2023 Rugby League Pacific Championships

2023 (2023) Rugby League Pacific Championships  ()

Number of teams| 6 (men)
7 (women)
Host countries|  Australia
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Winner|  New Zealand (Cup)
Papua New Guinea (Bowl)

* * *

Attendance| 118,986 (14,873 per game day)
Points scored| 551
Tries scored| 101
Top scorer|  Jamayne Isaako (46)
Top try scorers|  Nene McDonald (4)
Ronaldo Mulitalo (4)
Jamayne Isaako (4)

< 2020

2024 >

The 2023 Rugby League Pacific Championships was the second edition of the Rugby League Pacific Championship and the first under its current name (having previously been called the Oceania Cup in 2019). The championship included a collection of international rugby league tournaments to be played from October to November 2023 between nations located in the Pacific region.

The competition was played in three groupings: the Pacific Cup for higher ranking men's teams, the Pacific Bowl for lower ranking men's teams, and a section of women's matches played throughout.[1][2][3][4][5]

A total of 101 tries were scored in the 13 full international matches at an average of 7.8 tries per game. There were 67 tries in the eight men's games (average 8.4) and 34 tries in five women's matches (average 6.8). A further ten tries were scored in the men's match between New Zealand A and Tonga A. Top try-scorer honours were shared by three men's players: Nene McDonald, Ronaldo Mulitalo and Jamayne Isaako, with four tries each. The top try-scorers from the women's internationals, with three each, were Abigail Roache and Mele Hufanga.

## Background

[edit]

The Pacific Rugby League Championships was announced August 2023, as part of a $7 million investment by the NRL and Australian Government to develop rugby league in the surrounding countries. The tournament serves a continuation of the Oceania Cup which had one edition in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic. The inaugural Pacific Championships would be held across Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.[6][7][8]

## Teams

[edit]

### Squads

[edit]

Main article: 2023 Rugby League Pacific Championships squads

### Men's teams

[edit]

Competition  | Team  | World
ranking | Coach  | Captain  | Ref

|
|
|
|
|

Pacific Cup |  Australia | 1 |  Mal Meninga | James Tedesco | [9][10][11]
New Zealand | 2 |  Michael Maguire | James Fisher-Harris | [12][13]
Samoa | 3 |  Ben Gardiner | Junior Paulo | [14][15]
Pacific Bowl |  Cook Islands | 13 |  Karmichael Hunt | Brad Takairangi | [16]
Fiji | 7 |  Wise Kativerata | Tui Kamikamica | [17][18][19]
Papua New Guinea | 6 |  Justin Holbrook | Kyle Laybutt | [20][21]

### Women's teams

[edit]

Competition  | Team  | World
ranking | Coach  | Captain  | Ref

|
|
|
|
|

Women |  Australia | 1 |  Brad Donald | Kezie Apps and Ali Brigginshaw | [22][11]
Cook Islands | 6 |  Rusty Matua | Ngatokotoru Arakua | [23]
Fiji | 19 |  Josaia Dakuitoga | Josephine Maejiirs | [24][19]
New Zealand | 2 |  Ricky Henry | Georgia Hale and Raecene McGregor | [12][25]
Papua New Guinea | 5 |  Ben Jeffries | Sera Koroi and Belinda Gwasamun
(replaced the named but injured Elsie Albert) | [26][27][23]
Samoa | 20 |  Jamie Soward | Niall Williams Guthrie | [14][28]
Tonga | 16 |  Kelvin Wright | Tiana Penitani | [29]

## Venues

[edit]

1200km
820miles

Host venues

Eden Park, Auckland

Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne

PNG Football Stadium, Port Moresby

North Queensland Stadium, Townsville

Five venues across three countries were selected to host the Championships.

* Auckland, New Zealand: Eden Park hosted three matches on 21 October 2023, including the second Pacific Cup match between New Zealand and Samoa, a women's match between New Zealand and Tonga, and a men's match between New Zealand A and Tonga A.
* Hamilton, New Zealand: Waikato Stadium hosted the Pacific Cup final on 4 November 2023.
* Melbourne, Australia: Melbourne Rectangular Stadium hosted a double-header on 28 October 2023, which featured men's and women's matches between Australia and New Zealand.
* Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea: PNG Football Stadium hosted all four Pacific Bowl matches, including the final, over a four-week period, as well as two women's matches.
* Townsville, Australia: North Queensland Stadium hosted a women's match between Australia and New Zealand and the first Pacific Cup match between Australia and Samoa on 14 October 2023.

