Pacific Championships Team Lists: Week 1

Kangaroos: Dylan Edwards, Kotoni Staggs, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Selwyn Cobbo will make their Kangaroos debuts as part of a new-look backline that also also includes Daly Cherry-Evans taking over from Nathan Cleary (knee) at halfback. Ben Hunt and Harry Grant will again share the hooking role with nine members of the side that won the World Cup Final last November set to take the field in Townsville. Late call-up Nicho Hynes is 18th Man.

Toa Samoa: The absence of Jarome Luai (shoulder) sees his Panthers teammate Stephen Crichton move to five-eighth to partner newcomer Daejarn Asi in the halves. Brian To'o, Izack Tago and Spencer Leniu are the other Panthers named in the 17. Cowboys edge forward Heilum Luki is in line to play his first international and fellow Cowboy Murray Taulagi makes his Samoa debut after he was part of the Kangaroos squad at the World Cup. Wests Tigers prop Stefano Utoikamanu and Manly hooker gets Gordon Chan Kum Tong make their Test debut in the front row alongside inspirational leader Junior Paulo.

PNG Kumuls v Cook Islands Aitu, Sunday 4.00pm (AEDT) at Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby

Kumuls: Jack de Belin will make his Test debut at lock for Justin Holbrook's side and joins Dragons teammate Dan Russell and Titans prospect Jacob Alick in the forward pack. Storm centre Justin Olam is the major omission from the 17 and while he has been included in the wider squad he looks set to miss out on a spot, with Zac Laybutt and Rodrick Tai the preferred options. Alex Johnston moves from his usual spot on the wing to line up at fullback. There is no sign of hooker Edwin Ipape who comes off a strong season in the Super League.

Cook Islands: To be confirmed.

Jillaroos v Kiwi Ferns, Saturday 6.00pm (AEDT) at Queensland Country Bank Stadium

Jillaroos: Knights superstar Tamika Upton makes her Test debut at fullback as part of a star-studded backline that includes World Cup winners Jess Sergis, Isabelle Kelly, Julia Robinson, Tarryn Aiken and Ali Brigginshaw. The injury to Evania Pelite opens the door for Titans teammate Jaime Chapman to grab a wing spot while her Titans teammate Jessika Elliston makes her Test debut at prop. Kezie Apps will co-captain the side along with Brigginshaw. 

Kiwi Ferns: Experienced campaigners Georgia Hale, Apii Nicholls and Mya Hill-Moana will look to lead the way with Raecene McGregor steering the ship from halfback. Broncos powerhouse Mele Hufanga will look to continue her run of tryscoring form and is joined in the centres by Knights star Shanice Parker while Cronulla's rookie sensation Anessa Biddle makes her Test debut on the wing and Ashleigh Quinlan gets her first cap at five-eighth. The bench features four international newcomers in Olympic gold medallist and dual code star Tyla Nathan-Wong, Broncos forward Jasmine Fogavini, Rooster Amelia Pasikala and Wests Tigers lock Najvada George.

Fetu Samoa v Fiji Bulikula, Sunday 1.45pm (AEDT) at Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby

Fetu Samoa: To be confirmed.

Fiji Bulikula: To be confirmed.