LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
New Zealand Kiwis Head Coach Stacey Jones has announced a robust 21-man squad for the upcoming Pacific Championships against Samoa and Tonga, kicking off this month.
The lineup includes a strong contingent from the 2023 Pacific Championship-winning team, featuring players sidelined by injuries in 2024: Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Storm), Dylan Brown (Eels), Kieran Foran (Titans), Moses Leota (Panthers), along with Sharks pair Ronaldo Mulitalo and Briton Nikora.
Veteran Kieran Foran, a 31-Test Kiwi, will don the black and white jersey for the last time, having announced his retirement following the Gold Coast Titans' 2025 campaign. He is making a return to the national team after being called up by Jones.
After clinching the NRL premiership with the Brisbane Broncos, utility forward Xavier Willison makes his debut in the Kiwis squad.
Several promising talents return after standout performances in their inaugural international campaigns in 2024, including Erin Clark (Warriors), Phoenix Crossland (Knights), Keano Kini (Titans), Casey McLean (Panthers), and Naufahu Whyte (Roosters).
Clark, McLean, and Whyte enjoyed exceptional NRL seasons that earned them nominations for the Dally M Team of the Year, with Clark securing the Lock of the Year award.
Also returning from the previous Pacific Championships are Jamayne Isaako (Dolphins), the 2025 NRL top points scorer, Isaiah Papali'i (Panthers), Scott Sorensen (Panthers), Joseph Tapine (Raiders), and Matthew Timoko (Raiders).
Additional reinforcements include Jeremy Marshall-King (Dolphins) and Sebastian Kris (Raiders), who were part of the 2022 World Cup squad, further strengthening the team.