## Officiating

[edit]

Referees and side-line officials for week one matches were announced on 10 October 2023.[30] Appointments for week two were announced on 17 October 2023, with several changes of role.[31]

Referees
Grant Atkins
Darian Furner
Peter Gough
Liam Kennedy

Ashley Klein
Wyatt Raymond
Todd Smith
Gerard Sutton

Touch Judges
Phil Henderson
David Munro
Drew Oultram
Paki Parkinson

Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
Belinda Sharpe
Chris Sutton

Bunker Review Officials
Chris Butler
Adam Gee

|
|
|
|

## Pacific Cup

[edit]

### Standings

[edit]

Pos. | Team  | Pld. | W | D | L | PF | PA | Diff. | Pts. | Qualification

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

1  |  Australia | 2  | 2  | 0  | 0  | 74  | 30  | +44  | 4 | Advance to Pacific Cup Final
2  |  New Zealand | 2  | 1  | 0  | 1  | 68  | 36  | +32  | 2
3  |  Samoa | 2  | 0  | 0  | 2  | 12  | 88  | –76  | 0 |

NB:  Tonga were intended to participate but had already arranged a tour of England before the tournament was announced.

### Fixtures

[edit]

14 October 2023
19:10 AEST (UTC+10:00)

Australia | 38–12  |  Samoa

|
|

Tries: Haas 4'
Tedesco 9'
Fa'asuamaleaui 12'
Murray 15'
Tabuai-Fidow (2) 39', 54'
Staggs 79' c
Goals: Staggs (5/7) 5', 13', 17', 40', 80'
| 1st: 28–6
2nd: 10–6
Report
| Tries: Taulagi 18'
Leilua 72'
Goals: Crichton (2/2) 20', 74'

Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Attendance: 18,144
Referee: Grant Atkins (Australia)
Video Referee: Ashley Klein (Australia)
Touch judges: Phil Henderson (Australia), Wyatt Raymond (Australia)

Team details Australia | Position | Samoa

|
|

Name | Number | Number | Name
James Tedesco | 1 | FB | 1 | Sualauvi Faalogo
Dylan Edwards | 2 | WG | 2 | Murray Taulagi
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow | 3 | CE | 3 | Izack Tago
Kotoni Staggs | 4 | CE | 4 | Young Tonumaipea
Selwyn Cobbo | 5 | WG | 5 | Brian To'o
Cameron Munster | 6 | SO/FE | 6 | Stephen Crichton
Daly Cherry-Evans | 7 | SH/HB | 7 | Daejarn Asi
Payne Haas | 8 | PR | 8 | Stefano Utoikamanu
Ben Hunt | 9 | HK | 19 | Justin Matamua
Tino Fa'asuamaleaui | 10 | PF | 10 | Junior Paulo
Cameron Murray | 11 | SR | 11 | Luciano Leilua
Liam Martin | 12 | SR | 12 | Connelly Lemuelu
Isaah Yeo | 13 | LF/LK | 13 | Keenan Palasia
Harry Grant | 14 | IN | 9 | Gordon Chan Kum Tong
Lindsay Collins | 15 | IN | 14 | Spencer Leniu
Patrick Carrigan | 16 | IN | 15 | Terrell May
Reuben Cotter | 17 | IN | 16 | Heilum Luki
Nicho Hynes | 18 | CS | 18 | Royce Hunt
Mal Meninga |  | Coach |  | Ben Gardiner

* * *

21 October 2023
18:00 NZDT (UTC+13:00)

New Zealand | 50–0  |  Samoa

|
|

Tries: Isaako (2) 13', 24'
Hughes 22'
Asofa-Solomona 44'
Papali'i 48'
Mulitalo (2) 60', 73'
Nikora 63' c
Fisher-Harris 76'
Goals: Isaako (7/9) 14', 23', 26', 45', 65', 75', 78'
| 1st: 18–0
2nd: 32–0
Report

Eden Park, Auckland
Attendance: 23,269
Referee: Gerard Sutton (Australia)
Touch judges: Dave Munro (Australia), Chris Sutton (Australia)

Team details New Zealand | Position | Samoa

|
|

Name | Number | Number | Name
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad | 1 | FB | 1 | Sualauvi Faalogo
Ronaldo Mulitalo | 2 | WG | 2 | Murray Taulagi
Matthew Timoko | 3 | CE | 4 | Marion Seve
Joseph Manu | 4 | CE | 21 | Tommy Talau
Jamayne Isaako | 5 | WG | 20 | Greg Marzhew
Dylan Brown | 6 | SO/FE | 6 | Stephen Crichton
Jahrome Hughes | 7 | SH/HB | 7 | Daejarn Asi
James Fisher-Harris | 8 | PR | 8 | Stefano Utoikamanu
Kieran Foran | 14 | HK | 9 | Gordon Chan Kum Tong
Moses Leota | 10 | PF | 10 | Junior Paulo
Isaiah Papali'i | 11 | SR | 11 | Luciano Leilua
Briton Nikora | 12 | SR | 16 | Heilum Luki
Joseph Tapine | 13 | LF/LK | 14 | Spencer Leniu
Fa'amanu Brown | 9 | IN | 13 | Keenan Palasia
Nelson Asofa-Solomona | 15 | IN | 15 | Terrell May
Griffin Neame | 16 | IN | 18 | Royce Hunt
Leo Thompson | 17 | IN | 19 | Ronald Volkman
Naufahu Whyte | 18 | CS | 17 | Justin Matamua
Michael Maguire |  | Coach |  | Ben Gardiner

