Pacific Championship: Stars trade club jersey for national colours

The NRL season may be over, but there's still plenty of rugby league action to enjoy in 2024 with the Pacific Championships underway this weekend.

There's more to play for in this year's competition with a relegation and promotion format being introduced.

The Pacific Championships are back for a second year after a blockbuster debut in 2023. Photo/supplied

In the men's division, top-ranked nations Australia, New Zealand, and Tonga will compete for the Cup while Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and the Cook Islands will feature in the Bowl tournament.

For the women, New Zealand, PNG, and Australia will contest the Cup while Fiji, Tonga, the Cook Islands, and Sāmoa will do battle for the Bowl.

The third-placed men's and women's teams will play against their respective Bowl winners in the Cup competition.

Whoever takes out those matches will then feature in the top division for the next season.

In Friday's opener, Tonga have named their 20-man squad with five debutants including NRL Grand Final hero Paul Alamoti, backrower Kulikefu Finefeuaki, and Manly's young star Lehi Hopoate.

The Tongans boast the likes of Addin Fonua-Blake, Eli Katoa, Moses Suli, Jason Taumalolo, and Daniel Tupou to face Australia on Friday and the New Zealand Kiwis on 2 November.

All but one player named is in the NRL while five-eighth/fullback Tuimoala Lolohea’s form in the Super League for Huddersfield this season has earned him a spot for Tonga.

Australian Pat Carrigan says he's impressed with the forwards named in the Tongan squad.

The Kangaroos are out to make amends after losing the Pacific Cup final to New Zealand.

“That Tonga team's hectic! The Pacific nations teams are all strong, I think it's even to be honest, that Tonga team and the Kiwis are looking really strong," Carrigan told a media conference.

“It's exciting for the game. It's awesome that there's a game at Suncorp, I am excited about that."

Tonga will take on 2023 finalists Australia in the opening match of the competition in Brisbane on Friday. Photo/TRL

Players to watch include Broncos forward Xavier Willison and Dolphins utility Mason Teague who has been named in the Cook Islands Aitu squad.

Both Willison, 22, and Teague, 21, join Aitu stalwarts Brad Takairangi, Zane Tetevano, Esan Marsters, and Reubenn Rennie in the Karmichael Hunt-coached side.

The Aitu take on the Fiji Bati in Suva on 26 October and then face the PNG Kumuls in Port Moresby on 2 November.

PNG's 21-man squad consists of several current and former NRL stars including Jack de Belin, Dan Russell, Lachlan Lam, Robert Derby, and Jacob Alick-Wiencke.

The side will want to advance into the Pacific Championships tournament by winning the Bowl title.

However, the Kumuls will be without their star trio of centres Justin Olam and Zac Laybutt, and front-rower Nixon Putt due to injuries.

The Fiji Bati's squad should prove hard to beat with grand final star Sunia Turuva headlining the team including Canterbury Bulldogs strongman Viliame Kikau and the Parramatta Eels tryscoring machine Maika Sivo.

Fiji Bati face PNG Kumuls in Suva on Saturday. Photo/FNRL

The Fijians have recalled recently retired outside backs Michael Jennings and Kevin Naiqama. The Bati face PNG in their Bowl opener in Suva on Saturday.

Warriors' playmaker Shaun Johnson has been forced out of retirement following a call-up to replace injured Jahrome Hughes in the New Zealand Kiwis side.

In a statement, the Kiwis said the veteran halfback is returning to the international arena for the first time in five years to replace Hughes against Tonga and the Kangaroos.

The Kiwis are also missing six stars due to injury - Dylan Brown (knee), Kieran Foran (ankle), Te Maire Martin (neck), Brandon Smith (knee), and Jeremy Marshall-King (knee), as well as the versatile Joseph Manu, who has switched to rugby union.

Johnson’s return is set to revive his Test career in the Kiwis’ opening game against Australia at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch on 27 October.

It was at this same venue that Johnson played his last international in the Kiwis’ series win against Great Britain in 2019.

