3. Matt Timoko – 3<\/p>\n
Rushed out of the line which created the space for Samoa to score their first try, and didn\u2019t get many chances with ball in hand. Overall a tough campaign.<\/p>\n
4. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad – 6<\/p>\n
Another solid shift out of position in the centres, although he was made to look ordinary on defence when Deine Mariner put him on skates late in the first half. Scored a try to cap off a solid campaign. I would love for the Warriors to play him in the centres in 2026, but that will never happen.<\/p>\n
Casey McLean has eight tries in four tests. Photo \/ Photosport\/<\/p>\n
5. Casey McLean – 7<\/p>\n
Continued his run of scoring in every test he\u2019s played in – that\u2019s now eight in four. Ran for 140m off 16 carries, an absolute menace. <\/p>\n
6. Dylan Brown – 10<\/p>\n
Marvellous. Exceptional. Phenomenal. They are just some of the words you can use to describe Dylan Brown\u2019s efforts in the final. He produced three try assists, ran for 181m, seven offloads, while coming up with some big defensive plays. Should win the Golden Boot prize for international player of the year.<\/p>\n
Kieran Foran during his final rugby league match before retirement. Photo \/ Photosport.<\/p>\n
7. Kieran Foran – 4<\/p>\n
Threw the intercept that led to Samoa\u2019s second try, and was penalised for a questionable obstruction call. But did what was needed. He was never going to set the world alight as he prolonged his retirement plans to don the black jersey one last time. What an amazing career.<\/p>\n
8. James Fisher-Harris – 5<\/p>\n
Set the tone early on by going hard at the Samoa defence. By the time he returned the game was over. Will never fill the stats sheet but his impact can\u2019t go unnoticed.<\/p>\n
9. Phoenix Crossland – 3<\/p>\n
Didn\u2019t offer much on attack, with just one run, probably expected more, but was forced to do plenty of work defensively. Made 27 tackles, but had eight misses.<\/p>\n
10. Moses Leota – 6<\/p>\n
Made a play-the-ball error with the Kiwis hot on attack midway through the first half. Provided some strong carries and even got a try assist.<\/p>\n
11. Briton Nikora – 6<\/p>\n
Made a nice break which nearly led to a try, but the pass went forward. Minutes later, he should have thrown the pass but opted not to. Some brilliant moments, mixed with some head-scratchers. Got better during the campaign.<\/p>\n
Isaiah Papali’i celebrates his try against Samoa. Photo \/ Photosport.<\/p>\n
12. Isaiah Papali\u2019i – 8<\/p>\n
Produced his best game of the year with some strong carries and was rewarded with two tries in the second half. Finished with 148m.<\/p>\n
13. Joseph Tapine – 7<\/p>\n
Very lively in his first stint which involved plenty of carries and four Provided an amazing try saving tackle late in the match. Had 161m of 18 carries.<\/p>\n
Interchange<\/p>\n
14. Te Maire Martin – N\/R<\/p>\n
Came on for a cameo in the final 10 minutes.<\/p>\n
Naufahu Whyte scores for the Kiwis. Photo \/ Photosport.<\/p>\n
15. Naufahu Whyte – 9<\/p>\n
Has been New Zealand\u2019s best off the bench during the campaign and once again, he made an immediate impact with a line break before scoring their opening try. Finished with 194m, changed the momentum of the game and was one of the Kiwis\u2019 best in 2025.<\/p>\n
16. Erin Clark – 8<\/p>\n
Another strong performance off the bench. He did give away the penalty which saw Samoa kick a penalty goal at halftime, but made up for it when he scored his first test try which put New Zealand in the lead.<\/p>\n
17. Xavier Willison – 4<\/p>\n
Didn\u2019t have the same impact as last week, but his decoy run provided the space for New Zealand\u2019s second try. Will only grow into his role as the enforcer.<\/p>\n