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A new generation of New Zealand stars is determined to create their own legacy as they look to replicate the heroics of the 2008 World Cup triumph.

It will be 18 long years between drinks by the time the tournament rolls around next October, with many of the current squad too young to remember the historic victory at Suncorp Stadium.

Building towards the World Cup was a key theme throughout the Kiwis' successful Pacific Championships campaign, with coach Stacey Jones bringing in a number of the 2008 champions to shed light on a stunning upset over the Kangaroos.

Star winger Casey McLean was just two at the time and said the speeches inspired the current squad to create their own piece of history.

"We've had the old boys come into camp and talk about their journeys," McLean told NRL.com. "There were a couple of times that World Cup came up and when it did the hunger crept into the room. The boys are hungry and want that feeling again.

"The World Cup is the pinnacle of rugby league. Especially as a Kiwi, we don't play State of Origin so for us we take so much pride any time we're able to put on the Kiwis jersey."

The Kiwis are riding high on the back of a dominant Pacific Championships campaign and have emerged as the primary threat to the Kangaroos stranglehold on the trophy.

The two teams will face off in the opening game of the tournament at Allianz Stadium on October 15.  

The full schedule was unveiled on Sunday, with New Zealand joining Australia, Fiji and the Cook Islands in Pool A.

The Kiwis will host the Aitu in front of an expected sold-out crowd at the new state-of-the-art One NZ Stadium in Christchurch in their second game of the tournament.

After a disappointing semi-final exit in 2022, New Zealand have spent the past few years laying the foundation for redemption in 2026.

The squad features the perfect mix of youth and experience, an imposing forward pack and a blistering backline.

Veteran leaders James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota and Joe Tapine set the tone up front, while McLean headlines a new generation of exciting talent.

Eight players have made their international debuts in the past two years, with Naufahu Whyte and Keano Kini helping usher in a new era for the team.

Should all go to plan in 2026, the Kiwis will return to the scene of the 2008 triumph for another crack at the title.

Suncorp Stadium will host the decider on November 15 as part of a double-header with the women's final.

Getting there, however, won't be easy.

New Zealand have fallen short at the last two World Cups, losing to Fiji in the quarter-final in 2017 and Australia in the semi-final in 2022.

Samoa and Tonga have emerged as genuine international powerhouses while England are a perennial contender.

Just getting out of the group stages will be a major achievement and McLean recognises the Kiwis can't afford an early slip-up.

"The international game's growing hugely," McLean said. "It's not just the same old countries that are going to win, it's anyone's game now.

"Even Papua New Guinea and Fiji are holding their own. It's cool that the international space is growing immensely and great to be involved from a Kiwis point of view."

Samoa and Tonga's rise has triggered a surge in support for international rugby league, with more than 44,000 fans descending on Suncorp Stadium for their clash last month.

A sell out is expected at the ground for next year's World Cup final and would break the record set during the 2008 decider for an international match at the ground.

McLean had a taste of the Suncorp atmosphere during the NRL finals series, when more than 52,000 fans packed into the stadium to watch Brisbane stun Penrith in the preliminary final.

The 19-year-old is determined to return to write new memories at the venue next November.

"The prelim was an unreal experience," McLean said. "I expected it going up to Suncorp. It was a packed crowd that was loud and it was super exciting to play there and put on a show in front of all those people.

"The atmosphere is loud, it's like an echo. It's never quiet, you can never hear a pin drop so it'll will be unreal to experience again if we get there."

For tickets and more information head to RLWC2026.com

As seen on nrl.com

We are deeply saddened by the recent passing of Selwyn “Sel” Shanks.

Sel’s contribution to rugby league over more than 70 years was immeasurable. He was fondly known by many in the community as a humble, hard worker who helped shape the domestic game into what it is today, particularly within Auckland.

Sel wore many hats from once playing, to coaching, going on to manage the New Zealand Kiwis, and serving as the Auckland Rugby League Chairman for several years.

He will be remembered for his generosity, humility, service, and love for the game, as he joins his beloved wife, the late Cherie Steele-Shanks, another renowned pioneer of the game whose contribution remains legendary.

His legacy will live on through every player, volunteer, and person he supported over his seven decades as a rugby league stalwart. To Sel and Cherie’s whānau, friends, and all those whose lives he impacted, we offer our deepest sympathies and thoughts. Moe mai rā Sel, thank you for everything you gave to our game.

