and Papua New Guinea for TV and streaming options in your country.

PNG Kumuls star Dudley Dotoi is expected to lead the side in the Pacific Championships. Photo/Facebook/Saltwater Murris Rugby League

Who's in the men's squads?

Pacific Cup

New Zealand: Includes star players like captain James Fisher-Harris, Jarome Luai, Joseph Tapine, and Jamayne Isaako. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Dylan Brown, Erin Clark, Phoenix Crossland, James Fisher-Harris (captain), Kieran Foran, Jamayne Isaako, Keano Kini, Sebastian Kris, Moses Leota, Jeremy Marshall-King, Casey McLean, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Briton Nikora, Isaiah Papali’i, Scott Sorensen, Joseph Tapine, Matt Timoko, Naufahu Whyte, Xavier Willison.

Tonga: Will be led by powerhouses like Jason Taumalolo, Daniel Tupou, and Addin Fonua-Blake. Paul Alamoti, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Addin Fonua-Blake (c), Moeaki Fotuaika, Leka Halasima, Siliva Havili, Lehi Hopoate, Eliesa Katoa, Isaiya Katoa, Sione Katoa, Felise Kaufusi, Tolu Koula, Isaiah Iongi, Soni Luke, Will Penisini, Jason Taumalolo ©, Robert Toia, Daniel Tupou, Stefano Utoikamanu, Demitric Vaimauga, Siua Wong.

Sāmoa: Features big names like Brian To'o, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Josh Papalii, and Payne Haas. Ata Mariota, Benaiah Ioelu, Blaize Talagi-Seuala, Brian To’o, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Deine Mariner, Francis Molo, Izack Tago, Jarome Luai, Jaydn Su’A, Jazz Tevaga, Jeremiah Nanai, Josh Papalii, Junior Paulo, Lyhkan King-Togia, Murray Taulagi, Payne Haas, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Simi Sasagi, Taylan May, Terrell May.

Cook Islands will contest the Bowl competition. Photo/Facebook/Cook Islands Rugby League

Pacific Bowl

Fiji: Includes game breakers Tui Kamikamica, Sunia Turuva, and veteran Michael Jennings. Tui Kamikamica, Ben Kanubuwai, Michael Waqa, Caleb Navale, Kylan Mafoa, Kitione Kautoga, Taane Milne, Kereis Maya, Kurt Donoghoe, Brandon Wakeham, Terrell Kalo Kalo, Peni Tagituimua, Sunia Turuva (vc), Solomone Saukuru, Semi Valemei, Jethro Rinakama, Akuilla Qoro, Ronald Philitoga, Jahream Bula, Michael Jennings.

Cook Islands: Led by Brad Takairangi, Marata Niukore, and several new debutants. Brad Takairangi, Brendan Piakura, Brody Tamarua, Cassius Cowley*, Davvy Moale, Delahia Wigmore, Esan Marsters, Esom Ioka, Justin Makirere, KL Iro, Marata Niukore, Makahesi Makatoa, Mason Teague, Paul Ulberg, Pride Petterson-Robati, Reuben Porter, Reubenn Rennie, Rua Ngatikaura, Teapo Stoltman*, Tepai Moeroa. * debutant

Papua New Guinea: Squad to be confirmed.

Who's in the women's squads?

Pacific Cup

Kiwi Ferns: Will be captained by Georgia Hale and Raecene McGregor, with top NRLW players like Mele Hufanga and debutants from the Warriors' system. Abigail Roache (Cowboys), Alexis Tauaneai (Bulldogs), Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa (Bulldogs), Annessa Biddle (Sharks), Apii Nicholls (Warriors), Ashleigh Quinlan (Bulldogs), Brianna Clark (Broncos), Brooke Anderson (Sharks), Georgia Hale (Titans, co-captain), Ivana Lauitiiti* (Warriors), Leianne Tufuga (Raiders), Mele Hufanga (Broncos), Otesa Pule (Roosters), Patricia Maliepo* (Warriors), Raecene McGregor (Dragons, co-captain), Shakira Baker* (Warriors), Shaniece Monschau* (Bulldogs), Shanice Parker (Knights), Tiana Davison (Knights), Tyla King (Sharks), Tysha Ikenasio* (Warriors). * debutant

