SUNDAY OCTOBER 27th APOLLO PROJECTS STADIUM, CHRISTCHURCH
KIWI v KANGAROOS 3:05pm
Will Warbrick Set for Rugby League Test Debut
Many sporty kids dream of wearing the silver fern just once, but Will Warbrick is set to represent his third New Zealand code as one of five new Kiwis debutants in rugby league.
The 26-year-old, a former New Zealand AFL representative and All Black Sevens star, will make his rugby league test debut for the Kiwis in their clash against Australia in Christchurch on Sunday.
Kiwis Line Up with Five New Debutants
It’s a dream come true for Kawerau-raised Will Warbrick, who transitioned to rugby league just three years ago with the Melbourne Storm after winning a silver medal in sevens at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Warbrick will line up alongside fellow debutants: starting hooker Phoenix Crossland, Gold Coast fullback Keano Kini, and interchange players Naufahu Whyte and Jordan Riki.
Veteran Shaun Johnson returns at scrumhalf, while coach Stacey Jones has named Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad at standoff, despite him having played just one NRL game in that position. Kodi Nikorima is also set to make his first Kiwis appearance in five years, coming off the bench.
Peta Hiku Makes Historic Return to Kiwis
Peta Hiku returns at centre, becoming the first Super League player to be selected for the Kiwis since 2017.
West Coast native Griffin Neame will start as a prop alongside captain James Fisher-Harris in the forward pack.
Kiwi Team
Keano Kini * (Titans), Jamayne Isaako (Dolphins), Matt Timoko (Raiders), Peta Hiku (Hull Kingston Rovers), Will Warbrick*(Storm), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Warriors), Shaun Johnson (Warriors), James Fisher-Harris (Panthers, c) Phoenix Crossland* (Knights), Griffin Neame (Cowboys), Isaiah Papali’i (Tigers), Scott Sorensen (Panthers), Joseph Tapine (Raiders). Interchange: Kodi Nikorima (Dolphins), Naufahu Whyte* (Roosters), Marata Niukore (Warriors), Jordan Riki* (Broncos). 18th man: Erin Clark* (Titans).
* Denotes new cap.
Kangaroos to Field Same Winning Side
Kangaroos Team. Dylan Edwards, Xavier Coates, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Tom Trbojevic, Zac Lomax, Tom Dearden, Mitch Moses, Patrick Carrigan, Harry Grant, Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton, Cameron Murray, Isaah Yeo (c). Interchange: Matt Burton, Mitch Barnett, Reuben Cotter, Hudson Young. 18th man: Ben Hunt. 19th man: Lindsay Smith.
Kiwis coach Stacey Jones has named five debutants in his 17-man squad to face Australia this Sunday, including dynamic fullback Keano Kini and hooker Phoenix Crossland, as they begin their 2024 Pacific Championships campaign.
The Aussies are set to field the same side that defeated Tonga last Friday as they chase a spot in the Pacific Cup final when they take on the team that thrashed them 30-0 in last year’s final.
There’s not much to report, as Mal Meninga has chosen to retain the same 17 players who secured a 20-0 victory over Tonga last Friday night to open the Pacific Cup. It’s expected they’ll improve on last week with many new combinations at play last weekend. While the Kiwis are decimated with injuries, they’ll still present a stiff test to the Aussies, who lost to NZ in last year’s Pacific Cup final.
Upcoming Women’s Clash: Kiwi Ferns vs. Australia Jillaroos
In the Women’s game.
Kiwi Ferns vs Australia Jillaroos at Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, 1.35pm
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. Ashleigh Quinlan 15. Najveda George 16. Alexis Tauaneai 17. Tiana Davison
JILLAROOS TEAM.
1. Tamika Upton 2. Julia Robinson 3. Isabelle Kelly 4. Tiana Penitani , 5. Jakiya Whitfield 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. Jessika Elliston , 15. Sarah Togatuki 16. Keilee Joseph 17. Mahalia Murphy 18. Jess Sergis 19. Abbi Church, 20. Keeley Davis
I think Australia will win both games.
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