Pacific sports wrap: 2025’s massive highs, lows and historic firsts

Pacific sporting fans were treated to a year of historic moments, emotional swings, and defining firsts across multiple codes in 2025.

From world championship boxing bouts to grassroots basketball triumphs, here is a look back at some of the stories PMN News followed throughout the year.

Boxing: Jai Opetaia stays unbeaten

For Pacific boxing fans in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia, Jai Opetaia’s latest title defence was worth another early-morning alarm.

Opetaia improved his record to 29-0 with an emphatic eighth-round knockout of Germany’s Huseyin Cinkara, cementing his dominance in the cruiserweight division and underlining his push towards unification fights in 2026.

Despite calling the bout “frustrating”, the Australian-based champion remains focused on bigger targets, including titles held by fighters such as Zurdo Ramirez.

Jai Opetaia. Photo/Facebook

Rugby: Manu Sāmoa’s long road to 2027

Manu Sāmoa’s path to Rugby World Cup qualification was anything but straightforward, however they ultimately secured the final spot for Australia 2027.

A winless Pacific Nations Cup, a historic first loss to Chile, and a tense repechage campaign in Dubai tested head coach Lemalu Tusi Pisi’s side. In pool play, Sāmoa did just enough, finishing with a 19-all draw against Belgium in their final match.

The return of senior players, including Miracle Fai’ilagi, proved crucial, providing leadership when the team needed it most. Former All Black Pita Alatini told Pacific Huddle host Latonya Lole: “It is not a World Cup without the Manu.” Now, Sāmoa have ensured they will be there.

Manu Sāmoa celebrating after qualifying for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Photo/Facebook

Netball: Turmoil around Dame Noeline Taurua

September delivered one of the year’s biggest sporting shocks, with Dame Noeline Taurua stood down as Silver Ferns head coach days before an international series.

The decision sparked widespread backlash across the netball community.

Under interim coach Yvette McCausland-Durie and former Silver Fern Liana Leota, the team persevered through uncertainty.

Taurua was later reinstated after a two-month standoff, describing the experience to The Herald as traumatic.

With the 2026 Commonwealth Games less than a year away, scrutiny remains on Netball New Zealand’s governance and leadership.

Rugby league: Eliesa Katoa injury fallout

Player welfare took centre stage during the Pacific Championships after Tongan second-rower Eliesa Katoa suffered a serious head injury.

Kato has been ruled out of the 2026 NRL season with Melbourne Storm.

The incident led to consequences off the field, with three of Tonga XIII’s officials banned for at least 24 months over safety breaches relating to Katoa’s treatment.

Basketball: Dilworth Boys shine at grassroots level

At the grassroots level, Dilworth Boys’ High School delivered one of the year’s most uplifting Pacific sporting stories.

Under proud Tongan head coach Josiah Maama, Dilworth claimed their first Auckland Premier Basketball and AA Zone 1 titles.

Reflecting on the achievement, Maama says, “If you google Dilworth, it’s not the greatest results… but to bring some positive light to the school is something to be proud of,” he said.

With several senior players moving on, the programme’s depth and strong leadership suggest Dilworth basketball is well positioned for the future.