Led by $13 million Newcastle recruit Dylan Brown, the Kiwis had a galaxy of stars in their 36-14 victory over Samoa in the Pacific Championship final on Sunday.
Brown, Keano Kini, Erin Clarke, Joseph Tapine and many other Kiwis covered themselves in glory at CommBank Stadium.
The Mole rates every New Zealand player’s performance from the decider.
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1. Keano Kini
Superb at the back, running for a game-high 219 metres and creating wave after wave of attack. Rating: 8
2. Jamayne Isaako
Had few chances with the ball but earned his keep with six goals from all angles. Rating: 6.5
The Kiwis celebrate winning the Pacific Championship title. Getty
3. Matthew Timoko
A mixed game. Ran for more than 100 metres but badly missed his assignment in defence when Samoa scored their first try. Rating: 6
4. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
Usually a fullback, revelled closer to the play, running well and scoring the final try of a memorable win. Rating: 7.5
5. Casey McLean
Unlucky not to score in the first half. Came up with two tries in the second. A genuine try-scoring machine. Rating: 7.5
6. Dylan Brown
The most dangerous player on the field, running the ball brilliantly to create three tries. Get ready, Newcastle, here he comes! Rating: 9.5
Dylan Brown and his Kiwi teammates pictured after a try. NRL Imagery
7. Kieran Foran
In his final game, threw an intercept but made amends with some smart attacking plays. Well played, Foz. Rating: 7.5
8. James Fisher-Harris
The Kiwi pack’s leader was down on his usual metres (86) but his mere presence was a factor. Rating: 6.5
9. Phoenix Crossland
Tidy at dummy-half but needs to run more to put the defence in two minds. Had one run for two metres. Rating: 5
10. Moses Leota
Solid in the heart of the defence but made a couple of errors that cost the Kiwis when Samoa were on top in the first half. Rating: 5.5
11. Briton Nikora
Bombed one try but made amends with a strong running game and by topping the Kiwis’ tackle count. Rating: 7
12. Isaiah Papali’i
Super impressive with his wide running, scoring two tries through sheer determination. Rating: 8
13. Joseph Tapine
Brought his Raiders’ 2025 form to the final with 160 run metres and some big plays at key moments. Rating: 7.5
14. Te Maire Martin
Only got 10 minutes when the game was already won for the Kiwis, doing little. Rating: 3
15. Naufahu Whyte
Combined with Clark to change the momentum of the game from the bench, scoring a crucial try and running with real venom. Rating: 7.5
16. Erin Clark
One of the best bench players in the league. Set up a try and then scored one himself with three players hanging off him. Rating: 8
17. Xavier Willison
The Broncos giant was also strong off the bench, bending the line back several times in his 30-minute stint. Rating: 6