[NRL] Pacific Championships Team Lists: Week 2

Kumuls: The five big inclusions who weren't part of the PM's XIII game are skipper Lachlan Lam, hooker Edwin Ipape, back-rower Rhyse Martin, centre Zac Laybutt and tryscoring legend Alex Johnston. After coming off the bench in his only Test appearance last November, Morea Morea grabs the coveted No.1 jersey and veteran Nene MacDonald moves to centre in his 20th international for the Kumuls. Penty of experience in the pack with Jack de Belin and Nixon Putt while son of a gun Cooper Bai makes his Test debut off the bench alongside Finley Glare, Sylvester Namo and Jacob Alick.

Cook Islands: Captain KL Iro and winger Paul Ulberg broke 10 tackles between them last week and will again look to spark the Aitu backline. Esan Marsters has again been named at fullback and Caelys-Paul Putoko at five-eighth but they may swap on game day as they did against the Bati. Delahia Wigmore has been promoted from 18th man to the bench in place of Brody Tamarua.

Tonga XIII v Toa Samoa, Sunday 4.00pm (AEDT) at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Tonga XIII: Addin Fonua-Blake and Jason Taumalolo lead a star-studded Tonga outfit that includes 11 members of the side beaten 20-14 by the Kangaroos in the 2024 Pacific Cup final. State of Origin centre Robert Toia will make his Test debut as will Storm prop Stefano Utoikamanu, Warriors edge forward Leka Halasima and Eels young gun Isaiah Iongi, who will join Isaiya Katoa in the halves. Sea Eagles duo Haumole Olakau'atu (shoulder) and Taniela Paseka (achilles) are the notable absentees from last year's team.

Toa Samoa: Brothers Terrell and Taylan May are listed among the reserves after missing the opening game against the Kiwis with hamstring and quad injuries respectively. Hooker Jazz Tevaga has been named despite suffering a head knock last week with Chanel Harris-Tavita and Benaiah Ioelu both on the bench and ready to step up if needed. Simi Sasagi joins the starting side in place of Jaydn Su'A (head knock) with Melbourne's Ativalu Lisati joining the bench for his Test debut. Rising Dragons star Lyhkan King-Togia is 18th man.

Pacific Championships Team Lists: Week 2 - Women's

Cook Islands Moana v Tonga XIII, Saturday 2.00pm (AEDT) at Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby

Moana: A change in the centres with Keira Rangi coming in for her Test debut with Kiarah Siauane moving to the wing and Hannah Makira dropping out. Debutante Porche John and Jodeci Joseph are the new faces on the bench with Memory Paitai moving to 18th player and April Ngatupuna dropping to the reserves. 

Tonga XIII: Natasha Penitani and Pani Hopoate will show the way up front for Tonga in their opening match while second-rowers Manalita Takapautolo and Shannon Muru also offer plenty of go-forward. Bulldogs backs Moana Courtenay and Simina Lokotui make their Test debuts along with Newcastle's Fane Finau, Parramatta's Martha Mataele and playmaker Malia Tuifua, who will partner Emmanita Paki in the halves. Test debuts as well for Kaylani Tavita, Tatiana Finau and Iunisi-Ruby Smith-Tufulele-Fifita. Last year's captain and assistant coach Vanessa Foliaki is in the extended squad as a reserve. 

Jillaroos v Fetu Samoa, Sunday 2.00pm (AEDT) at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Jillaroos: Jess Skinner has named three debutantes for Australia's opening match of their Pacific Championships campaign with Jesse Southwell taking over as halfback from the injured Tarryn Aiken, while props Rima Butler and Ellie Johnston also get their first taste of international football. Co-captain Kezie Apps moves to her more favoured second-row position, while Olivia Kernick takes over at lock with Simaima Taufa out of the squad with injury. After coming off the bench in the Jillaroos' most recent match in Las Vegas, Roosters star Jess Sergis will start on one wing with Broncos premiership winner Julia Robinson on the other. Rooster Keeley Davis comes in at hooker after Olivia Higgins wore the No.9 in Vegas.

Fetu Samoa: A new-look backline with Jetaya Faifua moving from fullback to halfback to take over from Pauline Piliae-Rasabale. Titans young gun Destiny Mino-Sinapati slides to fullback and Mercedez Taulelei-Siala comes in on the wing for her fourth Test appearance. Simone Karpani has been elevated from 18th player the interchange in a straight swap with Ella-Jaye Harrison-Leaunoa.