Official team lists, updates and injury news for Week 1 of the 2023 Pacific Championships Men's and Women's tournaments.
Pacific Championships Team Lists: Week 1
Kangaroos v Toa Samoa, Saturday 8.10pm (AEDT) at Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Match: Kangaroos v Toa Samoa
Week 1 -
home Team
Kangaroos
away Team
Toa Samoa
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Kangaroos is number 1 James TedescoFullback for Toa Samoa is number 1 Sualauvi Faalogo
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Winger for Kangaroos is number 2 Dylan EdwardsWinger for Toa Samoa is number 2 Murray Taulagi
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Centre for Kangaroos is number 3 Hamiso Tabuai-FidowCentre for Toa Samoa is number 3 Izack Tago
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Centre for Kangaroos is number 4 Kotoni StaggsCentre for Toa Samoa is number 4 Young Tonumaipea
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Winger for Kangaroos is number 5 Selwyn CobboWinger for Toa Samoa is number 5 Brian To'o
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Five-Eighth for Kangaroos is number 6 Cameron MunsterFive-Eighth for Toa Samoa is number 6 Stephen Crichton
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Halfback for Kangaroos is number 7 Daly Cherry-EvansHalfback for Toa Samoa is number 7 Daejarn Asi
Forwards
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Prop for Kangaroos is number 8 Payne HaasProp for Toa Samoa is number 8 Stefano Utoikamanu
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Hooker for Kangaroos is number 9 Ben HuntHooker for Toa Samoa is number 19 Justin Matamua
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Prop for Kangaroos is number 10 Tino Fa'asuamaleauiProp for Toa Samoa is number 10 Junior Paulo
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2nd Row for Kangaroos is number 11 Cameron Murray2nd Row for Toa Samoa is number 11 Luciano Leilua
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2nd Row for Kangaroos is number 12 Liam Martin2nd Row for Toa Samoa is number 12 Connelly Lemuelu
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Lock for Kangaroos is number 13 Isaah YeoLock for Toa Samoa is number 13 Keenan Palasia
Interchange
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Interchange for Kangaroos is number 14 Harry GrantInterchange for Toa Samoa is number 9 Gordon Chan Kum Tong
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Interchange for Kangaroos is number 15 Lindsay CollinsInterchange for Toa Samoa is number 14 Spencer Leniu
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Interchange for Kangaroos is number 16 Patrick CarriganInterchange for Toa Samoa is number 15 Terrell May
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Interchange for Kangaroos is number 17 Reuben CotterInterchange for Toa Samoa is number 16 Heilum Luki
Reserves
-
Replacement for Kangaroos is number 18 Nicholas HynesReplacement for Toa Samoa is number 18 Royce Hunt
Match Officials
- Referee: Grant Atkins
- Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
- Touch Judge: Wyatt Raymond
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Kangaroos: Dylan Edwards, Kotoni Staggs, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Selwyn Cobbo will make their Kangaroos debuts as part of a new-look backline that also also includes Daly Cherry-Evans taking over from Nathan Cleary (knee) at halfback. Ben Hunt and Harry Grant will again share the hooking role with nine members of the side that won the World Cup Final last November set to take the field in Townsville. Late call-up Nicho Hynes is 18th Man.
Toa Samoa: The absence of Jarome Luai (shoulder) sees his Panthers teammate Stephen Crichton move to five-eighth to partner newcomer Daejarn Asi in the halves. Brian To'o, Izack Tago and Spencer Leniu are the other Panthers named in the 17. Cowboys edge forward Heilum Luki is in line to play his first international and fellow Cowboy Murray Taulagi makes his Samoa debut after he was part of the Kangaroos squad at the World Cup. Wests Tigers prop Stefano Utoikamanu and Manly hooker gets Gordon Chan Kum Tong make their Test debut in the front row alongside inspirational leader Junior Paulo.
