NRL 2023, Pacific Championships, week 2, official team lists, injuries, updates

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Tue 17 Oct 2023, 04:02 PM

Official team lists, updates and injury news for Week 2 of the 2023 Pacific Championships Men's and Women's tournaments.

Pacific Championships Team Lists: Week 2

Kiwis v Toa Samoa, Saturday 4.00pm (AEDT) at Eden Park, Auckland

Week 2 - Week 2 - Saturday 21 Oct

Full Time

Kiwis

Toa Samoa

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Kiwis is number 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

Fullback for Toa Samoa is number 1 Sualauvi Faalogo
Winger for Kiwis is number 2 Ronaldo Mulitalo

Winger for Toa Samoa is number 2 Murray Taulagi
Centre for Kiwis is number 3 Matthew Timoko

Centre for Toa Samoa is number 4 Marion Seve
Centre for Kiwis is number 4 Joseph Manu

Centre for Toa Samoa is number 21 Tommy Talau
Winger for Kiwis is number 5 Jamayne Isaako

Winger for Toa Samoa is number 20 Greg Marzhew
Five-Eighth for Kiwis is number 6 Dylan Brown

Five-Eighth for Toa Samoa is number 6 Stephen Crichton
Halfback for Kiwis is number 7 Jahrome Hughes

Halfback for Toa Samoa is number 7 Daejarn Asi

Forwards

Prop for Kiwis is number 8 James Fisher-Harris

Prop for Toa Samoa is number 8 Stefano Utoikamanu
Hooker for Kiwis is number 14 Kieran Foran

Hooker for Toa Samoa is number 9 Gordon Chan Kum Tong
Prop for Kiwis is number 10 Moses Leota

Prop for Toa Samoa is number 10 Junior Paulo
2nd Row for Kiwis is number 11 Isaiah Papali'i

2nd Row for Toa Samoa is number 11 Luciano Leilua
2nd Row for Kiwis is number 12 Briton Nikora

2nd Row for Toa Samoa is number 16 Heilum Luki
Lock for Kiwis is number 13 Joseph Tapine

Lock for Toa Samoa is number 14 Spencer Leniu

Interchange

Interchange for Kiwis is number 9 Fa'amanu Brown

Interchange for Toa Samoa is number 13 Keenan Palasia
Interchange for Kiwis is number 15 Nelson Asofa-Solomona

Interchange for Toa Samoa is number 15 Terrell May
Interchange for Kiwis is number 16 Griffin Neame

Interchange for Toa Samoa is number 18 Royce Hunt
Interchange for Kiwis is number 17 Leo Thompson

Interchange for Toa Samoa is number 19 Ronald Volkman

Reserves

Replacement for Kiwis is number 18 Naufahu Whyte

Replacement for Toa Samoa is number 17 Justin Matamua

Match Officials

Referee: Gerard Sutton
Touch Judge: Dave Munro
Touch Judge: Chris Sutton
Senior Review Official: Adam Gee

Last updated: 10/25/2023 6:16:01 AM

Kiwis: Panthers enforcer James Fisher-Harris takes over as Kiwis captain and will lead a powerful forward pack that includes Moses Leota, Briton Nikora and Joseph Tapine. Warriors star Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad gets the nod at fullback with Joey Manu to line up in the centres along with Test debutant Matt Timoko. Hooker Fa'amanu Brown and bench forwards Leo Thompson and Griffin Neame will also make their Kiwi debuts. Storm playmaker Jahrome Hughes and Eels livewire Dylan Brown will call the shots in the halves.

Toa Samoa: Marion Seve has come into the side at centre in place of his Storm teammate Young Tonumaipea. Sea Eagles youngster Gordon Chan Kum Tong is named to start at hooker after coming off the bench last week although he may again swap on game day with Justin Matamua. Sharks enforcer Royce Hunt is again 18th Man.

