The Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns are set for blockbuster rugby league double header at Eden Park. Photo: Photosport
Kiwi Ferns vs Jillaroos
3.35pm Sunday November 2
Eden Park Auckland
Live blog updates on RNZ
Kiwis vs Tonga XIII
6.05pm Sunday November 2
Eden Park Auckland
Live blog updates on RNZ
Red tide is coming
A sea of red is expected to envelop Eden Park as the Kiwis take on a Tongan XIII and their parochial fan base.
Victory for the Kiwis would secure them a spot in the Pacific Championships final, with the Tongans looking to bounce back from a heavy loss to Toa.
Meanwhile, the world champion Jillaroos arrive to meet a Kiwi Ferns side who survived a serious scare against Fetu Samoa in week one.
Down 20-0 at half-time, the Ferns staged a stunning comeback to snatch a 22-20 victory.
A blockbuster double-header awaits Auckland.
The big picture
A tough task faces Tonga XIII after their 34-6 defeat at the hands of Samoa at Suncorp Stadium, they are left needing to beat the Kiwis by 18 points in order to advance to the final. A loss for the Kiwis by more than 18 would see a Toa vs Tonga XIII final.
After Fetu were routed 60-0 by the Jillaroos in round two, both New Zealand and Australia are safely through to the decider, though will be wanting to land a psychological blow before the following week's final.
The Pacific Championships finals will be on Sunday November 9 in Sydney.
Last time they met
Another classic chapter was written in rugby league's newest rivalry. With the red sea riding them home, Tonga snatched a late 25-24 victory over New Zealand at Mount Smart courtesy of an Isaiya Katoa field goal. His successful strike saw Tonga contest the final against the Kangaroos, going down 20-14.
The loss meant the Kiwis were forced to play for promotion/relegation against Papua New Guinea, winning 54-12.
The Kiwi Ferns are looking to snap a two-match losing streak against the Jillaroos, the most recent coming in the 2024 final, where the Kiwis were out-classed 24-4. Australia were also too strong in the round robin, claiming a 14-0 win in Christchurch.
Selections
Kiwis coach Stacey Jones has made four changes to his team, with both hooker Jeremy Marshall-King and winger Ronaldo Mulitalo sidelined with injury. Te Maire Martin has been named on the bench alongside debutant Xavier Willison. Canberra's Sebastian Kris comes onto the wing while Phoenix Crossland is promoted to start at hooker.
Ricky Henry has also made four changes to the Kiwi Ferns, with one in line to make her test debut.
Leianne Tufuga replaces Tysha Ikensio on the wing, Tiana Davison takes the 10 jersey in place of Brianna Clarke and Otesa Pule is promoted to start ahead of Shakira Baker.
Shaniece Monschau of the Bulldogs is set to make her debut form the interchange bench.
TMM out of the wilderness
Martin has been named on the bench for his first test appearance in seven years, with the last of his four internationals coming against England in Denver in 2018.
The Warriors player was on holiday when he got the phone call from Jones.
"I was surfing, and he rung up and see if I could come in and I was obviously keen, I was always happy to come in even if I wasn't playing, so it was always going to be a yes."
Martin said it's been a long wait to get back in black.
"For me, it's the top. I enjoy playing footy wherever it is, but to be able to mix and mingle with the best Kiwis in our comp, it's always a privilege to be a part of it."
Martin's versatility will be invaluable for Jones.
"Wherever I'm needed. I've been fortunate enough this year to play a few different positions, so if I'm needed or wherever I'm needed, then I'm ready to go."
Two fiercely physical battles are expected. Photo: Photosport
Ferns after fast start
Kiwi Ferns co-skipper Raecene McGregor admits they can not afford another slow start this weekend as they had against Fetu.
"We didn't display our best footy there in the first half, but we just showed everyone what we can do in that second and hopefully we come out there this weekend and give that whole 70 minute performance."
McGregor said they wanted to make a statement against the world champions, particularly with the World Cup on the horizon.
"I think it's for us to show them that we are a good side too and a lot of people are going to be writing us off, but we know what we can do inside this camp and we're going to show them this weekend."
Brown back to his best
Kiwis playmaker and $15 million man Dylan Brown was in scintillating form against Samoa.
After sitting out last year's Pacific Championships with injury, Brown is happy to be involved.
"I definitely missed it last year, just being in the camp. We love coming in just for the vibes and obviously it's an honour to wear the black jersey."
Brown is expecting a Tongan tornado at Eden Park, after the side went down to Toa in round one.
"Samoa were on the back fence and they needed to win a game to make the final, and they'd done a pretty good job. So I feel like the result doesn't really represent what Tonga bring. They're going to be coming out, firing."
Since signing his historic contact with the Newcastle Knights, Brown admits he has felt the microscope on him.
"Obviously with that contract there is a bit of pressure there, but it doesn't change anything for me. I'm still doing what I can to be the best player I can be every week. So regardless of the contract or who I'm playing for, I'm putting my best foot forward every time."
Head-to-head
Kiwis vs Tonga
Played - 8 games
Kiwis- 6 wins
Tonga 2 wins
Kiwi Ferns vs Jillaroos
Played - 30 games
Kiwi Ferns 17 wins
Jillaroos 13 wins
What are they saying?
"We are expecting a very physical, good challenge. Tonga is going to be a much better proposition having their second hit-out. So, expecting a very tough game." - Kiwis coach Stacey Jones.
"Every time we play against the Jillaroos they come out firing, so we've got to hold our gloves up and then sort of throw back as well. I think we are ready, we're primed, we're confident." - Kiwi Ferns coach Ricky Henry.
Teams
Kiwi Ferns team vs Jillaroos
1. Apii Nicholls 2. Shanice Parker 3. Abigail Roache 4. Mele Hufanga 5. Leianne Tufuga 6. Patricia Maliepo 7. Raecene McGregor (co-captain) 8. Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa 9. Brooke Anderson 10. Tiana Davison 11. Annessa Biddle 12. Otesa Pule 13. Georgia Hale (co-captain)
Interchange: 14. Ashleigh Quinlan 15. Shaniece Monschau* 16. Alexis Tauaneai 17. Ivana Lauiti'iti 18. Tyla King.
Kiwis team vs Tonga XIII
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Casey McLean 5. Sebastian Kris 6. Dylan Brown 7. Kieran Foran 8. James Fisher-Harris (c) 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Moses Leota 11. Briton Nikora 12. Isaiah Papali'i 13. Joseph Tapine.
Interchange: 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Erin Clark 17. Xavier Willison (debut) 18. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Jillaroos
1. Tamika Upton 2. Julia Robinson 3. Isabelle Kelly 4. Tiana Penitani 5. Jessica Sergis 6. Ali Brigginshaw (c) 7. Jesse Southwell 8. Ellie Johnston 9. Keeley Davis 10. Jessika Elliston 11. Kezie Apps (c) 12. Yasmin Clydsdale 13. Olivia Kernick.
Interchange: 14. Quincy Dodd 15. Keilee Joseph 16. Rima Butler 17. Sarah Togatuki 18. Jakiya Whitfeld
Tonga XIII
1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Sione Katoa 6. Isaiah Iongi 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Addin Fonua-Blake (c) 9. Siliva Havili 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Eliesa Katoa 12. Siua Wong 13. Jason Taumalolo.
Interchange: 14. Soni Luke 15. Leka Halasima 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Moeaki Fotuaika 18. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
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