Dylan Brown is eagerly looking to make his mark as he leads New Zealand in the Pacific Championships, aiming for a spot in the final. The Kiwis will take on Tonga this Sunday at Auckland’s Eden Park, with a victory or a loss by less than 17 points required to secure a place in the Cup final against Samoa in Sydney next week.
Having missed last year’s tournament due to a knee injury, Brown’s return has been pivotal. Last year, New Zealand narrowly missed out on the title decider after Tonga triumphed with a last-minute field goal by Isaiya Katoa, ending the Kiwis’ dreams of championship glory. This season, however, Brown made a significant impact in his first match against Samoa by contributing two try assists and scoring the winning try late in the game to secure a thrilling 22-18 victory.
Reflecting on his return, Brown expressed his excitement to don the black jersey once more, stating, “I definitely missed it last year… it’s an honour to wear the black jersey.” He emphasized the importance of his team’s camaraderie and the spirited environment within the camp as motivation moving forward.
Looking ahead to the match against Tonga, he acknowledged his team’s momentum but recognized the threat posed by their rivals, who are determined to rebound from a heavy 34-6 defeat to Samoa in their last outing. Brown noted, “They’re going to be coming out firing… they have a lot to play for too.”
In the broader context of the tournament, the stakes are high for New Zealand under the new coaching guidance of Stacey Jones, who expressed pride in their efforts thus far. The Kiwis are aware that this upcoming clash is critical not only for their championship aspirations but also for avoiding potential relegation against teams from the Pacific Bowl.
With the Pacific Cup final on the horizon, the competitiveness of the tournament is beginning to generate excitement among fans. Jones, while noting the necessity of improvement in tackling and attack, is optimistic. This competition serves as an opportunity for growth and resilience for the Kiwis, and there is a shared hope that they can build on their performance to pave the way for future successes on the international stage.
Anticipation builds as the Kiwis aim to reclaim their position among the top teams in rugby league, showcasing not just talent but also the potential to rise in future matches. The upcoming weekend promises an exhilarating showdown that could define the season for both New Zealand and Tonga.