Fiji and the Cook Islands will meet in Port Moresby this afternoon to kick off the 2025 Pacific Championships.
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MATCH CENTRE: Fiji v Cook Islands, score, stats, live blog
Both teams are looking for their first ever Pacific Bowl title, with PNG taking out the title in 2023 and 2024.
Fiji have won both previous meetings between these two sides (22-18 in 2023, 56-6 in 2024) and will be heavily favoured again given their team is littered with NRL stars, including Tigers duo Jahream Bula and Sunia Turuva and Dolphins utility Kurt Donoghoe.
Sharks star KL Iro will lead out the Cook Islands side. Iro hasn’t represented the nation since 2023. Broncos premiership hero Brendan Piakura will start at edge forward in his first international Test match appearance since 2022.
On Sunday, Samoa take on New Zealand in the first match of this year’s Pacific Cup.
Fiji team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Semi Valemei 4. Michael Jennings 5. Jethro Rinakama 6. Kurt Donoghoe 7. Brandon Wakeham 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Penioni Tagituimua 10. Michael Waqa 11. Taane Milne 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Caleb Navale 14. Terrell Kalo Kalo 15. Solomane Saukuru 16. Keresi Maya 17. Kylan Mafoa 19. Akuila Qoro
Cook Islands team: 6. Caelys-Paul Putoko2. Paul Ulberg 3. KL Iro 4. Reubenn Rennie 5. Esom Ioka 1. Esan Marsters 6. Brad Takairangi 7. Cassius Cowley 8. Makahesi Makatoa 9. Mason Teague 10. Tepai Moeroa 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Reuben Porter 13. Pride Petterson-Robati 14. Ruatapu Ngatikaura 16. Brody Tamarua 17. Rhys Dakin 18. Delahia Wigmore 20. Justin Makirere
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