PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL SHOWDOWN

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10th, 2024 COMM BANK STADIUM, SYDNEY

Team Announcements and Key Changes Revealed for All Four Games!!

Mal Meninga and Kristian Woolf have named their teams for the Pacific Championships final.

Australia’s Young Steps Up as Kangaroos Battle Tonga

Meninga has named Husdon Young to replace the injured Cameron Murray, with Lindsay Smith joining the bench.

Meanwhile, Woolf has named the same 17, with Lehi Hopoate at fullback despite suffering an injury against the Kiwis.

Papua New Guinea Orchids vs Fetu Samoa at CommBank Stadium at 11.40am AEDT

Orchids team: 1. Shae Yvonne De La Cruz 2. Jenny Wesley 3. Belinda Gwasamun 4. Leila Kerowa, 5. Lyiannah Allan 6. Sera Koroi 7. Ua Ravu 8. Elsie Albert 9. Therese Aiton 10. Essay Banu, 11. Sareka Mooka 12. Emily Veivers 13. Gloria Kaupa 14. Delailah Ahose 15. Jessikah Reeves, 16. Yolanda Taute 17. Mala Mark 18. Talitha Kunjil 19. Meli Joe 20. Lilah Malabag 21. Roswita Kapo

Key Adjustments for PNG

Coach Tahnee Norris has made only two adjustments to her 17-player lineup, bringing Delailah Ahose and Mala Mark onto the bench after they missed out on last week’s loss to New Zealand. Making way for them are Lilah Malabag and Roswita Kapo. In a significant boost for PNG as they pursue their first Pacific Cup win, fullback Shae De La Cruz has been named to play despite being unable to finish last week’s game due to a knock.

Samoan Team: 14. Jetaya Faifua 2. Mercedez Taulelei-Siala 3. Lindsay Tui 4. Sarina Masaga , 5. Jessica Patea 6. Tavarna Papalii 7. Pauline Piliae 8. Annetta Nuuausala 9. Destiny Brill , 12. Christian Pio 11. Monalisa Soliola 17. Evah McEwen 13. Sienna Lofipo 15. Simone Karpani, 16. Pihuka Berryman-Duff 18. Jasmine Fogavini 20. Viena Tinao 21. Ella-Jaye Harrison-Leaunoa , 22. Claudia Brown 25. Tafao Asaua

Soward’s Side Loses Star Power

In a major setback for Jamie Soward’s side, star fullback Evania Pelite will miss the final due to a leg injury. Stepping in for her is 21-year-old Jetaya Faifua, who came off the bench last week. Soward has also adjusted his forward lineup, with Wests Tigers’ Christian Pio moving to prop and Evah McEwen set to start on the edge. The absence of Titans forward Laikha Clarke has created bench opportunities for Viena Tinao and Jasmine Fogavini.

Australia Jillaroos vs New Zealand Kiwi Ferns at CommBank Stadium at 1.50pm AEDT

Jillaroos team: 1. Tamika Upton 2. Julia Robinson 3. Isabelle Kelly 4. Tiana Penitani , 5. Jakiya Whitfeld 6. Ali Brigginshaw 7. Tarryn Aiken 8. Millie Elliott 9. Olivia Higgins 10, Shannon Mato 11. Kezie Apps 12. Yasmin Clydsdale 13. Simaima Taufa 14. Keeley Davis , 15. Sarah Togatuki 16. Keilee Joseph 17. Mahalia Murphy 18. Jessica Sergis 19. Jessika Elliston, 20. Abbi Church 21. Jesse Southwell

Jillaroos Bring Depth with Hooker Switch-Up

Dally M Hooker of the Year Keely Davis joins the 17 to support Olivia Higgins, who has recovered from a wrist injury and is set to wear the No.9 jersey. Roosters teammate Jess Sergis makes way for Davis on the bench, moving to the 18th player role. Meanwhile, co-captain and seasoned playmaker Ali Brigginshaw will take the field at halfback for her milestone 25th Test for Australia.

