Toa Sāmoa name strong side for Pacific Cup final

Toa Sāmoa have named a powerful team for Sunday’s Pacific Championships Final, welcoming back star forward Jaydn Su’A as they prepare to face the New Zealand Kiwis at CommBank Stadium in Sydney.

Su’A returns after missing the 34-6 win over Tonga XIII two weeks ago in Brisbane due to a concussion, replacing Jeremiah Nanai, who has been ruled out with a shoulder injury.

Jazz Tevaga also moves into the starting side, with Benaiah Ioelu shifting to the bench.

Sāmoa coach Ben Gardiner has kept most of the same line-up that secured victory at Suncorp Stadium, saying the group is focused on chasing a historic Pacific Championships title.

"We’ve had a great build-up and the boys are ready,” Gardiner tells a media conference.

“This is a proud moment for Sāmoa and we’ll give it everything.”

Blaize Talagi has been named in the side to face NZ on Sunday. Photo/Facebook/Toa Sāmoa

Kini starts again for reshuffled Kiwis

The Kiwis have named the same 17 players who comfortably defeated Tonga 40-14 in Auckland last weekend.

Keano Kini keeps his spot at fullback after an impressive late call-up, while Kieran Foran will play the final game of his 17-year career, partnering Dylan Brown in the halves.

Coach Stacey Jones says the team’s consistency was key. “These players did the job last week and earned another shot. We’re ready to go after our second Pacific Cup title."

The Kiwis will again be led by James Fisher-Harris, with a powerful forward pack that includes Moses Leota, Briton Nikora, and Joseph Tapine.

Kiwis coach Stacey Jones, right, and captain James Fisher-Harris speak to media following New Zealand's 40-14 win over Tonga at Eden Park last Sunday. Photo/Photosport/Fiona Goodall

TEAMS

Toa Sāmoa: Backs - Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Brian To'o, Izack Tago, Deine Mariner, Murray Tuilagi, Blaize Talagi, Jarome Luai. Forwards - Francis Molo, Jazz Tevaga, Payne Hass, Jaydn Su'A, Simi Sasagi, Junior Paulo. Interchange - Chanel Harris-Tavita, Benaiah Ioelu, Terrell May, Josh Papalii. Reserves - Ata Mariota, Ativalu Lisati, Clayton Faulalo, Ljhkan King-Togia. Ins - Mariota, Faulalo, Su'A, King-Togia. Outs - Jeremiah Nanai.

NZ Kiwis: Backs - Keano Kini, Jamayne Isaako, Matthew Timoko, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Casey McLean, Dylan Brown, Kieran Foran. Forwards - James Fisher-Harris, Phoenix Crossland, Moses Leota, Briton Nikora, Isaiah Papali'i, Joseph Tapine. Interchange - Te Maire Martin, Naufahu Whyte, Erin Clark, Xavier Willison. Reserves - Scott Sorensen, Zach Dockar-Clay, Josiah Karapani. Ins - Karapani, Dockar-Clay.

Watch fans turn up for the Toa Sāmoa team in West Sydney on Tuesday ahead of this weekend's Pacific Championships final against the Kiwis.

Women’s decider heats up

In the women’s Pacific Cup final, the Kiwi Ferns have made key changes for their rematch with the Australian Jillaroos.

Former rugby sevens stars Tyla King and Tysha Ikenasio join the line-up, adding speed and experience.

Coach Ricky Henry says the team are eager to bounce back from last week’s 10-4 loss to the Australians in Auckland.

“We’re glad to have another crack. We just need to tidy up a few small things and keep the pressure on,” Henry says.

For Australia, Tamika Upton returns at fullback, while Abbi Church, who impressed on debut, makes another appearance in the green and gold jersey.

New Zealand's Kiwi Fern Brooke Anderson takes on the Australia Jillaroos during their round three match of the Pacific Championships rugby league tournament at Eden Park, Auckland, on Sunday 2 November 2025. Australia won 10-4. Photo/Photosport/Andrew Cornaga

TEAMS

Kiwi Ferns: Apii Nicholls, Tysha Ikenasio, Mele Hufunga, Abigail Roache, Shanice Parker, Ashleigh Quinlan, Raecene McGregor, Tiana Davison, Brooke Anderson, Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa, Annessa Biddle, Otesa Pule, Georgia Hale. Interchange: Tyla King, Shaniece Monschau, Alexis Tauaneai, Ivana Lauitiiti, Shakira Baker.

Jillaroos: Tamika Upton, Julia Robinson, Isabelle Kelly, Tiana Penitani Gray, Jakiya Whitfeld, Ali Brigginshaw (c), Jesse Southwell, Ellie Johnston, Olivia Higgins, Jessika Elliston, Kezie Apps (c), Yasmin Clydsdale, Olivia Kernick, Quincy Dodd, Keilee Joseph, Jessica Sergis, Rima Butler, Sarah Togatuki, Abbi Church, Jocelyn Kelleher.

Tonga and Sāmoa players pray together after their match at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on 26 October. Toa Sāmoa won 34-6. Photo/Facebook/Jerry Uesele

Pacific pride on the line

Fans across Sāmoa, Aotearoa, and the wider Pacific are gearing up for the finals, which cap off an exciting tournament that’s showcased the region’s best rugby league talent.

The Kiwis and Toa Sāmoa face off at 6.05pm (NZ Time) on Sunday at CommBank Stadium in Sydney, while the Kiwi Ferns take on the Jillaroos earlier in the day.

With Pacific pride and silverware on the line, all eyes will be on Sydney this weekend.