Official International Football 2023

[CrazyMatt]

Well another NRL season is done and dusted its time for a bit of international football to finish the year. I know International football is not everyones cup of tea, but it’s something I do enjoy and I genuinely believe the quality of opposition for Australia gets better and better every year. This year the new Pacific Championships make their bow, its divided into four competitions:
Mens Pacific Cup: Australia, New Zealand & Samoa
Womens Pacific Cup: Australia, New Zealand & Tonga
Mens Pacific Bowl: PNG, Cook Islands & Fiji.
Womens Pacific Bowl: Samoa, PNG, Cook Islands & Fiji.

Here’s the schedule:

Week 1

Saturday 14/10:

Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
6pm: Womens Pacific Cup: Australia vs New Zealand
8:10pm: Mens Pacific Cup: Australia vs Samoa

Sunday 15/10:

Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
1:45pm: Womens Pacific Bowl: Samoa vs Fiji
4pm: Mens Pacific Bowl: PNG vs Cook Islands

Week 2

Saturday 21/10:

Eden Park, Auckland
1:45pm: Womens Pacific Cup: New Zealand vs Tonga
4pm: Mens Pacific Cup: New Zealand vs Samoa

Sunday 22/10

Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
1:45pm: Womens Pacific Bowl: PNG vs Cook Islands
4pm: Mens Pacific Bowl: Fiji vs Cook Islands

Week 3

Saturday 28/10

AAMI Park, Melbourne
6pm: Womens Pacific Cup: Australia vs New Zealand
8:10pm: Mens Pacific Cup: Australia vs New Zealand

Sunday 29/10

Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
4pm: Mens Pacific Bowl: PNG vs Fiji

Mens Finals

Pacific Cup: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton. Saturday 4/11 3pm.

Pacific Bowl: Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby. Sunday 5/11 4pm

Bizarrely, I cant find any details on the womens finals, I really hope they haven’t just not given them any.

Tonga’s tour of England.

Instead of competing in the mens Pacific Championships, Tonga’s mens team has instead decided to embark on a three test tour of England, here’s the schedule:

Sunday 22/10 2:30pm BST (Monday 23/10 12:30am AEST)
England vs Tonga
Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens

Saturday 28/10 2:30pm BST (Sunday 29/10 12:30am AEST)
England vs Tonga
Kirklees Stadium, Huddersfield

Saturday 4/11 2:30pm GMT (Sunday 5/11 1:30am AEST)
England vs Tonga
Headingly Stadium, Leeds.

 

[CrazyMatt]

TEAMS

AUSTRALIA

Mens: Josh Addo-Carr (Bulldogs), Patrick Carrigan (Broncos), Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles), Selwyn Cobbo (Broncos), Lindsay Collins (Roosters), Reuben Cotter (Cowboys), Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Titans), Thomas Flegler (Broncos), Harry Grant (Storm), Payne Haas (Broncos), Valentine Holmes (Cowboys), Ben Hunt (Dragons), Nicho Hynes (Sharks), Liam Martin (Panthers), Cameron Munster (Storm), Cameron Murray (Rabbitohs), Kotoni Staggs (Broncos), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins), James Tedesco, capt. (Roosters), Jake Trbojevic (Sea Eagles), Isaah Yeo (Panthers).

Womens: Tarryn Aiken (Roosters), Kezie Apps (Wests Tigers), Shaylee Bent (Titans), Ali Brigginshaw (Broncos), Lauren Brown (Titans), Jaime Chapman (Titans), Kennedy Cherrington (Eels), Yasmin Clydsdale (Knights), Keeley Davis (Roosters), Jess Elliston (Titans), Caitlan Johnston (Knights), Isabelle Kelly (Roosters), Olivia Kernick (Roosters), Emma Manzelmann (Cowboys), Shannon Mato (Titans), Evania Pelite (Titans), Julia Robinson (Broncos), Jessica Sergis (Roosters), Simaima Taufa (Raiders), Emma Tonegato (Sharks), Tamika Upton (Knights).