The Wheel Kiwis are hoping their inclusion at next year’s Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup will bring more eyes to one of the most inclusive and diverse sports there is.

The team are fairly new, having played their first match just 13 months ago against Australia’s Wheelaroos, but New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) boss Greg Peters has ambitious ideas for the sport, which has surged in popularity since the last World Cup in 2022.

That was because more people were watching the sport as it ran alongside the men’s and women’s tournaments for the first time in England, forcing the International Rugby League to do the same for next year’s tournament in Australia.

But the uniqueness of the sport is also captivating. It pits disabled and non-disabled, male and female, on the same teams, while it’s an adaptation of the running game with many of the same rules, where tackles are made by removing tags from the opponents’ shoulders, and play-the-balls involve tapping it on the ground.

Each game is made up of two 40-minute halves and generally played on a 46m x 20m court, with five players on each team and tries – worth four points – are scored by grounding a smaller version of a league ball in the opponent’s goal area. There are no forward passes and plenty of hard hits at lightning speed, while kicks are performed with an AFL-style pass.

Out of the five players on the court at any given time, two can be non-disabled.

In terms of a sport, it’s relatively young, having been devised in 2000 in France, but after seeing the success of the last World Cup, Peters knew it was time New Zealand got involved.

“I think we saw how it exploded on to the scene, really, and now it’s a full-blown World Cup alongside men’s and women’s,” Peters told the Herald.

“We knew we needed to be part of that because, as a high-capability rugby league nation, we should be fielding a team in all World Cups that are available for us to do so.

“The game is unique in that you can have able-bodied people playing with disabled people on the same court, which makes it fully inclusive, plus the physicality and the nature of it ... [makes it] a great entertainment spectacle too.”

New Zealand’s participation in the wheelchair sport was 16 years in the making, after plans for them to participate in the inaugural 2008 tournament fell through.

But after seeing the World Cup, the Warriors Community Foundation joined forces with the NZRL, Auckland Rugby League, Counties Manukau Rugby League and Disability Sport Auckland for a have-a-go day, and the wheels in motion have been in place since.

That led to the creation of the Wheel Kiwis, and Edie George was tasked with coaching the squad, after initially just reaching out to offer a helping hand.

George has been involved in the sport since 2013, which began while working at a rehab centre in Sydney. He began playing before moving up the ranks, eventually, serving as an assistant for Australia at the last World Cup.

It was a tough start at the beginning, with George having to teach the basics to all the players, because most of the squad had never played the sport before.

They took to the court for the first time on November 1, 2024, on Auckland’s North Shore, going down 98-4 to the Wheelaroos and again 110-8 days later.

But 12 months later, they’ve progressed in leaps and bounds – the team won three of their six matches at the NRL’s Wheelchair championship against Australian states.

George said he’s grateful for the opportunities the sport has given him.

“I never thought I’d be in this position, ever,” George said. “Once I started coaching, I fell in love, and it’s a huge honour to be able to coach a team into the World Cup.

“I’ll be proud of it for the rest of my life, and [it’s] something that I’ll always cherish and appreciate.

“We want to grow the participation at grassroots level in New Zealand, and to be competitive as we can in the World Cup.”

George said he’s always blown away by the skills of the players involved.

“In rugby league, when you take a hit-up, you’re running, focusing on catching the ball and hitting the gap,” George said. “In wheelchair rugby league, it’s completely different.

“You’re pushing with your arms, the ball’s coming toward you, and you have to let go of the chair, manoeuvre it as you catch the ball, then secure it in your lap and keep pushing all while avoiding contact.

“We’re starting to showcase that despite the sport being played in a wheelchair, you can still showcase talents of rugby league skills.

“These are athletes, and they should be treated as athletes as well. So, by having men’s, women’s, wheelchair all together, that’s, you know, will be a huge boost for the game.”

Plans are in place to stage an open tournament in New Zealand next year for anybody who wants to try the sport, and possibly put their hand up for future representation of the Wheel Kiwis.

Peters admits they are in the early stages of developing the sport in New Zealand, but says they are on the right track for future success.

He’s ambitious about where he would love to see the sport in five years with the hope of having a domestic league across New Zealand, aligned with local clubs.

Countries like England and France have already established domestic competitions, with some Super League clubs entering their own sides, players earning MBEs for their services to the sport, and thousands of fans turning out to watch.

