A four-try performance by Jahream Bula has helped Fiji to a commanding victory over Cook Islands in the opening game of the Pacific Championships in Port Moresby.

The fullback became the first player to score four tries in a Test match for Fiji and he did it in spectacular fashion. Bula had a hat-trick in 12 minutes before adding a fourth three minutes before half time. 

The shell-shocked Aitu slowly found their groove and battled to get back into the contest after the break. While they put pressure on the Bati, the deficit proved too great to overcome. 

Fiji worked hard in defence to close out the contest and secure a 44-24 win. 

While the Cook Islands men fell to the Bati, it was a more positive afternoon for the nation’s women’s team. 


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Orchids v Moana – Week 1, 2025

Halfback Chantay Kiria-Ratu was outstanding as she led the Moana to a 34-6 victory over Papua New Guinea. 

Winger Paulina Morris-Ponga finished the game with a hat-trick to set the stage for a clash with Tonga next Saturday. 

 

Catch up on all the Pacific Championships action on NRL.com’s live blog.

Men’s Pacific Bowl: Fiji Bati v Cook Islands Aitu


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Bati: Week 1, 2025


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Aitu: Week 1, 2025


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Bati v Aitu – Week 1, 2025


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Pride Petterson-Robati Try

Full-time: The Cook Islands have finished the match off with a try but it’s not enough to overcome a high-quality showing by the Fiji Bati. Jahream Bula set the platform in the first half, scoring four tries, including three in the opening 12 minutes, before the Bati knuckled down after the break to grind their way to a 44-24 victory. Bati 44 – Aitu 24.


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Solomone Saukuru Try

78th minute: Solomone Saukuruhas put the icing on the cake for the Bati, carrying multiple defenders over the line to get the ball down and secure a comprehensive victory for Fiji. Bati 44 – Aitu 18.

75th minute: Now the Aitu have launched a Captain’s Challenge after Makahesi Makatoa was ruled to have spilled the ball while attempting to score. The Bunker quickly dismisses the appeal and Fiji have a scrum 10 metres out from their own line. Bati 40 – Aitu 18.

73rd minute: We’ve got a Captain’s Challenge by Fiji, who are contesting a knock on ruling. The Bunker, however, has dismissed the appeal and Cook Islands have a scrum 40 metres out from the try line. Bati 40 – Aitu 18.


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Kurt Donoghoe Try

67th minute: Fiji have capitalised on a Cook Islands miscommunication, with two players colliding as they attempted to catch a bomb. Kurt Donoghoe was on the spot and pounced on the loose ball to extend his side’s lead. Time is fast becoming a problem for the Aitu with Fiji one step closer to victory. Bati 40 – Aitu 18.


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Reubenn Rennie Try

64th minute: Cook Islands are not done yet, with the Aitu recovering a short kick off. They quickly made the most of the attacking opportunity and Reubenn Rennie charged on to a short ball to burst through the defensive line and narrow the deficit. Bati 34 – Aitu 18.


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Kitione Kautoga Try

62nd minute: Fiji have wrestled back control of the contest, with Suni Turuva coming agonisingly close to scoring on the left edge. The ball eventually found its way to the right flank and Kitione Kautoga burst through the line to extend his side’s lead. Bati 34 – Aitu 12.


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Justin Makirere Try

55th minute: This time there’s no denying the Aitu, with Justin Makirere charging over and getting the ball down. The try cuts the deficit to less than three converted tries, with Taane Milne having another four minutes in the sin bin before her returns to the field. Bati 28 – Aitu 12. 

49th minute: A big opportunity for the Cook Islands in the next 10 minutes after Taane Milne was sent to the sin bin for a high shot. Mason Teague has claimed a try after burrowing over from dummy half, with the referee sending it upstairs. There’s a lot of bodies in the mix and the Bunker has confirmed the on-field decision of held up. Bati 28 – Aitu 6. 

