International Pacific Championship

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The promotion - relegation concept is a great initiative in the Pacific championship, however …
What would happen if Aust or Nz were to drop out? Would the credibility of the comp be questioned or would it be a good thing for the development of the game in the Pacific?

When / if Tonga go you’ll lose the majority of the crowd in both Nz and Aust. The likes of PNG or Fiji won’t be able to attract local supporters to games in Nz or Aust to the same extent - Tongans out number Kiwi or kangaroo supporters

Will one of the Pacific side continue to tour England ?
 
The promotion - relegation concept is a great initiative in the Pacific championship, however …
What would happen if Aust or Nz were to drop out? Would the credibility of the comp be questioned or would it be a good thing for the development of the game in the Pacific?

When / if Tonga go you’ll lose the majority of the crowd in both Nz and Aust. The likes of PNG or Fiji won’t be able to attract local supporters to games in Nz or Aust to the same extent - Tongans out number Kiwi or kangaroo supporters

Will one of the Pacific side continue to tour England ?
There’s a promotion relegation match. It’s not automatic so eg PNG would play most likely Tonga/Kiwis which I think Tonga or kiwis should win so png would stay down in the bowl. England are touring aus next year so Samoa will probs be the 3rd team in next years pacific cup which should draw well.

Pacific cup 25

Samoa v TGA - Suncorp
Kiwis v Samoa - Christchurch
Kiwis v TGA - Mt Smart
Final - commbank/mt smart
 
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There’s a promotion relegation match. It’s not automatic so eg PNG would play most likely Tonga/Kiwis which I think Tonga or kiwis should win so png would stay down in the bowl. England are touring aus next year so Samoa will probs be the 3rd team in next years pacific cup which should draw well.

Pacific cup 25

Samoa v TGA - Suncorp
Kiwis v Samoa - Christchurch
Kiwis v TGA - Mt Smart
Final - commbank/mt smart
So Aus tours UK?
That sounds a nice series in 25.
 
I don't think NZ or the Aussies dropping down would be the death knell some think.

The Christchurch game is sold out without the aid of the red mob, and Samoa pulled a good number to Eden Park last year - and likely would've been more at Mt Smart.

As long as there's competitive games, and league continues on its upwards trajectory, I'm confident it'll go well.
 
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Xavier Coates cops online backlash for switching allegiances​

From Kumuls to Kangaroos: Coates is the son of a Papua New Guinean mother and Australian father.​

Xander Gee

Queensland Origin winger and new Kangaroos debutant Xavier Coates has become the target of online abuse following his decision to represent Australia in the Pacific Championships, rather than continuing with Papua New Guinea (PNG), where he made his international debut.

The backlash from passionate PNG fans has prompted Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga and vice-captain Harry Grant to step in and defend Coates' decision, appealing for understanding and support.

Coates, born in PNG but raised in Australia, first represented the Kumuls in 2019. Since then, he has become a key figure in the NRL and a representative for Queensland in State of Origin.

His inclusion in the Kangaroos squad for the Pacific Championships has sparked controversy, with some fans questioning his loyalty.

Teammate Harry Grant praised the significance of Coates choosing represent both sides of his heritage.

“He is going all right, he is a lovely bloke,” said Grant.

“Hopefully the Papua New Guinea people can see where Xavier's coming from and stand side-by-side with him and celebrate his journey with the Kangaroos in the Pacific Championships. We're playing Tonga and New Zealand, we're not facing PNG, so hopefully they can support the Kangaroos in those matches.”

“It's so special that Xavier has had the opportunity to represent his mum's side. She's a proud Papua New Guinean lady and now he gets to represent his father's side. I'm hoping a lot of those PNG people can support Xavier on his journey in a Kangaroos jersey.”

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga echoed Grant's sentiments, expressing pride in Coates' decision to play for Australia while acknowledging his connection to PNG.

“We all come from different backgrounds. We're all multicultural. Xavier is very proud of his Australian heritage on his father's side. He has played 10 Origin games for Queensland and was brought up on the Gold Coast. He is passionate about Papua New Guinea but wants to put the green and gold jersey on. That's something he's aspired to his whole life."

