Fifty years on: Celebrating 1971 Kiwis' historic odyssey

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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.

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Our Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award celebrates and recognises heroes from the grassroots rugby league community across Aotearoa, for their hard mahi and dedication to our game.

This award is given to volunteers who display the core values of NZRL’s Kiwi Way: being family-first, innovative, inclusive, respectful, and humble.

We are proud to announce our final Pirtek Volunteer of the Month winner 2025: Shannan Foreman from the Waitemata Seagulls in Auckland.

Shannan is known at the Seagulls as a tireless and selfless coach who dedicates his spare time to mentoring and supporting his young players, both on and off the field. He consistently goes above and beyond what is expected of a coach.  

Recognising that many families face financial hardship, he personally collected boots to donate to players in need. Together with the team manager, Shannan also secured sponsorship that provided every player with a personalised warm-up top and covered the season’s fees, removing financial barriers so that no child missed out on the opportunity to play.

He also regularly organises post-training barbecues and team dinners to build a strong sense of whānau and comradery among the players and their supporting whānau. His leadership has helped shape the team into one of the best in their competition, with their success built on Shannan’s passion, commitment, and aroha. His players not only respect him, but thrive on and off the field under his guidance. Shannan is more than a coach; he is a role model, mentor, and true community hero.

Chris Bourke the CEO of Pirtek shared, “Congratulations to Shannan Foreman of the Waitemata Seagulls, our Pirtek Volunteer of the Month.

“Shannan’s dedication to mentoring young players, supporting families, and creating a strong sense of whānau makes a real difference, helping rugby league thrive across our communities and inspiring the next generation of players.”

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The New Zealand Kiwis have crowned their Pacific Championships campaign with a 36–14 victory over Toa Samoa at CommBank Stadium, delivering the perfect send-off for veteran playmaker Kieran Foran in his final Test match.

Trailing 14–6 at halftime, the Kiwis stormed home with 30 unanswered points in a dominant second half. Foran was instrumental in the comeback, combining brilliantly with Dylan Brown, who produced a standout performance featuring three try assists, 10 tackle breaks and 181 running metres.

Isaiah Papali’i crossed for two tries, while Casey McLean, Erin Clark, and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad also found the line. Clark’s powerful run early in the second half shifted momentum, before Papali’i’s second try in the 76th minute sealed the result.

Fullback Keano Kini continued his breakout tournament with 125 metres, six tackle breaks and four offloads, while Naufahu Whyte made a huge impact off the bench with 194 metres and seven tackle breaks.

The win secures New Zealand’s second Pacific Cup title in three seasons and confirms their status as a leading contender ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Head coach Stacey Jones praised his side’s resilience and composure under pressure, noting the leadership of Foran and the team’s ability to respond after a tough first half.

It was a night of pride and celebration for New Zealand Rugby League, closing out the Pacific Championships with silverware and a fitting farewell for one of the Kiwis’ most respected players.

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The Kiwi Ferns have finished runners-up in the 2025 Pacific Championships, with a coveted win over the Jillaroos remaining elusive.

Support for the visiting New Zealanders was outstanding, with a crowd of 17,702 filling the stands at the Commbank Stadium in Sydney, many cheering on the women in black.

However, the support was not enough to swing the scoreline, which concluded 40-8 to the reigning champions, Australia.

Despite the score, the Kiwi Ferns stayed committed throughout, with many shining moments such as rookie Tysha Ikenasio crossing the white line for her first time in the Kiwi Ferns jersey. Also dotting down in the corner after some quick off-loads by the Kiwi Ferns middle was the tenacious Shanice Parker.

Co-Captain Georgia Hale led from the front with game-high tackles (38), and fullback Apii Nicholls was second on the leaderboard for run meters (117). The duo showed their class and experience throughout the game, which has seen them as regular starters for many years now.

Head Coach Ricky Henry said: “We’ve been building the last couple of weeks, and done a lot of good things around our culture, and our connection, that chemistry. All that stuff, I think we’ve done a great job of over those weeks in camp. 

“At the end of the day, you’ve got to turn up and be ready to play, that’s why we’re here. We had a lot of pressure on us right from the outset, and we talked about this; we need to be better at it… We just didn’t go out there with enough intent to match it or go with them, and turn it back our way. That’s the learning for us.”

Next year is the Rugby League World Cup, which Henry shifts the focus of the team to.

“If we can get a couple of things right, then we will be in a better space than what the scoreline showed today.”

