2025 Rugby League Pacific Championships

Rugby League event From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The 2025 Rugby League Pacific Championships were the fourth edition of the Rugby League Pacific Championships and the third under their current name (having previously been called the Oceania Cup in 2019). The championships consisted of several international rugby league tournaments being played from October to November 2025 between nations of the Pacific region.

Number of teams6 (men)
6 (women)
WinnerMen's Cup:  New Zealand
Men's Bowl:  Papua New Guinea
Women's Cup:  Australia
Women's Bowl:  Cook Islands
Quick facts Number of teams, Host countries ...
2025 Rugby League Pacific Championships
Number of teams6 (men)
6 (women)
Host countries New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Australia
WinnerMen's Cup:  New Zealand
Men's Bowl:  Papua New Guinea
Women's Cup:  Australia
Women's Bowl:  Cook Islands
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Like previous editions, a Men's Pacific Cup, Men's Pacific Bowl, Women's Pacific Cup, and Women's Pacific Bowl was played.[1]

The draw was announced by the International Rugby League and National Rugby League on 6 August 2025.[2][3]

Teams

Team changes

Following the results of the promotion / relegation playoffs in 2024, New Zealand remained in the Men's Pacific Cup, while Samoa were promoted to the Women's Pacific Cup after defeating Papua New Guinea.[4][5][6]

2025 saw the return of the Ashes between Australia and England. The series was originally set to be held in Australia, though switched to England due to Australia hosting the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.[7] As a result, Australia did not compete in the Men's Pacific Cup. Samoa took their place after returning to the competition following their 2024 tour of England.[8][9] Originally, a women's Ashes series was also scheduled,[10] however this never materialised and Australia were confirmed as participants for the Women's Pacific Cup on 22 July.[1][11]

Furthermore, the Cook Islands, while still participating in the tournament, hosted South Africa for a place in the 2026 Men's World Cup, with the match being played as a curtain raiser to the Cup finals.[12] Conversely, Fiji were unavailable for the Women's Pacific Bowl due to competing in World Cup qualifiers in Canada.[13]

Squads

Men's teams

More information Competition, Team ...
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Women's teams

Venues

Venues in Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, and Australia have been confirmed.[2]

Six venues across four countries were selected to host the Championships.

Men's Pacific Cup

More information Pos, Team ...
Pos Team Pld W D L PF PA PD Pts Qualification
1  New Zealand 2 2 0 0 64 32 +32 4 Advance to final
2  Samoa 2 1 0 1 52 30 +22 2
3  Tonga 2 0 0 2 20 74 54 0
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Updated to match(es) played on 19 October 2025. Source: NRL

Fixtures

Group stage

19 October 2025
18:05 NZDT (UTC+13:00)
More information New Zealand, 24–18 ...
New Zealand  24–18  Samoa
Tries: 4
McLean rugby ball 9', 21'
Timoko rugby ball 40'
Brown rugby ball 73'
Goals: 4
Isaako rugby goalposts icon 11', 23', pen 63', 74' (4/5)
1st: 16–12
2nd: 8–6
Report
Tries: 3
Mariner rugby ball 26'
Sasagi rugby ball 32'
Taulagi rugby ball 69'
Goals: 3
Talagi rugby goalposts icon 28', 34', 71' (3/3)
Close
Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland
Attendance: 21,251
Referee: Peter Gough
Touch judges: Drew Oultram, Wyatt Raymond
Player of the Match: Dylan Brown (New Zealand)

26 October 2025
15:00 AEST (UTC+10:00)
More information Tonga, 6–34 ...
Tonga  6–34  Samoa
Tries: 1
Koula rugby ball 78'
Goals: 1
Katoa rugby goalposts icon 78' (1/1)
1st: 0–12
2nd: 6–22
Report
Tries: 6
Nanai rugby ball 28', 46'
Tago rugby ball 8'
Taulagi rugby ball 61'
Haas rugby ball 65'
Harris-Tavita rugby ball 75'
Goals: 5
Talagi rugby goalposts icon pen 18', 29', 63', 66', 77' (5/7)
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Lang Park, Brisbane
Attendance: 44,682
Referee: Todd Smith
Player of the Match: Junior Paulo (Samoa)[40]

