New Zealand, Australia Reach Pacific Championships Finals with Māori and Islander Teams

The 2025 Pacific Championships rugby league tournament is set for a thrilling conclusion at CommBank Stadium in Sydney with a triple-header event featuring Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, and the Cook Islands. New Zealand's Kiwis secured a dominant 40-14 victory over Tonga, advancing to face Samoa in the Men's Pacific Cup Final, while the Jillaroos will play against the Kiwi Ferns in the Women's Pacific Cup Final. The Kiwis, under coach Stacey Jones, have shown strong form throughout the tournament, including a notable win over Tonga where Dylan Brown scored twice, and are expected to maintain their winning lineup for the final. Samoa, having defeated Tonga 34-6 in Brisbane, seeks revenge against New Zealand after an earlier loss in the tournament and aims to claim their first Pacific Cup title. The event also features a Rugby League World Cup 2026 qualifier between the Cook Islands and South Africa, with matches broadcast live on multiple networks. Tonga experienced a tough tournament, with key players like Eli Katoa facing injury scares, and despite their efforts, they missed out on the finals this year.