Pacific Championships 2024

[taste2taste]

Frizell retired from rep, Penisini must've got dropped or I'm pretty sure he got injured this year. Olakau'atu and Katoa starting second rowers for me

To me it looks like Tonga are 1 middle forward short ? They must be planning to use Olakau'atu in the middle like he was for Origin ?

Bit disappointed to see Wong choose Tonga, he's previously represented Fiji and they need all the quality players they can to challenge the top teams...and it's not like Tonga are short on edge forwards lol

 

[Captain Apollo]

Minor injuries? Cleary is f**ked

I believe he needs surgery on his shoulder before next season.

 

[mikail-eagle]

 

[Mother Nature's Son]

Just wonder how many of the `injured` Kiwi players may have put their hands up if Bennett had been involved. Even if only as Stacey`s assistant. Jeez I hope that the NZRL know what they`re doing.
Worst case scenario I suppose, the Kiwis` playing either PNG or Fiji for the relegation/promotion spot at CommBank on the 10th of November. LOL

 

[mikail-eagle]

Just wonder how many of the `injured` Kiwi players may have put their hands up if Bennett had been involved. Even if only as Stacey`s assistant. Jeez I hope that the NZRL know what they`re doing.
Worst case scenario I suppose, the Kiwis` playing either PNG or Fiji for the relegation/promotion spot at CommBank on the 10th of November. LOL

Both PNG and Fiji are not at full strength this year so any relegation/promotion game won't be a problem for any of the Pacific Cup Teams this year.

 

[Matua]

That tongan forward pack is the most stacked out of the 3 teams they just need Katoa at halfback to lead them well

TBH, outside of that 2017 ambush we've always dealt with the hyped Tongan packs so I'm not actually that concerned despite no Leota. Speaking of Leota, did you guys poach him?

My biggest concern with the Kiwis is not the players but the coaching staff.

 

[titoelcolombiano]

Kiwis favourites?

Don't know why JMK didn't get picked, injury?

 

[Perth Red]

Hard to say who wins this, all 3 squads missing some big names.

 

[Clarkent]

TBH, outside of that 2017 ambush we've always dealt with the hyped Tongan packs so I'm not actually that concerned despite no Leota. Speaking of Leota, did you guys poach him?

My biggest concern with the Kiwis is not the players but the coaching staff.

Tongas forward pack is strong but Kiwis and Kangaroos forwards are nrl players too they can't be bullied but they can create better space and time for the halves to work. Which is why Katoa has a huge responsibility as a halfback to direct the ship. The problem is Tonga doesn't have a strong 6,9 or 1 to help him out. Leota is out injured and we can't poach a player that was already poached from us

 

[titoelcolombiano]

Just wonder how many of the `injured` Kiwi players may have put their hands up if Bennett had been involved. Even if only as Stacey`s assistant. Jeez I hope that the NZRL know what they`re doing.
Worst case scenario I suppose, the Kiwis` playing either PNG or Fiji for the relegation/promotion spot at CommBank on the 10th of November. LOL

Do you think the team is in trouble? I worry about Stacey's coaching but they do still have the quality of Hughes, JFH, Tapine and inform players like Isaako and Nikorima. I think they'll be tough to beat.

 

[Clarkent]

Hard to say who wins this, all 3 squads missing some big names.

I don't think Tonga are missing any big players out besides Penisini and Talakai? Unless they were both not good enough to be picked? Talakai is a huge shocker for me