* * *

28 October 2023
20:10 AEDT (UTC+11:00)

Australia | 36–18  |  New Zealand

|
|

Tries: Holmes 8'
Collins (2) 21', 30'
Edwards 50'
Hunt 77'
Murray 79'
Goals: Holmes (6/7) 9', 22', 31', 51', 65', 78'
| 1st: 18–12
2nd: 18–6
Report
| Tries: Nikora 17'
Mulitalo 38'
Brown 69'
Goals: Isaako (3/3) 19', 39', 71'

AAMI Park, Melbourne
Attendance: 20,584
Referee: Adam Gee (Australia)
Touch judges: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski (Australia), Drew Oultram (Australia)

Team details Australia | Position | New Zealand

|
|

Name | Number | Number | Name
James Tedesco | 1 | FB | 1 | Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
Dylan Edwards | 2 | WG | 2 | Ronaldo Mulitalo
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow | 3 | CE | 3 | Matthew Timoko
Kotoni Staggs | 4 | CE | 4 | Joseph Manu
Valentine Holmes | 5 | WG | 5 | Jamayne Isaako
Cameron Munster | 6 | SO/FE | 6 | Dylan Brown
Daly Cherry-Evans | 7 | SH/HB | 7 | Jahrome Hughes
Jake Trbojevic | 8 | PR | 8 | James Fisher-Harris
Ben Hunt | 9 | HK | 9 | Kieran Foran
Thomas Flegler | 10 | PF | 10 | Moses Leota
Cameron Murray | 11 | SR | 11 | Isaiah Papali'i
Reuben Cotter | 12 | SR | 12 | Briton Nikora
Isaah Yeo | 13 | LF/LK | 13 | Joseph Tapine
Harry Grant | 14 | IN | 14 | Fa'amanu Brown
Lindsay Collins | 15 | IN | 15 | Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Patrick Carrigan | 16 | IN | 16 | Griffin Neame
Nicho Hynes | 17 | IN | 17 | Leo Thompson
Liam Martin | 18 | CS | 18 | Naufahu Whyte
Mal Meninga |  | Coach |  | Michael Maguire

* * *

Final

4 November 2023
17:00 NZDT (UTC+13:00)

Australia | 0–30  |  New Zealand

|
|

| 1st: 0–12
2nd: 0–18
Report
| Tries: Mulitalo 14'
Isaako (2) 34', 47'
Timoko 59'
Neame 70'
Goals: Isaako (4/5) 16', 35', 61', 72'
Field goals: Isaako (1/1) 67'

FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
Attendance: 13,269[32]
Referee: Adam Gee (Australia)
Touch judges: Dave Munro (Australia), Chris Sutton (Australia)

Team details Australia | Position | New Zealand

|
|

Name | Number | Number | Name
James Tedesco | 1 | FB | 1 | Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
Dylan Edwards | 2 | WG | 2 | Ronaldo Mulitalo
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow | 3 | CE | 3 | Matthew Timoko
Kotoni Staggs | 4 | CE | 4 | Joseph Manu
Valentine Holmes | 5 | WG | 5 | Jamayne Isaako
Cameron Munster | 6 | SO/FE | 6 | Dylan Brown
Daly Cherry-Evans | 7 | SH/HB | 7 | Jahrome Hughes
Payne Haas | 8 | PR | 8 | James Fisher-Harris
Ben Hunt | 9 | HK | 9 | Kieran Foran
Tino Fa'asuamaleaui | 10 | PF | 10 | Moses Leota
Liam Martin | 12 | SR | 11 | Isaiah Papali'i
Reuben Cotter | 17 | SR | 12 | Briton Nikora
Isaah Yeo | 13 | LF/LK | 13 | Joseph Tapine
Harry Grant | 14 | IN | 14 | Fa'amanu Brown
Lindsay Collins | 15 | IN | 15 | Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Patrick Carrigan | 16 | IN | 16 | Griffin Neame
Nicho Hynes | 18 | IN | 17 | Leo Thompson
Thomas Flegler | 19 | CS | 18 | Naufahu Whyte
Mal Meninga |  | Coach |  | Michael Maguire

## Pacific Bowl

[edit]

### Standings

[edit]

Pos. | Team  | Pld. | W | D | L | PF | PA | Diff. | Pts. | Qualification

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

1  |  Fiji | 2  | 2  | 0  | 0  | 65  | 34  | +31  | 4 | Advance to Pacific Bowl Final
2  |  Papua New Guinea | 2  | 1  | 0  | 1  | 62  | 53  | +9  | 2
3  |  Cook Islands | 2  | 0  | 0  | 2  | 28  | 68  | –40  | 0 |

### Fixtures

[edit]

