Xavier Willison has been rewarded with representative honours after a fantastic season with the Brisbane Broncos, named to make his debut for New Zealand in the Pacific Championships against Tonga on Sunday. Willison missed out on selection for the Kiwis in their opening game against Samoa, but coach Stacey Jones has now handed him his debut at the expense of Nelson Asofa-Solomona.
Asofa-Solomona has played 16 Tests for the Kiwis throughout his 11-year career, but it looks like his representative days could be over. The giant prop was cut loose by the Melbourne Storm earlier this month, with the club granting him an early release from the final two years of his contract.
Xavier Willison (L) will debut for New Zealand after Nelson Asofa-Solomona (R) was axed. Image: AAP/Getty
The Storm grew tired of his ill-discipline – which saw him miss two grand finals in a row due to suspension – and had shopped him to rival clubs. His future in the NRL is now under a major cloud, amid speculation he could switch to rugby or boxing.
The 29-year-old played 22 minutes off the bench in New Zealand’s win over Samoa two weeks ago, running for 55 metres on just five carries. Jones has seemingly decided that Willison is the better option, naming him on the bench against Tonga instead.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona (L) appears to have played his last Test after being replaced by Xavier Willison (R). Image: Getty
Willison played 19 games for the Broncos in 2025 and was a vital part of their premiership-winning forward pack. He provided some much-needed punch off the bench in the grand final win over the Storm, and was a vital reason why the Broncos surged to the premiership.
Michael Maguire’s side suffered a mid-season form slump, and it coincided with Willison being out with a fractured arm. They surged back into form when he returned, and eventually went on to win their first premiership in 19 years. The 23-year-old played one Test for Cook Islands in 2022.
Meanwhile, Jones has named Sebastian Kris on the wing to replace Ronaldo Mulitalo, after the Cronulla star ruptured his ACL. And Phoenix Crossland comes in for the injured Jeremy Marshall-King to start at hooker.
Jason Taumalolo in for Tonga but Robert Toia out
For Tonga, Jason Taumalolo has been cleared to return from a knee issue, but Roosters centre Robert Toia is out with a foot injury. Panthers star Paul Alamoti replaces Toia after he was a controversial omission from Tonga’s loss to Samoa last week.
Stefano Utoikamanu is also out with concussion after being hit high by Francis Molo at Suncorp Stadium, with Felise Kaufusi moving from the bench into the front row. Tonga need to beat New Zealand by 17 points or more to make the final against Samoa, otherwise the Kiwis will make it.
The return of Taumalolo is a boost after he missed the 34-6 defeat to Samoa with a knee injury. The Cowboys forward has been named at lock and is expected to play.
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Jillaroos make two changes for Kiwi Ferns clash
In the women’s comp, the Jillaroos have promoted Ellie Johnston to the starting side at prop, while Sarah Togatuki replaces Jakiya Whitfeld on the bench for their game against the Kiwi Ferns. “This Sunday shapes as a great test for the team coming up against a very familiar opposition in the Kiwi Ferns who will be looking to put on a great performance in front of their home fans on a special occasion at Eden Park,” said Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner.
“We’ve made a great start to the tournament with the win last Sunday, but there is still a lot we can do to improve on that performance and New Zealand brings a different challenge for us. These are always very tough and physical contests, and it will be up to us to match the intensity and physicality that we know the Kiwi Ferns will bring.”