Toa Sāmoa has unveiled an exciting roster in anticipation of Sunday’s Pacific Championships Final, where they will face off against the New Zealand Kiwis at CommBank Stadium in Sydney. A highlight for Sāmoa is the return of star forward Jaydn Su’A, who missed the previous match against Tonga XIII due to a concussion. He steps in for Jeremiah Nanai, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury.
In a strategic move, Jazz Tevaga has been elevated to the starting line-up, prompting Benaiah Ioelu to shift to the bench. Coach Ben Gardiner has chosen to retain the core players from the team that claimed a decisive 34-6 win over Tonga, highlighting their determination to secure the Pacific Championships title. “We’ve had a great build-up and the boys are ready,” Gardiner shared during a recent media briefing. “This is a proud moment for Sāmoa and we’ll give it everything.”
Meanwhile, the Kiwis have opted for continuity, naming the same 17 players who achieved a convincing 40-14 victory over Tonga in their last match. Keano Kini will continue in the fullback position following a strong debut performance, while veteran Kieran Foran prepares to conclude his illustrious 17-year career alongside Dylan Brown in the halves. Coach Stacey Jones emphasized the importance of consistency, stating, “These players did the job last week and earned another shot. We’re ready to go after our second Pacific Cup title.”
The Kiwis’ formidable leadership comes from James Fisher-Harris, backed by a solid forward pack that includes Moses Leota, Briton Nikora, and Joseph Tapine.
In addition to the men’s match, the women’s competition is set for an exhilarating final as the Kiwi Ferns take on the Australian Jillaroos in a rematch after a tight 10-4 defeat in Auckland last week. The Kiwi Ferns have made tactical adjustments, bringing in former rugby sevens stars Tyla King and Tysha Ikenasio to enhance their squad’s speed and experience. Coach Ricky Henry expressed optimism about his team’s potential to bounce back: “We’re glad to have another crack. We just need to tidy up a few small things and keep the pressure on.”
The Australian team will see Tamika Upton return to the fullback position, with impressive debutant Abbi Church also making her appearance in the lineup.
As the finals weekend approaches, anticipation is growing among fans from Sāmoa, Aotearoa, and the wider Pacific region for what promises to be an electrifying display of rugby league talent. The men’s final between Toa Sāmoa and the Kiwis is set to kick off at 6:05 p.m. (NZ Time) on Sunday in Sydney, preceded by the Kiwi Ferns meeting the Jillaroos. With Pacific pride and prestigious silverware on the line, Sydney will be the focal point of celebration for the spirit and strength of Pacific rugby league this weekend.