LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
New Zealand Kiwis Head Coach Stacey Jones has announced a 21-man squad for the upcoming Pacific Championships against Samoa and Tonga. This team, kicking off this month, features a strong lineup, particularly those from the victorious 2023 Pacific Championship team who missed 2024 due to injuries, including Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Storm), Dylan Brown (Eels), Kieran Foran (Titans), Moses Leota (Panthers), and Sharks players Ronaldo Mulitalo and Briton Nikora.
Kieran Foran, a seasoned player with 31 Test caps, is set to don the black and white jersey for one last time after his retirement announcement following the Gold Coast Titans' 2025 campaign. He returns to international action after being selected by Jones.
Joining the squad for the first time is Xavier Willison, a utility forward who recently celebrated an NRL premiership title with the Brisbane Broncos.
Several promising talents are also making a comeback after their performances in the 2024 international season. These include middle forward Erin Clark (Warriors), hooker and utility Phoenix Crossland (Knights), fullback Keano Kini (Titans), centre Casey McLean (Panthers), and middle forward Naufahu Whyte (Roosters). Clark, McLean, and Whyte had remarkable NRL seasons, earning nominations for the Dally M Team of the Year, with Clark winning the Lock of the Year award.
Returning from the previous Pacific Championships are Jamayne Isaako (Dolphins), the highest points scorer in the 2025 NRL season, along with Isaiah Papali'i (Panthers), Scott Sorensen (Panthers), Joseph Tapine (Raiders), and Matthew Timoko (Raiders).
Additionally, 2022 World Cup participants Jeremy Marshall-King (Dolphins) and Sebastian Kris (Raiders) are back to reinforce the squad.