15 October 2023
15:00 PNGST (UTC+10:00)

Papua New Guinea | 46–10  |  Cook Islands

|
|

Tries: Z. Laybutt 7', 39'
Derby 12'
Kapinias 15'
Richard 22'
Macdonald 26', 41', 42', 76'
Goals: Z. Laybutt (5/9) 14', 16', 23', 41', 44'
| 1st: 30–0
2nd: 16–10
Report
| Tries: E. Ioka 48'
S. Marsters 58'
Goals: E. Ioka (1/1) 60'
Takairangi (0/1)

National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
Attendance: 7,133[33]
Referee: Peter Gough (Australia)
Video Referee: Chris Butler (Australia)
Touch judges: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski (Australia), Drew Oultram (Australia)

Team details Papua New Guinea | Position | Cook Islands

|
|

Name | Number | Number | Name
Alex Johnston | 1 | FB | 1 | Esom Ioka
Robert Derby | 2 | WG | 2 | Malachi Morgan
Zac Laybutt | 3 | CE | 3 | Kayal Iro
Rodrick Tai | 4 | CE | 4 | Esan Marsters
Nene Macdonald | 5 | WG | 5 | Steven Marsters
Kyle Laybutt | 6 | SO/FE | 6 | Brad Takairangi
Lachlan Lam | 7 | SH/HB | 7 | Tevin Arona
Epel Kapinias | 8 | PR | 8 | Davy Moale
Judah Rimbu | 9 | HK | 9 | Rua Ngatikaura
Valentine Richard | 10 | PF | 10 | Makahesi Makatoa
Jacob Alick | 11 | SR | 11 | Zane Tetevano
Dan Russell | 12 | SR | 12 | Reuben Porter
Jack De Belin | 13 | LF/LK | 13 | Pride Petterson-Robati
Liam Thorne | 14 | IN | 15 | Rhys Dakin
Nixon Putt | 15 | IN | 16 | Justin Estall-Makirere
Junior Rop | 16 | IN | 17 | Kadiyae Ioka
Benji Kot | 17 | IN | 18 | Takai Mokohar
Cruise Ten | 18 | CS | 14 | William Samuel

* * *

22 October 2023
15:00 PNGST (UTC+10:00)

Fiji | 22–18  |  Cook Islands

|
|

Tries: Sivo 24'
Bula 55'
Blake 67'
Turuva 74'
Goals: Wakeham (3/4) 56', 68', 75'
| 1st: 4–6
2nd: 18–12
Report
| Tries: E. Marsters 18'
E. Ioka 46'
Cooper-Tetevano 71'
Goals: S. Marsters (3/3) 19', 47', 72'

National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
Attendance: 7,001[34]
Referee: Ashley Klein (Australia)
Touch judges: Liam Kennedy (Australia), Todd Smith (Australia)

Team details Fiji | Position | Cook Islands

|
|

Name | Number | Number | Name
Jahream Bula | 1 | FB | 1 | Esom Ioka
Maika Sivo | 2 | WG | 2 | Malachi Morgan
Sunia Turuva | 3 | CE | 3 | Kayal Iro
Waqa Blake | 4 | CE | 4 | Alvin Maungaati
Mikaele Ravalawa | 5 | WG | 5 | Steven Marsters
Kurt Donoghoe | 6 | SO/FE | 6 | Brad Takairangi
Brandon Wakeham | 7 | SH/HB | 7 | Esan Marsters
Tui Kamikamica | 8 | PR | 8 | Davvy Moale
Noah Nailagoliva | 14 | HK | 9 | Rua Ngatikaura
Gordon Whippy | 16 | PF | 17 | Takai Mokohar
Kitione Kautoga | 11 | SR | 11 | Zane Tetevano
Taane Milne | 13 | SR | 12 | Reuben Porter
Caleb Navale | 15 | LF/LK | 13 | Pride Petterson-Robati
Penioni Tagituimua | 9 | IN | 10 | William Samuel
Apisalome Saukuru | 12 | IN | 14 | Kadiyae Ioka
Watisoni Waqanisaravi | 17 | IN | 15 | Rhys Dakin
Sirilo Lovokuro | 20 | IN | 16 | Justin Estall-Makirere
Pio Seci | 21 | CS |  |

* * *

29 October 2023
15:00 PNGST (UTC+10:00)

Papua New Guinea | 16–43  |  Fiji

|
|

Tries: Johnston 2'
Kot 61'
Kapinias 72'
Goals: Martin (2/3) 62', 73'
| 1st: 4–19
2nd: 12–24
Report
| Tries: Donoghoe (2) 12', 32'
Kamikamica 17'
Sivo (2) 46', 48'
Navale 55'
Qareqare 65'
Goals: Wakeham (7/8) 13', 18', 33', 48', 57', 66', 69'
Field goals: Wakeham (1/1) 39'

National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
Attendance: 14,546
Referee: Ashley Klein (Australia)
Touch judges: Peter Gough (Australia), Phil Henderson (Australia)

