‘It’s huge’: Two fairy tales collide as Kiwis clash with Samoa in epic Pacific Championships finale
Samoa has a chance to make history in Sunday’s Pacific Championships final against New Zealand and further establish itself as a genuine contender for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
While there were some grumblings from fans and commentators about players with Samoan ancestry leaving the Kangaroos to build a thriving Test nation from the ground up, there’s no doubt it has created a level of interest on the international stage seldom seen in rugby league.
The data also points that way – with a record crowd of 44,682, the biggest for a Test in Australia not involving the Kangaroos in nearly 70 years, showing up for Samoa’s 34-6 win over Tonga two weeks ago.
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Additionally, more than 15,000 people registered to attend a Samoa fan day on Tuesday in Sydney’s west and Samoan supporters have reportedly already bought almost half the tickets for the final at CommBank Stadium.
As Samoa battles for international supremacy, the Kiwis want to send Kieran Foran, who has starred in his farewell campaign, into retirement with a trophy.
FORAN SWANSWONG
Foran made his international debut in 2009 and the clash will mark his exit from the game after the former Manly premiership winner played his last match in the NRL this season for the Gold Coast.
“It’s huge. I think we’ll touch probably more on that, in the next couple of days before we go to play,” Joe Tapine told 2GB’s WWOS on Thursday.
“He’s a legend of our team, and, if you know Fozza as a person, he’s an even better person.
“There’s no better way to send him out on a good game and a couple of bows after the game with that too.”
Watch the 2025 Pacific Championships live and free on Nine and 9Now.
Kieran Foran in his final campaign for New Zealand. NRL Imagery
Foran was called up to the team by coach Stacey Jones because Jahrome Hughes remains sidelined, but will likely replace the retiring playmaker as halfback at next year’s World Cup.
Jones has done a remarkable job to lead the Kiwis to the final after they were in the mix for relegation to the Pacific Bowl last year.
Their 2024 campaign was dogged by injuries to key players, with Hughes, Moses Leota, Briton Nikora, Dylan Brown, Foran and Jeremy Marshall-King some of the names missing.
That led to Jones handing debuts to seven players. With Brown and Foran in the halves, the Kiwis will go into the match as favourites behind an intimidating pack led by James Fisher-Harris, Leota, Nikora and Tapine.
The Kiwis have also been given a lift from some of the rookies blooded last year with Keano Kini, Naufahu Whyte, Casey McLean, Erin Clark and Phoenix Crossland all impressing this year.
“Last year was a learning curve for us,” Isaiah Papali’i told NRL.com. “The losses burned us and we used that as fuel coming into this campaign.
“Having those debuts has helped us. Even having another year of experience through clubland has allowed those guys to grow so much and then getting a few of the older boys back in the squad also helped.
“We’ve got a good blend at the moment and we’re looking forward to Sunday and finishing the year well.”
The Kiwis edged Samoa 24-18 in the opening week of the tournament and have won six straight against their island rivals.
The Kiwis have named the same 17 players that dominated Tonga in Auckland as Kini keeps his spot at fullback.
“These players did the job last week and earned another shot. We’re ready to go after our second Pacific Cup title.”
A victory over Samoa will confirm they are the team in the box seat to challenge the Kangaroos at next year’s World Cup.
SAMOA ON THE RISE
Samoa returned to the Pacific Championships with a bang after missing last year’s tournament due to their UK tour.
While Samoa announced their arrival when they became the first Pacific nation to play in a World Cup final in 2022 – after an extra-time win over England in the semi-final – if they can bounce the Kiwis on Sunday it will be the rising nation’s first major silverware.
League fans of yesteryear were not privy to the competitive nature of rugby league internationals we have today and it’s all thanks to players of Samoan and Tongan ancestry, who endured criticism from sections of the media over their decision to not play for the Kangaroos.
But it’s been a godsend to league executives, who have carved out more money for the game during the offseason, while giving Tongan and Samoan fans a chance to cheer for their nations.
“It’s awesome, our people turn out and I think we put on a good show and it was just awesome, you know, seeing our community and doing something special to be a part of it,” Blaize Talagi told 2GB’s WWOS.
With Hamiso Tabuia-Fidow committing to Samoa for the World Cup in 2026, Toa Samoa will have several top line stars, including Stephen Crichton and Payne Haas, as they challenge the heavyweights of the rugby league world.
Star forward Jaydn Su’A will return for the team on Sunday after missing the 34-6 win over Tonga two weeks ago in Brisbane due to a concussion.
He replaces Jeremiah Nanai, who has been ruled out with a shoulder injury.
Jazz Tevaga also moves into the starting side, with Benaiah Ioelu now on the bench.
“We’ve had a great build-up and the boys are ready,” Samoa coach Ben Gardiner said.
“This is a proud moment for Samoa and we’ll give it everything.”
LINE UPS
Toa Samoa: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Brian To’o, Izack Tago, Deine Mariner, Murray Tuilagi, Blaize Talagi, Jarome Luai. Forwards – Francis Molo, Jazz Tevaga, Payne Hass, Jaydn Su’A, Simi Sasagi, Junior Paulo. Interchange: Chanel Harris-Tavita, Benaiah Ioelu, Terrell May, Josh Papalii. Reserves – Ata Mariota, Ativalu Lisati, Clayton Faulalo, Ljhkan King-Togia. Ins – Mariota, Faulalo, Su’A, King-Togia. Outs – Jeremiah Nanai
Kiwis: Keano Kini, Jamayne Isaako, Matthew Timoko, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Casey McLean, Dylan Brown, Kieran Foran. Forwards – James Fisher-Harris, Phoenix Crossland, Moses Leota, Briton Nikora, Isaiah Papali’i, Joseph Tapine. Interchange: Te Maire Martin, Naufahu Whyte, Erin Clark, Xavier Willison. Reserves – Scott Sorensen, Zach Dockar-Clay, Josiah Karapani. Ins – Karapani, Dockar-Clay
WOMEN’S FINAL
New Zealand has made changes for their rematch with the Australian Jillaroos.
Former rugby sevens stars Tyla King and Tysha Ikenasio have been added following last week’s 10-4 loss to the Australians in Auckland.
“We’re glad to have another crack. We just need to tidy up a few small things and keep the pressure on,” NZ coach Ricky Henry said.
Tamika Upton returns at fullback for Australia.
Kiwi Ferns: Apii Nicholls, Tysha Ikenasio, Mele Hufunga, Abigail Roache, Shanice Parker, Ashleigh Quinlan, Raecene McGregor, Tiana Davison, Brooke Anderson, Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa, Annessa Biddle, Otesa Pule, Georgia Hale. Interchange: Tyla King, Shaniece Monschau, Alexis Tauaneai, Ivana Lauitiiti, Shakira Baker
Jillaroos: Tamika Upton, Julia Robinson, Isabelle Kelly, Tiana Penitani Gray, Jakiya Whitfeld, Ali Brigginshaw (c), Jesse Southwell, Ellie Johnston, Olivia Higgins, Jessika Elliston, Kezie Apps (c), Yasmin Clydsdale, Olivia Kernick, Quincy Dodd, Keilee Joseph, Jess
KICK OFF
11.25am – Men’s World Cup qualifier: Cook Islands v South Africa
1.35pm – Women’s Pacific Cup Final: Jillaroos v Kiwi Ferns
4.05pm – Men’s Pacific Cup Final: Kiwis v Toa Samoa