Kiwi Ferns team: 1. Apii Nicholls 2. Leianne Tufuga 3. Mele Hufanga 4. Abigail Roache, 5. Shanice Parker 6. Gayle Broughton 7. Tyla King 8. Brianna Clark 9. Brooke Anderson , 10. Angelina Teakaraanga Katoa 11. Annessa Biddle 12. Amber Hall 13. Georgia Hale, 14. Ash Quinlan 15. Najvada George 16. Alexis Tauaneai 17. Otesa Pule 18. Tiana Davison, 19. Mackenzie Wiki 20. Cheyelle Robins-Reti 21. Brooke Talataina

Veteran Nicholls’ Return Headlines Kiwi Ferns’ Final Squad

Coach Ricky Henry has implemented several changes for this blockbuster final, highlighted by veteran Apii Nicholls’ return at fullback. The 31-year-old’s inclusion moves Shanice Parker to the wing and last week’s debutant, Mackenzie Wiki, to the reserves. Sharks powerhouse Annessa Biddle also reclaims a starting spot in the second row, with Najvada George shifting to the bench. Additionally, Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa is set to start at prop, while her NRLW teammate Alexis Tauaneai moves to the bench.

Australia Kangaroos vs Mate Ma’a Tonga at CommBank Stadium at 4.05pm AEDT

Kangaroos team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Xavier Coates 3. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 4. Tom Trbojevic, 5. Zac Lomax 6. Tom Dearden 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Patrick Carrigan 9. Harry Grant 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Hudson Young 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Matt Burton 15. Mitchell Barnett 16. Reuben Cotter 17. Lindsay Smith 18. Ben Hunt 19. Bradman Best 20. Reece Robson

Young Steps Up for Injured Murray

Hudson Young moves into the starting side for the injured Cameron Murray (wrist) while Lindsay Smith joins the bench for his Test debut. Ben Hunt is again the 18th man.

Tongan team: 1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Moses Suli 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Sione Katoa, 6. Tuimoala Lolohea 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Siliva Havili 10. Felise Kaufusi, 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Soni Luke 15. Sitili Tupouniua , 16. Taniela Paseka 17. Siua Wong 18. Tolutau Koula 19. Keaon Koloamatangi 20. Isaiah Iongi 21. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

Unchanged Line up for Tonga as Hopoate Pushes Through Injury

Coach Kristian Woolf has named the same 17 that pulled off a stunning upset over New Zealand to advance to the Cup final. Lehi Hopoate has been named at fullback despite suffering an injury last week, with Tolu Koula on standby as 18th man. Keaon Kolomatangi remains with his partner as they await the birth of their child but could be a late inclusion closer to game day.

New Zealand Kiwis vs Papua New Guinea Kumuls at CommBank Stadium at 6.20pm AEDT

Kiwis team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Peta Hiku 5. William Warbrick, 6. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 7. Shaun Johnson 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Phoenix Crossland, 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Scott Sorensen 13. Naufahu Whyte 14. Kodi Nikorima, 15. Griffin Neame 16. Marata Niukore 17. Leo Thompson 18. Erin Clark 19. Jordan Riki , 20. Casey McLean 21. Trent Toelau

Kiwis Ready for PNG with Whyte Leading the Pack

Naufahu Whyte has been named to start with Leo Thomoson moving to the bench after they switched last week before kick-off. Erin Clark is again the 18th man.

Kumuls team: 1. Nene Macdonald 2. Elijah Roltinga 3. Robert Mathias 4. Rodrick Tai 5. Robert Derby 6. Kyle Laybutt 7. Lachlan Lam 8. Valentine Richard 9. Liam Horne 10. Jacob Alick-Wiencke, 11. Rhyse Martin 12. Jeremiah Simbiken 13. Jack de Belin 14. Judah Rimbu 15. Koso Bandi , 16. Sylvester Namo 17. Ila Alu 18. Dan Russell 19. Morea Morea 20. Sanny Wabo 21. Benji Kot

PNG’s Fighting Spirit Remains Strong

Captain Rhyse Martin returns to captain the side after missing last week’s game for personal reasons with Dan Russell shifting back to 18th man and Morea Morea to the reserves. Liam Horne has been named to start at hooker but could swap with Judah Rimbu as he did last weekend.

The Pacific Championships final promises to be a thrilling day for rugby league fans. With the best players from the Pacific islands and Australia set to clash, there’s no shortage of excitement and anticipation as each team aims to prove their worth and claim the title.