2025 Pacific Championships - 18 Oct to 9 Nov

[Matiunz]

Facebook

www.facebook.com

seriously how was this guy allowed to start the game?

 

[Matiunz]

That's the eternal issue, but it's definitely having more of a negative impact on the game in HB than it has before, which is sucky for the sport in the region.

If you look at their social media it’s pretty obvious what their target market is. Lived in all of the lower north island provinces (HB, Taranaki, Manawatu and Wellington) and have family in BOP and Waikato and it’s exactly the same there. It’s not really inclusive outside of certain demographics and doesn’t particularly seem to want to be.
Played union in each of those provinces (as well as Sydney) and you had a much broader cross section from both ends of the spectrum.

 

[undertaker]

Question to the folk living across the ditch:

Did the Kiwis winning the 2008 World Cup (and to a lesser extent, the 2005 tri-nations, 2010 & 2014 four nations and 2023 Pacific Championships) have much of an impact on the growth, development and public perception of rugby league over there among New Zealanders in general?

 

[undertaker]

Tonga been disappointing this series

Yes.

But then I have to remember they were resoundly beaten not just by New Zealand, but also by the only team outside of Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain/England and France to have made the RLWC final.

 

[Matua]

Boys what we need to do for games like this is get a rich benefactor to buy about 30,000 tickets (a la Eric Watson in 02-03 at Wahs finals games in Sydney), and then give them to maraes and some to Brian Tamaki to disperse amongst his followers. They'll support the Kiwis.

I'd rather people support the Tongan's than have the Destiny cult involved.

But if I ever become a rich benefactor I'll definitely distribute them to Marae, Samoan churches, and accounting firms.

 

[Matua]

If you look at their social media it’s pretty obvious what their target market is. Lived in all of the lower north island provinces (HB, Taranaki, Manawatu and Wellington) and have family in BOP and Waikato and it’s exactly the same there. It’s not really inclusive outside of certain demographics and doesn’t particularly seem to want to be.
Played union in each of those provinces (as well as Sydney) and you had a much broader cross section from both ends of the spectrum.

Does HB league have social media? I'll have to check it out.

Question to the folk living across the ditch:

Did the Kiwis winning the 2008 World Cup (and to a lesser extent, the 2005 tri-nations, 2010 & 2014 four nations and 2023 Pacific Championships) have much of an impact on the growth, development and public perception of rugby league over there among New Zealanders in general?

I think there must have been little bumps at the time, but interspersed with a lot of those years is lots of Warriors drudgery that likely wipes out the gains.

 

[Matiunz]

Does HB league have social media? I'll have to check it out.


I think there must have been little bumps at the time, but interspersed with a lot of those years is lots of Warriors drudgery that likely wipes out the gains.

Rugby League Hawkes Bay

Rugby League Hawkes Bay. 4,266 likes · 173 talking about this. Rugby League Hawkes Bay is the home of NKRL & HBUNICORNS 🔥 like & follow to keep up to date 💯✅ Instagram: RugbyLeaguehb

www.facebook.com

 

[Matua]

Rugby League Hawkes Bay

Rugby League Hawkes Bay. 4,266 likes · 173 talking about this. Rugby League Hawkes Bay is the home of NKRL & HBUNICORNS 🔥 like & follow to keep up to date 💯✅ Instagram: RugbyLeaguehb

www.facebook.com

Cheers. I don't go on FB so sadly wont be checking it out.

 

[Bobby DIGital]

I'd rather people support the Tongan's than have the Destiny cult involved.

But if I ever become a rich benefactor I'll definitely distribute them to Marae, Samoan churches, and accounting firms.

Haha fair enough bro, was just joking.

I went to Taupo for a polytech trip in 2000 and we visited Tamaki tours. I saw one of the brothers there and he was wearing leather pants thinking he was Slash from GnR or something. Unsure if it was Brian or the other one.

But yeah I'd only give tickets to the churches of current samoan kiwi players, and ensure they're Kiwis fans.

Also, being from Porirua I have also seen the gang connection to the game in my home town.

 

[Matua]

Haha fair enough bro, was just joking.

I went to Taupo for a polytech trip in 2000 and we visited Tamaki tours. I saw one of the brothers there and he was wearing leather pants thinking he was Slash from GnR or something. Unsure if it was Brian or the other one.

But yeah I'd only give tickets to the churches of current samoan kiwi players, and ensure they're Kiwis fans.

Also, being from Porirua I have also seen the gang connection to the game in my home town.

I think it's two separate brothers that have Tamaki tours? I think Brian makes all his money from the Destiny grift.