Fiji Bati v Cook Islands Aitu, Sunday 4.00pm (AEDT) at Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby

Week 2 - Week 2 - Sunday 22 Oct

Full Time

Fiji Bati

Cook Islands Aitu

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Fiji Bati is number 1 Jahream Bula

Fullback for Cook Islands Aitu is number 1 Esom Ioka
Winger for Fiji Bati is number 2 Maika Sivo

Winger for Cook Islands Aitu is number 2 Malachi Morgan
Centre for Fiji Bati is number 3 Sunia Turuva

Centre for Cook Islands Aitu is number 3 Kayal Iro
Centre for Fiji Bati is number 4 Waqa Blake

Centre for Cook Islands Aitu is number 4 Alvin Maungaati
Winger for Fiji Bati is number 5 Mikaele Ravalawa

Winger for Cook Islands Aitu is number 5 Steven Marsters
Five-Eighth for Fiji Bati is number 6 Kurt Donoghoe

Five-Eighth for Cook Islands Aitu is number 6 Brad Takairangi
Halfback for Fiji Bati is number 7 Brandon Wakeham

Halfback for Cook Islands Aitu is number 7 Esan Marsters

Forwards

Prop for Fiji Bati is number 8 Tui Kamikamica

Prop for Cook Islands Aitu is number 8 Davvy Moale
Hooker for Fiji Bati is number 14 Noah Nailagoliva

Hooker for Cook Islands Aitu is number 9 Rua Ngatikaura
Prop for Fiji Bati is number 16 Gordon Whippy

Prop for Cook Islands Aitu is number 17 Takai Mokohar
2nd Row for Fiji Bati is number 11 Kitione Kautoga

2nd Row for Cook Islands Aitu is number 11 Zane Tetevano
2nd Row for Fiji Bati is number 13 Taane Milne

2nd Row for Cook Islands Aitu is number 12 Reuben Porter
Lock for Fiji Bati is number 15 Caleb Navale

Lock for Cook Islands Aitu is number 13 Pride Petterson-Robati

Interchange

Interchange for Fiji Bati is number 9 Penioni Tagituimua

Interchange for Cook Islands Aitu is number 10 William Samuel
Interchange for Fiji Bati is number 12 Apisalome Saukuru

Interchange for Cook Islands Aitu is number 14 Kadiyae Ioka
Interchange for Fiji Bati is number 17 Watisoni Waqanisaravi

Interchange for Cook Islands Aitu is number 15 Rhys Dakin
Interchange for Fiji Bati is number 20 Sirilo Lovokuro

Interchange for Cook Islands Aitu is number 16 Justin Estall-Makirere

Reserves

Replacement for Fiji Bati is number 21 Pio Seci
Reserve for Cook Islands Aitu is number 18 Isaiah Cooper-Tetevano

Match Officials

Referee: Ashley Klein
Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
Touch Judge: Todd Smith
Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins

Last updated: 10/25/2023 6:16:01 AM

Fiji: Dally M rookie of the year Sunia Turuva will play centre with experienced duo Maika Sivo and Mikaele Ravalawa on the wings. Wests Tigers young gun Jahream Bula makes his Test debut at fullback with his club teammate Brandon Wakeham in the No.7 in his eighth Test for the Bati. Storm big man Tui Kamikamica takes over as captain from Kevin Naiqama. Experienced Rabbitoh Taane Milne lines up for his 11th Test as part of a forward pack that includes debutants Gordon Whippy (Ipswich Jets), and Kitione Kautiga (Bulldogs) and Caleb Navale (Sea Eagles).

Cook Islands: Esan Marsters moves to halfback in place of Tevin Arona (facial fracture) and Alvin Maungaati comes into the centres. William Samuel comes in at prop in place of Makahesi Makatoa, who suffered a suspected pectoral injury against the Kumuls. Back-rower Reuben Porter ran for 152 metres against the Kumuls and will again look to lead the way alongside Davvy Moale and Zane Tetevano. The new 18th Man is Isaiah Cooper-Tetevano.