Team details Papua New Guinea | Position | Fiji

|
|

Name | Number | Number | Name
Alex Johnston | 1 | FB | 1 | Jahream Bula
Robert Derby | 2 | WG | 2 | Maika Sivo
Zac Laybutt | 3 | CE | 4 | Waqa Blake
Benji Kot | 4 | CE | 5 | Mikaele Ravalawa
Nene Macdonald | 5 | WG | 18 | Jason Qareqare
Kyle Laybutt | 6 | SO/FE | 6 | Kurt Donoghoe
Lachlan Lam | 7 | SH/HB | 7 | Brandon Wakeham
Epel Kapinias | 8 | PR | 8 | Tui Kamikamica
Edwin Ipape | 9 | HK | 9 | Penioni Tagituimua
Valentine Richard | 10 | PF | 10 | King Vuniyayawa
Rhyse Martin | 11 | SR | 12 | Apisalome Saukuru
Daniel Russell | 12 | SR | 13 | Taane Milne
Jack de Belin | 13 | LF/LK | 15 | Caleb Navale
Judah Rimbu | 14 | IN | 14 | Noah Nailagoliva
Wellington Albert | 15 | IN | 16 | Gordon Whippy
Keven Appo | 16 | IN | 19 | Mesake Ravonu
Jacob Alick | 17 | IN | 20 | Sirilo Lovokuro
Liam Horne | 18 | CS | 21 | Pio Seci
Justin Holbrook |  | Coach |  | Waisake Kativerata

* * *

Final

5 November 2023
15:00 PNGST (UTC+10:00)

Fiji | 12–32  | Papua New Guinea

|
|

Tries: Blake (2) 42', 68'
Goals: Wakeham (2/2) 42', 69'
| 1st: 26–0
2nd: 6–12
Report
| Tries: Ipape 15'
Derby (2) 23', 28'
Johnston 38'
Kapinias 75'
Goals: Martin (5/5) 16', 25', 29', 39', 77'

National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
Attendance: 14,809[35]
Referee: Grant Atkins (Australia)
Touch judges: Liam Kennedy (Australia), Todd Smith (Australia)

Team details Papua New Guinea | Position | Fiji

|
|

Name | Number | Number | Name
Alex Johnston | 1 | FB | 1 | Jahream Bula
Robert Derby | 2 | WG | 2 | Maika Sivo
Zac Laybutt | 3 | CE | 4 | Waqa Blake
Rodrick Tai | 4 | CE | 5 | Mikaele Ravalawa
Nene Macdonald | 5 | WG | 18 | Jason Qareqare
Kyle Laybutt | 6 | SO/FE | 6 | Kurt Donoghoe
Lachlan Lam | 7 | SH/HB | 7 | Brandon Wakeham
Epel Kapinias | 8 | PR | 8 | Tui Kamikamica
Edwin Ipape | 9 | HK | 9 | Penioni Tagituimua
Valentine Richard | 10 | PF | 10 | King Vuniyayawa
Rhyse Martin | 11 | SR | 12 | Apisalome Saukuru
Daniel Russell | 12 | SR | 13 | Taane Milne
Jack de Belin | 13 | LF/LK | 15 | Caleb Navale
Judah Rimbu | 14 | IN | 11 | Kitione Kautoga
Liam Horne | 15 | IN | 16 | Gordon Whippy
Junior Rop | 16 | IN | 17 | Watisoni Waqanisaravi
Nixon Putt | 17 | IN | 21 | Pio Seci
Jacob Alick | 18 | CS | 20 | Sirilo Lovokuro
Justin Holbrook |  | Coach |  | Waisake Kativerata

## Women's games

[edit]

A series of matches involving seven Women's teams was announced, however the number of matches to be played is irregular and there will be no semi-finals or final.

### Teams

[edit]

* Australia, 2 matches
* Cook Islands, 1 match
* Fiji, 1 match
* New Zealand, 3 matches
* Papua New Guinea, 1 match
* Samoa, 1 match
* Tonga, 1 match

### Fixtures

[edit]

14 October 2023
17:00 AEST (UTC+10:00)

Australia | 16–10  |  New Zealand

|
|

Tries: Upton (2) 4', 31'
Johnston 25'
Goals: Brigginshaw (2/3) 5', 26'
| Report
| Tries: Biddle 12'
Hufanga 43'
Goals: McGregor (1/2) 44'

Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Attendance: 12,067
Referee: Todd Smith (Australia)
Video Referee: Ashley Klein (Australia)
Touch judges: Belinda Sharpe (Australia), Darian Furner (Australia)