2 November 2025
18:05 NZDT (UTC+13:00)
More information New Zealand, 40–14 ...
New Zealand  40–14  Tonga
Tries: 7
Brown rugby ball 23', 64'
Kini rugby ball 18'
McLean rugby ball 28'
Timoko rugby ball 36'
Nicoll-Klokstad rugby ball 51'
Crossland rugby ball 70'
Goals: 6
Isaako rugby goalposts icon 19', 25', 29', 37', 43', 66' (6/8)
Sin bin:
Erin Clark yellow card 40' to 50'
1st: 24-2
2nd: 16-12
Report
Tries: 2
Vaimauga rugby ball 48'
Tupou rugby ball 75'
Goals: 3
Katoa rugby goalposts icon 39', 49', 75' (3/3)
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Eden Park, Auckland
Attendance: 38,114
Referee: Ashley Klein
Player of the Match: Dylan Brown (New Zealand)

Men's final

9 November 2025
16:05 AEDT (UTC+11:00)
More information New Zealand, 36–14 ...
New Zealand  36–14  Samoa
Tries: 6
Papali'i rugby ball 49', 76'
Whyte rugby ball 33'
Clark rugby ball 56'
McLean rugby ball 67'
Nicoll-Klokstad rugby ball 78'
Goals: 6
Isaako rugby goalposts icon 34', 50', pen 53', 58', pen 75', 79' (6/8)
1st: 6-14
2nd: 30-0
Report
Tries: 2
To'o rugby ball 11'
Sasagi rugby ball 28'
Goals: 3
Talagi rugby goalposts icon 12', 30', pen 40' (3/3)
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Western Sydney Stadium, Sydney
Attendance: 28,084
Referee: Ashley Klein
Video referee: Chris Butler
Touch judges: Drew Oultram, Dave Munro
Player of the Match: Dylan Brown (New Zealand)

Men's Pacific Bowl

More information Pos, Team ...
Pos Team Pld W D L PF PA PD Pts Qualification
1  Papua New Guinea 2 2 0 0 90 46 +44 4 Winner
2  Fiji 2 1 0 1 62 74 12 2
3  Cook Islands 2 0 0 2 52 84 32 0
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Updated to match(es) played on 18 October 2025. Source: NRL

Fixtures

The announced schedule for the Men's Pacific Bowl does not include a final or play-off/relegation match.[2]

18 October 2025
15:00 PNGST (UTC+10:00)
More information Fiji, 44–24 ...
Fiji  44–24  Cook Islands
Tries: 8
Bula rugby ball 5', 8', 12', 37'
Navale rugby ball 20'
Kautoga rugby ball 60'
Donoghoe rugby ball 66'
Saukuru rugby ball 76'
Goals: 6
Wakeham rugby goalposts icon 6', 10', 14', 21', 62', 67' (6/8)
1st: 28–6
2nd: 16–18
Report
Tries: 4
Iro rugby ball 26'
Makirere rugby ball 54'
Rennie rugby ball 63'
Petterson-Robati rugby ball 79'
Goals: 4
Ioka rugby goalposts icon 28', 55', 64', 79' (4/4)
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PNG Football Stadium, Port Moresby
Referee: Liam Kennedy
More information Fiji, Position ...
Team details
FijiPositionCook Islands
NameNumberNumberName
Jahream Bula16Caelys-Paul Putoko
Sunia Turuva22Paul Ulberg
Semi Valemei33KL Iro (c)
Michael Jennings44Reubenn Rennie
Jethro Rinakama55Esom Ioka
Kurt Donoghoe61Esan Marsters
Brandon Wakeham77Cassius Cowley
Tui Kamikamica (c)88Makahesi Makatoa
Penioni Tagituimua99Mason Teague
Michael Waqa1010Tepai Moeroa
Taane Milne1111Brendan Piakura
Kitione Kautoga1212Reuben Porter
Caleb Navale1313Pride Petterson-Robati
Terrell Kalo Kalo1414Rua Ngatikaura
Solomone Saukuru1516Brody Tamarua
Keresi Maya1617Rhys Dakin
Kylan Mafoa1720Justin Makirere
Ronald Phillitoga1818Delahia Wigmore
Wise Kativerata
Coach
Karmichael Hunt
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25 October 2025
15:00 PNGST (UTC+10:00)
More information Papua New Guinea, 40–28 ...
Papua New Guinea  40–28  Cook Islands
Tries: 7
Derby rugby ball 12', 31'
Martin rugby ball 26'
Johnston rugby ball 35'
Laybutt rugby ball 55'
Morea rugby ball 66'
Voro rugby ball 79'
Goals: 6
Martin rugby goalposts icon 13', 27', 36', 56', 67' (5/6)
Laybutt rugby goalposts icon 80' (1/1)
Sin bin:
Martin yellow card 79' to 80'
1st: 22–12
2nd: 18–16
Report
Tries: 5
Ngatikaura rugby ball 4'
Rennie rugby ball 19'
Putoko rugby ball 51'
Ioka rugby ball 60'
Wigmore rugby ball 73'
Goals: 4
Ioka rugby goalposts icon 6', 20', 62', 74' (4/5)
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PNG Football Stadium, Port Moresby
Attendance: 14,864
Referee: Gerard Sutton