Kiwi Ferns v Mate Ma'a, Saturday 1.45pm (AEDT) at Eden Park, Auckland

Week 2 - Week 2 - Saturday 21 Oct

Full Time

Kiwi Ferns

Tonga XIII

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Kiwi Ferns is number 1 Shanice Parker

Fullback for Mate Ma'a is number 1 Langi Veainu
Winger for Kiwi Ferns is number 2 Cheyelle Robins-Reti

Winger for Mate Ma'a is number 2 Lavinia Tauhalaliku
Centre for Kiwi Ferns is number 3 Mele Hufanga

Centre for Mate Ma'a is number 3 China Polata
Centre for Kiwi Ferns is number 4 Abigail Roache

Centre for Mate Ma'a is number 4 Litia Fusi
Winger for Kiwi Ferns is number 5 Leianne Tufuga

Winger for Mate Ma'a is number 5 Haylee Hifo
Five-Eighth for Kiwi Ferns is number 6 Tyla Nathan-Wong

Five-Eighth for Mate Ma'a is number 6 Cassey Tohi-Hiku
Halfback for Kiwi Ferns is number 7 Raecene McGregor

Halfback for Mate Ma'a is number 7 Tiana Penitani

Forwards

Prop for Kiwi Ferns is number 8 Mya Hill-Moana

Prop for Mate Ma'a is number 8 Folau Vaki
Hooker for Kiwi Ferns is number 9 Brooke Anderson

Hooker for Mate Ma'a is number 14 Jade Fonua
Prop for Kiwi Ferns is number 10 Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa

Prop for Mate Ma'a is number 10 Tegan Dymock
2nd Row for Kiwi Ferns is number 11 Otesa Pule

2nd Row for Mate Ma'a is number 11 Amelia Mafi
2nd Row for Kiwi Ferns is number 12 Annessa Biddle

2nd Row for Mate Ma'a is number 12 Vanessa Foliaki
Lock for Kiwi Ferns is number 13 Georgia Hale

Lock for Mate Ma'a is number 13 Dannii Perese

Interchange

Interchange for Kiwi Ferns is number 14 Capri Paekau

Interchange for Mate Ma'a is number 9 Seli Mailangi
Interchange for Kiwi Ferns is number 15 Najvada George

Interchange for Mate Ma'a is number 15 Natasha Penitani
Interchange for Kiwi Ferns is number 16 Amelia Pasikala

Interchange for Mate Ma'a is number 16 Ilaisaane Taufa
Interchange for Kiwi Ferns is number 17 Tiana Davison

Interchange for Mate Ma'a is number 17 Shannon Muru

Reserves

Replacement for Mate Ma'a is number 18 Fatafehi Hanisi
Reserve for Kiwi Ferns is number 18 Jasmine Fogavini

Match Officials

Referee: Wyatt Raymond
Touch Judge: Peter Gough
Senior Review Official: Adam Gee

Last updated: 10/25/2023 6:16:02 AM

Kiwi Ferns: Coach Ricky Henry has made a number of changes to the squad which went down to the Jillaroos 16-10 last week, the most significant of which sees Shanice Parker shift from centre to fullback and Tyla Nathan-Wong join the starting side at five-eighth, after making her Test debut off the bench against Australia. Apii Nicholls and Ashleigh Quinlan drop back to the wider reserves after starting last week, as does Laishon Albert-Jones, whose place in the second row is taken by Annessa Biddle. Biddle made a try-scoring debut on the wing against the Jillaroos, with her positional switch opening the door for Cheyelle Robins-Reti to debut on the flank. Abigail Roache comes into the centres and Tiana Davison is the new face on the bench.

Mate Ma'a Tonga: NSW centre/wing Tiana Penitani is a surprise selection in the No.7 jersey and will form a halves combination with Eels centre Cassey Tohi Hiku, in what will be both players’ first outing for Tonga. Penitani is joined in the squad by her sister Natasha, who was part of the Tongan side that played New Zealand last year in Auckland. Former Jillaroo Vanessa Foliaki heads up a forward pack which includes Titans prospect Dannii Perese, Parramatta second-rower Amelia Mafi and Sharks middle Tegan Dymock. Maroons representative China Polata will play centre after being used on the wing and at prop during the 2023 NRLW season with the Cowboys.

