Pacific Championships Team Lists: Week 2

Fiji Bati: One change in the forwards after the loss to the Kumuls with Wests Tigers James Valevatu coming in at hooker and Penioni Tagituimua dropping back to the bench. Kylan Mafoa has been promoted from 18th man to the bench. Joe Lovodua and Nathan Kegg-King are the two men relegated from the bench to the reserves. Canterbury youngster Ratu Rinakama is the new 18th man.

Cook Islands Aitu: Veteran Brad Takairangi will call the shots in the halves alongside another experienced campaigner in Esan Marsters, who plays his ninth Test for Cook Islands to go with the six he played for New Zealand. Melbourne's Tepai Moeroa and Rabbitohs youngster Davvy Moale are the props while Aitu stalwart Zane Tetevano lines up at lock. Dolphins utility Mason Teague makes his Test debut on the bench alongside Junior Teroi (Bulimba Valley Bulldogs), Justin Makirere (Ipswich Jets) and Kobe Tararo (Souths Logan).

Men's Pacific Cup

Kiwis v Kangaroos, Sunday 4.05pm (AEDT) at Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch

Kiwis: James Fisher-Harris captains a new-look Kiwis outfit that includes five Test debutants in fullback Keano Kini, winger Will Warbrick, hooker Phoenix Crossland and bench players Naufahu Whyte and Jordan Riki. With Jahrome Hughes injured, favourite son Shaun Johnson comes out of retirement to play halfback alongside Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, who shifts to No.6 in the absence of Dylan Brown (knee). Centre Peta Hiku plays his first Test since the 2022 World Cup semi-final while Kodi Nikorima makes his first appearance since 2019. Knights prop Leo Thompson is serving a one-match ban for a Careless High Tackle in week one of the NRL finals and will be available for selection against Tonga. Erin Clark is 18th man.

Kangaroos: Coach Mal Meninga sticks with the same 17 that got the job done against Tonga. Matt Burton retains the No.14 jersey and will hope to get more game time than the nine minutes he played in Brisbane while Hudson Young (12 minutes) is also looking to play more of a role. Halves Mitch Moses and Tom Dearden will be better for the run after combining for the first time last week. Ben Hunt is again the 18th man.

Women's Pacific Bowl

Fiji Bulikula v Cook Islands Moana, Saturday 5.00pm (AEDT) at HFC Bank Stadium, Suva

Fiji Bulikula: TBC

Cook Islands Moana: Experienced campaigner Kiana Takairangi will co-captain the side from fullback and will be a key player for Cook Islands in their quest for a World Cup berth. The side will also be led by former Dragon Anneka Stephens who was named NRL WA's player of the year, starring for Joondalup Giants. Rising youngster Jazmon Tupou-Witchman, who played for the Cowboys this year is in the second row alongside Raiders forward Kere Matua, who returns to action after serving a two-match ban. Other players with NRLW experience in the side include prop April Ngatupuna and former Jillaroo and NSW forward Elianna Walton.

Women's Pacific Cup

Kiwi Ferns v Jillaroos, Sunday 1.35pm (AEDT) at Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch

Kiwi Ferns: Gayle Broughton and Alexis Tauaneai have been named to make their Ferns debuts against Australia at a sold-out Apollo Stadium in Christchurch. The Broncos five-eighth will partner with Tyla King who has been named at halfback, with last year's captain Raecene McGregor not featuring this year. Roosters grand final winner Amber Hall has been named in the second row, with her teammate Tiana Davidson set to come from the bench and Otesa Pule the 18th player. Their opponents in the decider the Sharks have two players featured, with Annessa Biddle to line up in the second row and Brooke Anderson at hooker.

Jillaroos: Skipper Ali Brigginshaw returns after being rested last week as a precaution after finger surgery so Tiana Penitani moves to the centres and Jess Sergis drops to the reserves. Hooker Quincy Dodd suffered a minor quad injury in last week's victory over the Orchids so Olivia Higgins will start in the No.9 and Jessika Elliston is the new face on the bench. Roosters hooker Keeley Davis has come into the squad as injury cover for Dodd and Lauren Brown (hamstring).