 

[League Unlimited News]

Women's Pacific Cup Final
Australia v New Zealand
Sun November 9 2025, 1:35pm | Commbank Stadium, Parramatta / Burramattagal

Australia
1. Tamika Upton 2. Julia Robinson 3. Isabelle Kelly 4. Tiana Penitani 5. Jakiya Whitfeld 6. Ali Brigginshaw 7. Jesse Southwell 8. Ellie Johnston 9. Olivia Higgins 10. Jessika Elliston 11. Kezie Apps 12. Yasmin Clydsdale 13. Olivia Kernick 14. Quincy Dodd 15. Keilee Joseph 16. Jessica Sergis 17. Rima Butler 18. Sarah Togatuki 19. Abbi Church 20. Jocelyn Kelleher

Out: Keeley Davis (hooker), Sarah Togatuki (bench to reserve), Abbi Church (fullback to bench)
In: Tamika Upton (fullback), Jakiya Whitfeld (wing), Olivia Higgins (hooker)
Changes: Jessica Sergis (wing to bench)

New Zealand
1. Apii Nicholls 2. Tysha Ikenasio 3. Mele Hufanga 4. Abigail Roache 5. Shanice Parker 6. Ash Quinlan 7. Raecene McGregor 8. Angelina Teakaraanga Katoa 9. Brooke Anderson 10. Tiana Davison 11. Annessa Biddle 12. Otesa Pule 13. Georgia Hale 14. Tyla King 15. Shaniece Monschau 16. Alexis Tauaneai 17. Ivana Lauitiiti 18. Shakira Baker 19. Patricia Maliepo 20. Trinity Tauaneai

Out: Leianne Tufuga (wing), Patricia Maliepo (five-eighth to reserve)
In: Tysha Ikenasio (wing), Tyla King (bench)
Changes: Ashleigh Quinlan (bench to five-eighth)

Referee: Belinda Sharpe; Sideline Officials: Phil Henderson, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski; Video Referee: Adam Gee

TEAMS: Pacific Championship - 2025 Women's Pacific Cup » League Unlimited

leagueunlimited.com

_______

Men's Pacific Cup Final
New Zealand v Samoa
Sun November 9 2025, 4:05pm | Commbank Stadium, Parramatta / Burramattagal

New Zealand
1. Keano Kini 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 5. Casey McLean 6. Dylan Brown 7. Kieran Foran 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Moses Leota 11. Briton Nikora 12. Isaiah Papali'i 13. Joseph Tapine 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Erin Clark 17. Xavier Willison 18. Scott Sorensen 19. Zach Dockar-Clay 20. Josiah Karapani

Changes: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (fullback to centre), Casey Mclean (centre to wing), Keano Kini (wing to fullback)

Samoa
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Brian To'o 3. Izack Tago 4. Deine Mariner 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Jarome Luai 8. Francis Molo 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Payne Haas 11. Jaydn Su'A 12. Simi Sasagi 13. Junior Paulo 14. Chanel Harris-Tavita 15. Benaiah Ioelu 16. Terrell May 17. Josh Papali'i 18. Ata Mariota 19. Ativalu Lisati 20. Clayton Faulalo 21. Lyhkan King-Togia

Out: Jeremiah Nanai (second row)
In: Jaydn Su'A (second row)
Changes: Benaiah Ioelu (hooker to bench), Jazz Tevaga (bench to hooker)

Referee: Ashley Klein; Sideline Officials: Drew Oultram, Dave Munro; Video Referee: Chris Butler

https://leagueunlimited.com/news/leagueunlimited-intl-m-teams-2025-pacific-cup/

 

[Bobby DIGital]

I think it's two separate brothers that have Tamaki tours? I think Brian makes all his money from the Destiny grift.

True that, just googled and confirmed it too. All these years I thought Brian transitioned from a tour guide to a bishop.

It was in Rotorua where we visited Tamaki tours, not Taupo sorry. We went to both places on that trip and my memories of it are in a boozy haze.

 

[JamesRustle]

Nrl could’ve copped a lawsuit after he was passed fit to play after 3 knocks and the pre game one was bad

Is the Pac Champs sanctioned or administered by the NRL, or does it come under IRL or the national administrations of the competing nations?

 

[Wb1234]

Is the Pac Champs sanctioned or administered by the NRL, or does it come under IRL or the national administrations of the competing nations?

Nrl

 

[This Year?]

Jess looks sexy as f**k in green and gold.

 

[This Year?]

The hug at the end was cute.

 

[This Year?]

Not a good start for the Ferns.

 

[This Year?]

What a take by superwoman! The step after landing was awesome too.

 

[mozza91]

Australia finally pick their best hooker and immediately the go forward and attack looks better. Having the forehead back helps too.

 

[This Year?]

Didn't need that Ali.