1 November 2025
15:00 PNGST (UTC+10:00)
More information Papua New Guinea, 50–18 ...
Papua New Guinea  50–18  Fiji
Tries: 8
Morea rugby ball 10'
Ipape rugby ball 10'
MacDonald rugby ball 16'
Martin rugby ball 20'
Bai rugby ball 26'
Putt rugby ball 50'
Dotoi rugby ball 61'
Mathias rugby ball 66'
Goals: 9
Martin rugby goalposts icon 11', 15', 17', 21', 28', 52', 62', 67', pen 79' (9/9)
1st: 30-6
2nd: 20-12
Report
Tries: 4
Kautoga rugby ball 36', 46'
Saukuru rugby ball 58'
Valemei rugby ball 76'
Goals: 1
Wakeham rugby goalposts icon 37' (1/4)
Close
PNG Football Stadium, Port Moresby
Attendance: 12,046
Referee: Adam Gee
More information Papua New Guinea, Position ...
Close

Women's Pacific Cup

More information Pos, Team ...
Pos Team Pld W D L PF PA PD Pts Qualification
1  Australia 2 2 0 0 70 4 +66 4 Advance to final
2  New Zealand 2 1 0 1 26 30 4 2
3  Samoa 2 0 0 2 20 82 62 0
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Updated to match(es) played on 19 October 2025. Source: NRL

