A Thrilling Rugby Showdown at AAMI Park
The stage is set for an epic battle as the mighty Kangaroos face off against the formidable Kiwis in the 2023 Pacific Championship. The excitement is palpable as two of the world’s top rugby league teams clash at AAMI Park on Saturday, October 28th. Additionally, the Women’s teams, Jillaroos and Kiwi Ferns, will also take the field, promising a day filled with adrenaline-pumping action.
Debutantes Hynes and Flegler Bring Fresh Energy
In a move that has fans buzzing with anticipation, Nicho Hynes and Tom Flegler are set to make their Kangaroos debuts. Coach Mal Meninga has opted to rest four seasoned players to give the newcomers a chance to shine.
Hynes, who previously wore the No. 17 jersey during his ill-fated NSW debut, looks to redeem himself after a challenging Origin opener earlier this year. His 12-minute performance in that match was marred by a missed tackle that led to a game-winning try. Now, he has an opportunity to prove his mettle on the international stage.
Star Lineup Changes
Payne Haas, Liam Martin, Selwyn Cobbo, and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, who all played a pivotal role in Australia’s Pacific Championship opener, will be watching from the sidelines this week. However, fans can rest assured that these stars will return for the final of the tournament.
Val Holmes returns to the lineup, replacing Cobbo, while Reuben Cotter takes the starting position vacated by second-rower Martin. Flegler and Jake Trbojevic will fill the front-row void left by Haas and Fa’asuamaleaui. Dylan Edwards, who has overcome a shoulder injury, will also make his presence felt.
New Zealand’s Additions
New Zealand has strengthened its squad by adding Danny Levi, Keano Kini, and Wiremu Greig to the mix. These fresh talents are expected to inject new vigor into the Kiwis after their commanding victory over Samoa last week.
Men’s Lineups:
Australia:
- James Tedesco
- Dylan Edwards
- Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
- Kotoni Staggs
- Valentine Holmes
- Cameron Munster
- Daly Cherry-Evans
- Jake Trbojevic
- Ben Hunt
- Thomas Flegler
- Cameron Murray
- Reuben Cotter
- Isaah Yeo
- Harry Grant
- Lindsay Collins
- Patrick Carrigan
- Nicho Hynes
- Liam Martin
- Selwyn Cobbo
- Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
- Payne Haas
New Zealand:
- Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
- Ronaldo Mulitalo
- Matthew Timoko
- Joseph Manu
- Jamayne Isaako
- Dylan Brown
- Jahrome Hughes
- James Fisher-Harris
- Kieran Foran
- Moses Leota
- Isaiah Papali’i
- Briton Nikora
- Joseph Tapine
- Fa’amanu Brown
- Nelson Asofa-Solomona
- Griffin Neame
- Leo Thompson
- Naufahu Whyte
- Danny Levi
- Wiremu Greig
- Keano Kini
Women’s Pacific Championships: Jillaroos vs. Kiwi Ferns
Two weeks after their thrilling clash in Townsville, the Australian Jillaroos and the Kiwi Ferns will go head-to-head again in the inaugural Women’s Pacific Championships. The Jillaroos emerged victorious in their Week 1 encounter, with Tamika Upton, a debutant, showcasing her prowess on the international stage.
The Ferns, however, regrouped quickly and demonstrated impressive teamwork in their last match. Halfback Raecene McGregor and centers Abigail Roache and Mele Hufanga played pivotal roles in securing a 28-10 win over Mate Ma’a Tonga.
Fierce Rivalry Rekindled
The Kiwi Ferns are hungry for redemption after a devastating 50-point loss to their arch-rivals in last year’s World Cup Final. Their determined performance in the six-point loss in Townsville has fueled their desire to secure their first win against the Jillaroos since 2016.
Meanwhile, the Jillaroos, led by Brad Donald, enter the contest well-rested and well-prepared after a weekend off. Jakiya Whitfeld, a standout with four tries at the Australian Prime Ministers XIII’s clash last month, is set to boost their offensive firepower.
Players to Watch
In the Women’s teams, Jillaroos vs. Kiwi Ferns, there are several standout players to keep an eye on:
Australia:
- Tamika Upton
- Jaime Chapman
- Jessica Sergis
- Isabelle Kelly
- Jakiya Whitfeld
- Tarryn Aiken
- Ali Brigginshaw
- Shannon Mato
- Lauren Brown
- Jessika Elliston
- Kezie Apps
- Olivia Kernick
- Simaima Taufa
- Emma Tonegato
- Yasmin Clydsdale
- Kennedy Cherrington
- Emma Manzelmann
- Shaylee Bent
- Shenae Ciesiolka
- Teagan Berry
- Keeley Davis
New Zealand:
- Apii Nicholls
- Leianne Tufuga
- Mele Hufanga
- Abigail Roache
- Shanice Parker
- Tyla Nathan-Wong
- Raecene McGregor
- Mya Hill-Moana
- Brooke Anderson
- Angelina Teakaraanga Katoa
- Annessa Biddle
- Otesa Pule
- Georgia Hale
- Ash Quinlan
- Najvada George
- Jasmine Fogavini
- Tiana Davison
- Laishon Albert-Jones
- Cheyelle Robins-Reti
- Capri Paekau
Get ready for an unforgettable day of rugby league action as the Kangaroos, Kiwis, Jillaroos, and Kiwi Ferns battle it out for supremacy at AAMI Park!
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