Get ready for a rugby league showdown that will leave you on the edge of your seat! The 2025 Pacific Championships final is set to be an electrifying clash between New Zealand and Samoa, but the road to this epic finale is packed with drama, stellar performances, and moments that will have fans talking for years. Here’s the full scoop on what’s been happening and why this tournament is a must-watch.
But here’s where it gets controversial... While the Kiwis secured their spot with a jaw-dropping 40-14 victory over Tonga XIII, some are questioning whether Tonga’s 18-point deficit requirement was fair. Was it a tall order, or did New Zealand simply outclass them? You decide. Fullback Keano Kini and man of the match Dylan Brown were unstoppable, while bench forwards Naufahu Whyte, Xavier Willison, and Erin Clark combined for 39 runs and 408 metres—a testament to the Kiwis’ depth and firepower. Tonga, despite their efforts, couldn’t bridge the gap, leaving fans to wonder what could have been.
And this is the part most people miss... New Zealand’s journey to the final is a redemption story. After being forced into a promotion-relegation clash last year, Stacey Jones’ men are now on the brink of their second Pacific Cup crown. Their 2023 victory over Australia was unforgettable, and this year, they’re hungry for more. But can they replicate that magic against Samoa? Speaking of Samoa, their chief playmaker, Jarome Luai, is set to face retiring Kiwi legend Kieran Foran in his 34th and final Test match. Emotions will run high—will Foran bow out with a bang, or will Luai steal the show?
The women’s final is no less thrilling, with the Jillaroos and Kiwi Ferns set to battle it out again after a nail-biting 10-4 win for Australia at Eden Park. Here’s the twist: Jillaroos’ fullback Abbi Church, making her Test debut, shone brightly, filling in for superstar Tamika Upton, who’s nursing a calf injury. Will Upton return for the final, or has Church secured her spot? Meanwhile, Julia Robinson’s 197-metre run proved why the Jillaroos are the defending champions. But the Kiwi Ferns won’t go down without a fight—their 2023 victory over Australia in Melbourne is still fresh in their minds.
Now, let’s talk about the Pacific Bowl... The PNG Kumuls stormed to a 50-18 win over Fiji Bati, claiming their third consecutive title. With five wins in their last six Test matches, the Kumuls are on fire. Back-rowers Nixon Putt and Rhyse Martin, along with man of the match Edwin Ipape, were standout performers. But here’s a question for you: Are the Kumuls the most dominant team in the Pacific Bowl, or is there room for an upset in future tournaments?
As we gear up for the finals, here’s a quick look at the standings:
Men’s Pacific Cup Standings:
- Kiwis: 2 wins, 0 losses
- Samoa: 1 win, 1 loss
- Tonga: 0 wins, 2 losses
Women’s Pacific Cup Standings:
- Jillaroos: 2 wins, 0 losses
- Kiwi Ferns: 1 win, 1 loss
- Samoa: 0 wins, 2 losses
Men’s Pacific Bowl Standings:
- PNG Kumuls: 2 wins, 0 losses
- Fiji Bati: 1 win, 1 loss
- Cook Islands: 0 wins, 2 losses
Women’s Pacific Bowl Standings:
- Cook Islands: 2 wins, 0 losses
- Tonga XIII: 1 win, 1 loss
- PNG Orchids: 0 wins, 2 losses
Controversy alert: The judiciary decisions have sparked debate. Jade Fonua (Tonga) received a warning for Grade 1 Dangerous Contact, while Fiji’s Penioni Tagituimua and Taane Milne faced fines for careless high tackles and dangerous contact. Are these penalties fair, or do they favor certain teams? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
Don’t miss out on the action—grab your Pacific Championships tickets HERE and be part of rugby league history. Who will lift the trophy? Will the Kiwis and Jillaroos reign supreme, or will Samoa and the Kiwi Ferns pull off an upset? The stage is set, and the drama is real. Let the games begin!