Australia: Led by Keie Apps and Ali Brigginshaw, this lineup is full of stars like Tamika Upton, Jessica Sergis, and Keeley Davis. Kezie Apps (c) (Wests Tigers), Ali Brigginshaw (c) (Broncos), Rima Butler (* Roosters), Abbi Church (* Eels), Yasmin Clydsdale (Knights), Keeley Davis (Roosters), Quincy Dodd (Sharks), Jessika Elliston (Titans), Ellie Johnston * (Sharks), Keilee Joseph (Broncos), Jocelyn Kelleher (* Roosters), Isabelle Kelly (Roosters), Olivia Kernick (Roosters), Tiana Penitani Gray (Sharks), Julia Robinson (Broncos), Jessica Sergis (Roosters), Jesse Southwell (* Knights), Sarah Togatuki (Wests Tigers), Tamika Upton (Broncos), Mackenzie Weale (Cowboys), Jakiya Whitfeld (Cowboys).

Fetu Sāmoa: Jetaya Faifua, Jessica Patea, Lindsay Tui, Sarina Masaga, Destiny Mino-Sinapati, Taliah Fuimaono, Pauline Piliae-Rasabale, Annette-Claudia Nu'uausala, Destiny Brill, Eliza Lopamaua, Niall Williams-Guthrie, Ryvrr-Lee Alo, Sienna Lofipo, Pihuka Berryman-Duff, Laikha Clarke, Tavarna Papalii, Shalom Sauaso, Simone Karpani, Mercedes Taulelei-Siala, Ella-Jaye Harrison-Leaunoa, Estanoa Faitala-Mariner.

Pacific Bowl

Cook Islands: Includes crossover talent like April Ngatupuna and NRLW stars such as Jazmon Tupou-Witchman and Kiana Takairangi. April Ngatupuna (Queensland Reds rugby), Ashlee Matapo* (Warriors), Chantay Kiria-Ratu (Sharks), Deleni Paitai-Wakely* (Brisbane Bears), Hannah Makira* (Bulldogs), Jazmon Tupou-Witchman (Rabbitohs), Jodeci Joseph (Papakura Sisters), Kaiyah Atai (Warriors), Keira Rangi* (Souths Logan Magpies), Kerehitna Matua (Raiders), Kiana Takairangi (Eels), Kiarah Siauane (Souths Logan Magpies), Lavinia Kitai (Warriors), Lydia Turua-Quedley (Warriors), Memory Paitai* (Brisbane Bears), Ngatokotoru Arakua (Souths Logan Magpies), Paulina Morris-Ponga (Akarana Falcons), Anne-Marie Kiria-Ratu (Cronulla Sutherland Sharks), Pearl Tuitama* (Ipswich Jets), Porsche Samson-John*. * debutant

Tonga: A growing team featuring Natasha Penitani, Emmanita Paki, and other rising stars. Moana Courtenay, Ruby Fifita, Kalosipani Hopoate, Fane Finau, Tatiana Finau, Jade Fonua, Simina Lokotui, Ana Lynch-Malupo, Amelia Mafi, Seli Mailangi, Martha Mataele, Shannon Muru, Aliyah Nasio, Emmanita Paki, Natasha Penitani, Pauline Suli-Ruka, Manilita Takapautolo, Lavinia Tauhalaliku, Kaylani Tavita, Malia Tuifua.

PNG Orchids: .Fleur Ginn, Mala Mark, Tia Molo, Marie Biyama, Naomi Kelly, India Seeto, Caitlin Tanner, Elsie Albert, Therese Aiton, Emmogen Taumafai, Sareka Moka, Leila Kerowa, Jessikah Reeves, Emily Veivers, Essay Banu, Gloria Kaupa, Mya Muller, Delailah Ahose, Belinda Gwasamun, Ruth Gende.

The PNG Orchids visited a local school in Boroko. Photo/Facebook/The PNG Times

Why it matters

The Pacific Championships is not just about rugby league, it's a celebration of Pacific pride, community, and sporting excellence.

The tournament provides a vital platform for local talent, boosts women's participation, and strengthens the international game across the region.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the sport, the 2025 Pacific Championships is set to deliver some unforgettable moments.

Watch Tonga women's co-captain Natasha Penitani share her why and connection to the Kingdom below.