Source: RNZ
The players tasked with ending Australia’s Rugby League World Cup dominance have been named.
The Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns have announced their squads for this Sunday’s World Cup finals in Brisbane.
Both sides are chasing their first titles since 2008, and both are looking to end their opponents run of three crowns in a row.
“Our Kiwi Ferns have been so dominant in years gone by, and we want to bring dominance back to this jersey, so I think it will be a case of who wants it more,” said co-captain Georgia Hale of the impending clash.
The Kiwis get a major boost for the final as they welcome back Ronaldo Mulitalo after he served a one-match ban for a high tackle against Fiji Bati.
Mulitalo replaces Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, who moves to the six-man bench, which again includes utility Te Maire Martin, middle forwards Naufahu Whyte, Erin Clark and Xavier Willison plus fullback Keano Kini.
Loose forward Joseph Tapine will make his 30th Test appearance in a familiar pack again, including second-rowers Isaiah Papali’i and Briton Nikora, and props James Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota.
Winger Jamayne Isaako is on the cusp of claiming the New Zealand record for most Test points.
His five goals against Tonga lifted his career points tally to 225 – level with Shaun Johnson – while centre Casey McLean goes into the final with 16 tries in just eight Tests.
Fisher-Harris will again captain the team.
Fullback Ponga said the goal of the group was clear.
“We have high expectations around what we want to achieve, and obviously winning a world Cup is one of them.”
Meanwhile, Ricky Henry has selected a settled side to take on the Jillaroos, led by their lethal centre combination of Stacey Waaka and Mele Hufanga.
Veteran Apii Nicholls takes the number one jersey, Leianne Tufuga and Mackenzie Wiki on the wings.
Henry has stuck with his halves pairing of Chantay Kiria-Ratu and Raecene McGregor with Alexis Tauaneai, Georgia Hale and Otesa Pule up front.
Rounding out the starting pack is Shaniece Monschau, Kaiyah Atai, and Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa.
“We have been building well throughout the tournament; we understand the Jillaroos side, and will give it our all to make New Zealand proud this weekend,” said Henry.
RLWC Finals
November 15 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kiwi Ferns vs Jillaroos – 6.10pm (NZT)
Kiwi Ferns:
1. Apii Nicholls 2. Leianne Tufuga 3. Mele Hufanga 4. Stacey Waaka 5. Mackenzie Wiki 6. Chantay Kiria-Ratu 7. Raecene McGregor 8. Alexis Tauaneai 9. Georgia Hale 10. Otesa Pule 11. Shaniece Monschau 12. Kaiyah Atai 13. Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa.
Interchange: 14. Ashleigh Quinlan 15. Annessa Biddle 16. Shannon Mato 17. Ivana Lauitiiti.
Reserves: 18. Brooke Anderson 19. Zahara Temara 20. Brianna Clark 21. Abigail Roache 22. Tenika Willison.
Jillaroos
1. Tamika Upton, 2. Jaime Chapman, 3. Jessica Sergis, 4. Isabelle Kelly (c), 5. Abbi Church, 6. Jesse Southwell, 7. Tarryn Aiken, 8. Millie Elliott, 9. Olivia Higgins, 10. Simaima Taufa, 11. Tiana Penitani Gray, 12. Shaylee Bent, 13. Olivia Kernick.
Interchange: 14. Keeley Nizza, 15. Keilee Joseph, 16. Kezie Apps, 17. Sariah Paki.
Reserves: 18. Sheridan Gallagher, 19. Sarah Togatuki, 20. Quincy Dodd, 21. Jocelyn Kelleher, 22. Ellie Johnston, 23. Makenzie Weale.
Kiwis vs Kangaroos – 9.35pm (NZT)
Kiwis:
1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Jamayne Isaako, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Casey McLean, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. James Fisher-Harris (c), 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Moses Leota, 11. Isaiah Papali’i, 12. Briton Nikora, 13. Joseph Tapine (v/c).
Interchange: 14. Te Maire Martin, 15. Naufahu Whyte, 16. Erin Clark, 17. Xavier Willison.
Reserves: 18. Keano Kini, 19. Phoenix Crossland, 20. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 21. Scott Sorensen, 22. Leo Thompson.
Kangaroos
1.Reece Walsh, 2. Jack Bostock, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Bradman Best, 5. Tom Trbojevic, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Tom Dearden, 8. Patrick Carrigan, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11. Jacob Preston, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo (c).
Interchange: 14. Ethan Strange, 15. Keaon Koloamatangi, 16. Cameron Murray, 17. Reuben Cotter.
Reserves: 18. Latrell Mitchell, 19. Sam Walker, 20. Blayke Brailey, 21. Lindsay Smith, 22. James Tedesco, 23. David Fifita.
Digicel PNG has secured the exclusive broadcast and digital rights in the Pacific for the tournament and will screen matches to Tonga, PNG, and Fiji.
With support from New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), Pasifika TV will screen the men’s and women’s games to its affiliated broadcasters in other countries throughout the region.
For more information about match coverage, visit Pasifika TV or your local broadcaster.