Team details Australia | Position | New Zealand

|
|

Name | Number | Number | Name
Tamika Upton | 1 | FB | 1 | Apii Nicholls
Jaime Chapman | 2 | WG | 2 | Annessa Biddle
Jessica Sergis | 3 | CE | 3 | Shanice Parker
Isabelle Kelly | 4 | CE | 4 | Mele Hufanga
Julia Robinson | 5 | WG | 5 | Leianne Tufuga
Tarryn Aiken | 6 | SO/FE | 6 | Ashleigh Quinlan
Ali Brigginshaw | 7 | SH/HB | 7 | Raecene McGregor
Shannon Mato | 8 | PR | 8 | Mya Hill-Moana
Keeley Davis | 9 | HK | 9 | Brooke Anderson
Jessika Elliston | 10 | PF | 10 | Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa
Kezie Apps | 11 | SR | 11 | Otesa Pule
Olivia Kernick | 12 | SR | 12 | Laishon Albert-Jones
Simaima Taufa | 13 | LF/LK | 13 | Georgia Hale
Emma Tonegato | 14 | IN | 14 | Tyla Nathan-Wong
Caitlan Johnston | 15 | IN | 15 | Najvada George
Kennedy Cherrington | 16 | IN | 16 | Jasmine Fogavini
Lauren Brown | 18 | IN | 17 | Amelia Pasikala
Shaylee Bent | 17 | CS | 18 | Abigail Roache

* * *

15 October 2023
12:45 AEST (UTC+10:00)

Samoa | 26–12  |  Fiji

|
|

Tries: Tui (2) 10', 42'
Mapusua (2) 21', 68'
Nu'uausala 31'
Goals: Piliae-Rasabale (3/5) 22', 32', 70'
| Report
| Tries: Naikore 5', 54'
Namoce 57'

Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
Referee: Liam Kennedy (Australia)
Video Referee: Chris Butler (Australia)
Touch judges: David Munro (Australia), Chris Sutton (Australia)

Team details Samoa | Position | Fiji

|
|

Name | Number | Number | Name
Destiny Mino-Sinapati | 1 | FB | 1 | Cassie Staples
Taylor Mapusua | 2 | WG | 2 | Vitalina Naikore
Petesa Lio | 3 | CE | 3 | Merewalesi Rokouno
Niall Williams-Guthrie | 4 | CE | 4 | Patricia Raikadroka
Lindsay Tui | 5 | WG | 5 | Asena Rokomaram
Pauline Piliae-Rasabale | 6 | SO/FE | 6 | Sienna Laing
Sienna Lofipo | 7 | SH/HB | 7 | Sereana Naitokatoka
Fiona Jahnke | 8 | PR | 8 | Aliti Namoce
Destiny Brill | 9 | HK | 9 | Teaghan Laing
Janelle Williams | 10 | PF | 10 | Anastacia Shum-Cottrell
Malaela Sua | 12 | SR | 11 | Talei Holmes
Onjeurlina Hunt | 15 | SR | 12 | Emma Rainima
Annetta-Claudia Nu'uasala | 13 | LF/LK | 13 | Josephine Maejiirs
Pihuka Berryman-Duff | 16 | IN | 14 | Siniva Sa'anga
Tafao Asaua | 18 | IN | 15 | Grace Waqa
Tamerah Leati | 19 | IN | 16 | Mere Kilawekana
Makayla Eli | 21 | IN | 17 | Adi Sokula Waqa
Sauleone Saipele | 17 | CS | 18 | Alesi Kilawekana

* * *

21 October 2023
15:45 NZDT (UTC+13:00)

New Zealand | 28–10  |  Tonga

|
|

Tries: Roache (3) 5', 10', 46'
Pasikala 38'
Hufanga 58'
Goals: McGregor (2/6) 12', 40'
| Report
| Tries: Penitani (2) 25', 55'
Goals: Hifo (1/2) 27'

Eden Park, Auckland
Attendance: ≈10,000
Referee: Wyatt Raymond (Australia)

Team details New Zealand | Position | Tonga

|
|

Name | Number | Number | Name
Shanice Parker | 1 | FB | 1 | Langi Vaeinu
Cheyelle Robins-Reti | 2 | WG | 2 | Lavinia Tauhalaliku
Mele Hufanga | 3 | CE | 3 | China Polata
Abigail Roache | 4 | CE | 4 | Litia Fusi
Leianne Tufuga | 5 | WG | 5 | Haylee Hifo
Tyla Nathan-Wong | 6 | SO/FE | 6 | Cassey Tohi-Hiku
Raecene McGregor | 7 | SH/HB | 7 | Tiana Penitani
Mya Hill-Moana | 8 | PR | 8 | Folau Vaki
Brooke Anderson | 9 | HK | 14 | Jade Fonua
Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa | 10 | PF | 10 | Tegan Dymock
Otesa Pule | 11 | SR | 11 | Amelia Mafi
Annessa Biddle | 12 | SR | 12 | Vanessa Foliaki
Georgia Hale | 13 | LF/LK | 13 | Dannii Perese
Capri Paekau | 14 | IN | 9 | Seli Mailangi
Najvada George | 15 | IN | 15 | Natasha Penitani
Amelia Pasikala | 16 | IN | 16 | Ilaisaane Taufa
Tiana Davison | 17 | IN | 17 | Shannon Muru
Jasmine Fogavini | 18 | CS | 18 | Fatafehi Hanisi