Kieran Foran has been congratulated by the New Zealand Rugby League ahead of the last match of his decorated career for the Kiwis in their clash against Toa Sāmoa inthe Pacific Championships final at CommBank Stadium in Sydney today.

The game will leave Foran (Kiwi #757) with a total of 352 top level appearances comprising 34 Tests and 318 NRL matches for five clubs.

He will finish as the oldest player to appear at Test level for the Kiwis at 35years, 200 days, ahead of his former teammate Benji Marshall – the next oldest– who was 34 years, 257 days when he played his final international in 2019.

Foran’s Test career, spanning 17 seasons since his debut in 2009, is also the longest in the Kiwis’ history.

“The New Zealand rugby league community congratulates Kieran on a remarkable career,” said New Zealand Rugby League CEO Greg Peters.

“He has always worn the Kiwi jersey with such pride, passion and courage overcoming so many challenges along the way.

“Kieran’s contribution to our game has been immense and he will leave a lasting legacy for all to follow.

“As one of New Zealand’s greatest sportsmen, it’s so fitting his last match is in the Kiwi jersey and in the Pacific Championships final.”

An Ellerslie Eagles junior, Foran was 19 when he made his Test debut in the centres against England in Huddersfield on November 7, 2009.

He was in the New Zealand side which beat Australia 22-14 in the 2014 Four Nations final while putting together a run of three consecutive wins over the Kangaroos in 2014-2015 before conquering the Australians by a record 30-0 margin to claim the inaugural Pacific Cup crown in 2023.

Of the 33 Tests he has played to date the Kiwis have won 21 while losing 12.

Kieran Foran’s final match on New Zealand soil was a fitting send-off for one of the Kiwis’ most loyal servants. The veteran half guided New Zealand to a dominant win over Tonga at Eden Park, his last chance to represent Aotearoa in front of home fans before closing out his international career in the Pacific Championships Final in Sydney this weekend.

Foran’s leadership has been a steadying force throughout the Kiwis’ campaign. Since making his debut in 2009, he has worn the black and white with pride across 34 Tests, including the 2014 Four Nations triumph and several World Cup campaigns. His professionalism and humility have earned universal respect among teammates and fans alike.

Kiwis head coach Stacey Jones said Foran’s impact on the team went far beyond his on-field performances.

“He’s been a massive influence, calm, selfless, and always putting the team first,” Jones said. “Kieran has helped set the standard for what it means to be a Kiwi. The younger players look up to him.”

Sunday’s final at CommBank Stadium will mark Foran’s last outing in the famous jersey, a milestone that blends emotion with opportunity. While it is the end of an era for one of New Zealand Rugby League’s greats, it is also the beginning of a new generation, with emerging talents like Keano Kini, Casey McLean, and Naufahu Whyte carrying the torch forward.

Foran says he is savouring every moment of his final campaign.

“It has been a privilege every time I have pulled on this jersey,” he said. “To finish my last game in New Zealand at Eden Park, and to have one more in Sydney, is really special. I just want to enjoy the week and finish the right way for the team and our supporters.”

This Sunday, Foran will lead the Kiwis into battle one last time, a proud farewell to a career built on service, resilience, and devotion to the black and white.

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

The New Zealand Kiwis are one win away from reclaiming the Pacific Cup, facing Toa Sāmoa this Sunday at CommBank Stadium in Sydney.

After dismantling Tonga XIII 40–14 at Eden Park, Stacey Jones’ side enter the final with confidence and continuity. Keano Kini and Dylan Brown have become focal points of the Kiwis attack, while impact forwards Naufahu Whyte, Xavier Willison and Erin Clark have provided serious punch off the bench.

Defensively, the Kiwis have held opponents to just 14 points in two matches, led by captain James Fisher-Harris and a disciplined middle rotation anchored by Moses Leota and Joseph Tapine.

For Kieran Foran, this weekend marks a milestone as he prepares for his 34th and final Test appearance for New Zealand, adding emotional weight to an already fiery contest.

Samoa earned their spot after overcoming Tonga in week one and pushing the Kiwis in their earlier meeting. Led by Jarome Luai and a powerful forward pack featuring Junior Paulo and Spencer Leniu, they will look to unsettle New Zealand through tempo and offloads.

Key areas to watch

Kick pressure and territory: Brown’s short-side control will be vital in nullifying Luai’s running game.
Middle battle: Fisher-Harris versus Paulo is the heavyweight clash that will decide momentum.
Discipline: Samoa thrive on second-phase play, so early dominance in ruck speed will be essential for New Zealand.

