2023 Week 1 Pacific Championships - Teams and Game Day

[greeneyed]

NRL announce 2023 Pacific Championships

The Australian Rugby League Commission has announced details of a Pacific Championships involving international men’s and women’s matches in October and November this year.

The Commission has also announced a partnership with the Australian Government in order to promote and develop Rugby League in the Pacific through the Championships.

The Albanese Government will partner with the NRL to ensure Pacific Championships matches can be played in the Pacific, enabling players to play in front of their loyal local fans.

Six men’s teams and seven women’s teams will take part in the 2023 tournament across two pools, which will begin on October 14. The men’s tournaments will culminate in finals in Hamilton, New Zealand, and Port Moresby on November 4-5.

The 2023 Championships will include two match days in Australia, two in New Zealand and four in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Read more: https://www.nrl.com/news/2023/08/16/nrl ... pionships/

2023 Pacific Championships Schedule

Week One – October 14-15
Australia v Samoa (men) at Townsville
Australia v New Zealand (women) at Townsville
PNG v Cook Islands (men) at Port Moresby
Samoa v Fiji (women) at Port Moresby

Week Two – October 21-22
New Zealand v Samoa (men) at Eden Park, Auckland
New Zealand v Tonga (women) at Eden Park, Auckland
Fiji v Cook Islands (men) at Port Moresby
PNG v Cook Islands (women) at Port Moresby

Week Three – October 28-29
Australia v New Zealand (men) at Melbourne
Australia v New Zealand (women) at Melbourne
PNG v Fiji (men) at Port Moresby

Week Four – November 4-5
The Final of the men’s Pacific Cup tournament on November 4 in Hamilton, New Zealand
The Final of the men’s Pacific Bowl tournament on November 5 at National Stadium, Port Moresby

[The Greenhouse]

2023 Week 1 Pacific Championships - Teams and Game Day

Men’s
Australia Kangaroos v Toa Samoa
Saturday 14 October, 8:10pm
North Queensland Stadium, Townsville
TV: Nine, Fox League

Australia

1. James Tedesco 2. Dylan Edwards 3. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 4. Kotoni Staggs 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Cameron Munster 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Payne Haas 9. Ben Hunt 10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui 11. Cameron Murray 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Harry Grant 15. Lindsay Collins 16. Patrick Carrigan 17. Reuben Cotter 18. Nicho Hynes 19. Jake Trbojevic 20. Thomas Flegler 21. Valentine Holmes

Samoa

1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. Murray Taulagi 3. Izack Tago 4. Young Tonumaipea 5. Brian To'o 6. Stephen Crichton 7. Daejarn Asi 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 10. Junior Paulo 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Keenan Palasia 14. Spencer Leniu 15. Terrell May 16. Heilum Luki 17. Ronald Volkman 18. Royce Hunt 19. Justin Matamua 20. Greg Marzhew 21. Tommy Talau

Officials

Referee: Grant Atkins
Touch judges: Phil Henderson, Wyatt Raymond
Video referee: Ashley Klein

Women’s
Australia Jillaroos v New Zealand Kiwi Ferns
Saturday 14 October, 6:00pm
North Queensland Stadium, Townsville
TV: Nine, Fox League

Australia

1. Tamika Upton 2. Jaime Chapman 3. Jessica Sergis 4. Isabelle Kelly 5. Julia Robinson 6. Tarryn Aiken 7. Ali Brigginshaw 8. Shannon Mato 9. Keeley Davis 10. Jessika Elliston 11. Kezie Apps 12. Olivia Kernick 13. Simaima Taufa 14. Emma Tonegato 15. Caitlan Johnston 16. Kennedy Cherrington 17. Shaylee Bent 18. Lauren Brown 19. Emma Manzelmann 20. Keilee Joseph

