The Jillaroos have received a huge boost for Sunday’s game against New Zealand with Dally M winner Tamika Upton cleared to return from injury for the Pacific Championships final in Sydney.
Upton missed last week’s narrow win over the Kiwi Ferns due to a minor calf strain but slots straight back into the team at fullback.
Olivia Higgins replaces Keeley Davis (shoulder) at hooker, while Jess Sergis drops to the bench with speedster Jakiya Whitfeld replacing her on the wing.
“We knew last week in Auckland was going to be a step up and there were a lot of positives in coming away with a win in a tight contest, but we know we have to be better in all facets of the game to come out on top again in the final,” Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner said.
“We are excited for the challenge of playing for a major trophy in front of our home fans, it’s going to be an incredible atmosphere, and we want to make Australia proud with our performance on Sunday.”
New Zealand has made a significant change with the experienced Ash Quinlan replacing young gun Patricia Maliepo in the halves as the visitors look to shock Australia as they did in 2023.
“We are glad to have another crack at the Jillaroos this week,” New Zealand coach Ricky Henry said.
“That last match was a tough battle, but I was proud of how the team performed. We need to get those little things right to keep the pressure on in the final.”
The men’s final will be Kieran Foran’s last in professional rugby league, with the fearless playmaker set to return to Manly in 2026 as an assistant coach.
Foran started his NRL career there back in 2009 before a whirlwind journey across the competition which included another short stint on the northern beaches before he finished his playing career at the Titans.
He will play halfback in his final game, with New Zealand coach Stacey Jones naming an unchanged 17 from the one that crushed Tonga last week to book a spot in the decider at CommBank Stadium.
For Samoa, Jaydn Su’A returns in the back row in place of Jeremiah Nanai who hasn’t been named due to injury.
The Kiwis were too good for Samoa in a tight contest last month, with the underdogs looking to produce the biggest sporting win the country has ever seen.
“It would be huge. It hasn’t been done before,” halfback Jarome Luai said.
“I’m a bit of a realist and I understand there’s a lot of work to be done before we can even think about it, but it’d be nice for our small nation.
“It’s right up there, but every time I wear this jersey it’s a big game for me regardless of what’s at the end of the match. Any time you put this jersey on, it’s a big game.”
Originally published as Pac Champs team lists: Tamika Upton cleared to return as Kiwis prepare to farewell rugby league legend