But there is one goal Peters would love to tick off.

“I’d love to sell out Spark Arena for a wheelchair rugby league spectacle,” Peters said.

“I think it’s just an amazing entertainment sport, and it has the ability to wrap other things around it, like music, and make it a real entertainment spectacle.

“I’d encourage anyone that hasn’t seen it, have a look on YouTube and see what it’s like, because it’s an amazing sport.

“We want the sport to be as accessible to as many people as possible, and adding the Wheel Kiwis to the teams that represent New Zealand overseas and at World Cups and internationally is a really important part of that.”

New Zealand have been drawn in Pool B, alongside Australia, France and Scotland for the World Cup, with all matches taking place in Wollongong.

As seen on nzherald.co.nz

See the official New Zealand Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns draws for the 2026 IRL Rugby League World Cup, with their matches to be played across Australia and New Zealand. The Wheelchair World Cup will be played entirely at Wollongong, Australia's WIN Entertainment Centre.

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Tickets on sale via the Rugby League World Cup website here rlwc2026.com/home

The Kiwis' Dylan Brown and Joseph Tapine, and Kiwi Ferns' Apii Nicholls have been named as finalists for the 2025 IRL Golden Boot awards following the Pacific Championships.

Dylan Brown, who will join Newcastle next season on a 10-year contract, was a standout for the Kiwis in their successful Pacific Cup campaign, winning the tournament for the second time in three years by beating Samoa in the final with Brown earning Player of the Match.

Tapine, the Canberra Raiders captain, was consistently one of the Kiwis' best forwards and has again made the Golden Boot shortlist after being narrowly edged out by team-mate James Fisher-Harris for the award in 2023 when the Kiwis inflicted a record 30-0 defeat of Australia in the final.

Kiwi Ferns fullback Apii Nicholls was one of the best female players on the international stage in 2025, leading the Kiwi Ferns from the back in a stunning comeback win over Fetū Samoa, and two losses to the current world-champion Jillaroos.

Kiwis Joseph Manu and James Fisher-Harris were consecutive Golden Boot winners in 2022 and 2023, alongside Kiwi Ferns co-captains Raecene McGregor in 2022 and Georgia Hale in 2023.

The IRL Golden Boot is awarded to the best player in sanctioned rugby league international matches each year.

As seen on intrl.sport/article

Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns players have welcomed the opportunity to play a double-header at Christchurch’s new indoor stadium during next year’s IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026.

The Kiwis will begin their World Cup campaign in a blockbuster tournament opener against Australia at Allianz Stadium on October 15, while the Kiwi Ferns meet Fiji Bulikula at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium on October 18.

Both New Zealand teams will then travel home to play their Round 2 matches at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch, which is due to open in April.

The Kiwis will host the Cook Islands, while the Kiwi Ferns take on France, in the 30,000 roofed stadium – a new experience for many of the players.

“That will be amazing to play a game in Christchurch, let alone in a World Cup,” star fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad said. “There will be a lot of excitement and a real buzz in the air in Christchurch.‍

“Everyone down there loves their rugby league so for us to play a World Cup game in Christchurch will be amazing. It is going to packed out with black-and-white fans, and everyone is going to get behind us.”

Recent matches in Christchurch involving the Kiwis or Warriors, including the 2024 Test double-header against Australia, have attracted capacity crowds at the 17,000 seat Apollo Projects Stadium.

Kiwis second-rower Isaiah Papali’i said that playing a pool match in Christchurch would be a boost for New Zealand’s World Cup campaign.

“Playing a game at home, in our country, is what every Kiwi looks forward to and I love playing down there,” Papali’i said.

“It is going to be in the new stadium, so I am looking forward to that. I have never played in an indoor stadium so it will be something different but just being at home is a big advantage, so I am looking forward to that game.”

Both New Zealand teams will also feature in a Round 3 double-header at Cbus Stadium on the Gold Coast, with the Kiwis to meet Fiji Bati and the Kiwi Ferns playing the PNG Orchids.

Kiwi Ferns forward Alexis Tauaneai said she was excited about the chance to play against France in Christchurch, as well as the Bulikula and Orchids, ahead of the semi-finals and final.

"To play in the World Cup is on my bucket list," Tauaneai said. "I am looking forward to seeing all of the other countries, as well, to see how they go on the world stage.

