Kiwis and Jillaroos Triumph at Pacific Championships: A Weekend of Glory, Emotion and Dominance

Kiwis rise from behind to lift the Pacific Championships title

On a warm evening in Parramatta, New Zealand’s rugby league faithful were given a moment they’ll never forget. The Kiwis stormed back from a 12-point deficit to crush Samoa 36-14 in the men’s Pacific Championships final — a comeback that encapsulated everything about their spirit, resilience, and pride.

For Kieran Foran, this wasn’t just another Test match. It was the end of a 16-year international journey that began with youthful dreams and ended with the veteran playmaker hoisting silverware for his beloved country. At 35, Foran made his 34th and final appearance in the black and white jersey, and fittingly, he was at the heart of New Zealand’s stirring revival.

“It’s been an incredible journey,” Foran said, emotion cracking his voice after the match. “I wanted it so badly for New Zealand. Playing for my country has meant everything to me.”

New Zealand’s second Pacific Championships triumph in three years was anything but straightforward. Samoa — still chasing their first major international trophy after the heartbreak of losing the World Cup final to Australia at Old Trafford three years ago — came out with intent. Early tries from Brian To’o and Simi Sasagi put them 12-0 up, and for a while, it looked like the underdogs might finally have their day.

But as the game wore on, New Zealand’s experience and depth began to tell. Interchange forwards Naufahu Whyte and Erin Clark brought fresh energy off the bench, while Dylan Brown — later named man of the match — orchestrated the comeback with composure and craft.

A try from Whyte before half-time kept the Kiwis within reach, trailing 14-6 at the break. And when the teams re-emerged, the momentum had completely shifted. Foran and Brown combined brilliantly to send Isaiah Papali’i crashing over just minutes after the restart, before Jamayne Isaako’s penalty levelled the scores.

From there, the floodgates opened. Clark, Casey McLean, Papali’i again, and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad all crossed the line in a dazzling second-half blitz that left Samoa gasping for breath. The Kiwis piled on 30 unanswered points, their attack humming, their defence unbreakable.

The final whistle brought with it a wave of emotion — not only for the retiring Foran, who will now transition into coaching with the Manly Sea Eagles, but also for a New Zealand side that had weathered criticism in recent years about consistency and killer instinct. This performance answered those questions emphatically.

“It’s a proud night for us,” said coach Michael Maguire. “We stuck together when things weren’t going our way, and that second half showed what this team is capable of when we trust our process.”

With the world champions Australia sitting out the men’s competition due to their Ashes series commitments in England, this was New Zealand’s stage — and they seized it.

Jillaroos prove unstoppable again in Pacific Championships women’s final

Kieran Foran with his partner and son Championships

If the men’s final was about grit and redemption, the women’s final was all about dominance. The Australian Jillaroos once again proved why they’re considered the best team in the world, demolishing New Zealand 40-8 at Western Sydney Stadium to retain their Pacific Championships crown.

It was a performance dripping in class, power, and precision. Julia Robinson was electric on the right edge, scoring twice as the Jillaroos ran in seven tries in total. Olivia Kernick, Keilee Joseph, Ellie Johnston, Jessica Sergis, and Tamika Upton also crossed, each try underlining the team’s extraordinary depth.

For New Zealand, who had pushed Australia close in a tight 10-4 loss during the group stage, this final was another painful reminder of just how far ahead the Jillaroos remain. Even so, Shanice Parker and Tysha Ikenasio’s second-half tries provided some pride for the Ferns — and a glimpse of their fighting spirit.

Australia, who began their season with a jaw-dropping 90-4 win over England in Las Vegas, have simply not taken a backward step all year. Their defensive organisation, their relentless pace, and their composure under pressure make them nearly impossible to break down.

In truth, the final was over before it began. Kernick opened the scoring in the third minute, bursting through the New Zealand line with sheer strength. Then came a moment of brilliance from Robinson — leaping high to pluck Jesse Southwell’s looping kick out of the air before touching down spectacularly in the corner.

By the 31st minute, it was 24-0. The Jillaroos were ruthless, methodical, and utterly dominant. Johnston’s try just before the break summed it up — a simple crash play that showed how much Australia’s physical edge matters at this level.

The second half saw New Zealand rally briefly, crossing twice, but any faint hopes of a comeback were quickly extinguished. Sergis, Upton, and Robinson added further tries, bringing the scoreline to 40-8 and sealing yet another emphatic title.

A weekend that showcased the Pacific’s passion for rugby league

For fans across the Pacific, the Championships have become more than just a tournament — they’re a celebration of identity, pride, and community. From the haka to the siva tau, the songs, the drums, and the emotion in the stands, the event continues to grow in significance each year.

This edition was no different. Parramatta’s Western Sydney Stadium pulsed with life across both finals, the crowd split between black and gold, green and gold, singing, dancing, and waving flags well into the night.

Foran’s farewell added a layer of poignancy, while the Jillaroos’ brilliance reminded everyone just how high the bar now sits in women’s rugby league.

As the dust settles, the Pacific Championships once again delivered everything it promised — heart, skill, and stories that go beyond the scoreboard.

For New Zealand, there was joy and relief. For Australia’s women, pure dominance. For the rest of the Pacific nations, inspiration to push harder, go further, and believe that their moment too will come.

And for Kieran Foran — a warrior who gave everything for his jersey — it was the perfect ending. A final triumph, a fitting goodbye, and a legacy that will linger long after the lights in Parramatta fade.