Get ready for a rugby league showdown like no other! The 2025 Pacific Championships Finals are here, and the stakes have never been higher. But here's where it gets controversial... Is this the year the underdogs rise, or will the favorites reign supreme? Let’s dive into the action.
After three weeks of heart-pounding, bone-crushing rugby league, the stage is set at CommBank Stadium for a clash of titans. Australia’s Jillaroos, New Zealand’s Kiwi Ferns, and Samoa’s Toa Samoa are ready to battle it out for Pacific supremacy. And this is the part most people miss... It’s not just about the trophy—it’s about national pride, legacy, and the chance to prove who’s the best in the region.
Women’s Pacific Cup Final: Jillaroos vs. Kiwi Ferns
The women’s final promises fireworks as the Jillaroos and Kiwi Ferns renew their fierce rivalry. Last Sunday’s dress rehearsal at Eden Park was a thriller, with the Jillaroos gaining a psychological edge thanks to standout performances from fullback Abbi Church and Julia Robinson, who ran for a staggering 197 metres. But here’s the kicker... Despite the Jillaroos’ recent dominance, the Kiwi Ferns are no pushovers. They’ve been fine-tuning their game, and with Olympic gold medallist Tyla King in the lineup, they’re ready to flip the script.
Speaking of standout players, Jakiya Whitfeld justified her selection with a stellar performance, running for 113 metres, breaking lines, and setting up a try for Jess Sergis. Sergis herself came off the bench to rack up 95 run metres and score her 11th Test try. By halftime, the Jillaroos had completed 16 of 21 sets and scored four tries, leading 24-0. But is the game really over? The Kiwi Ferns’ 85% completion rate shows they’re in it to win it—they just need to find their finishing touch.
Key moments? Plenty. Julia Robinson’s aerial try in the 13th minute, her 21st in 13 Tests, showcased her unmatched skill. And when Ash Quinlan was sent to the bin for a professional foul in the 25th minute, the Jillaroos capitalized, extending their lead to 18-0. But here’s the question... Can the Kiwi Ferns bounce back, or will the Jillaroos’ relentless pressure prove too much?
Men’s Pacific Cup Final: Kiwis vs. Toa Samoa
The men’s final is no less electrifying. New Zealand’s Kiwis booked their spot with a dazzling 40-14 win over Tonga XIII, while Toa Samoa are hungry to make history. And this is where it gets interesting... After being forced into a promotion-relegation clash last year, Stacey Jones’ men are now on the cusp of their second Pacific Cup crown. But Samoa won’t go down without a fight. Their physicality and determination make them a force to be reckoned with.
Controversial take alert... While the Kiwis are favorites, Samoa’s underdog status could play to their advantage. Will the Kiwis underestimate them, or will Samoa pull off the upset of the tournament? Let’s not forget, the Kiwis’ 2023 win over Australia was no fluke—they’re here to defend their title.
Numbers That Matter
- The Jillaroos have conceded just 12 points in their last six Tests—a defensive masterclass.
- The Kiwi Ferns have won only one of their past 11 games against the Jillaroos—but will this be their comeback?
- Tamika Upton, the Jillaroos’ fullback, has scored 11 tries in her last five Tests—a try-scoring machine.
- Toa Samoa have never won the Pacific Cup—is this their year?
Final Thoughts
As the finals kick off, one thing is clear: this is rugby league at its finest. But here’s the real question... Who will rise to the occasion, and who will crumble under pressure? Will the Jillaroos and Kiwis cement their dominance, or will the Kiwi Ferns and Toa Samoa rewrite the script? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you! Follow all the action on NRL.com’s live blog and be part of history in the making.