"I reckon it will be very exciting and a different type of footy, especially with the way they play compared to how we play.

Prop Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa said the World Cup was an opportunity to showcase the development of women's rugby league and the talent and skill within the Kiwis Ferns squad.

"I think the game has already gone leaps and bounds and for us Kiwi Ferns we just want to put on a good product and show what we can do as a footy team," Teakaraanga-Katoa said.

"I know the girls have been building over the last couple of World Cup campaigns to win one so if we could do that it would be awesome."    

See the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns draws for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup here.

Kangaroos stars Isaah Yeo and Nathan Cleary have predicted the 2026 World Cup will be the most competitive ever as the Ashes winners prepare to face Pacific Cup champions New Zealand in the opening match.

Yeo’s Australian team completed a 3-0 series clean sweep of England in the first Ashes series since 2003, while the Kiwis triumphed in the Pacific Championships against Toa Samoa and Tonga to ensure a mouthwatering start to the World Cup.

And with the Kiwis forced to overcome a 14-6 half-time deficit to defeat Samoa in the final and Tonga's narrow 20-14 loss to the Kangaroos in the 2024 Pacific Cup decider, there are at least five nations capable of winning the World Cup.

“It’s certainly going to be the strongest World Cup there’s ever been, and that’s great for international rugby league,” Yeo said.

The Kangaroos and Kiwis have been drawn in Pool A, along with Fiji and the Cook Islands, who claimed the last RLWC26 berth by beating South Africa in a qualifying match on November 9 at CommBank Stadium.

New Zealand star Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad said the Kiwis were looking forward to testing themselves against Australia in the opening match at Allianz Stadium on October 15 after a successful Pacific Championships campaign.

“That is a massive game and it is definitely one we will have circled in the calendar," Nicoll-Klokstad said.

"It is a game that you all want to be a part of so it will be cool to kick off such a prestigious competition like the World Cup with a big game against Australia."

England, Samoa and Lebanon are in Pool B and will play the teams in Pool C – Tonga, Papua New Guinea and France – rather than those in their own pool, and vice-versa.

The top two teams in Pool A and the top two teams in a combined Pool B and Pool C will qualify for the semi-finals, with play-off positions to be determined by:

• for-and-against if two teams from the same pool finish on the same competition points;
• the head-to-head result between a team in Pool B and a team in Pool C if they finish on the same competition points.

Tonga, who are in Pool C, will start their World Cup campaign against England in Perth on Saturday, October 17 and finish with an eagerly awaited clash with Samoa at CommBank Stadium on Sunday, November 3.

A win in either of those matches could ensure Tonga a semi-final berth on head-to-head over the team they beat.

Samoa and Tonga drew a crowd of more than 44,000 for October’s Pacific Cup match at Suncorp Stadium, while nearly 40,000 fans turned out for Tonga’s match against New Zealand at Eden Park.

Despite being in England with the Kangaroos, Cleary said he had followed the Pacific Championships closely and was impressed by the Kiwis, as well as Samoa and Tonga.

“The international game is in the best place it’s ever been, and that’s only going to grow and get better so it’s an exciting time for international rugby league with the World Cup coming up,” Cleary said.

“I’ve got a lot of good mates who were playing in the Pacific Championships, so I was keeping a keen eye on them. All three teams are stacked so it’s exciting to watch as a fan.

“It’s super close and it’s such a great thing with the international game at the moment. England’s team is the best it’s been in a long time. They’ve got a lot of talent, then you’ve got Australia and the Pacific teams have great lineups so it’s exciting to watch.”

Nicoll-Klokstad said many of the New Zealand players were still hurting from their 16-14 loss to Australia at Elland Road in the semi-final of the last World Cup in 2022.

The Kiwis bounced back to inflict a record 30-0 defeat of the Kangaroos in the final of the 2023 Pacific Cup and after being stunned by Tonga in 2024 they will head into the World Cup buoyed by a successful Pacific Championships.

“We have got to feel confident, we have got a lot of young boys coming through and a lot of old heads now," Nicoll-Klokstad said.

"It feels like yesterday that the last World Cup happened so there are going to be a lot of us who want to make that right by beating Australia.

“The first game is very important, there are other teams that are doing their nations proud and really flying up through the ranks by beating big teams in big games, so it is really important that we get our preparations right for the World Cup and make sure we come up with a win."