PNG Orchids v Cook Islands, Sunday 1.45pm (AEDT) at Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby

Week 2 - Week 2 - Sunday 22 Oct

Full Time

PNG Orchids

Cook Islands Moana

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for PNG Orchids is number 1 Latoniya Norris

Fullback for Cook Islands Moana is number 1 Kiana Takairangi
Winger for PNG Orchids is number 2 Lyiannah Allan

Winger for Cook Islands Moana is number 2 Alesha Willcox
Centre for PNG Orchids is number 3 Belinda Gwasamun

Centre for Cook Islands Moana is number 3 Kaiyah Atai
Centre for PNG Orchids is number 4 Shellie Long

Centre for Cook Islands Moana is number 4 Chantelle Holloway-Samuels
Winger for PNG Orchids is number 5 Freda Waula

Winger for Cook Islands Moana is number 5 Mahinaarangi Rewi
Five-Eighth for PNG Orchids is number 6 Sera Koroi

Five-Eighth for Cook Islands Moana is number 6 Chantay Kiria-Ratu
Halfback for PNG Orchids is number 7 Ua Ravu

Halfback for Cook Islands Moana is number 7 Lydia Turua-Quedley

Forwards

Prop for PNG Orchids is number 10 Gloria Kaupa

Prop for Cook Islands Moana is number 8 Ngatokotoru Arakua
Hooker for PNG Orchids is number 9 Roswita Kapo

Hooker for Cook Islands Moana is number 9 Chelsea Makira
Prop for PNG Orchids is number 13 Jessikah Reeves

Prop for Cook Islands Moana is number 10 Crystal Tamarua
2nd Row for PNG Orchids is number 11 Emily Veivers

2nd Row for Cook Islands Moana is number 11 Jazmon Tupou-Witchman
2nd Row for PNG Orchids is number 12 Essay Banu

2nd Row for Cook Islands Moana is number 14 Kerehitina Matua
Lock for PNG Orchids is number 16 Bertshiba Awoi

Lock for Cook Islands Moana is number 13 Anneka Stephens

Interchange

Interchange for PNG Orchids is number 14 Meli Joe

Interchange for Cook Islands Moana is number 12 Ariel Ngatoko
Interchange for PNG Orchids is number 15 Sareka Mooka

Interchange for Cook Islands Moana is number 15 Paulina Morris-Ponga
Interchange for PNG Orchids is number 17 Yolanda Taute

Interchange for Cook Islands Moana is number 16 Lavinia Kitai
Interchange for PNG Orchids is number 19 Leila Kerowa

Interchange for Cook Islands Moana is number 17 Jodeci Joseph

Reserves

Replacement for PNG Orchids is number 18 Lancy Ulkambane

Replacement for Cook Islands Moana is number 18 Kiana Sword-Tua

Match Officials

Referee: Belinda Sharpe
Touch Judge: Todd Smith
Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins

Last updated: 10/25/2023 6:16:01 AM

PNG Orchids: The return of captain Elsie Albert from injury provides a huge boost for Ben Jeffries’ side, with the Parramatta forward leading a starting pack that includes Cowboys NRLW players Essay Banu and Jessikah Reeves. Versatile Raider Ua Ravu will play in the halves alongside the experienced Sera Koroi. After both playing in the centres against the Australia Prime Minister’s XIII last month, Shellie Long and Belinda Gwasamun have retained their spots, with Freda Waula moving to the wing to make way for Latoniya Norris at fullback.

Cook Islands: Former Kiwi Fern Toru Arakua will co-captain the side from the front row and is joined in the 17 by fellow one-time New Zealand representatives Kiana Takairangi and Crystal Tamarua. Powerhouse Raiders NRLW player Kere Matu is named to start in the second row, while sibling duo Annemarie and Chantay Kiria-Ratu combine in the spine at fullback and five-eighth respectively.