NEW ZEALAND:

Mens: Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Melbourne Storm), Dylan Brown (Parramatta Eels), Fa'amanu Brown (Newcastle Knights), James Fisher-Harris (Penrith Panthers), Kieran Foran (Gold Coast Titans), Wiremu Greig (Parramatta Eels), Jahrome Hughes (Melbourne Storm), Jamayne Isaako (Dolphins), Keano Kini (Gold Coast Titans), Moses Leota (Penrith Panthers), Danny Levi (Canberra Raiders), Joseph Manu (Sydney Roosters), Ronaldo Mulitalo (Cronulla Sharks), Griffin Neame (North Queensland Cowboys), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Warriors), Briton Nikora (Cronulla Sharks), Isaiah Papali'i (Wests Tigers), Joseph Tapine (Canberra Raiders), Leo Thompson (Newcastle Knights), Matthew Timoko (Canberra Raiders), Naufahu Whyte (Sydney Roosters).

Womens: Not announced

SAMOA:

Mens: Jesse Arthars (Brisbane Broncos), Daejarn Asi (Parramatta Eels), Gordon Chan Kum Tong (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles), Stephen Crichton (Penrith Panthers), Sualauvi Faalogo (Melbourne Storm), Royce Hunt (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Luciana Leilua (North Queensland Cowboys), Connelly Lemuelu (Dolphins), Spencer Leniu (Penrith Panthers), Heilum Luki (North Queensland Cowboys), Grey Marzhew (Newcastle Knights), Justin Matamua (Wests Tigers), Terrell May (Sydney Roosters), Karl Oloapu (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Keenan Palasia (Brisbane Broncos), Junior Paulo (Parramatta Eels), Izack Tago (Penrith Panthers), Murray Taulagi (North Queensland Cowboys), Young Tonumaipea (Melbourne Storm), Brian To'o (Penrith Panthers), Stefano Utoikamanu (Wests Tigers).

Womens: Niall Williams-Guthrie (Gold Coast Titans), Christian Pio (Wests Tigers), Annetta Nu'uausala (Brisbane Broncos), Onjeurlina Hunt (Auckland Vulcans), Makayla Eli (Auckland Vulcans), Taylor Mapusua (St George Dragons), Destiny Mino-Sinipati (Gold Coast Titans), Lindsay Tui (Parramatta Eels), Petesa Lio (Canberra Raiders), Pauline Piliae-Rasabale (Wests Tigers), Sienna Lofipo (Gold Coast Titans), Destiny Brill (Brisbane Broncos), Pihuka Berryman-Duff (Parramatta Eels), Fiona Jahnke (Cronulla Sharks), Jetaya Faifua (North Queensland Cowboys), Janelle Williams (Canberra Raiders), Tamerah Leati (Newcastle Knights), Tafao Asaua (Manly Sea Eagles), Malaela Sua (Gold Coast Titans), Anasis Afia (Apia, Samoa).

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Mens: Alex Johnston (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Benji Kot (PNG Hunters), Dan Russell (St. George Illawarra Dragons), Edwin Ipape (Leigh Leopards), Epel Kapinias (PNG Hunters), Jack de Belin (St George Illawarra Dragons), Jacob Alick (Gold Coast Titans), Judah Rimbu (PNG Hunters), Junior Rop (PNG Hunters), Justin Olam (Melbourne Storm), Kyle Laybutt (Townsville Blackhawks), Lachlan Lam (Leigh Leopards), Liam Horne (Castleford Tigers), Nene Macdonald (Leeds Rhinos), Nixon Putt (Castleford Tigers), Rhyse Martin (Leeds Rhinos), Robert Derby (North Queensland Cowboys), Rodrick Tai (PNG Hunters), Valentine Richard (Central Qld Capras), Wellington Albert (London Broncos), Zac Laybutt (North Queensland Cowboys).

Womens: Not announced

FIJI

Mens: Waqa Blake (Parramatta Eels), Jahream Bula (Wests Tigers), Kurt Donoghoe (Dolphins), Kitione Kautoga (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Tui Kamikamica (c) (Melbourne Storm), Sirilo Lovokuro (Kaiviti Silktails), Taane Milne (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Noah Nailagoliva (Newcastle Knights), Caleb Navale (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles), Jason Qareqare (Castleford Tigers), Mikaele Ravalawa (St George Illawarra Dragons), Mesake Ravonu (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Apisalome Saukuru (Wests Tigers), Maika Sivo (Parramatta Eels), Peni Tagituimua (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Sunia Turuva (Penrith Panthers), King Vuniyayawa (Salford Red Devils), Brandon Wakeham (Wests Tigers), Watisoni Waqanisaravi (Kaiviti Silktails), Gordon Whippy (Ipswich Jets).