Fixtures

Group stage

19 October 2025
15:35 NZDT (UTC+13:00)
More information New Zealand, 22–20 ...
New Zealand  22–20  Samoa
Tries: 4
Parker rugby ball 44'
Quinlan rugby ball 48'
Tauaneai rugby ball 50'
Hufanga rugby ball 64'
Goals: 3
Maliepo rugby goalposts icon 49', 51', 64' (3/4)
1st: 0–20
2nd: 22–0
Report
Tries: 4
Sauaso rugby ball 13'
Masaga rugby ball 21'
Mino-Sinapati rugby ball 27'
Papali'i rugby ball 32'
Goals: 2
Piliae-Rasabale rugby goalposts icon 14', 33' (2/4)
Close
Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland
Attendance: 12,571
Referee: Belinda Sharpe
Touch judges: Phil Henderson, Paki Parkinson
Player of the Match: Shalom Sauaso (Samoa)
More information New Zealand, Position ...
Team details
New ZealandPositionSamoa
NameNumberNumberName
Apii Nicholls11Jetaya Faifua
Shanice Parker22Jessica Patea
Abigail Roache33Sarina Masaga
Mele Hufanga44Lindsay Tui
Tysha Ikenasio55Destiny Mino-Sinapati
Patricia Maliepo66Taliah Fuimaono
Raecene McGregor (c)77Pauline Piliae-Rasabale
Angelina Teakaaranga-Katoa88Annetta Nu'uausala (c)
Brooke Anderson99Destiny Brill
Brianna Clark1010Eliza Lopamaua
Annessa Biddle1111Ryvrr Lee-Alo
Shakira Baker1212Tavarna Papalii
Georgia Hale (c)1313Sienna Lofipo
Ashleigh Quinlan1414Pihuka Berryman-Duff
Otesa Pule1515Laikha Clarke
Alexis Tauaneai1616Ella-Jaye Harrison-Leaunoa
Ivana Lauitiiti1717Shalom Sauaso
Tiana Davison1818Simone Karpani
Ricky Henry
Coach
Jamie Soward
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26 October 2025
13:00 AEST (UTC+10:00)
More information Australia, 60–0 ...
Australia  60–0  Samoa
Tries: 11
Sergis rugby ball 6', 8'
Upton rugby ball 19', 62'
Kernick rugby ball 22'
Robinson rugby ball 31', 50'
Dodd rugby ball 38'
Clydsdale rugby ball 41'
Whitfeld rugby ball 60'
Apps rugby ball 67'
Goals: 8
Southwell rugby goalposts icon 9', 21', 23', 40', 42', 52', 64', 68' (8/11)
1st: 26–0
2nd: 34–0
Report
Sin bin:
Mino-Sinapati yellow card 13' to 23'
Close
Lang Park, Brisbane
Attendance: 30,842
Referee: Kasey Badger
Player of the Match: Tamika Upton (Australia)
More information Australia, Position ...
Team details
AustraliaPositionSamoa
NameNumberNumberName
Tamika Upton11Destiny Mino-Sinapati
Julia Robinson22Jessica Patea
Isabelle Kelly33Lindsay Tui
Tiana Penitani44Sarina Masaga
Jessica Sergis55Mercedez Taulelei-Siala
Ali Brigginshaw (c)66Taliah Fuimaono
Jesse Southwell77Jetaya Faifua
Rima Butler88Annetta Nu'uausala (c)
Keeley Davis99Destiny Brill
Jessika Elliston1010Eliza Lopamaua
Kezie Apps (c)1111Tavarna Papalii
Yasmin Clydsdale1212Ryvrr-Lee Alo
Olivia Kernick1317Shalom Sauaso
Quincy Dodd1413Pihuka Berryman-Duff
Keilee Joseph1514Ella-Jaye Harrison-Leaunoa
Ellie Johnston1615Laikha Clarke
Jakiya Whitfeld1716Jaydika Tafua
Sarah Togatuki1818Simone Karpani
Jess Skinner
Coach
Jamie Soward
Close

2 November 2025
15:35 NZDT (UTC+13:00)
More information New Zealand, 4–10 ...
New Zealand  4–10  Australia
Tries: 1
Biddle rugby ball 50'
Goals: 0
McGregor (0/1)
1st: 0-6
2nd: 4-4
Report
Tries: 2
Sergis rugby ball 31'
Church rugby ball 42'
Goals: 1
Southwell rugby goalposts icon 32' (1/2)
Close
Eden Park, Auckland
Attendance: 19,154
Referee: Belinda Sharpe
Player of the Match: Abbi Church (Australia)
More information New Zealand, Position ...
Close

Women's final

9 November 2025
13:30 AEDT (UTC+11:00)
More information Australia, 40–8 ...
Australia  40–8  New Zealand
Tries: 7
Robinson rugby ball 13', 70'
Kernick rugby ball 3'
Joseph rugby ball 25'
Sergis rugby ball 32'
Upton rugby ball 49'
Johnston rugby ball 63'
Goals: 6
Southwell rugby goalposts icon 5', 15', 26', 34', 50', 65' (6/7)
1st: 24–0
2nd: 16–8
Report
Tries: 2
Parker rugby ball 41'
Ikenasio rugby ball 52'
Goals: 0
Nicholls (0/2)
Sin bin:
Quinlan yellow card 25' to 35'
Lauitiiti yellow card 60' to 70'
Close
Western Sydney Stadium, Sydney
Attendance: 17,702
Referee: Belinda Sharpe
Video referee: Adam Gee
Touch judges: Phil Henderson, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
Player of the Match: Julia Robinson (Australia)
More information Australia, Position ...
Close

Women's Pacific Bowl

More information Pos, Team ...
Pos Team Pld W D L PF PA PD Pts Qualification
1  Cook Islands 2 2 0 0 76 30 +46 4 Winner
2  Tonga 2 1 0 1 66 48 +18 2
3  Papua New Guinea 2 0 0 2 14 78 64 0
Close
Updated to match(es) played on 18 October 2025. Source: NRL