New Zealand’s second match is against Tonga at Go Media Stadium in Auckland on 2 November with the Cup final at CommBank Stadium in Sydney on 10 November.

Shaun Johnson returns to the international arena after five years. Photo/NRL.com

This year’s tournament will see four weeks of footy played in four countries, with the first game kicking off at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Friday between the Tongans and the Kangaroos.

“This year we have raised the stakes by adding promotion and relegation across the men’s and women’s tournaments so there is a great deal at stake in the Pacific Championships,” NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said in a statement.

“As the Pacific’s largest sport, Rugby League is fast becoming the language that unifies the region.

“The Pacific Championships is a powerful showcase and celebration of culture, connecting passionate Rugby League fans in each host city and nation into one pulsating sporting community.”

Other games this week will see the Australia Jillaroos women face PNG in Brisbane on Friday.

Sāmoa are not featuring in this year's Pacific Championships but they will be involved in post-season internationals.

Ben Gardiner’s side travel to England for two end-of-season tests without Stephen Crichton, Joseph Sua’ali’i, and Brian To’o. Panthers star Jarome Luai will captain the team.

Sāmoa are not taking part in the Pacific Championships. Photo/supplied

Full draw (NZ time)

Pacific Cup - Men

Friday 18 October: Australia v Tonga, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 10:10pm.

Sunday 27 Oct - New Zealand v Australia, Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch 6:05pm.

Saturday 2 November - NZ v Tonga, Go Media Stadium, Auckland 8:05pm.

Sunday 10 Nov - Final, CommBank Stadium, Sydney 8:20pm

Pacific Bowl - Men

Saturday 19 Oct - Fiji v PNG, HFC Bank Stadium, Suva 7:10pm.

Saturday 26 Oct - Fiji v Cook Islands, HFC Bank Stadium, Suva 7:10pm.

Sunday 3 Nov - PNG v Cook Islands, Santos Stadium, Port Moresby 4pm

Sunday 10 Nov - Promotion/Relegation Playoff, CommBank Stadium, Sydney 4:05pm.

PNG Kumuls, who hosted the inaugural tournament in 2023, clinched the Bowl title. Photo/insidepng.com

Pacific Cup - Women

Friday 18 Oct - Australia v PNG, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 9:05pm.

Sunday 27 Oct - NZ v Australia, Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch 3:35pm.

Sunday 3 Nov - PNG v NZ, Santos Stadium, Port Moresby 12:55pm.

Sunday 10 Nov - Final, CommBank Stadium, Sydney 5:50pm.

Pacific Bowl - Women

Saturday 19 Oct - Tonga v Samoa, HFC Bank Stadium, Suva 7pm.

Saturday 26 Oct - Fiji v Cook Islands, HFC Bank Stadium, Suva 7pm.

Saturday 2 Nov - Final, Go Media Stadium, Auckland 5:35pm.

Sunday 10 Nov - Promotion/Relegation Playoff, CommBank Stadium, Sydney 1:35pm.

Cook Islands women will travel to Fiji for their opening game on 26 October in Suva. Photo/pacifichampionships2024

Teams: Men

Tonga - Jason Taumalolo (Cowboys), Felise Kaufusi and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (Dolphins), Moses Suli (Dragons), Paul Alamoti, Isaiah Iongi, and Soni Luke (Panthers), Siliva Havili and Keaon Koloamatangi (Rabbitohs), Daniel Tupou, Sitili Tupouniua, and Siua Wong (Roosters), Lehi Hopoate, Tolutau Koula, Haumole Olakau'atu, and Taniela Paseka (Sea Eagles), Sione Katoa (Sharks), Eliesa Katoa (Storm), Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors), and Tuimoala Lolohea (Giants - UK).

