Kiwis' Team List and Squad Updates for Pacific Championships Opener
Kiwis Set for Strong Return in 2025 Pacific Championships
After a challenging 2024 Pacific Championships, the New Zealand Kiwis are eager to make a strong comeback in this year's edition. The team has faced several hurdles, including injuries and player unavailability, which led to coach Stacey Jones reaching out to retired playmaker Shaun Johnson. However, despite his efforts, the team fell short of making it to the final.
With Australia focused on the Ashes series, the Kiwis will kick off their campaign in Auckland against Samoa in what promises to be an exciting encounter.
Squad Lineup for the 2025 Pacific Championships
The Kiwis have announced a strong and competitive squad for the upcoming tournament. Here is the full list of players:
- Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
- Jamayne Isaako
- Matt Timoko
- Casey McLean
- Ronaldo Mulitalo
- Dylan Brown
- Kieran Foran
- James Fisher-Harris
- Jeremy Marshall-King
- Naufahu Whyte
- Briton Nikora
- Isaiah Papali’i
- Joseph Tapine
- Erin Clark
- Moses Leota
- Scott Sorensen
- Xavier Willison
- Phoenix Crossland
- Keano Kini
- Sebastian Kris
- Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Key Selection Decisions
Stacey Jones faces some tough choices as he prepares the team for the tournament. One of the most significant decisions is who will wear the No.1 jersey, with both Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Keano Kini named in the squad.
On the wings, there’s plenty of X-factor with Jamayne Isaako and Ronaldo Mulitalo expected to line up, while Matt Timoko and Casey McLean are strong contenders for the centres. Sebastian Kris is also in the mix for a spot in the backline.
Dylan Brown returns after missing last year due to injury, taking the No.6 jersey. However, Kodi Nikorima is ruled out due to injury. Shaun Johnson made a return last year following his NRL retirement, and Kieran Foran will do the same this year after Jahrome Hughes was ruled out due to injury.
Strong Front Row and Support Options
The front row looks promising with skipper James Fisher-Harris set to partner emerging Roosters leader Naufahu Whyte. Moses Leota and potential debutant Xavier Willison could provide support from the bench, while Nelson Asofa-Solomona is also in contention for a place in the 17.
In the dummy-half position, Jeremy Marshall-King was expected to face competition from Brandon Smith, but Smith’s legal issues have kept him out of the tournament. As a result, Phoenix Crossland is the major contender for the No.9 jersey.
Backrow and Bench Options
In the backrow, hard-running Briton Nikora partners Isaiah Papali’i, with Joseph Tapine at lock. Erin Clark is rewarded for a stellar season with the Warriors by being included on the bench, alongside veteran Scott Sorensen.
Griffin Neame is out due to injury, and there is no place for Leo Thompson or Marata Niukore in the squad.
Last International Match
The Kiwis last played an international match at the end of the 2024 Pacific Championships, where they defeated Papua New Guinea 54-12 to avoid relegation to the Pacific Bowl. Here’s how they lined up:
- Keano Kini
- Jamayne Isaako
- Matt Timoko
- Peta Hiku
- Casey McLean
- Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
- Shaun Johnson
- James Fisher-Harris (c)
- Phoenix Crossland
- Joseph Tapine
- Isaiah Papali’i
- Scott Sorensen
- Naufahu Whyte
- Kodi Nikorima
- Griffin Neame
- Marata Niukore
- Leo Thompson
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