New Zealand teams named for Pacific Championships

Eleven debutants have been named for the Kiwi Ferns squad for the 2023 Pacific Championships.

Head coach, Ricky Henry has called on a new bunch of talent after losing the World Cup final against the Jillaroos last year.

“We’ve listed an impressive group of players who have rightfully earned their spots, and we acknowledge them for their form in the NRLW competitions,” Henry said.

Debutant and NRLW rookie of the year medallist, Cronulla Sharks Annessa Biddle has been named after earning two tries, 1366 running metres and 33 tackle breaks this season.

Sharks teammate Brooke Anderson who has represented the Māori All-Stars and NSW Sky Blues in 2023 has also been included.

Former Black Ferns Sevens player Tyla Nathan-Wong is amongst the newcomers after her impressive breakthrough season with St George Illawarra Dragons.

Kiwi Ferns veterans like Titans Georgia Hale, Raiders Apii Nicholls and Roosters Mya Hill-Moana have been added into the mix as well.

“The depth we have and the new generation of players coming through is exciting. I’m confident our newcomers will flourish alongside our World Cup campaigners and veteran leaders who set an excellent foundation for us last year.”

The Kiwis 21-man squad has seven fresh faces.

Cowboys prop Griffin Naeme and Newcastle utility Fa’amanu Brown have been named as one of the new potential debutants in the team.

Alongside Naeme and Brown is Māori All Stars front rower Wiremu Greig, 19-year-old Gold Coast NRL rookie fullback Keano Kini and Newcastle and Māori All Stars prop Leo Thompson.

“It’s always a real thrill being able to bring new players into the Kiwi camp,” Kiwis head coach Michael Maguire said.

“It’s a special place and these men have earned the opportunity. They’ll benefit so much from being around players who have done the jersey proud.”

Previous players returning include 2022 Golden Boot winner Joseph Manu, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Ronaldo Mulitalo who played in last year’s World Cup semi-final losing in a tight battle against the Kangroos.

“This series is exciting for the game in New Zealand and also a chance for us to start our journey to the next World Cup in 2025.”

The Kiwis begin their campaign against Toa Samoa in a Labour Weekend triple header at Eden Park on Saturday, October 21 before facing the Kangaroos in Melbourne a week later.

The series final will be played in Hamilton on November 4.

2023 Kiwi Ferns Pacific Championship Squad:

Abigail Roache

Amelia Pasikala*

Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa*

Annessa Biddle*

Apii Nicholls

Ashleigh Quinlan*

Brooke Anderson*

Capri Paekau*

Cheyelle Robins-Reti*

Georgia Hale

Jasmine Fogavini*

Laishon Albert Jones

Leianne Tufuga*

Mele Hufanga

Mya Hill-Moana

Najvada George*

Otesa Pule

Raecene McGregor

Shanice Parker

Tiana Davison*

Tyla Nathan-Wong*

*potential debuts

2023 Kiwis Pacific Championship Squad:

Nelson Asofa-Solomona

Dylan Brown

Fa’amanu Brown*

James Fisher-Harris

Kieran Foran

Wiremu Greig*

Jahrome Hughes

Jamyne Isaako

Keano Kini*

Moses Leota

Danny Levi

Joseph Manu

Ronaldo Mulitalo

Griffin Neame*

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

Briton Nikora

Isaiah Papali’i

Joseph Tapine

Leo Thompson*

Matthew Timoko*

Naufahu Whyte *

*potential debuts