Head Coach Stacey Jones has named a seasoned 21-man New Zealand Kiwis squad featuring the return of several big names who missed last year’s campaign through injury — including Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Dylan Brown, Kieran Foran, Moses Leota, Ronaldo Mulitalo, and Briton Nikora.
In one of the feel-good stories of the tournament, Kieran Foran will don the black and white jersey for the final time after announcing his NRL retirement at the end of 2025. The veteran playmaker, who first debuted for the Kiwis in 2009, brings experience and leadership back into the halves.
Fresh from winning the NRL Premiership with Brisbane, Xavier Willison earns his first international call-up — joining a formidable pack led by James Fisher-Harris, who will once again captain the side.
Rising stars Erin Clark, Phoenix Crossland, Keano Kini, Casey McLean, and Naufahu Whyte all return after breakout seasons, with Clark capping off a stellar year by claiming the Dally M Lock of the Year award.
Also among the familiar faces are 2025 NRL top point-scorer Jamayne Isaako, powerhouse forwards Joseph Tapine and Isaiah Papali’i, and Raiders centre Matthew Timoko. Jeremy Marshall-King and Sebastian Kris also make their return to the Test arena.
Unavailable for selection are Jahrome Hughes (injury) and Kodi Nikorima (injury).
Fixtures:
- 🆚 Toa Samoa – Go Media Stadium, Auckland | 6:05pm, October 19
- 🆚 Tonga – Eden Park, Auckland | 6:05pm, November 2
The Pacific Championships Finals will take place at CommBank Stadium, Sydney, on November 8.
👉 Full 2025 New Zealand Kiwis Squad:
James Fisher-Harris (c), Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Dylan Brown, Erin Clark, Phoenix Crossland, Kieran Foran, Jamayne Isaako, Keano Kini, Sebastian Kris, Moses Leota, Jeremy Marshall-King, Casey McLean, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Briton Nikora, Isaiah Papali’i, Scott Sorensen, Joseph Tapine, Matthew Timoko, Naufahu Whyte, Xavier Willison (debut).
Kiwi Ferns: Experience Meets Exciting New Blood
Head Coach Ricky Henry has named an exciting 21-player Kiwi Ferns squad brimming with both proven international stars and bright new talent for their Pacific Championships campaign.
The side welcomes back Raecene McGregor, who returns after a 2024 sabbatical to join experienced campaigners Georgia Hale and Apii Nicholls — the trio combining for an incredible 20 international campaigns between them.
“It’s a great balance of experience and fresh faces,” said Henry. “Our leaders set the standard, and the debutants bring great energy and hunger — this group represents the best of New Zealand women’s rugby league.”
Five players will make their Kiwi Ferns debut, including four from the newly revived Warriors NRLW side — Tysha Ikenasio, Ivana Lauitiiti, Patricia Maliepo, and Shakira Baker, while Shaniece Monschau (Bulldogs) completes the rookie group.
The Ferns will open against Fetu Samoa in Auckland before taking on arch-rivals Australia at Eden Park in a blockbuster rematch of last year’s final.
Unavailable for selection: Gayle Broughton (personal), Amber Hall (Samoa), Jasmine Solia (injured), and Brooke Talataina (injured).
Fixtures:
- 🆚 Fetu Samoa – Go Media Stadium, Auckland | 3:35pm, October 19
- 🆚 Jillaroos – Eden Park, Auckland | 3:35pm, November 2
👉 Full 2025 Kiwi Ferns Squad:
Abigail Roache, Alexis Tauaneai, Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa, Annessa Biddle, Apii Nicholls, Ashleigh Quinlan, Brianna Clark, Brooke Anderson, Georgia Hale (c), Ivana Lauitiiti*, Leianne Tufuga, Mele Hufanga, Otesa Pule, Patricia Maliepo*, Raecene McGregor (c), Shakira Baker*, Shaniece Monschau*, Shanice Parker, Tiana Davison, Tyla King, Tysha Ikenasio*
(*Denotes debutant)
Related: Jillaroos Ready to Shine in the 2025 Pacific Championships
