Rugby league fever is sweeping through Auckland this weekend as Go Media Stadium plays host to a blockbuster doubleheader, headlined by the Kiwi Ferns versus Fetu Samoa and the Kiwis squaring off against Toa Samoa. With Pacific pride on full display and fans flocking from all corners, the atmosphere is electric, setting the stage for a day of high-stakes international action on Sunday, October 19, 2025.
First up, the Kiwi Ferns are set to celebrate their 30th anniversary by facing Fetu Samoa at 3:35pm. The Ferns, heavy favourites, are eager to assert their dominance, having never lost to Fetu in four previous encounters. Their most recent meeting, an 84-0 drubbing in 2023, stands as a stark reminder of the gulf that’s existed between these sides. Yet, Fetu Samoa, buoyed by recent success and qualification for the 2026 World Cup, are eager to flip the script and make history.
The Ferns’ squad is brimming with both experience and fresh talent. Four new faces are set to debut, including Olympic sevens gold-medalist Tysha Ikenasio and the much-anticipated Ivana Lauitiiti, nicknamed the ‘Quiet Assassin’ for her calm off-field demeanour and ferocious tackling. Lauitiiti, who earned Dally M NRLW Tackle of the Year honours in her rookie season, reflected on her journey, saying, “I just wanted to rep where I started my footy. Samoa is my culture, but I just felt it was right.” Coach Ricky Henry, who’s named Georgia Hale and Raecene McGregor as co-captains, is confident in his team’s readiness. “We are treating them with a lot of respect and we expect the best from them to get the best out of us. We’ll be focusing on getting this job done, whether it’s rain, sun, whatever it may be,” Henry stated.
Fetu Samoa, meanwhile, bring a blend of seasoned veterans and exciting rookies. Captain Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala leads from the front, supported by Olympic sevens medalist Niall Williams-Guthrie at fullback and Shalom Sauaso coming off the bench. Coach Jamie Soward has high hopes for his side, especially with young gun Sienna Lofipo pledging her allegiance to Fetu despite Jillaroos selection. “Two years ago, we were ranked 26th in the world. I think now we are sixth, but we should be higher. It’s been a while since we played against Australia and New Zealand, and every girl I’ve talked to is excited about the challenge,” Soward remarked.
As the sun sets, the men take centre stage at 6:05pm for the Kiwis versus Toa Samoa clash. The Kiwis have a flawless record against Samoa, winning all five previous tests, including a resounding 50-0 victory in last year’s Pacific Championships. But this time, the Samoan side is stacked with star power, boasting nine State of Origin players and marquee names such as Payne Haas, Jerome Luai, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Brian To’o, and Blaize Talagi. Co-captains Junior Paulo and Jerome Luai will be steering the ship, determined to notch Toa Samoa’s first-ever win over the Kiwis.
For the Kiwis, the return of six players who missed last year’s campaign injects fresh energy into the squad. Veteran Kieran Foran, embarking on his farewell tour, starts in the halves alongside Dylan Brown. Foran, reflecting on his comeback, shared, “It’s just really hitting home that this is it. I feel incredibly blessed to be able to finish my career wearing the black-and-white jersey, it’s just a great position to be in.” Other notable returns include Ronaldo Mulitalo, Moses Leota, Briton Nikora, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, and Jeremy Marshall-King, who plays his first test in three years. Coach Stacey Jones, despite limited preparation time, is optimistic: “They play with a lot of pride and passion. The Samoan culture is strong in our team and strong obviously in their team, so there’ll be a lot of passion.”
Adding another layer of intrigue, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will line up for Toa Samoa against his former Kiwi teammates for the first time. Despite being in what many would call enemy territory, ‘RTS’ has received a hero’s welcome in Auckland. “We get lots of love from our fans. It’s all about power of the community and we can feel the love, so we’ve got to represent them as much as we can and try to do them proud,” Tuivasa-Sheck told reporters. The sense of unity and pride among Pasifika communities is palpable, making this more than just a game—it’s a celebration of culture and identity.
Off the field, the Pacific Championships have a different look this year with reigning men’s champions Australia absent, as they prepare for an Ashes series against England starting October 26. The Kangaroos, who reclaimed their crown last year with a tight 20-14 win over Tonga, won’t defend their Pacific title, opening the door for new contenders to seize the spotlight. This shift is part of a broader trend, with one Pacific Championships side touring Britain annually since 2023. Last year, Samoa made the trip, falling 2-0 to England.
Meanwhile, across the rugby league world, French star Arthur Mourgue is making waves of his own. The 26-year-old full-back, who transferred from Catalans Dragons to Hull KR in March 2025, has enjoyed a dream season, guiding the Robins to their greatest-ever campaign and a historic treble, including a Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford. Mourgue’s ambitions stretch beyond personal glory—he’s determined to inspire a renaissance in French rugby league. “My dream is to have a professional league in France as well, and I think this is a way to show that rugby league is huge and beautiful to watch,” Mourgue said, expressing hope that his achievements will spark greater media attention and investment in the sport back home.
The French Rugby League Federation’s plan to launch a fully professional French Super League in 2027, with backing from the International Rugby League Federation and Australia’s NRL, marks a pivotal step forward. Mourgue is eager for the challenge ahead, including a potential face-off with Brisbane Broncos star Reece Walsh in the 2026 World Club Challenge. “It would be amazing to play Brisbane. We like to play big games, so we’re definitely wanting to bring it on,” he said.
Back in Auckland, anticipation is at fever pitch. The Kiwi Ferns and Fetu Samoa are ready to ignite the stadium with a fierce contest, while the Kiwis and Toa Samoa prepare for a showdown that could rewrite the history books. With new faces, returning legends, and the weight of national pride on the line, Sunday’s doubleheader promises drama, excitement, and plenty of heart. As the Pacific Championships unfold and new chapters are written, rugby league fans everywhere will be watching closely, eager to see which teams rise to the occasion and who will seize their moment on the international stage.
