LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In Week 2 of the Pacific Championships, the Kiwi Ferns secured a pivotal victory against Mate Ma'a Tonga thanks to the efforts of Mele Hufanga and Jasmine Fogavini from the NRLW Broncos.
Hufanga showcased her skills by scoring the winning try in the 58th minute, responding to Tonga's score just three minutes earlier.
This triumph propelled the Kiwi Ferns to the top of the Pacific Cup standings, surpassing the Jillaroos by a 6-point difference in the overall points tally.
The upcoming rematch between the Kiwi Ferns and the Jillaroos will take place this Saturday at Aami Park in Melbourne.
It promises to be an intense battle for the top spot in the Pacific Cup, with Broncos teammates Ali Brigginshaw and Julia Robinson going head-to-head against the Kiwi duo.
Following the women's game at 5 pm, the Australian and New Zealand men's teams will clash at 7:10 pm.
Notably, Broncos player Thomas Flegler will make his national team debut as the starting prop.
He will be joined by fellow Broncos players Patty Carrigan and Kotoni Staggs in the starting 17, while Selwyn Cobbo and Payne Haas have been named as reserves.
This highly anticipated match between the two powerhouse nations in rugby league is a must-see for all fans.
The stakes are high, and it represents a top-of-the-table showdown between New Zealand and Australia.