International Pacific Championship

🤖 Thread Summary

Shogun #132 announcing his 24-player Kiwis squad selection after the weekend finals, noting that JWH was suspended and therefore excluded. Shogun #61 later posted detailed squad lists for both the Kiwis and Samoa teams, showing significant planning around Pacific Championships selections. The conversation evolved to cover various international team announcements, WahsaurusRex #18 sharing news about Kangaroos and PNG team selections, while participants debated player eligibilities and coaching decisions across different Pacific nations.

Recent developments focused heavily on match experiences and outcomes from the Pacific Championships. Defence #221 and other users provided live updates from the New Zealand A vs Tonga A curtain-raiser, praising Rocco Berry's standout performance and noting strong showings from Warriors players. The main event between New Zealand and Samoa resulted in a dominant 50-0 victory for the Kiwis, sup42 #27 and others commenting on the clinical second-half performance and the overwhelming Samoan crowd support at Eden Park. Several users noted concerns about ticket pricing and venue selection affecting attendance.

The final against Australia proved disappointing for New Zealand, losing 18-30 in Melbourne. Tragic #156 WahsaurusRex #18 expressed frustration with officiating and questioned the use of Australian referees in international matches. The conversation then shifted to upcoming changes, with multiple users discussing Michael Maguire's dual role as both Kiwis and NSW State of Origin coach. Recent posts from Zaggo #203 and others highlighted poor ticket sales for the Hamilton final, VB89 #512 The Warrior Waka #49 expressing embarrassment over the small crowd attendance for what should have been a major international rugby league event.

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With our island boys coming through at the Wahs increasingly choosing Samoa/Tonga (and it's awesome for the game), we really need a 2nd NZ team to help develop more Kiwis depth.

Atm, we're completely reliant on getting lucky with Aussie clubs developing players for us.
 
I seriously doubt Hughes will play for the Kiwis at the end of the season.
I’d back Foran as the halfback for one last hoorah.
The real question is what Stacey does with Brown IMO. He should be fresh and available to play lol. And quite frankly he’s still clearly the best 6 we have by a decent margin.
I have zero confidence in Kodi’s defence. Especially with those big Island boys running at him all day.

Are they seriously going to have the final in Sydney? WTF.
 
Tohu’s_Knees said:
I seriously doubt Hughes will play for the Kiwis at the end of the season.
I’d back Foran as the halfback for one last hoorah.
The real question is what Stacey does with Brown IMO. He should be fresh and available to play lol. And quite frankly he’s still clearly the best 6 we have by a decent margin.
I have zero confidence in Kodi’s defence. Especially with those big Island boys running at him all day.

Are they seriously going to have the final in Sydney? WTF.
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Aussie thinking. We have the best stadiums and also with the Kangaroos playing in England, there will be no international football in Australia. :rolleyes:

Also, we split the games across both countries. Even though you'd think playing the final in NZ would work better, seeing as Australia isn't involved.

The crowds in Australia haven't been the best for international football.

MT Smart would suit. If the Kiwis didn't make it there would still be a big enough fanbase from Samoa and Tonga.

I will admit I haven't checked if MT Smart is available or not. If the A-League side is playing or there is a concert etc.
 
I cannot stand the egos of the Australians running international football. The Kangaroos aren't even in the fucking comp this year, why are they still hosting the final? Shouldn't it at least alternate between NZ and Aus?

Samoa v Tonga not at Mt Smart is gutting. That would have been carnage. Legendary punch ons down South afterwards!
 
snake77 said:
Aussie thinking. We have the best stadiums and also with the Kangaroos playing in England, there will be no international football in Australia. :rolleyes:

Also, we split the games across both countries. Even though you'd think playing the final in NZ would work better, seeing as Australia isn't involved.

The crowds in Australia haven't been the best for international football.

MT Smart would suit. If the Kiwis didn't make it there would still be a big enough fanbase from Samoa and Tonga.

I will admit I haven't checked if MT Smart is available or not. If the A-League side is playing or there is a concert etc.
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The final in NZ makes sense from a NZ perspective but what if Tonga and Samoa insisted on Australia as their ‘home’ grounds for the added revenue potential and outvoted NZ?
 
wizard of Tauranga said:
The final in NZ makes sense from a NZ perspective but what if Tonga and Samoa insisted on Australia as their ‘home’ grounds for the added revenue potential and outvoted NZ?
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You think they had a vote?

We're a Tier 1 nation and the Aussies probably don't listen to us. I doubt they'd give Tonga and Samoa much say in scheduling.

It used to be the Tier 1 nations votes are worth more than the Tier 2 nations. So, the traditional nations can keep control. Now it's probably every one debates what is best and the Australians do what they want.
 
It’s a bit of a shame that Haumole and Keoan are out for the season. They’ll leave a massive hole for Tonga. I desperately wanted them full strength so the Kiwis can get one back on them. Wonder if they’ll call up Leka?

Should be a great series anyway.
 
Tohu’s_Knees said:
It’s a bit of a shame that Haumole and Keoan are out for the season. They’ll leave a massive hole for Tonga. I desperately wanted them full strength so the Kiwis can get one back on them. Wonder if they’ll call up Leka?

Should be a great series anyway.
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Yeah that’s a huge blow.
Tonga have some pretty good back up 2nd rowers in Finefuiaki, Wong and I reckon Halasima will definitely be there.

Just hope players from all teams including Fiji, Cook Islands etc don’t pull out.
You would think the only time they play before a World Cup every coach would be telling these guys how important it is.

Can’t wait for these games.
 
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