Coach Stacey Jones’ view

“We’ve built combinations well over the series,” Jones said. “It’s about maintaining our standards for the full 80 minutes. Samoa will bring energy and unpredictability, but we’ll need to match that with control.”

The Kiwis have won their last four meetings with Samoa, including a 50–12 victory in last year’s Pacific Cup pool stage. With both sides near full strength and a title on the line, this one promises to be close.

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Pacific Championships Final
Sunday 9 November 2025
CommBank Stadium, Sydney
New Zealand Kiwis v Toa Sāmoa
Kick-off 6.05 pm NZT

At just 21 years old, Keano Kini has already faced one of the toughest tests of his career — and life.

Only eight months ago, the Gold Coast Titans fullback was told he was just millimetres away from permanent paralysis after suffering a serious neck injury. What could have been the end of his rugby league journey instead became a powerful turning point.

Now, the Ōtāhuhu Leopards junior is set to take the field for the New Zealand Kiwis in Sunday’s Pacific Championships Final against Toa Sāmoa at CommBank Stadium — a moment he describes as a blessing.

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“At the start of the year, I didn’t think I’d be here,” Kini said. “It’s been a challenging year, but it was meant to happen. I’ve learned so much about myself and my game — it’s made me more grateful. I had a baby, got married, and a lot of good things came out of a tough situation.”

Kini made a remarkable return to the NRL in Round 24, playing the final four games of the season for the Titans — enough to earn selection in Stacey Jones’ Kiwis squad.

The young fullback repaid that faith in last week’s victory over Tonga at Eden Park, crossing for a try, running 199 metres, and breaking three tackles in a standout performance that helped propel the Kiwis into the Final.

“It’s going to be a completely different game this weekend,” he said. “I didn’t get the chance to play against my other culture, Sāmoa, in the first match — so I’m really looking forward to this one. We want to bring that trophy back home to New Zealand.”

Sunday’s clash will also mark a changing of the guard for the Kiwis, with veteran halfback Kieran Foran playing his final game. For young players like Kini, Casey McLean, and Naufahu Whyte, it’s a chance to carry the torch into a new era for New Zealand Rugby League.

All three have chosen to represent Aotearoa despite eligibility for other nations — a decision Kini hopes will inspire the next generation.

“You see a lot of boys representing Tonga or Sāmoa, but it’s awesome to see young guys proud to wear the Kiwis jersey,” Kini said. “That’s what we need — more young talent coming through, representing our country with pride. I’m proud to be one of them.”

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The Kiwi Ferns have named their star-studded side to battle the Jillaroos for the Pacific Cup this Sunday at Commbank Stadium.

The Kiwi Ferns are hungry for a win over the Australians after their recent close encounter at Eden Park, which had only a converted try in it. This sees versatile former Sevens athletes Tysha Ikenasio and Tyla King re-enter the lineup to inject further speed to the backline.

Head Coach Ricky Henry said: “We are glad to have another crack at the Jillaroos this week. That last match was a tough battle, but I was proud of how the team performed. We need to get those little things right to keep the pressure on in the final.

“It is unfortunate to have Lei [Tufuga] unavailable this week, but glad to have her with us supporting the team as she follows her HIA protocols.”

Henry has made a few changes to the team with Ikenasio replacing Leianne Tufuga on the wing, and five-eighth Ashleigh Quinlan earning a start after two strong impact performances off the bench. Shakira Baker will then return to take the 18 jersey as backup, whilst newly capped Shaniece Monschau gets another opportunity.

Head Coach Ricky Henry’s commitment to developing this squad since the last World Cup is apparent, with only four new faces in this team from the one that last defeated the Australians on their home soil in 2023: Ikenasio, Shanice Monschau, Ivana Lauitiiti, and Shakira Baker, who were standouts in NRLW this season.

This continuity and experience, which has been building for the last couple of years, may prove the difference in what is sure to be a tense final.

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Kiwi Ferns team to face the Jillaroos in the Pacific Cup Final:

1. Apii Nicholls
2. Tysha Ikenasio 
3. Mele Hufunga 
4. Abigail Roache
5. Shanice Parker
6. Ashleigh Quinlan
7. Raecene McGregor
8. Tiana Davison
9. Brooke Anderson
10. Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa
11. Annessa Biddle
12. Otesa Pule
13. Georgia Hale
14. Tyla King
15. Shaniece Monschau
16. Alexis Tauaneai
17. Ivana Lauitiiti
18. Shakira Baker

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Unavailable for selection: Leianna Tufuga (HIA protocols)

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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