* * *

22 October 2023
12:45 AEST (UTC+10:00)

Papua New Guinea | 28–20  |  Cook Islands

|
|

Tries: Kapo 9'
Banu 18'
Allan (2) 22', 48'
Kerowa 34'
Norris 44'
Goals: Veivers (2/6) 10', 20'
| Report
| Tries: Makira 14'
Rewi 26'
Takairangi 58'
Holloway-Samuels 63'
Goals: Kiria-Ratu (2/4) 16', 65'

Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
Attendance: 7,001[36]
Referee: Belinda Sharpe (Australia)

Team details Papua New Guinea | Position | Cook Islands

|
|

Name | Number | Number | Name
Latoniya Norris | 1 | FB | 1 | Kiana Takairangi
Lyiannah Allan | 2 | WG | 2 | Alesha Willcox
Belinda Gwasamum | 3 | CE | 3 | Kaiyah Atai
Shellie Long | 4 | CE | 4 | Chantelle Holloway-Samuels
Freda Waula | 5 | WG | 5 | Mahinaarangi Rewi
Sera Koroi | 6 | SO/FE | 6 | Chantay Kiria-Ratu
Ua Ravu | 7 | SH/HB | 7 | Lydia Turua-Quedley
Gloria Kaupa | 10 | PR | 8 | Ngatokotoru Arakua
Roswita Kapo | 9 | HK | 9 | Chelsea Makira
Jessikah Reeves | 13 | PF | 10 | Crystal Tamarua
Emily Vievers | 11 | SR | 11 | Jazmon Tupou-Witchman
Essay Banu | 12 | SR | 14 | Kerehitina Matua
Bertshiba Awoi | 16 | LF/LK | 13 | Anneka Stephens
Meli Joe | 14 | IN | 12 | Ariel Ngatoko
Sareka Mooka | 15 | IN | 15 | Paulina Morris-Ponga
Yolanda Taute | 17 | IN | 16 | Lavinia Kitai
Leila Kerowa | 19 | IN | 17 | Jodeci Joseph
Lancy Ulkambane | 18 | CS | 18 | Kiana Sword-Tua

* * *

28 October 2023
18:00 AEDT (UTC+11:00)

Australia | 6–12  |  New Zealand

|
|

Tries: Chapman 9'
Goals: Brown (1/1) 10'
| Report
| Tries: Hufanga 34'
Tufuga 62'
Goals: McGregor (2/2) 35', 64'

AAMI Park, Melbourne
Attendance: 10,536
Referee: Belinda Sharpe (Australia)

Team details Australia | Position | New Zealand

|
|

Name | Number | Number | Name
Tamika Upton | 1 | FB | 1 | Apii Nicholls
Jaime Chapman | 2 | WG | 2 | Leianne Tufuga
Jessica Sergis | 3 | CE | 3 | Mele Hufanga
Isabelle Kelly | 4 | CE | 4 | Abigail Roache
Jakiya Whitfeld | 5 | WG | 5 | Shanice Parker
Tarryn Aiken | 6 | SO/FE | 6 | Tyla Nathan-Wong
Ali Brigginshaw | 7 | SH/HB | 7 | Raecene McGregor
Shannon Mato | 8 | PR | 10 | Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa
Lauren Brown | 9 | HK | 9 | Brooke Anderson
Kezie Apps | 11 | PF | 15 | Najvada George
Olivia Kernick | 12 | SR | 11 | Annessa Biddle
Yasmin Clydsdale | 15 | SR | 12 | Otesa Pule
Simaima Taufa | 13 | LF/LK | 13 | Georgia Hale
Jessika Elliston | 10 | IN | 8 | Mya Hill-Moana
Emma Tonegato | 14 | IN | 14 | Ashleigh Quinlan
Kennedy Cherrington | 16 | IN | 16 | Jasmine Fogavini
Emma Manzelmann | 17 | IN | 17 | Tiana Davison
Shaylee Bent | 18 | CS | 18 | Laishon Albert-Jones

## Other matches

[edit]

21 October 2023

New Zealand A  | 36–26  |  Tonga A

|
|

Tries: Warbrick 2, Howarth, Kini, Roache, Leiataua
Goals: Tuaupiki 6
| Report (NZRL)
| Tries: Koloamatangi-Kalepo, Finefeuiaki, Foketi, Francis
Goals: Teaupa 3

Eden Park, Auckland

## Attendance

[edit]

The combined attendance for the eight game days was 118,986.

* Australia 38,728 for the two double-headers in Townsville (18,144) and Melbourne (20,584).
* New Zealand 36,769 for the triple-header in Auckland (23,269) and men's Cup final in Hamilton (13,500).
* Papua New Guinea 43,489 for the four game days in Port Moresby. Note that the first two of the four attendance figures (7,133, 7,001, 14,546, and 14,809) are as published on the Rugby League Project website.[33][34][35]
* The combined attendance total counts attendees of each double-header match, and triple-header in Auckland, just once.
* Average attendance for the eight game days is 14,873.