PNG Kumuls v Cook Islands Aitu, Sunday 4.00pm (AEDT) at Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
Match: PNG Kumuls v Cook Islands Aitu
Week 1 -
home Team
PNG Kumuls
away Team
Cook Islands Aitu
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for PNG Kumuls is number 1 Alex JohnstonFullback for Cook Islands Aitu is number 1 Esom Ioka
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Winger for PNG Kumuls is number 2 Robert DerbyWinger for Cook Islands Aitu is number 2 Malachi Morgan
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Centre for PNG Kumuls is number 3 Zac LaybuttCentre for Cook Islands Aitu is number 3 Kayal Iro
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Centre for PNG Kumuls is number 4 Rodrick TaiCentre for Cook Islands Aitu is number 4 Esan Marsters
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Winger for PNG Kumuls is number 5 Nene MacdonaldWinger for Cook Islands Aitu is number 5 Steven Marsters
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Five-Eighth for PNG Kumuls is number 6 Kyle LaybuttFive-Eighth for Cook Islands Aitu is number 6 Brad Takairangi
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Halfback for PNG Kumuls is number 7 Lachlan LamHalfback for Cook Islands Aitu is number 7 Tevin Arona
Forwards
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Prop for PNG Kumuls is number 8 Epel KapiniasProp for Cook Islands Aitu is number 8 Davvy Moale
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Hooker for PNG Kumuls is number 9 Judah RimbuHooker for Cook Islands Aitu is number 9 Rua Ngatikaura
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Prop for PNG Kumuls is number 10 Valentine RichardProp for Cook Islands Aitu is number 10 Makahesi Makatoa
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2nd Row for PNG Kumuls is number 11 Jacob Alick2nd Row for Cook Islands Aitu is number 11 Zane Tetevano
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2nd Row for PNG Kumuls is number 12 Dan Russell2nd Row for Cook Islands Aitu is number 12 Reuben Porter
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Lock for PNG Kumuls is number 13 Jack De BelinLock for Cook Islands Aitu is number 13 Pride Petterson-Robati
Interchange
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Interchange for PNG Kumuls is number 14 Liam HorneInterchange for Cook Islands Aitu is number 15 Rhys Dakin
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Interchange for PNG Kumuls is number 15 Nixon PuttInterchange for Cook Islands Aitu is number 16 Justin Estall-Makirere
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Interchange for PNG Kumuls is number 16 Junior RopInterchange for Cook Islands Aitu is number 17 Kadiyae Ioka
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Interchange for PNG Kumuls is number 17 Benji KotInterchange for Cook Islands Aitu is number 18 Takai Mokohar
Reserves
-
Replacement for PNG Kumuls is number 18 Cruise TenReplacement for Cook Islands Aitu is number 14 William Samuel
Match Officials
- Referee: Peter Gough
- Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Kumuls: Jack de Belin will make his Test debut at lock for Justin Holbrook's side and joins Dragons teammate Dan Russell and Titans prospect Jacob Alick in the forward pack. Storm centre Justin Olam is the major omission from the 17 and is under an injury cloud, but has been included in the wider squad, with Zac Laybutt and Rodrick Tai named in the centres. Alex Johnston moves from his usual spot on the wing to line up at fullback. Edwin Ipape is serving a one-game suspension from the RFL and has not been named.
Cook Islands: Brad Takairangi is the new five-eighth for the Cook Islands, partnering Tevin Arona in the halves. Esan and Steven Marsters are set to combine on the same edge as the centre-wing pairing, while NRL established forwards Davvy Moala and Zane Tetevano headline the side's forward pack. Cronulla young gun Kayal Iro is one to watch after being named in the centres.
Jillaroos v Kiwi Ferns, Saturday 6.00pm (AEDT) at Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Match: Jillaroos v Kiwi Ferns
Week 1 -
home Team
Jillaroos
away Team
Kiwi Ferns
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Jillaroos is number 1 Tamika UptonFullback for Kiwi Ferns is number 1 Apii Nicholls
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Winger for Jillaroos is number 2 Jaime ChapmanWinger for Kiwi Ferns is number 2 Annessa Biddle
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Centre for Jillaroos is number 3 Jessica SergisCentre for Kiwi Ferns is number 3 Shanice Parker
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Centre for Jillaroos is number 4 Isabelle KellyCentre for Kiwi Ferns is number 4 Mele Hufanga
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Winger for Jillaroos is number 5 Julia RobinsonWinger for Kiwi Ferns is number 5 Leianne Tufuga
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Five-Eighth for Jillaroos is number 6 Tarryn AikenFive-Eighth for Kiwi Ferns is number 6 Ashleigh Quinlan
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Halfback for Jillaroos is number 7 Ali BrigginshawHalfback for Kiwi Ferns is number 7 Raecene McGregor
Forwards
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Prop for Jillaroos is number 8 Shannon MatoProp for Kiwi Ferns is number 8 Mya Hill-Moana
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Hooker for Jillaroos is number 9 Keeley DavisHooker for Kiwi Ferns is number 9 Brooke Anderson
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Prop for Jillaroos is number 10 Jessika EllistonProp for Kiwi Ferns is number 10 Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa
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2nd Row for Jillaroos is number 11 Kezie Apps2nd Row for Kiwi Ferns is number 11 Otesa Pule
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2nd Row for Jillaroos is number 12 Olivia Kernick2nd Row for Kiwi Ferns is number 12 Laishon Albert-Jones
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Lock for Jillaroos is number 13 Simaima TaufaLock for Kiwi Ferns is number 13 Georgia Hale
Interchange
-
Interchange for Jillaroos is number 14 Emma TonegatoInterchange for Kiwi Ferns is number 14 Tyla Nathan-Wong
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Interchange for Jillaroos is number 15 Caitlan JohnstonInterchange for Kiwi Ferns is number 15 Najvada George
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Interchange for Jillaroos is number 16 Kennedy CherringtonInterchange for Kiwi Ferns is number 16 Jasmine Fogavini
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Interchange for Jillaroos is number 18 Lauren BrownInterchange for Kiwi Ferns is number 17 Amelia Pasikala
Reserves
-
Replacement for Jillaroos is number 17 Shaylee BentReplacement for Kiwi Ferns is number 18 Abigail Roache
Match Officials
- Referee: Todd Smith
- Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe
- Touch Judge: Darian Furner
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Jillaroos: Knights superstar Tamika Upton makes her Test debut at fullback as part of a star-studded backline that includes World Cup winners Jess Sergis, Isabelle Kelly, Julia Robinson, Tarryn Aiken and Ali Brigginshaw. The injury to Evania Pelite opens the door for Titans teammate Jaime Chapman to grab a wing spot while her Titans teammate Jessika Elliston makes her Test debut at prop. Kezie Apps will co-captain the side along with Brigginshaw.
