Georgia Hale (C) of the Kiwi Ferns is tackled by Yasmin Clydsdale of the Jillaroos during the Pacific Rugby League Championship. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2024 www.photosport.nz
Redemption and Pacific supremacy are on the line for the Kiwi Ferns this Sunday.
After suffering a 14-0 defeat in the opening round, New Zealand will again face off against the Australian Jillaroos in the Pacific Championship final.
After a narrow defeat two weeks ago, the Ferns are ready to make significant strides forward, aiming to defend their historic 2023 victory that ended a seven-year streak of losses to Australia.
Head coach Ricky Henry said there had been plenty of deliberations around picking the squad best suited for finals football.
"This team that we have chosen for this final we believe will get the job done. The competition for positions underscores the abundance of quality talent in the team, ensuring a strong performance against the formidable Australian side."
Meanwhile, the Kiwis have named an unchanged line-up for their encounter with Papua New Guinea.
Following their 24-25 loss to Tonga in their Pacific Cup contest in Auckland, the Kiwis finished third on the table to set up a promotion-relegation clash against the Kumuls, the winners of the Pacific Bowl competition.
Keano Kini of New Zealand during the New Zealand Kiwis v Australia Kangaroos 2024 Pacific Championships rugby league test match at Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Tonga take on the Kangaroos in the final with the quadruple header kicking off with a women's promotion-relegation match between the Papua New Guinea Orchids and Fetu Samoa.
While the New Zealanders lost to the Kangaroos and Tonga, the Kumuls beat Fiji Bati 22-10 in Suva and the Cook Islands Aitu 42-20 in Port Moresby on Sunday.
Head coach Stacey Jones has today listed the same side which staged the valiant second half comeback in Auckland.
Captain James Fisher-Harris and second rower Isaiah Papali'i will be making their 12th consecutive Test appearances for the Kiwis, having featured in every international in the last three years.
The Kiwis will meet Papua New Guinea for the first time in 11 years since a 56-10 win in Leeds en route to the 2013 Rugby League World Cup final at Old Trafford.
Pacific Championship Final
Kiwi Ferns vs Jillaroos
3.50pm Sunday November 10 in Sydney
Pacific Championship promotion/relegation
Kiwis vs Papua New Guinea
8.20pm Sunday November 10 in Sydney
Teams:
Kiwi Ferns- 1. Apii Nicholls 2. Leiante Tufuga 3. Mele Hufanga 4. Abigail Roache 5. Shanice Parker 6. Gayle Broughton 7. Tyler King 8. Brianna Clark 9. Brooke Anderson 10. Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa 11. Annessa Biddle 12. Amber Hall 13. Georgia Hale (C)
Interchange: 14. Ashleigh Quinlan 15. Najvada George 16. Alexis Tauaneai
17. Otesa Pule 18. Tiana Davison
Kiwis- 1. Keano Kini 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Peta Hiku 5. Will Warbrick 6. Charnze Nicole-Klokstad 7. Shaun Johnson 8. James Fisher-Harris (C) 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Isaiah Papali'i 12. Scott Sorensen 13. Naufahu Whyte
Interchange: 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Griffin Neame 16. Marata Niukore 17. Leo Thompson
