LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In this Saturday's Pacific Championships final, New Zealand's Kieran Foran will be seeking revenge against Tino Fa'asuamaleaui's Kangaroos.
Last year, New Zealand was eliminated by Australia in the World Cup semi-final after a thrilling 16-14 contest.
Foran, a proud Kiwi, has been named to start at hooker for the International decider.
Fa'asuamaleaui, on the other hand, has been given the week off to freshen up for the finale and will start in the green and gold.
Adding fuel to the fire is the recent result between the Trans Tasman rivals, with the Kangaroos securing a 36-18 victory in their penultimate tournament fixture.
However, New Zealand has the advantage of playing on home ground this time, with the match taking place at FMG Stadium in Hamilton.
Foran and Fa'asuamaleaui have only faced off once before in action for their respective nations, during the 2022 World Cup playoff in Leeds.
Both players came off the bench, with Fa'asuamaleaui spending 14 minutes on the field and Foran taking on hooking duties for nearly the final quarter of the game.
Although Fa'asuamaleaui currently leads their international head-to-head 1-0, Foran has the upper hand in the NRL.
In their previous encounters, Foran has emerged victorious in three out of four games when the duo were on opposite ends of the field.
This includes three wins for Foran's former team, the Sea Eagles, during the 2021-22 season.
However, in the most recent clash between the Titans and Manly, Foran did not play due to the birth of his second child, and the Titans emerged triumphant.