43rd minute: Michael Jennings has just made an incredible try-saving tackle to deny Cook Islands what looked to be a certain try. Jahream Bula was involved, doing just enough to slow Paul Ulberg before Jennings came in over the top to hold the ball up. The Aitu needed to make the most of every opportunity if they are to pull off a comeback and that was one they let slip. Bati 28 – Aitu 6. 

Kick-off: We are back for the second half, with the kick off hanging in the wind in a sign of how strong this breeze is in Port Moresby. The short kick gives Fiji early field position but they have turned the ball over and Cook Islands have a scrum near the halfway line as they look to strike first. Bati 28 – Aitu 6. 

Half-time: It was Jahream Bula’s half in Port Moresby, with the Fiji fullback crossing for four tries, including three in the first 12 minutes in a remarkable solo performance. Bula’s efforts have helped Fiji jump out to a 28-6 lead at the break. Cook Islands have a lot of work to do after the break if they are to get back into this one, with their quest made even tougher by the fact they will be running into the wind in the second. Bati 28 – Aitu 6.


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Jahream Bula 4th Try

38th minute: Cook Islands are celebrating a try after a miscommunication led to a Fiji error off a kick, with the Esom Ioka pouncing on the loose ball in the in goal. The referee, however, has ruled the Aitu chasers were offside and disallowed the try. It didn’t take the Bati long to capitalise, with Jahream Bula chasing through his own grubber to score his fourth try of the afternoon. Bati 28 – Aitu 6.


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Kayal Iro Try

28th minute: The Aitu have got one back, with captain KL Iro breaking multiple tackles, spinning past the fullback and battling his way past the goal post to slam the ball down and put his side on the board. Fiji’s cause has also been dealt a blow with winger Jethro Rinakama leaving the field with an injury. Bati 24 – Aitu 6.


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Caleb Navale Try

21st minute: We’re back to the Bunker with Fiji forward Caleb Navale winning the race for the ball in the in-goal. The video referee took a close look at the grounding before ultimately clearing it and awarding the try. Bati 24 – Aitu 0.


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Jahream Bula 3rd Try


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Rinakama with an intercept

13th minute: Jahream Bula has a hat-trick after just 13 minutes and it’s a Fijian Bati onslaught. The action started with Cook Islands on the attack, with right winger Jethro Rinakama scooping up a loose ball and running 70 metres to put his side on the attack. The Bati quickly shifted left, with Bula finishing it off after receiving the ball close to the line. Bati 18 – Aitu 0.


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Jahream Bula 2nd Try

10th minute: It’s the Jahream Bula show in Port Moresby, with the fullback crossing for his second try of the afternoon. Cook Islands put the kick off dead on the full to hand Fiji more attacking field position and Bula took advantage. The fullback danced across field before straightening and slicing through for the try. Bati 12 – Aitu 0.


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Jahream Bula Try

6th minute: We are off to the Bunker for the first time today, with Jahream Bula claiming a try for Fiji. The Bati kept the ball alive with multiple offloads and the ball did hit the deck on a number of occasions. Bula created an overlap to send Jethro Rinakama away down the wing before following through on the inside to receive the offload and score the try. The Bunker gave it a close inspection before ultimately ruling the ball always travelled backwards and awarding the try. Bati 6 – Aitu 0.


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Aitu set the tone with the Pe’e

Kick-off: The Cook Islands have performed their Pe’e before Fiji responded with their tradition pre-game hymn. The Aitu will have first use of the ball and will have the wind behind their backs as they look to begin the match on the front foot. Bati 0 – Aitu 0.

Late Mail

Fiji: No changes to the 17, with only a swap amongst the centres, Semi Valemei and Michael Jennings. Akuila Qoro will line up as 18th man. 18th player. Prop Michael Waqa and interchange trio Solomone Saukuru, Terrell Kalo Kalo and Keresi Maya make their international debuts. Also coming off the bench is rising prop Kylan Mafoa, who made his Bati debut in last year’s Pacific Bowl clash against Cook Islands and played the final five rounds of NSW Cup for Manly this season. After coming off the bench in 19 of his 24 games for the Storm in 2025, captain Tui Kamikamica will relish a starting role in his 22nd Test match. Halfback Brandon Wakeham plays his 11th Test and first since the 2023 Pacific Bowl final against PNG.