Australia Kangaroos - Pat Carrigan (Broncos), Matt Burton (Bulldogs), Reuben Cotter, Tom Dearden, and Reece Robson (Cowboys), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins), Ben Hunt and Zac Lomax (Dragons), Mitch Moses (Eels), Bradman Best (Knights), Dylan Edwards, Lindsay Smith, and Isaiah Yeo - captain (Panthers), Cam Murray (Rabbitohs), Hudson Young (Raiders), Lindsay Collins and Angus Crichton (Roosters), Tom Trbojevic (Sea Eagles) Xavier Coates and Harry Grant (Storm), and Mitch Barnett (Warriors).

NZ Kiwis - Jordan Riki (Broncos), Griffin Neame (Cowboys), Jamayne Isaako, Kodi Nikorima (Dolphins), Phoenix Crossland, Leo Thompson (Knights), James Fisher-Harris (capt.), Casey McLean, Scott Sorensen, Trent Toelau (Panthers), Joe Tapine, Matthew Timoko (Raiders), Naufahu Whyte (Roosters), Will Warbrick (Storm), Isaiah Papali’i (Tigers), Erin Clark, Keano Kini (Titans), Shaun Johnson, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Marata Niukore (Warriors), Peta Hiku (Hull KR).

Fiji Bati - Kitione Kautoga, Viliame Kikau, Jethro Rinakama, Penioni Tagituimua (Bulldogs), Semi Valemei (Cowboys), Kurt Donoghoe (Dolphins), Maika Sivo (Eels), Sunia Turuva (Panthers), Bayleigh Bentley-Hape, Taane Milne (Rabbitohs), Kylan Mafoa, Caleb Navale (Sea Eagles), Tui Kamikamica (Storm), Jordan Miller, James Valevatu (Tigers), Joe Lovodua (Dons UK), Ben Nakubuwai (Leopards UK), Waqa Blak (Saints UK), Nathan Kegg-Smith (Brisbane Tigers), No club: Michael Jennings, Kevin Naiqama.

Fiji Bati will host PNG Kumuls in Suva on Saturday. Photo/FNRL

Cook Islands Aitu - Xavier Willison (Broncos), Mason Teague (Dolphins), Makahesi Makatoa (Eels), Steven Marsters (Illawarra South Coast Dragons), Rhys Dakin (Newtown Jets), Justin Makirere, Pride Petterson-Robati (Norths Devils), Rua Ngatikaura (North Sydney Bears), North Sydney Bears (North Sydney Bears), Davvy Moale (Rabbitohs), Delahia Wigmore (Raiders), Rixson Andrew, Kobe Tararo (Souths Logan Magpies), Brad Takairangi (South West Goannas), Tepai Moeroa (Storm), Reuben Porter (Tigers), Reubenn Rennie (Toulouse Olympique), Malachi Morgan (Tweed Heads Seagulls), Esom Ioka (Western Clydesdales), Junior Teroi (Western Panthers), Esan Marsters (Red Devils UK), No club: Zane Tetevano.

PNG Kumuls - Jacob Alick Wienke (Titans), Ila Alu, Koso Bandi, Alex Max, Valentine Richard, Judah Rimbu, Elijah Roltinga, Sanny Wabo (PNG Hunters), Jack De Belin, Daniel Russell (Dragons), Robert Derby (Cowboys), Jeremiak Simbiken (Dolphins), Roderick Tai (Western Clydesdales), Khaiya Waiembi (Central Queensland Capras), Liam Horne, Sylvester Namo (Castleford Tigers), Edwin Ipape, Lachlan Lam (Leigh Leopards), Nene Macdonald (Salford Red Devils), Rhyse Martin (Leeds Rhinos).

Samoa squad for end-of-season internationals - Anthony Milford (Dolphins), Blaize Talagi (Penrith Panthers), Deine Mariner (Brisbane Broncos), Francis Molo (St George Illawarra Dragons), Gordon Chan Kum Tong (Manly Sea Eagles), Izack Tago (Penrith Panthers), Jake Tago (Parramatta Eels), Jarome Luai (Wests Tigers), Jazz Tevaga (Manly Sea Eagles), Jeral Skelton (Wests Tigers), Jeremiah Nanai (North Queensland Cowboys), John Asiata (Leigh Leopards), Josiah Pahulu (Gold Coast Titans), Junior Pauga (Sydney Roosters), Keenan Palasia (Leeds Rhinos), Lazarus Vaalepu (Melbourne Storm), Luciano Leilua (St George Illawarra Dragons), Paul Roache (Warriors), Ricky Leutele (Leigh Leopards), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Warriors), Shawn Blore (Melbourne Storm), Simi Sasagi (Canberra Raiders), Terrell May (Sydney Roosters).

