Seven Panthers have been selected for the 2025 Pacific Championships Final, as the New Zealand Kiwis prepare to face Toa Samoa at CommBank Stadium on Sunday.
The Kiwis advanced to the Final after a narrow victory over Samoa in the opening match and a commanding performance against Tonga in Week 3. Toa Samoa earned their place in the Final with a dominant 34-6 win over Tonga in Brisbane during Week 2.
Panthers trio Casey McLean, Moses Leota and Isaiah Papali'i have all been included in New Zealand's starting line-up, with Scott Sorensen named 18th man.
McLean will aim to continue his stunning Kiwis form in the Final. The Panthers young gun has already scored seven tries in just three Test appearances for New Zealand.
Izack Tago, Brian To'o and Blaize Talagi are all set to start for Toa Samoa, retaining their positions from the pool stage games.
Talagi has enjoyed a breakout Test campaign for Samoa in the Pacific Championships, with two try assists and eight goals in two games.
The Pacific Championships Final kicks off on Sunday 9 November at 4:05pm (AEDT).
NZ Kiwis
1. Keano KINI
2. Jamayne ISAAKO
3. Matthew TIMOKO
4. Charnze NICOLL-KLOKSTAD
5. Casey McLEAN
6. Dylan BROWN
7. Kieran FORAN
8. James FISHER-HARRIS (c)
9. Phoenix CROSSLAND
10. Moses LEOTA
11. Briton NIKORA
12. Isaiah PAPALI'I
13. Joseph TAPINE
14. Te Maire MARTIN
15. Naufahu WHYTE
16. Erin CLARK
17. Xavier WILLISON
18. Scott SORENSEN
19. Zach DOCKAR-CLAY
20. Josiah KARAPANI
Toa Samoa
1. Roger TUIVASA-SHECK
2. Brian TO'O
3. Izack TAGO
4. Deine MARINER
5. Murray TAULAGI
6. Blaize TALAGI
7. Jarome LUAI
8. Francis MOLO
9. Jazz TEVAGA
10. Payne HAAS
11. Jaydn SU'A
12. Simi SASAGI
13. Junior PAULO
14. Chanel HARRIS-TAVITA
15. Benaiah IOELU
16. Terrell MAY
17. Josh PAPALI'I
18. Ata MARIOTA
19. Ativalu LISATI
20. Clayton FUALALO
21. Lyhkan KING-TOGIA
