Isaiah Papali’i will lock horns with Stefano Utoikamanu in Auckland before Jahream Bula makes his international debut in Port Moresby as week two of the Pacific Championships offers Wests Tigers fans much to look forward to.
Kiwis v Toa Samoa, Saturday 4.00pm (AEDT) at Eden Park, Auckland
Papali’i will make his 8th appearance for the Kiwis in New Zealand’s opening game of the tournament at Eden Park, up against his Wests Tigers teammate and Auckland-born prop Stefano Utoikamanu.
Utoikamanu will be hoping for a bit more game time against the Kiwis after getting just 34 minutes in last weekend’s 38-12 loss to the Kangaroos in Townsville.
He will again be joined in the Toa Samoa line-up by club teammate Justin Matamua. Matamua has been named on the bench but could be called into the starting side on game day. Tommy Talau is named as part of the extended squad.
Fiji Bati v Cook Islands Aitu, Sunday 4.00pm (AEDT) at Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
After battling it out for this year’s Dally M rookie of the year award, Jahream Bula and Panthers sensation Sunia Turuva will join forces for Fiji’s first game of the tournament against Cook Islands on Sunday.
Bula is coming off a dream debut season in the NRL and scooped the pool at Wests Tigers Awards Night, named Kelly-Barnes player of the year, rookie of the year, and players’ player.
The 21-year-old fullback joins Turuva in a scarily dangerous back five for Fiji Bati. Wests Tigers 2023 teammate, Brandon Wakeman has been named in the halves with Apisalome Saukuru landing a spot on the bench.
Former Wests Tigers hooker Rua Ngatikaura, who was part of the club’s top-30 squad this season, will start in the No. 9 jersey for Cook Islands.
Kiwi Ferns v Mate Ma'a, Saturday 1.45pm (AEDT) at Eden Park, Auckland
Wests Tigers will have three of its NRLW players in action in Saturday’s triple-header at Eden Park, when the Kiwi Ferns tackle Mate Ma’a.
The Kiwi Ferns have made several changes to their side following last weekend’s 16-10 loss to the Jillaroos in Townsville, with Wests Tigers teammates Leianne Tufuga and Najvada George both holding their place in the team.
Tufuga will again start on the wing with middle-forward George adding impact off the bench.
Making her first appearance for Tonga after making her NRLW debut with Wests Tigers this season is 20-year-old prop, Folau Vaki. The Campbelltown junior made three NRLW appearances in 2023, winning two of those three games.