“We're more than happy to have him around. He hasn't been available the last couple of years because of injury but he deserves to be here. He is just as proud of his PNG culture as he is of his green and gold culture.”


PNG born Xavier played for Kangaroos while his younger aussie born brother Philip played for the PNG school boys couple week ago. Would be funny if they played against each other internationally
 
Pretty bloody disappointing the Toa vs England team is not on Foxtel, Nine or Kayo in Australia.
Not too sure about NZ.
Apparently you need to download the Super League + app and it will be a subscription payment or ppv type payment to watch.
Good way to get buggar all viewers and take wind and of the rivalry.
Greedy English league wankers.
 
Pretty bloody disappointing the Toa vs England team is not on Foxtel, Nine or Kayo in Australia.
Not too sure about NZ.
Apparently you need to download the Super League + app and it will be a subscription payment or ppv type payment to watch.
Good way to get buggar all viewers and take wind and of the rivalry.
Greedy English league wankers.
Same as the series against Tonga last year. Horrible way to try and build the international game.

Sky need to pull finger and get these games on TV if they're going to keep charging extortionate rates.
 
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Men's Pacific Cup: Fiji vs Cook Islands​

Kick-off: Saturday, October 26, 7:10pm (AEDT)
Venue: HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, Fiji
Fiji Bati
1. Sunia Turuva
2. Maika Sivo
3. Michael Jennings
4. Waqa Blake
5. Semi Valemei
6. Kevin Naiqama
7. Kurt Donoghoe
8. Tui Kamikamica
9. James Valevatu
10. Ben Nakubuwai
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Taane Milne
13. Caleb Navale

Interchange
14. Penioni Tagituimua
15. Kitione Kautoga
16. Kylan Mafoa
17. Jordan Miller

18. Ratu Rinakama
19. Ronald Philitoga
20. Nathan Kegg-King
21. Joe Lovodua

Cook Islands Aitu
1. Esom Ioka
2. Steven Marsters
3. Reubenn Rennie
4. Delahia Wigmore
5. Rixson Andrew
6. Brad Takairangi
7. Esan Marsters
8. Tepai Moeroa
9. Rua Ngatikaura
10. Davvy Moale
11. Zane Tetevano
12. Reuben Porter
13. Pride Petterson-Robati

Interchange
14. Kobe Tararo
15. Mason Teague
17. Justin Makirere
18. Junior Teroi

16. Rhys Dakin
19. Malachi Morgan
20. Makahesi Makatoa
21. Alex Glenn
 

Men's Pacific Cup: Fiji vs Cook Islands​

Kick-off: Saturday, October 26, 7:10pm (AEDT)
Venue: HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, Fiji
Fiji Bati
1. Sunia Turuva
2. Maika Sivo
3. Michael Jennings
4. Waqa Blake
5. Semi Valemei
6. Kevin Naiqama
7. Kurt Donoghoe
8. Tui Kamikamica
9. James Valevatu
10. Ben Nakubuwai
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Taane Milne
13. Caleb Navale

Interchange
14. Penioni Tagituimua
15. Kitione Kautoga
16. Kylan Mafoa
17. Jordan Miller

18. Ratu Rinakama
19. Ronald Philitoga
20. Nathan Kegg-King
21. Joe Lovodua

Cook Islands Aitu
1. Esom Ioka
2. Steven Marsters
3. Reubenn Rennie
4. Delahia Wigmore
5. Rixson Andrew
6. Brad Takairangi
7. Esan Marsters
8. Tepai Moeroa
9. Rua Ngatikaura
10. Davvy Moale
11. Zane Tetevano
12. Reuben Porter
13. Pride Petterson-Robati

Interchange
14. Kobe Tararo
15. Mason Teague
17. Justin Makirere
18. Junior Teroi

16. Rhys Dakin
19. Malachi Morgan
20. Makahesi Makatoa
21. Alex Glenn
Hmmm, Xavier must be injured. I thought he chose to rep Cookies over NZ. No sign of him?
 
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