New Zealand

1. Apii Nicholls 2. Annessa Biddle 3. Shanice Parker 4. Mele Hufanga 5. Leianne Tufuga 6. Ash Quinlan 7. Raecene McGregor 8. Mya Hill-Moana 9. Brooke Anderson 10. Angelina Teakaraanga Katoa 11. Otesa Pule 12. Laishon Albert-Jones 13. Georgia Hale 14. Tyla Nathan-Wong 15. Najvada George 16. Jasmine Fogavini 17. Amelia Pasikala 18. Abigail Roache 19. Cheyelle Robins-Reti 20. Tiana Davison 21. Capri Paekau

Officials

Referee: Todd Smith
Touch judges: Belinda Sharpe, Darian Furner
Video referee: Ashley Klein

Men’s
Papua New Guinea Kumuls v Cook Islands Aitu
Sunday 14 October, 4:00pm
National Stadium, Port Moresby
TV: Nine, Fox League

Papua New Guinea

1. Alex Johnston 2. Robert Derby 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Rodrick Tai 5. Nene Macdonald 6. Kyle Laybutt 7. Lachlan Lam 8. Epel Kapinias 9. Judah Rimbu 10. Valentine Richard 11. Jacob Alick 12. Dan Russell 13. Jack de Belin 14. Liam Horne 15. Nixon Putt 16. Junior Rop 17. Benji Kott 18. Cruise Ten 19. Rhyse Martin 20. Wellington Albert 21. Justin Olam

Cook Islands

Tevin Arona, Rhys Dakin, Esom Ioka, Kadiyae Ioka, Kayal Iro, Makahesi Makatoa, Justin Estall-Makirere, Steven Marsters, Esan Marsters, Alvin Maungaati, Davvy Moale, Takai Mokohar, Malachi Morgan, Rua Ngatikaura, Pride Pettersen-Robati, Lucky Pokipoki, Reuben Porter, William Samuel, Brad Takairangi, Zane Tetevano, Isaiah Cooper-Tetevano

Officials

Referee: Peter Gough
Touch judges: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Drew Oultram
Video referee: Chris Butler

Women’s
Fetu Samoa v Fiji Bulikula
Sunday 15 October, 1:45pm
National Stadium, Port Moresby
TV: Nine, Fox League

Samoa

1. Destiny Mino-Sinapati 2. Taylor Mapusua 3. Petesa Lio 4. Niall Williams-Guthrie 5. Lindsay Tui 6. Pauline Piliae 7. Sienna Lofipo 8. Fiona Jahnke 9. Destiny Brill 10. Janelle Williams 12. Malaela Sua 13. Annetta Nuuausala 15. Onjeurlina Hunt 16. Pihuka Berryman-Duff 17. Tafao Asaua 19. Tamerah Leati 20. Avery-rose Carmont 21. Makayla Eli

Fiji

1. Cassie Staples 2. Ana Raduva 3. Patricia Raikadroka 4. Vitalina Naikore 5. Asena Rokomarama 6. Sienna Laing 7. Sereana Naitokatoka 8. Josephine Maejiirs 9. Teaghan Laing 10. Anastacia Shum-Cottrell 11. Ema Rainima 12. Talei Holmes 13. Aliti Namoce 14. Siniva Sa'anga 15. Grace Waqa 16. Mere Kilawekana 17. Merewalesi Rokouono 18. Asenaca Diranuve 19. Adi Sokula Waqa 20. Alesi Kilawekana 21. Salote Sukakinamena

Officials

Referee: Liam Kennedy
Touch judges: David Munro, Chris Sutton
Video referee: Chris Butler

[RedRaider]

Good to see Dylan Edwards finally getting a crack at Rep footy. Based on the jersey numbers it looks like he will mark up on Brian To'o. Interesting clash for the Panther team mates.

[Billy Walker]

Surely Rapa should be selected for Cook Islands. Due to suspension he can’t play and as he doesn’t play it doesn’t rule him out of selection for the Kiwis. That’s 2 games off his suspension in one weekend. Where is that Dennis Denuto lawyer we roll out every now and then? Get him onto it.

[greeneyed]

Jordan Rapana isn’t suspended.