Fixtures

The announced schedule for the Women's Pacific Bowl does not include a final or play-off/relegation match.[2]

18 October 2025
13:00 PNGST (UTC+10:00)
More information Papua New Guinea, 6–34 ...
Papua New Guinea  6–34  Cook Islands
Tries: 1
Veivers rugby ball 7'
Goals: 1
Veivers rugby goalposts icon 8' (1/1)
1st: 6–20
2nd: 0–14
Report
Tries: 7
Morris-Ponga rugby ball 11', 21', 65'
Kiria-Ratu rugby ball 13'
Makira rugby ball 33'
Paitai rugby ball 42'
Matua rugby ball 59'
Goals: Kiria-Ratu rugby goalposts icon 12', 15', 60' (3/7)
Close
More information Papua New Guinea, Position ...
Team details
Papua New GuineaPositionCook Islands
NameNumberNumberName
Fleur Ginn11Kiana Takairangi (c)
Ruth Gende202Paulina Morris-Ponga
Tia Molo33Kiarah Siauane
Marie Biyama44Deleni Paitai
Naomi Kelly55Hannah Makira
India Seeto66Lydia Turua-Quedley
Caitlin Tanner77Charntay Kiria-Ratu
Elsie Albert (c)88Lavinia Kitai
Emily Veivers149Pearl Tuitama
Jessikah Reeves1315Ashlee Matapo
Sareka Mooka1111Anne-Marie Kiria-Ratu
Leila Kerowa1219Kaiyah Atai
Gloria Kaupa1613Jazmon Tupou-Witchman
Therese Aiton910April Ngatapuna
Emmogen Taumafai1014Kerehitina Matua
Essay Banu1516Ngatokotoru Arakua
Belinda Gwasamun1917Memory Paitai
Mya Muller1718Porche John
Tahnee Norris
Coach
Ron Griffiths
Close

25 October 2025
13:00 PNGST (UTC+10:00)
More information Cook Islands, 42–24 ...
Cook Islands  42–24  Tonga
Tries: 8
Matua rugby ball 49', 63'
Siauane rugby ball 58', 69'
Paitai rugby ball 19'
Tupou-Witchman rugby ball 29'
Morris-Ponga rugby ball 34'
Arakua rugby ball 35'
Goals: 5
Kiria-Ratu rugby goalposts icon 21', 31', 37', 51', 69' (5/8)
1st: 16–10
2nd: 26–14
Report
Tries: 5
Paki rugby ball 6'
Lokotui rugby ball 9'
Mailangi rugby ball 39'
Courtenay rugby ball 42'
Muru rugby ball 53'
Goals: 2
Paki rugby goalposts icon 8', 40' (2/5)
Close
PNG Football Stadium, Port Moresby
Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
More information Cook Islands, Position ...
Team details
Cook IslandsPositionTonga
NameNumberNumberName
Kiana Takairangi (c)11Ana Malupo
Kiarah Siauane22Moana Courtenay
Keira Rangi33Fane Finau
Deleni Paitai44Martha Mataele
Paulina Morris-Ponga55Simina Lokotui
Lydia Turua-Quedley66Malia Tuifua
Chantay Kiria-Ratu77Emmanita Paki
Lavinia Kitai88Natasha Penitani (c)
Pearl Tuitama99Seli Mailangi
Ashlee Matapo1010Kalosipani Hopoate
Anne-Marie Kiria-Ratu1111Shannon Muru
Kaiyah Atai1912Manilita Takapautolo
Jazmon Tupou-Witchman1313Amelia Huakau
Kerehitina Matua1414Kaylani Tavita
Porche John1515Jade Fonua
Ngatoktoru Arakua1616Tatiana Finau
Jodeci Joseph1717Ruby Fifita
Memory Paitai1818Pauline Suli-Ruka
Ron Griffiths
Coach
Meg Ward
Close