Cook Islands: Coach Karmichael Hunt has made a late change to his spine on game day, with Esan Marsters moving from fullback to five-eighth and Caelys-Paul Putoko shifting to fullback. The changes comes after Hunt made a swap to the bench a day out from the game, with Justin Makirere coming onto the interchange, shifting Delahia Wigmore to 18th player. Premiership-winning Bronco Brendan Piakura will look to set the tone as the Aitu chase their first win over Fiji since the 2009 Pacific Cup semi-final in Port Moresby. Plenty of NRL experience in the shape of Tepai Moeroa (134 games), while star centre KL Iro is coming off 12 tries in 14 games for the Sharks in 2025. Wynnum Manly Seagulls halfback Cassius Cowley makes his Test debut and Mason Teague lines up at hooker in is third international. Rabbitohs NSW Cup rake Rua Ngatikaura will back Teague up from the bench in his seventh Test for Cook Islands.

 

Women’s Pacific Bowl: PNG Orchids v Cook Islands Moana


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Orchids: Week 1, 2025


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Moana: Week 1, 2025


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Orchids v Moana – Week 1, 2025

Full-time: Chantay Kiria-Ratu has guided Cook Islands to a comprehensive victory over Papua New Guina at Santos National Football Stadium. The emerging halfback was in the thick of the action as her side ran in seven tries to one to claim a 34-6 win. Orchids 6 – Moana 34.


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Paulina Morris-Ponga 3rd Try

67th minute: Paulina Morris-Ponga has a hat-trick and the Moana are on track for their first victory over the Orchids. The winger finished off another well-worked left shift to score in the corner and extend her side’s lead as the clock ticks down. Orchids 6 – Moana 34


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Kerehitina Matua Try

60th minute: Cook Islands have likely put this game to bed now. After absorbing plenty of pressure on their own line, the visitors managed to flip the field and they eventually extended their lead when Kerehitina Matua crashed over. Orchids 6 – Moana 30

52nd minute: We have paused for the second half drinks break, with Papua New Guinea fighting to close the gap. The hosts have had plenty of attacking opportunities in the past few minutes but haven’t been able to break down a staunch Cook Islands defence. With 18 minutes remaining, the Orchids need to score soon if they are to mount a comeback bid. Orchids 6 – Moana 24.


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Memory Paitai Try

44th minute: Cook Islands have wasted no time extending their lead after the break. A Chantay Kiria-Ratu kick forced an Orchids error and earned a repeat set. Kiarah Siauane put the visitors on the front foot before Kiana Takairangi took advantage of a quick play the ball to send Memory Paitai over for the first points of the second half. Orchids 6 – Moana 24.


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Vintage Elsie Albert

Kick-off: We are back for the second half, with Chantay Kiria-Ratu kicking things off and Elsie Albert making a powerful charge to leave multiple defenders in her wake. The Orchids skipper is determined to inspire her teammates as they look to score first and finish over the top of Cook Islands. Orchids 6 – Cook Islands 20.


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Hannah Makira Try

Half-time: The Cook Islands have landed a decisive blow on the stroke of half-time, with the visitors executing an excellent right shift. The Moana had a numbers advantage, Chantay Kiria-Ratu stepped past the rushing defence and it was simple hands for Hannah Makira to score in the final play of the half. Orchids 6 – Moana 20. 

33rd minute: The tough conditions are starting to take their toll, with players from both sides succumbing to injuries. Orchids forward Essay Banu appeared to hurt her leg while trying to charge over the line, with the Cowboys star helped from the field. Kaiyah Atai was the player from the Moana who picked up an injury, leaving the field with a leg concern. Orchids 6 – Moana 16.