[bonehead]

Jordan Rapana isn’t suspended.

rarity for the big guy

Sent from my SM-S911B using Tapatalk

[greeneyed]

Canberra Raiders NRLW stars set for Jillaroos-Kiwi Ferns showdown at the Pacific Championships

The Kiwi Ferns are going into their Pacific Championships clash with the Jillaroos as huge underdogs this weekend, but believe an upset could be brewing in a Raider-versus-Raider showdown.

"I'm actually really nervous to be honest, but also really excited," Apis Nicholls said. "I've played against Simaima in a few other Test matches and at the World Cup as well. It's exciting to play against players like her.

Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... /?cs=14274

[The Greenhouse]

Welcome to our coverage of tonight's Pacific Championships women's Test between Australia and New Zealand at North Queensland Stadium in Townsville. The Jillaroos v Kiwi Ferns. The Raiders have Simaima Taufa turning out for Australia, while Ash Quinlan and Apii Nicholls will represent New Zealand.

Live scores right here. Please join in with your own commentary. Kick off is at 6:05pm AEDT. Later tonight, Australia face Samoa at 8:10pm in the men's Test. Broadcast is on GEM and Fox League and associated streaming services.

[The Greenhouse]

The Jillaroos and Kiwi Ferns about to head out onto the field. They walk out onto the field, side by side. High temperature today in Townsville of 31C, presently 26-27C and 65 per cent humidity. Modest crowd at present.

Now the national anthems.

[The Greenhouse]

Now for a haka. And a second short warm up for the players.

New Zealand kicks off, we are underway.

[The Greenhouse]

5th min TRY AUSTRALIA to Tamika Upton, a break from Ali Brigginshaw around the edge of the ruck and she offloads for the four pointer. A bit too easy. Brigginshaw converts from in front.

Australia 6-0

[The Greenhouse]

13th min TRY NEW ZEALAND to Annessa Biddle, she gathers in the kick to the corner from Raecene McGregor, and there wasn't a Jillaroo anywhere in sight out on the edge. McGregor can't convert.

Australia 6-4

[The Greenhouse]

26th min TRY AUSTRALIA to forward Caitlan Johnston. It is just a crash ball. It looks a lot like there was a hand under the ball, but the referee has awarded it. Ali Brigginshaw converts.

Australia 12-4

[The Greenhouse]

32nd min TRY AUSTRALIA to Tamika Upton. Second try of the day, easy try in the end from the scrum play. It follows an error from New Zealand at their own end. It has been a closer match than the half time score will indicate. Horror conversion attempt from Brigginshaw. It would have finished over the sideline on the same side of the field that the kick was taken from.



Australia 16-4

HALF TIME

[The Greenhouse]

Australia kicks off to start the second half.

[The Greenhouse]

44th min TRY NEW ZEALAND to Mele Hufanga. A blockbusting run on the last tackle, back on the inside, and she plants it over the line, no problem. McGregor converts.

Australia 16-10

[The Greenhouse]

Apii Nicholls had to leave the field for a head injury assessment, but she is about to return after being cleared.

[The Greenhouse]

16 mins to go Great try saving tackle from Apii Nicholls!

[The Greenhouse]

Seven minutes to go Apii Nicholls forced to run out over the sideline. Now Simaima Taufa draws a penalty. And now another for the Jillaroos.

[The Greenhouse]

66th min ERROR AUSTRALIA from Simaima Taufua, just short of the try line, after a good run.

[The Greenhouse]

Another great try saving tackle from Apii Nicholls with three minutes to go. The Kiwi Ferns will have another shot at levelling the Test.

[The Greenhouse]

1:20 mins to go Apii Nicholls loses the ball, after successfully staying in field. That's probably the ball game.

[The Greenhouse]

70th min SIN BIN NEW ZEALAND for a dangerous tackle on Brigginshaw from Biddle.

FULL TIME

Australia 16
New Zealand 10

Very close contest, much closer than the World Cup final. Great defence from the Kiwi Ferns.

