Three weeks of high-intensity rugby league has brought us to the 2025 Pacific Championships with the pride of Australia, New Zealand and Samoa on show at CommBank Stadium.
The Pacific Championships women’s final promises to be another epic battle between the Jillaroos and Kiwi Ferns, who fought out a torrid contest at Eden Park last Sunday in a dress rehearsal for the decider.
With fullback Abbi Church starring on Test debut and Julia Robinson running for 197 metres, the Jillaroos got the better of their arch-rivals to give them the psychological edge heading into the final.
The men’s Cup final will feature New Zealand and Samoa after the Kiwis produced a dazzling 40-14 win over Tonga XIII last Sunday to book their spot.
After being forced into the promotion-relegation clash last year against the Kumuls, Stacey Jones’ men will now get a shot at a second Pacific Cup crown after they saluted in 2023 with a memorable 30-0 win over Australia.
Follow all the Pacific Championships Finals action on NRL.com’s live blog.
Women’s Pacific Cup Final: Jillaroos v Kiwi Ferns
Late Mail
Jillaroos: The Jillaroos line up 1-17 with no late changes. Fullback Tamika Upton returns for the final after overcoming a calf injury while Olivia Higgins slots straight into the starting hooker role following the shoulder injury to Keeley Davis in the win over the Kiwi Ferns in Auckland. Other changes see Jakiya Whitfeld come from the reserves to start on the wing, moving Jess Sergis to the bench.
Kiwi Ferns: A change an hour before kick-off with Olympic gold medallist Tyla King coming into the starting side at five-eighth with Ash Quinlan going to the bench. Tysha Ikenasio replaces winger Leianne Tufuga, who has been placed in the head knock protocols. Shakira Baker is the 18th player.
Numbers Game
- The Jillaroos have conceded 12 points in their last six Tests.
- The Kiwi Ferns have won only one of their past 11 games against the Jillaroos.
- The Jillaroos have scored 160 points to eight in three Test appearances in 2025.
- The Ferns have won only one of their past five Tests on Australian soil.
- Jillaroos fullback Tamika Upton has scored 11 tries in her last five Test matches.
Men’s Pacific Cup Final: Kiwis v Toa Samoa