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Australia, New Zealand, PNG to host 2023 Pacific Championships". Rugby League International Federation. 15 August 2023.
2. ^ "Eden Park to Host Rugby League Triple Header this Labour Weekend". NZRL. 16 August 2023. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
3. ^ "NRL announce 2023 Pacific Championships". NRL. 16 August 2023. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
4. ^ Walter, Brad (16 August 2023). "World Cup final rematches headline end of year Pacific Championships". NRL. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
5. ^ "International rugby league returns in southern hemisphere this autumn with full schedule locked in". LoveRugbyLeague. 16 August 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
6. ^ "Pacific Rugby League Championships". Prime Minister of Australia. 16 August 2023. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
7. ^ Evans, Kyle (18 August 2023). "Pacific State of Origin: PNG and Fiji to co-host to new international rugby league tournament". ABC. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
8. ^ https://www.intrl.sport/news/australia-new-zealand-png-to-host-2023-pacific-championships/
9. ^ Harper, Lachlan (18 September 2023). "Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga springs selection shock with Nat Butcher added to train-on squad". WWOS Nine. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
10. ^ "Kangaroos name five debutants in Pacific Championships squad". NRL. 3 October 2023. Retrieved 3 October 2023.
11. ^ a b "Australian men's and women's squads announced for Pacfiic Championships". League Unlimited. 3 October 2023. Retrieved 3 October 2023.
12. ^ a b "Maguire and Henry Re-Appointed as Head Coaches through to 2025 Rugby League World Cup". NZRL. 5 July 2023. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
13. ^ "Fisher-Harris confirmed as new Kiwis captain". NRL.com. 15 October 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
14. ^ a b "Samoa Appoint NRL, NRLW Coaches For Pacific Championships". International Rugby League. Rugby League Samoa. 20 September 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
15. ^ "Grand final stars feature in strong Toa Samoa squad". NRL. 3 October 2023. Retrieved 3 October 2023.
16. ^ "Cook Islanders arrive". The National. 12 October 2023. Retrieved 13 October 2023.
17. ^ Romena, Romeka (22 February 2023). "Kativerata is new Fiji Bati Coach". fijilive.com. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
18. ^ "Kativerata named permanent coach of Bati after impressive World Cup campaign". ABC. 24 February 2023. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
19. ^ a b "Exciting rookie duo headline talented Fiji Pacific Championships squad". NRL. 6 October 2023. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
20. ^ "Kumuls coup: In-demand Holbrook to coach Papua New Guinea". National Rugby League. 24 August 2023. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
21. ^ Walter, Brad (15 October 2023). "'He smashes people': Lam backs Laybutt to lead from front". NRL.com. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
22. ^ "Three Test newcomers among Jillaroos squad for Pacific Championships". NRL. 3 October 2023. Retrieved 3 October 2023.
23. ^ a b Hogan, Kelsey (22 October 2023). "Orchids survive late comeback to overcome Cook Islands". NRL. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
24. ^ Walter, Brad (23 September 2023). "Big dreams ahead: Fiji announce captain, coach, World Cup ambitions". NRL. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
25. ^ "Kiwi Ferns name Co-Captains to lead Pacific Championships Squad". NZRL. 10 October 2023. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
26. ^ "Holbrook, Grima offered big roles". 25 August 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
27. ^ Walter, Brad (5 October 2023). "Seven NRLW stars in PNG Orchids squad". NRL. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
28. ^ "A massive privilege: Fetu Samoa relish Williams-Guthrie inclusion". NRL. 3 October 2023. Retrieved 3 October 2023.
29. ^ "Tonga name Penitani, Polata in Pacific Championships squad". NRL. 3 October 2023. Retrieved 3 October 2023.
30. ^ "Match Officials: Pacific Championships Week 1". NRL. 10 October 2023. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
31. ^ "Match Officials: Pacific Championships Week 2". NRL. 17 October 2023. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
32. ^ "Australia vs. New Zealand - Australia 0 lost to New Zealand 30 - RLP". www.rugbyleagueproject.org. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
33. ^ a b "Papua New Guinea vs. Cook Islands - Papua New Guinea 46 def. Cook Islands 10 - RLP". www.rugbyleagueproject.org. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
34. ^ a b "Fiji vs. Cook Islands - Fiji 22 def. Cook Islands 18 - RLP". www.rugbyleagueproject.org. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
35. ^ a b Edwards, Colleen (5 November 2023). "Derby with a double as Kumuls claim Pacific Bowl against Fiji". NRL. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
36. ^ "Papua New Guinea (W) vs. Cook Islands (W) - Papua New Guinea (W) 28 def. Cook Islands (W) 20 - RLP". www.rugbyleagueproject.org. Retrieved 30 October 2023.

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