2024 Pacific Championships - 18 Oct to 10 Nov

[Chins get the wins]

Its a bullshit argument. You need 17 p[layers to contribute. Having a guy who spends more than 70 minutes getting splinters in his bum does nothing. I mean, for example, did the Panthers carry a player like that on its interchange bench in the GF? Of course not. Burton is a luxury pick in my opinion as it just means you have your starters having to carry a greater workload.

Burton is the best 6 in the squad really but Mal can't really coach

 

[Penrose Warrior]

If we play like that in the final (if we make it) and are able to find something vaguely resembling NRL-standard attacking structure, we’ll be sweet. We have Aus covered physically.

Huge if. We had a high quality long-term (in an international coach sense) coach last year plus Brown/Hughes. Now we have Stacey Jones, CNK and a on the last sinew of his Achilles SJ. I can't see it improving.

Australia struggled too but profited from more X factor skill in their backline, which we largely don't have, either. We just have a strong pack with a lot of heart

 

[Manu Vatuvei]

Huge if. We had a high quality long-term (in an international coach sense) coach last year plus Brown/Hughes. Now we have Stacey Jones, CNK and a on the last sinew of his Achilles SJ. I can't see it improving.

Australia struggled too but profited from more X factor skill in their backline, which we largely don't have, either. We just have a strong pack with a lot of heart

Yeah, it’s a big if, but with a low bar. Our attack doesn’t have to be good at all, just vaguely competent - but it’s likely we’re not capable of that.

 

[Victoire]

I think the If is achievable though. This was the first game after all. The combinations etc can only get better. NZ have cause to be confident

 

[Mr. Shaman]

Burton is the best 6 in the squad really but Mal can't really coach

He’s more of a 3, maybe rounded up to 4. Ugly merkin.

 

[Chins get the wins]

He’s more of a 3, maybe rounded up to 4. Ugly merkin.

Hes f**king gorgeous you weirdo

 

[Penrose Warrior]

I think the If is achievable though. This was the first game after all. The combinations etc can only get better. NZ have cause to be confident

Hmmm it's more the personnel. Kini is a jet but is young and seemed to spend more time on his arse in game one (gee, his on-line defence was pretty poor, too). CNK is not a 6 at all, Crossland is a passable hooker but there's no dynamic nature to him, and SJ is one false step away from his Achilles folding all the way up to his arse and taking the rest of his foot with him. I just don't see points in that. Our wingers are jets but they need space.

 

[Mr. Shaman]

Hes f**king gorgeous you weirdo

He looks like Arseface from Preacher

 

[mozza91]

Hes f**king gorgeous you weirdo

He’s from Dubbo and has the head to prove it.

 

[MRN]

 

[Chins get the wins]

He’s from Dubbo and has the head to prove it.

Only one way to decide this............. @SLRBRONCOS is Burto hot or not?

 

[SLRBRONCOS]

Only one way to decide this............. @SLRBRONCOS is Burto hot or not?

Mehhhh. Mid. Bit of an odd bod, needs to do some more arm work. Would put one through him though. But I'd f**k Cameron Munster so I just need to be stopped at this point.

 

[Manu Vatuvei]

Hmmm it's more the personnel. Kini is a jet but is young and seemed to spend more time on his arse in game one (gee, his on-line defence was pretty poor, too). CNK is not a 6 at all, Crossland is a passable hooker but there's no dynamic nature to him, and SJ is one false step away from his Achilles folding all the way up to his arse and taking the rest of his foot with him. I just don't see points in that. Our wingers are jets but they need space.

Yeah you're right. As infuriating as the woefully clunky attack was, it's probably a hard ask to get much more out of this spine, and that's basically down to injury woes in the key spots.

Some of the stuff on Sunday was absolutely schoolboy though, like Crossland passing to no-one from dummy half or SJ throwing a pass behind his teammate and us going backwards 20 metres. Even allowing for a makeshift spine, dare I say it felt very under-coached. Hopefully we can sort some of those basics out.

CNK at 6 didn't work at all, and it's worth remembering that when he had a blinder at 6 vs Penrith, it was with TMM at 7. It just seems like when SJ is at 7 there is no sharing of the responsibilities at all. I think we need to try to make more use of Nikorima at 6, or perhaps Kini in more of a ballplaying role (although I'm not really sure how developed his game is in that regard). We don't have to change the shape for 80 minutes, we can tinker with it a bit as we have a few options.

