LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
New Zealand triumphed over Samoa to reclaim the Pacific Cup, showcasing their prowess in rugby league with a decisive 36-14 victory.
Despite trailing 14-6 at halftime at Western Sydney Stadium, the Kiwis rallied in the second half, scoring five unanswered tries and denying Samoa their first international trophy.
Erin Clark delivered an outstanding performance, while Naufahu Whyte dominated in the forward positions for New Zealand, allowing Kieran Foran to celebrate his retirement with a win after 16 years representing his country.
Dylan Brown stood out by setting up three tries, earning man-of-the-match honors and showcasing his potential impact at Newcastle, where he will join next year on the biggest contract in NRL history.
Throughout the tournament, Kiwi players felt they had become the overlooked nation in international rugby league.
With the spotlight on the growing influence of Samoa and Tonga, New Zealand appeared to fade from discussions about World Cup contenders for next year.
However, Sunday's match served as a strong reminder that Stacey Jones's team should not be underestimated, especially considering their recent 30-0 victory against Australia in the final two years ago.
Having outplayed Samoa and decisively defeated Tonga to reach this year's final, the Kiwis proved their resilience in a challenging championship match.