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Paulina Morris-Ponga 2nd Try

24th minute: Paulina Morris-Ponga has a double as Cook Islands extend their lead. A penalty immediately after the drinks break put the visitors back on the attack and it didn’t take them long to capitalise. Fullback Kiana Takairangi swept around to the left to create an extra player before some slick hands saw Morris-Ponga finish it off in the corner. Orchids 6 – Moana 16


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Ginn saves a try

20th minute: We have paused for the first half drinks break, with the mercury soaring above 30 degrees in Port Moresby. Papua New Guinea have started to work their way back into this contest in the past few minutes. Fullback Fleur Ginn produced an outstanding try-saving tackle to prevent a third Cook Islands four-pointer before the forwards made a series of dominant carries to put the hosts back on the front foot with ball in hand. Orchids 6 – Moana 12.


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Chantay Kiria-Ratu Try

16th minute: Chantay Kiria-Ratu was in the thick of the action for the first try and she’s done it all herself for Cook Islands’ second try. A penalty put the visitors back on the attack before the halfback drifted across field, shaped to pass, threw a dummy and sliced straight through the Papua New Guinea defensive line to put her side in front. Orchids 6 – Moana 12


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Paulina Morris-Ponga Try

13th minute: Cook Islands have had a superb response to the early points, hitting back almost immediately. Papua New Guina were caught on the last, handing their opponents good field position to start their set. Halfback Chantay Kiria-Ratu then took control, opting to run the ball on the last and producing an excellent pass before Paulina Morris-Ponga eventually finished it off out wide. Orchids 6 – Moana 6.


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Emily Veivers Try

9th minute: The Orchids have capitalised on the attacking opportunity, with Emily Veivers throwing a dummy and darting from dummy half to sneak over for the opening points of the game. There is some concern for Fleur Ginn who fell awkwardly amid a mass of bodies. The youngster is back on her feet after receiving some treatment and will look to play on. Orchids 6 – Moana 0.

7th minute: We have an early Captain’s Challenge by the Orchids, after Elsie Albert lost the ball while attempting to crash over the try line. The on-field referee ruled a knock on, however the Bunker has determined it was a strip and Albert was not yet in the act of scoring. As a result, Papua New Guinea receive a penalty and a fresh set of six in attack. Orchids 0 – Moana 0.

Kick-off: Cook Islands have completed a passionate Pe’e Haka to set the stage for a thrilling contest and we are underway in hot conditions in Port Moresby. Papua New Guinea have kicked off, with the Moana having first use of the ball this afternoon. Orchids 0 – Moana 0.

Stat Attack:

The Orchids defeated the Cook Islands 28-20 in 2023 in their only previous meeting.
Cook Islands have won only one of their past five Tests.
The Orchids have named eight players to make their Test debuts and the Cook Islands six.
Cook Islands have 11 players with NRLW experience, the Orchids only six.

Late Mail:

Orchids: Orchids: A few changes to the team a day out from the game, with coach Tahnee Norris shuffling both her backs and forwards. Mala Mark drops out of the squad with Ruth Gende promoted to the wing. Jessikah Reeves moves from lock to starting prop, shifting Emmogen Taumafai to the bench. Gloria Kaupa is the new lock. Mya Muller shifts to the extended reserves, with Belinda Gwasamun promoted to the bench. Elsie Albert will again lead from the front in her 11th Test match. Fresh off her Super League title success with Wigan a fortnight ago, Emily Veivers comes off the bench as a utility. Teenagers Caitlin Tanner and India Seeto earn their first Test cap a week after steering the team around in the PM’s XIII clash. No further changes in Saturday’s final team update, with Mya Muller remaining in the squad as 18th player. 

Moana: Fresh off inking a deal to join the Dragons for the next three seasons, 21-year-old prop Lavinia Kitai will lead from the front in her sixth Test match. Fellow front-rower Ashlee Matapo, centre Deleni Paitai, hooker Pearl Tuitama, winger Hannah Makira and bench playmaker Memory Paitai will all make their Test debuts. Sharks playmaker Chantay Kiria-Ratu will be a key figure for Cook Islands on the back of an impressive NRLW campaign in which she came up with nine try assists and five line break assists. Fullback Kiana Takairangi again captains the side as she did against Fiji in Suva last year. No late changes in Saturday’s final update, with Porche John the 18th player.Â