1 November 2025
13:00 PNGST (UTC+10:00)
More information Papua New Guinea, 6–42 ...
Papua New Guinea  6–42  Tonga
Tries: 1
Kelly rugby ball 16'
Goals: 1
Veivers rugby goalposts icon 18'
1st: 6-18
2nd: 0-24
Report
Tries: 9
Mataele rugby ball 32', 61', 69'
Courtenay rugby ball 2'
Fifita rugby ball 7'
Hopoate rugby ball 22'
Tuifua rugby ball 37'
Fonua rugby ball 41'
Lokotui rugby ball 53'
Goals: 3
Paki rugby goalposts icon 8', 39', 43' (3/9)
Close
More information Papua New Guinea, Position ...
Team details
Papua New GuineaPositionTonga
NameNumberNumberName
Fleur Ginn11Ana Malupo
Ruth Gende22Moana Courtenay
Tia Molo33Fane Finau
Relna Wuruki-Hosea44Martha Mataele
Naomi Kelly55Simina Lokotui
India Seeto66Malia Tuifua
Caitlin Tanner77Emmanita Paki
Elsie Albert (c)88Natasha Penitani (c)
Emily Veivers99Seli Mailangi
Gloria Kaupa1017Ruby Fifita
Sareka Mooka1111Shannon Muru
Marie Biyama1616Tatiana Finau
Jessikah Reeves1313Amelia Huakau
Mya Muller1210Kalosipani Hopoate
Therese Aiton1415Jade Fonua
Emmogen Taumafai1518Pauline Suli-Ruka
Belinda Gwasamun1720Paea Uilou
Mala Mark1821Vanessa Foliaki
Tahnee Norris
Coach
Meg Ward
Close

Men's World Cup qualification: Southern Hemisphere playoff

9 November 2025
11:25 AEDT (UTC+11:00)
More information Cook Islands, 58–6 ...
Cook Islands  58–6  South Africa
Tries: 11
Niukore rugby ball 39', 66'
Cowley rugby ball 57', 77'
Ulberg rugby ball 9'
Moale rugby ball 23'
Marsters rugby ball 36'
Iro rugby ball 51'
Piakura rugby ball 56'
Teague rugby ball 74'
Ngatikaura rugby ball 80'
Goals: 7
Marsters rugby goalposts icon 24', 40', 55' (3/6)
Ioka rugby goalposts icon 63', 76', 78' (3/4)
Iro rugby goalposts icon 80' (1/1)
1st: 20–6
2nd: 38–0
Report
Tries: 1
De Vlieg rugby ball 18'
Goals: 1
Beukes rugby goalposts icon 19' (1/1)
Sin bin:
Perry yellow card 30' to 40'
Close
Western Sydney Stadium, Sydney
Attendance: 3,245
Referee: Wyatt Raymond (Australia)
More information Cook Islands, Position ...
Team details
Cook IslandsPositionSouth Africa
NameNumberNumberName
Esom Ioka11Luke De Vlieg
Paul Ulberg22Niel Beukes
KL Iro (c)33Callum McMenemy
Reubenn Rennie44Brynn Du Rand
Teapo Stoltman55Brady McMillan
Cassius Cowley66Coby Thomas
Esan Marsters77Kamren Cryer (c)
Makahesi Makatoa88Shane Mackenzie
Mason Teague99Kobe Martin
Davvy Moale1010Jason Smith
Brendan Piakura1111Ethan Sweet
Marata Niukore (c)1212Keegan Turner
Pride Petterson-Robati1313Aden Perry
Rua Ngatikaura1414Reilly Canning
Reuben Porter1515Joshua Hill
Justin Makirere1616Ashley Bull
Rhys Dakin1717Marcelle Corneelsen
Amare Milford (not used)2018Kalum Gulliver-Brown (not used)
Karmichael Hunt
Coach
Darryl Fisher
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Broadcasting

More information Region, Broadcaster ...
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Notes

  1. KL Iro was named captain for the Round 1 match after 2024 captain and 2025 selection Brad Takairangi withdrew due to an injury.[21] Takairangi played for South West Goannas in the 2025 Macarthur Rugby League season.[22][23]
  2. Vanessa Foliaki, co-captain of Tonga in the 2024 tournament, announced her retirement in July 2025.[34] In mid-August, Foliaki was subsequently appointed assistant coach to Meg Ward.[35]

References

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