Official team lists, updates and injury news for Week 3 of the 2025 Pacific Championships Men’s and Women’s tournaments.
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Pacific Championships Team Lists: Week 3
Kiwi Ferns v Jillaroos, Sunday 1.35pm (AEDT) at Eden Park, Auckland
Kiwi Ferns: Tiana Davison comes in at prop for the suspended Brianna Cark while winger Leianne Tufuga and forward Shaniece Monschau have also joined the 17, with Monschau on debut. Otesa Pule moves into the starting side in place of Shakira Baker, while Tysha Ikenasio has made way for Tufuga. Dragons youngster Trinity Tauaneai has been listed among the reserves after being added to Ricky Henry’s main squad this week.
Jillaroos: The calf injury to Tamika Upton brings Abbi Church in at fullback for her Test debut. Ellie Johnston has been promoted to start after impressing in her Test debut off the bench against Fetu Samoa with Rima Butler sliding to the bench. Wests Tigers forward Sarah Togatuki has been added to the bench in her first appearance of the campaign. Jakiya Whitfield, who came off the bench to play on the wing last week, reverts to 18th player.
Kiwis v Tonga XIII, Sunday 4.05pm (AEDT) at Eden Park, Auckland
Kiwis: A change 24 hours before kick-off with Seb Kris dropping out of the side and Keano Kini the new replacement for Ronaldo Mulitalo (knee). Meanwhile, Jeremy Marshall-King (thumb) is sidelined so Phoenix Crossland is the new starting hooker. Warriors utility Te Maire Martin and Broncos forward Xavier Willison have been added to the bench. Having previously played one Test for Cook Islands in 2022, Willison earns his first cap for New Zealand. Nelson Asofa-Solomona drops out of the reserves with Scott Sorensen the new 18th man.
Tonga XIII: Will Penisini joins the side at centre on Saturday with Tolutau Koula dropping out. Skipper Jason Taumalolo (knee) is back on deck after missing the Samoa showdown but centre Rob Toia (foot) and prop Stefano Utoikamanu (concussion) are both sidelined. Panthers star Paul Alamoti comes in at centre while Felise Kaufusi moves to prop to cover for Utoikamanu. Dolphins young gun Kulikefu Finefuiaki is listed as 18th man.
PNG Orchids v Tonga XIII, Saturday 2.00pm (AEDT) at Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
Orchids: Centre Relna Wuruki-Hosea and prop Gloria Kaupa came into the starting side when the team was named on Tuesday while Maria Biyama has been promoted from the bench to start in the back row. Mya Muller is the player who reverts to the bench. Prop Essay Banu has been sidelined with a leg injury and Jessikah Reeves goes from prop to lock with Kaupa coming in. After being 18th player for the week one clash against Cook Islands, Muller makes her Test debut, while Wuruki-Hosea also earns her first cap. Mala Mark is the 18th player.
Tonga XIII: A late switch on Saturday with prop Ruby Fifita named to start and Kalosipani Hopoate shifting to the bench. The only change to the side beaten by Cook Islands Moana is Bulldogs forward Paea Uilou joining the bench for her second Test appearance after debuting against Fetu Samoa in last year’s Pacific Championships. Kaylani Tavita is the player to make way. Vanessa Foliaki is the 18th player.
PNG Kumuls v Fiji Bati, Saturday 4.00pm (AEDT) at Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
Kumuls: A late change on game day with halfback Lachlan Lam shifting to the bench and Finley Glare named to start. Prolific Townsville Blackhawks tryscorer Dudley Dotoi comes in on the wing in place of Robert Derby. After coming off the bench for the PM’s XIIII and then missing last week’s game, Valentine Richard comes into the starting side at prop. Jack de Belin moves from prop to lock and Liam Horne drops to 18th player. Robert Mathias has been promoted to the bench at the expense of Jacob Alick-Wiencke.
Bati: Michael Waqa drops out of the side an hour before kick off with Keresi Maya promotoed to the benach and Kylan Mafoa starting at prop. The shoulder injury to Jethro Rinakama brings Wynnum Manly winger Ronald Philitoga in for his Test debut while centre Jope Rauqe also makes his international debut in the centres in place of Michael Jennings. Skipper Tui Kamikamica left the field for a HIA inside the last 15 minutes against Cook Islands in week one but is right to take his place in his 23rd Test match. Former Titan Ben Nakubuwai joins the interchange for his 16th Test match, the first of which came back in 2016. Akuila Qoro is 18th man.