See the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns draws for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup here.

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It was a classic trans-Tasman grudge match at Eden Park, with the Kiwi Ferns and Jillaroos battling it out for 31 minutes before any points were put on the board. 

Australia’s Jessica Sergis leapt to touch the ball down in the corner, with the try converted by Jesse Southwell. The teams headed into the sheds 6-0.

The Jillaroos Abbi Church found the line again early in the second half, taking their lead to 10-0.

Bringing the Kiwi Ferns back into contention, Annessa Biddle put the pedal down, leaving behind the Australians in a thrilling 80m runaway try, though it remained unconverted by Raecene McGregor.

One try wasn’t enough for the Kiwi Ferns, and a strong defensive effort from both sides saw the score remain unchanged for the rest of the second half, with the final whistle blowing on a score of 10-4.

Mele Hufanga was again a stand-out player for the New Zealanders, and Co-Captain Georgia Hale showed her consistent form, making a game-high 50 tackles, along with 100 run metres.

The Kiwi Ferns and Jillaroos now prepare to head to Sydney for the Pacific Cup Final at Commbank Stadium on Sunday 9 November.

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The New Zealand Kiwis have delivered a statement performance at Eden Park, powering past Tonga XIII 40–14 in front of a roaring crowd of more than 38,000 – the largest attendance for a Kiwis Test in over a decade.

The atmosphere was electric from the opening whistle, with both nations’ colours flooding the stands. Tongan supporters brought their trademark passion and noise, met equally by black jerseys through out the crowd and flags from the Kiwi faithful. Every tackle, kick, and try was met with thunderous energy, turning Eden Park into a true celebration of Pacific rugby league.

The Kiwis were clinical from the outset, running in four tries before halftime to take a commanding 24–2 lead. Dylan Brown starred in the halves with a double, while Jamayne Isaako’s accurate boot kept the scoreboard ticking over. Captain James Fisher-Harris led from the front, setting the tone with his physicality and relentless effort through the middle.

Tonga battled bravely in the second half and found moments of spark through the likes of Daniel Tupou and Jason Taumalolo, but New Zealand’s defensive structure held firm. Each Kiwi interchange made an impact, with the bench adding energy and intent to close out the match in style.

For NZRL, the result marks more than just a win  it’s a reflection of the growing strength and pride in the national programme. The team’s professionalism, unity, and precision shone under pressure, reinforcing their status as one of international rugby league’s powerhouse nations.

Following the match, fans were treated to a special live performance by Josh Tatofi, who took the stage under the Eden Park lights. His soulful set capped off an unforgettable night that celebrated culture, competition, and connection — a true showcase of what rugby league means to Aotearoa and the Pacific.

The Kiwis will now shift focus to the Pacific Championships Final in Sydney, carrying momentum, belief, and the backing of an entire nation behind them.

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Injuries have forced late changes to the New Zealand Kiwis’ lineup for today’s Pacific Championships clash against Tonga at Eden Park (6.05pm kickoff).

Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Sebastian Kris have both been ruled out after picking up leg injuries in training this week.

Kris was named to make his second Test appearance replacing the injured Ronaldo Mulitalo on the left wing while Asofa-Solomona was listed in jersey #18 when the team was selected on Tuesday.

Their withdrawals leave the Kiwis with the bare game day complement of 19 players.

With Kris out, centre Casey McLean – who has scored six tries in first two Tests – has been shifted to the left wing where he made his Test debut against Papua New Guinea in Sydney last year.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is moved from fullback into the centres and Keano Kini will start at fullback. Scott Sorensen has been confirmed as 18^th man with Zach Dockar-Clay 19^th man.

‍PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025

NEW ZEALAND v TONGA

EDEN PARK

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

SUNDAY 2 NOVEMBER 2025

20  Keano Kini
2  Jamayne Isaako
3  Matthew Timoko
1  Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
4  Casey McLean
6  Dylan Brown
7  Kieran Foran
8  James Fisher-Harris (C)
9  Phoenix Crossland
10  Moses Leota
11  Briton Nikora
12  Isaiah Papali’i
13  Joseph Tapine
14  Te Maire Martin
15  Naufahu Whyte
16  Erin Clark
17  Xavier Willison
19  Scott Sorensen
21  Zach Dockar-Clay

Coach: Stacey Jones

An unchanged lineup has been named for the New Zealand Kiwis’ clash against Toa Sāmoa in the Pacific Championships final at CommBank Stadium in Sydney on Sunday (4.05pm kickoff local time; 6.05pm NZT).