Womens: Not announced

COOK ISLANDS

Mens: Tevin Arona, Rhys Dakin, Esom Ioka, Kadiyae Ioka, Kayal Iro, Makahesi Makatoa, Justin Estall-Makirere, Steven Marsters, Esan Marsters, Alvin Maungaati, Davvy Moale, Takai Mokohar, Malachi Morgan, Rua Ngatikaura, Pride Pettersen-Robati, Lucky Pokipoki, Reuben Porter, William Samuel, Brad Takairangi, Zane Tetevano, Isaiah Cooper-Tetevano

Womens: Not announced.

TONGA:

Mens: Latu Fainu (Manly Sea Eagles), Addin Fonua-Blake (NZ Warriors), Moeaki Fotuaika (Gold Coast Titans), Tyson Frizell (Newcastle Knights), Siliva Havili (South Sydney Rabbitohs), William Hopoate (St Helens), Konrad Hurrell (St Helens), Isaiya Katoa (Dolphins), Eliesa Katoa (Melbourne Storm), Felise Kaufusi (Dolphins), Keaon Koloamatangi (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Tolutau Koula (Manly Sea Eagles), Tuimoala Lolohea (Huddersfield Giants), Haumole Olakau’atu (Manly Sea Eagles), Will Penisini (Parramatta Eels), Hame Sele (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Mosese Suli (St George Illawarra Dragons), Tevita Tatola (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Dion Teaupa (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Starford Toa (Wests Tigers), Daniel Tupou (Sydney Roosters), Siua Wong (Sydney Roosters)

Womens: Tegan Dymock, Sarah Filimoeatu., Vanessa Foliaki, Jade Fonua, Litia Fusi, Fatafehi Hanisi, Haylee Hifo, Kalosipani Hopoate, Amelia Mafi, Shirley Mailangi, Shannon Muru, Natasha Penitani, Tiana Penitani, Dannii Perese, China Polata, Monica Samita, Lavinia Tauhalaliku, Cassey Tohi-Hiku, Folau Vaki, Langi Veainu

ENGLAND:

Mens: Not announced.

 

[SF]

Don't know where to start with that team.

Tedesco is a joke.

Val getting picked and serving the suspension in the tournament is probably even worse... what happened to Meninga's standards.

Seems like the rules only apply to Sharks players like Fifita and Barba.

Will be going for every other team.

 

[HaroldBishop]

Don't know where to start with that team.

Tedesco is a joke.

Val getting picked and serving the suspension in the tournament is probably even worse... what happened to Meninga's standards.

Seems like the rules only apply to Sharks players like Fifita and Barba.

Will be going for every other team.

Finger chooses when to impose his standards. Nice he allowed himself to visit his brother in jail.

 

[stormshark]

Yeah the LoveDetective Coaches pick, is a head scratch

 

[HaroldBishop]

Must be some pretty good props around ATM if Ellie didn't get selected.

 

[MrDravid]

Hunt named for Samoa

 

[Gards]

Ado Carr also named despite that brawl and police ect. on the weekend - maybe a different side to it but generally when an investigation is surrounding a player they are considered no go

Maybe Mal trying to make amends for his world cup snub

DCE should be captain, he's good in that role but guess he gunna be a benchy with Cleary starting (rightly so)

 

[Proud Shark]

Ado Carr also named despite that brawl and police ect. on the weekend - maybe a different side to it but generally when an investigation is surrounding a player they are considered no go

Maybe Mal trying to make amends for his world cup snub

DCE should be captain, he's good in that role but guess he gunna be a benchy with Cleary starting (rightly so)

I thought the story was that JAC was knocked out on the field and the brawl came off the back of that?

I may have it wrong though.

 

[Gards]

I thought the story was that JAC was knocked out on the field and the brawl came off the back of that?

I may have it wrong though.

Yea there are other versions of the story suggesting he wasn't knocked out but actually belted some bloke after being provoked

Regardless NRL are investigating JAC's role in it

I don't really care that he has been selected I just don't like the pick and choose approach to when a player gets a pass or when they are deemed unsuitable for rep duty

Andrew Fifita got thrown under the bus over nothings. Didn't assault someone, didn't break the law ect.