MATCH REPORT: Upton debuts in style as Jillaroos outlast Kiwi Ferns



Dally M Medal winner Tamika Upton enjoyed a stunning Test debut as the Jillaroos downed the Kiwi Ferns 16-10 in Saturday's Pacific Championships opener at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Hot on the heels of collecting a fourth NRLW premiership and the game's highest individual honour, Upton scored twice and ran for 214 metres to announce herself on the international stage.

Read more: https://www.nrl.com/news/2023/10/14/upt ... iwi-ferns/







GALLERY: Jillaroos v Kiwi Ferns: https://www.gettyimages.com.au/photos/j ... =776020114

[The Greenhouse]

Next up, Australia face Samoa in Townsville in the men's Test match. Kick off at 8:10pm AEDT. Broadcast on Nine and Fox League. Live scores right here. Please join in with your own commentary. Sadly, no Canberra Raiders representative will be playing in this one.

Here are the final team line ups.

Kangaroos: 1. James Tedesco 2. Dylan Edwards 3. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 4. Kotoni Staggs 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Cam Munster 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Payne Haas 9. Ben Hunt 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Cameron Murray 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo

14. Harry Grant 15. Lindsay Collins 16. Patrick Carrigan 17 Reuben Cotter

18. Nicho Hynes

Samoa: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. Murray Taulagi 3. Izack Tago 4. Young Tonumaipea 5. Brian To’o 6. Stephen Crichton 7. Daejarn Asi 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 19. Justin Matamua 10. Junior Paulo 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Keenan Palasia

9. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 14. Spencer Leniu 15. Terrell May 16. Heilum Luki

18. Royce Hunt

[The Greenhouse]

We have had the national anthems and now Junior Paulo is leading the Siva Tau. And wonderful it is, too. Sadly, the people of Townsville have not turned out in numbers for this match. Lots of empty seats in the stands.

[The Greenhouse]

Samoa kick off, we are underway.

[The Greenhouse]

5th min TRY AUSTRALIA to Payne Haas. He was running wider than usual and there was no stopping him. Kotoni Staggs converts.

Australia 6-0

[The Greenhouse]

10th min TRY AUSTRALIA to James Tedesco off a scrum play. It follows an incorrect call on the other side of the field, with the referee missing a forward pass from Kotoni Staggs... with a knock on ruled against Samoa. It was a very easy try. Staggs fails to convert from out wide.

Australia 10-0

[The Greenhouse]

13th min TRY AUSTRALIA to Tino Fa'asuamaleaui. Just too easy at the moment for the Kangaroos. This could get ugly. Staggs converts.

Australia 16-0

[The Greenhouse]

16th min TRY AUSTRALIA to Cameron Murray. They just refused to let the ball die and Murray goes over, running wide on the left. Samoa is not even vaguely in this contest. Staggs gets the goal. Samoa has missed 18 tackles, Australia two. So far.

Australia 22-0

[The Greenhouse]

20th min TRY SAMOA to Murray Tualagi. Leilua kicks ahead on the last in the corner, no space, and Taulagi grounds it. Samoa have barely had the ball in hand, but they got it back from the kick off and scored after one set restart. Converted from the sideline Stephen Crichton.

Australia 22-6

[The Greenhouse]

40th min TRY AUSTRALIA to Hamiso Tabuai Fidow. It comes from a short goal line drop out, which the Kangaroos regather and the Hammer goes the length. Cruel for Samoa, as they'd done a lot to drag themselves back into the game. Staggs converts.

Australia 28
Samoa 6

HALF TIME

[The Greenhouse]

We are back underway in the second half.

[The Greenhouse]

50th min TRY SAMOA to fullback Sua Faalago. ABSOLUTE STUNNER! Wonderful try, chipping ahead for himself from 30 metres out. Oh no, oh no... the bunker intervenes, and finds the silliest of silly knock on rulings in the lead up, way down field. NO TRY.

[gerg]

Not sure how he can award that try?