It’s the same combination that put together one of the most impressive performances in New Zealand’s Test history to eliminate Tonga from the competition at Eden Park on Sunday.

The final will have a special edge for the Kiwis with the remarkable 35-year-old Kieran Foran (Kiwi #757) bringing down the curtain on his exceptional 17-season career.

Making his NRL debut as an 18-year-old with Manly Warringah in June 2009, he was handed his maiden Test appearance against England later that year and will finish with his 34^th international on Sunday to go alongside the 318 first-grade games he has played for five different clubs.

Foran was used at hooker when he helped the Kiwis to win the Pacific title with a record 30-0 win over the Kangaroos in Hamilton two years ago but was ruled out of last year's campaign with injury.

He’ll again be teamed up in the halves with Newcastle-bound Dylan Brown who has been named the man of the match in each of the Kiwis’ two games in the series.

Brown scored a try and had two try assists as the New Zealanders prevailed 24-18 over Toa Sāmoa in a torrid round one contest at Go Media Stadium on October 19.

Last Sunday he scored a double and had two more try assists in the Kiwis’ convincing 40-14 win over Tonga.

The key to the success lay in the middle of the park where the New Zealand forwards set about domnating the Tongans with six of them topping 100 metres while Tonga had just three. Six of the Kiwis’ backs also ran for more than 100 metres, replacement fullback Keano Kini the best of them with 199 metres.

In reaching the final for the second time in the competition’s three-year existence, the Kiwis have been forced to overcome adversity losing four players from the original squad selected.

Hooker Jeremy Marshall-King (wrist) and winger Ronaldo Mulitalo (knee) were both injured in the Toa Sāmoa match while prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona and outside back Sebastian Kris both succumbed to calf injuries in field sessions last week.

Added to the extended bench this week is Brisbane premiership-winning winger Josiah Karapani, brought into the squad today for the injured Kris.

PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIPS FINAL

NEW ZEALAND KIWIS v SAMOA

COMMBANK STADIUM, SYDNEY

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2025 

The Kiwi Ferns will face the Jillaroos once again this Sunday in the 2025 Pacific Championships Final at CommBank Stadium in Sydney, a rematch loaded with intensity and tactical intrigue after Australia’s narrow 10–4 win at Eden Park.

Head coach Ricky Henry’s side knows what’s required. Their defensive structure held strong for long stretches in the earlier clash, but unforced errors and missed completions proved costly. The focus now shifts to composure, patience and discipline under pressure.

Recent form and lessons learned

Australia’s ability to control possession and win repeat sets gave them a platform in Auckland. New Zealand matched them physically and actually won the yardage battle in the second half, but turnovers in critical zones halted momentum.

Raecene McGregor and Page McGregor are again expected to steer the Kiwi Ferns attack, supported by Annessa Biddle and Abby Roache on the edges. Henry has emphasised set completions and quick-play-the-ball pressure as keys to unlocking the Jillaroos defence.

“We’ve been in every contest with them,” Henry said. “Our challenge is finishing those moments when we’ve earned field position. The energy and intent are there, now it’s about execution.”

Tactical outlook

Edge control: The Jillaroos fullback Abbi Church impressed with nearly 200 metres and a try in the previous meeting. The Ferns will look to limit her early touches and kick more strategically to corners.
Middle rotation: Georgia Hale, Mele Hufanga and Amber Hall lead a forward pack that thrives on physicality. Their go-forward will be vital in establishing ruck dominance and isolating Australia’s slower defenders.
Composure: The Ferns error rate, which reached double figures in Auckland, will be a focal metric. Keeping that to single digits could be the difference between falling short and lifting the trophy.

What’s at stake

The Jillaroos have held the upper hand in recent years, but the margins have tightened significantly. The Kiwi Ferns defensive steel, coupled with improved line speed and communication, gives them a genuine shot at breaking Australia’s hold on the title.

This final is more than a rematch. It is an opportunity for the Kiwi Ferns to stamp their growth under Henry’s leadership and close the international season on their terms.

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Pacific Championships Final
Sunday 9 November 2025
CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Kiwi Ferns v Jillaroos
Kick-off 4.00 pm NZT