 

[Proud Shark]

Yea there are other versions of the story suggesting he wasn't knocked out but actually belted some bloke after being provoked

Regardless NRL are investigating JAC's role in it

I don't really care that he has been selected I just don't like the pick and choose approach to when a player gets a pass or when they are deemed unsuitable for rep duty

Andrew Fifita got thrown under the bus over nothings. Didn't assault someone, didn't break the law ect.

Yeah the fifita treatment in every capacity was complete BS.

 

[bort]

Ado Carr also named despite that brawl and police ect. on the weekend - maybe a different side to it but generally when an investigation is surrounding a player they are considered no go

Maybe Mal trying to make amends for his world cup snub

DCE should be captain, he's good in that role but guess he gunna be a benchy with Cleary starting (rightly so)

You can't bench DCE and Hunt and Hunt way more useful.
See who Meninga starts, some questions around Cleary and (minor) knee injury

 

[SF]

I thought the story was that JAC was knocked out on the field and the brawl came off the back of that?

I may have it wrong though.

Yeah I think it’s a bit of a non event, unfortunately there are a lot of young and old hotheads at the Koori KO, and most games have a bit of a push and shove, but most of it gets sorted out with a handshake and no malice. Whatever happened with JAC was unlikely to be his fault

 

[Addy]

I'd love for a old boys AUS vs NZ game, like what they used to do with the FOGs.

Players that are too old to be selected, or on the cusp of retirement, or even recently retired.

Do it for charity or make it serious, it would be fun to see

 

[BurgoShark]

3 Sharks named for the Tongan women.

Penitani, Dymock, Foliaki

Tonga
Tegan Dymock, Sarah Filimoeatu., Vanessa Foliaki, Jade Fonua, Litia Fusi, Fatafehi Hanisi, Haylee Hifo, Kalosipani Hopoate, Amelia Mafi, Shirley Mailangi, Shannon Muru, Natasha Penitani, Tiana Penitani, Dannii Perese, China Polata, Monica Samita, Lavinia Tauhalaliku, Cassey Tohi-Hiku, Folau Vaki, Langi Veainu

Tonga name Penitani, Polata in Pacific Championships squad

Cronulla Sharks captain Tiana Penitani and Cowboys utility China Polata headline the Tonga Women's squad to take part in this year's Pacific Championships.

www.nrl.com

 

[CrazyMatt]

3 Sharks named for the Tongan women.

Penitani, Dymock, Foliaki

Tonga
Tegan Dymock, Sarah Filimoeatu., Vanessa Foliaki, Jade Fonua, Litia Fusi, Fatafehi Hanisi, Haylee Hifo, Kalosipani Hopoate, Amelia Mafi, Shirley Mailangi, Shannon Muru, Natasha Penitani, Tiana Penitani, Dannii Perese, China Polata, Monica Samita, Lavinia Tauhalaliku, Cassey Tohi-Hiku, Folau Vaki, Langi Veainu

Tonga name Penitani, Polata in Pacific Championships squad

Cronulla Sharks captain Tiana Penitani and Cowboys utility China Polata headline the Tonga Women's squad to take part in this year's Pacific Championships.

www.nrl.com

Would have been helpful if they put their clubs next to their names like the other teams have. Oh well.

 

[HaroldBishop]

3 Sharks named for the Tongan women.

Penitani, Dymock, Foliaki

Tonga
Tegan Dymock, Sarah Filimoeatu., Vanessa Foliaki, Jade Fonua, Litia Fusi, Fatafehi Hanisi, Haylee Hifo, Kalosipani Hopoate, Amelia Mafi, Shirley Mailangi, Shannon Muru, Natasha Penitani, Tiana Penitani, Dannii Perese, China Polata, Monica Samita, Lavinia Tauhalaliku, Cassey Tohi-Hiku, Folau Vaki, Langi Veainu

Tonga name Penitani, Polata in Pacific Championships squad

Cronulla Sharks captain Tiana Penitani and Cowboys utility China Polata headline the Tonga Women's squad to take part in this year's Pacific Championships.

www.nrl.com

Looks like I'm going for Tonga.

 

[MrDravid]

Ronnie and Nikora make the Kiwi squad.

 

[BurgoShark]

Ronnie and Nikora make the Kiwi squad.

+ Biddle for the girls.

 

[Gumby]

Kiwis have a few missing from that squad which is a shame.