 

[Bazal]

Hes f**king gorgeous you weirdo

He actually looks better in headgear. Maybe he should try a hockey mask

 

[League Unlimited News]

WEEK 3
New Zealand (M) v Tonga (M)
Sat November 2 2024, 6:05pm at Go Media Stadium, Penrose / Aotearoa

New Zealand (M)
1. Keano Kini 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Peta Hiku 5. William Warbrick 6. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 7. Shaun Johnson 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Isaiah Papali'i 12. Scott Sorensen 13. Naufahu Whyte 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Griffin Neame 16. Marata Niukore 17. Leo Thompson 18. Erin Clark 19. Jordan Riki 20. Casey McLean 21. Trent Toelau

Tonga (M)
1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Moses Suli 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Sione Katoa 6. Tuimoala Lolohea 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Siliva Havili 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Haumole Olakau'atu 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Soni Luke 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Taniela Paseka 17. Siua Wong 18. Tolutau Koula 19. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 20. Isaiah Iongi 21. Keaon Koloamatangi

Referee: Todd Smith; Sideline Officials: Paki Parkinson, Dave Munro; Video Referee: Wyatt Raymond

TEAMS: 2024 Pacific Championships - Men's Pacific Cup » League Unlimited

leagueunlimited.com

 

[League Unlimited News]

WEEK 3
Papua New Guinea (M) v Cook Islands (M)
Sun November 3 2024, 4:00pm at Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby / PNG

Papua New Guinea (W)
1. Nene Macdonald 2. Elijah Roltinga 3. Robert Mathias 4. Rodrick Tai 5. Robert Derby 6. Kyle Laybutt 7. Lachlan Lam 8. Valentine Richard 9. Judah Rimbu 10. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 11. Dan Russell 12. Jeremiah Simbiken 13. Jack de Belin 14. Liam Horne 15. Koso Bandi 16. Sylvester Namo 17. Ila Alu 18. Sanny Wabo 19. Morea Morea 20. Benji Kot 21. Finley Glare

Cook Islands (M)
1. Esom Ioka 2. Steven Marsters 3. Reubenn Rennie 4. Delahia Wigmore 5. Rixson Andrew 6. Brad Takairangi 7. Esan Marsters 8. Tepai Moeroa 9. Ruatapu Ngatikaura 10. Davvy Moale 11. Zane Tetevano 12. Reuben Porter 13. Pride Petterson-Robati 14. Kobe Tararo 15. Mason Teague 17. Justin Makirere 18. Junior Teroi 16. Rhys Dakin 19. Malachi Morgan 20. Makahesi Makatoa 21. Alex Glenn

Referee: Peter Gough; Sideline Officials: Michael Wise, Phil Henderson; Video Referee: Chris Butler

TEAMS: 2024 Pacific Championships - Men's Pacific Bowl » League Unlimited

leagueunlimited.com

 

[League Unlimited News]

WEEK 3
Papua New Guinea (W) v New Zealand (W)
Sun November 3 2024, 1:55pm at Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby / PNG

Papua New Guinea (W)
1. Shae Yvonne De La Cruz 2. Mala Mark 3. Belinda Gwasamun 4. Jenny Wesley 5. Lyiannah Allan 6. Sera Koroi 7. Ua Ravu 8. Elsie Albert 9. Therese Aiton 10. Essay Banu 11. Leila Kerowa 12. Emily Veivers 13. Sareka Mooka 14. Delailah Ahose 15. Jessikah Reeves 16. Gloria Kaupa 17. Yolanda Taute 18. Lilah Malabag 19. Roswita Kapo 20. Meli Joe 21. Talitha Kunjil

New Zealand (W)
1. Shanice Parker 2. Mackenzie Wiki 3. Mele Hufanga 4. Abigail Roache 5. Leianne Tufuga 6. Gayle Broughton 7. Tyla King 8. Brianna Clark 9. Brooke Anderson 10. Alexis Tauaneai 11. Najvada George 12. Amber Hall 13. Georgia Hale 14. Ash Quinlan 15. Otesa Pule 16. Brooke Talataina 17. Angelina Teakaraanga Katoa 18. Cheyelle Robins-Reti

Referee: Daniel Schwass; Sideline Officials: Chris Sutton, George Kadui; Video Referee: Chris Butler