Kiwi Ferns: Experienced campaigners Georgia Hale, Apii Nicholls and Mya Hill-Moana will look to lead the way with Raecene McGregor steering the ship from halfback. Broncos powerhouse Mele Hufanga will look to continue her run of tryscoring form and is joined in the centres by Knights star Shanice Parker while Cronulla's rookie sensation Anessa Biddle makes her Test debut on the wing and Ashleigh Quinlan gets her first cap at five-eighth. The bench features four international newcomers in Olympic gold medallist and dual code star Tyla Nathan-Wong, Broncos forward Jasmine Fogavini, Rooster Amelia Pasikala and Wests Tigers lock Najvada George.
Fetu Samoa v Fiji Bulikula, Sunday 1.45pm (AEDT) at Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
Match: Fetu Samoa v Fiji Bulikula
Week 1 -
home Team
Fetu Samoa
away Team
Fiji Bulikula
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Fetu Samoa is number 1 Destiny Mino-SinapatiFullback for Fiji Bulikula is number 1 Cassie Staples
-
Winger for Fetu Samoa is number 2 Taylor MapusuaWinger for Fiji Bulikula is number 2 Vitalina Naikore
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Centre for Fetu Samoa is number 3 Petesa LioCentre for Fiji Bulikula is number 3 Merewalesi Rokouono
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Centre for Fetu Samoa is number 4 Niall Williams-GuthrieCentre for Fiji Bulikula is number 4 Patricia Raikadroka
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Winger for Fetu Samoa is number 5 Lindsay TuiWinger for Fiji Bulikula is number 5 Asena Rokomarama
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Five-Eighth for Fetu Samoa is number 6 Pauline Piliae-RasabaleFive-Eighth for Fiji Bulikula is number 6 Sienna Laing
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Halfback for Fetu Samoa is number 7 Sienna LofipoHalfback for Fiji Bulikula is number 7 Sereana Naitokatoka
Forwards
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Prop for Fetu Samoa is number 8 Fiona JahnkeProp for Fiji Bulikula is number 8 Aliti Namoce
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Hooker for Fetu Samoa is number 9 Destiny BrillHooker for Fiji Bulikula is number 9 Teaghan Laing
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Prop for Fetu Samoa is number 10 Janelle WilliamsProp for Fiji Bulikula is number 10 Anastacia Shum-Cottrell
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2nd Row for Fetu Samoa is number 12 Malaela Sua2nd Row for Fiji Bulikula is number 11 Talei Holmes
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2nd Row for Fetu Samoa is number 15 Onjeurlina Hunt2nd Row for Fiji Bulikula is number 12 Ema Rainima
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Lock for Fetu Samoa is number 13 Annetta-Claudia Nu'uausalaLock for Fiji Bulikula is number 13 Josephine Maejiirs
Interchange
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Interchange for Fetu Samoa is number 16 Pihuka Berryman-DuffInterchange for Fiji Bulikula is number 14 Siniva Sa'anga
-
Interchange for Fetu Samoa is number 18 Tafao AsauaInterchange for Fiji Bulikula is number 15 Grace Waqa
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Interchange for Fetu Samoa is number 19 Tamerah LeatiInterchange for Fiji Bulikula is number 16 Mere Kilawekana
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Interchange for Fetu Samoa is number 21 Makayla EliInterchange for Fiji Bulikula is number 17 Adi Sokula Waqa
Reserves
-
Replacement for Fetu Samoa is number 17 Sauleone SaipeleReplacement for Fiji Bulikula is number 18 Alesi Kilawekana
Match Officials
- Referee: Liam Kennedy
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Touch Judge: Chris Sutton
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Fetu Samoa: Niall Williams-Guthrie starts in the centres while Titans young guns Destiny Mino-Sinapati and Sienna Lofipo headline an impressive Samoa spine that also includes Wests Tigers playmaker Pauline Piliae-Rasabale. Origin winner Destiny Brill is the hooker with Annetta-Claudia Nu'uausala named at lock.
Fiji Bulikula: Sharks winger Cassie Staples moves to fullback while Patricia Raikadroka, who represented the Australian Prime Minister's XIII in 2018 and 2019 has been named in the centres. Former Dragon, Eel and current Shark Sereana Naitokatoka is the halfback with Sienna Laing named at five-eighth. Her sister Teaghan Laing, who was one of the first women to represent Fiji in rugby league has been named at hooker.