NZ Kiwi Ferns perform a haka. They will open their 2024 campaign against rivals Australia Jillaroos in Christchurch on 27 October. Photo/supplied

Women:

NZ Kiwi Ferns - Abigail Roache, Alexis Tauaneai, Amber Hall, Angelina Teakaraanga Katoa, Annessa Biddle, Apii Nicholls, Ashleigh Quinlan, Brianna Clark, Brooke Anderson, Brooke Talataina, Gayle Broughton, Georgia Hale, Leianne Tufuga, Mackenzie Wiki, Mele Hufanga, Mya Hill Moana, Najvada George, Otesa Pule, Shanice Parker, Tiana Davison.

Sāmoa - Annetta Nuuausala, Christian Pio, Destiny Brill, Evah McEwen, Evania Pelite, Jasmine Fogavini, Jessica Patea, Jetaya Faifua, Laikha Clarke, Lindsay Tui, Makayla Eli, Mercedez Taulelei-Siala, Monalisa Soliola, Pauline Piliae-Rasabale, Pihuka Berryman Duff, Sarina Masaga, Shontelle Stowers, Sienna Lofipo, Simone Karpani, Tavarna Papalii.

Tonga - Tegan Dymock, Kate Fallon, Tatiana Finau, Claudia Finau, Vanessa Foliaki (C), Jade Fonua, Maatuleio Fotu-Moala, Metanoia Fotu-Moala, Litia Fusi, Filomina Hanisi, Kalosipani Hopoate, Shirley Mailangi, Anaseini Malupo, Shannon Muru, Emmanita Paki, Natasha Penitani (C), Dannii Perese, Manilita Takapautolo, Lavinia Tauhalaliku, Cassey Tohi-Hiku, Paea Uilou.

PNG Orchids face the Australian Jillaroos in Brisbane on Friday. Photo/pngorchids

Fiji - Talei Holmes, Vitalina Naikore, Teaghan Hartigan, Cassandra Staples, Sereana Naitokatoka, Abigayle Sekitoga, Ema Rainima, Luisa Yaranamua, Sienna Laing, Latisha Smythe, Aliti Namoce, Losana Lutu, Rusila Camaibure, Taina Naividi, Anastasia Shum, Sereana Maragi, Asenaca Diranuve, Ateca Naicaucauceva, Mere Kilawerkana, Ilisapeci Bari, Nanise Vakacavu.

PNG Orchids - Mala Mark, Freda Waula, Belinda Gwasamun, Latoniya Norris, Lyiannah Allen, Sera Koroi, Delailah Ahose, Essay Banu, Ua Ravu, Elsie Albert, Sareka Mooka, Emily Veivers, Gloria Kaupa, Roswita Kapo, Jessikah Reeves, Talitha Kunjil, Leila Kerowa, Lilah Malabag, Meli Joe, Yolanda Taute, Freda Anthony.

Australia Jillaroos - Tamika Upton, Julia Robinson, Isabelle Kelly, Tiana Penitani, Jakiya Whitfield, Ali Brigginshaw, Tarryn Aiken, Millie Elliott, Quincy Dodd, Shannon Mato, Kezie Apps, Yasmin Clydsdale, Simaina Taufa, Olivia Higgins, Sarah Togatuki, Keilee Joseph, Mahalia Murphy, Jessica Sergis, Abbi Church, Jessika Elliston, Lauren Brown.

Cook Islands - TBC.

The 2024 Pacific Championships will be held from 18 October to 11 November. Photo/supplied