TEAMS: 2024 Pacific Championships - Women's Pacific Cup » League Unlimited

leagueunlimited.com

 

[League Unlimited News]

Bowl FINAL
Samoa (W) v Fiji (W)
Sat November 2 2024, 3:35pm at Go Media Stadium, Penrose / Aoteroa

Samoa (W)
1. Evania Pelite 2. Mercedez Taulelei-Siala 3. Lindsay Tui 4. Sarina Masaga 5. Jessica Patea 6. Tavarna Papalii 7. Pauline Piliae 8. Annetta Nuuausala 9. Destiny Brill 10. Laikha Clarke 11. Monalisa Soliola 12. Christian Pio 13. Sienna Lofipo 14. Jetaya Faifua 15. Simone Karpani 16. Pihuka Berryman-Duff 17. Evah McEwen 18. Jasmine Fogavini 19. Makayla Eli 20. Viena Tinao

Fiji (W)
1. Cassie Staples 4. Vitalina Naikore 3. Sienna Laing 6. Taina Naividi 19. Abigayle Sekitoga 17. Luisa Yaranamua 5. Losana Lutu 2. Ilisapeci Bari 9. Sereana Naitokatoka 8. Sereana Maragi 11. Nanise Vakacavu 12. Latisha Smythe 18. Talei Holmes 14. Anastacia Shum-Cottrell 20. Mere Kilawekana 21. Ema Rainima 25. Teaghan Hartigan 10. Asenaca Diranuve 15. Rory Muller 23. Rusila Camaibure 24. Ateca Naicaucauceva

Referee: Belinda Sharpe; Sideline Officials: Jack Feavers, Drew Oultram; Video Referee: Liam Kennedy

TEAMS: 2024 Pacific Championships - Women's Pacific Bowl » League Unlimited

leagueunlimited.com

 

[taste2taste]

WEEK 3
New Zealand (M) v Tonga (M)
Sat November 2 2024, 6:05pm at Go Media Stadium, Penrose / Aotearoa

New Zealand (M)
1. Keano Kini 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Peta Hiku 5. William Warbrick 6. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 7. Shaun Johnson 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Isaiah Papali'i 12. Scott Sorensen 13. Naufahu Whyte 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Griffin Neame 16. Marata Niukore 17. Leo Thompson 18. Erin Clark 19. Jordan Riki 20. Casey McLean 21. Trent Toelau

Tonga (M)
1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Moses Suli 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Sione Katoa 6. Tuimoala Lolohea 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Siliva Havili 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Haumole Olakau'atu 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Soni Luke 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Taniela Paseka 17. Siua Wong 18. Tolutau Koula 19. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 20. Isaiah Iongi 21. Keaon Koloamatangi

Officials not yet announced.

TEAMS: 2024 Pacific Championships - Men's Pacific Cup » League Unlimited

leagueunlimited.com

Tonga have no Koloamatangi or Koula ?

it’s like the selectors sat around and said ” how can we guarantee we dont score any points ?”

 

[Scootsie]

WEEK 3
New Zealand (M) v Tonga (M)
Sat November 2 2024, 6:05pm at Go Media Stadium, Penrose / Aotearoa

New Zealand (M)
1. Keano Kini 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Peta Hiku 5. William Warbrick 6. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 7. Shaun Johnson 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Isaiah Papali'i 12. Scott Sorensen 13. Naufahu Whyte 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Griffin Neame 16. Marata Niukore 17. Leo Thompson 18. Erin Clark 19. Jordan Riki 20. Casey McLean 21. Trent Toelau

Tonga (M)
1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Moses Suli 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Sione Katoa 6. Tuimoala Lolohea 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Siliva Havili 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Haumole Olakau'atu 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Soni Luke 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Taniela Paseka 17. Siua Wong 18. Tolutau Koula 19. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 20. Isaiah Iongi 21. Keaon Koloamatangi

Referee: Todd Smith; Sideline Officials: Paki Parkinson, Dave Munro; Video Referee: Wyatt Raymond

TEAMS: 2024 Pacific Championships - Men's Pacific Cup » League Unlimited

leagueunlimited.com

This is an interesting matchup I reckon. Might even go so far as to predict a Tongan victory.
Winner will obviously play Australia in the final, so a lot at stake.