<h2>Kiwis Name Squad for Pacific Championships – Four Pointer Summary</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- &nbsp; New Zealand Kiwis head coach Stacey Jones has selected a powerful 21-man squad featuring returning stars and fresh talent for the Pacific Championships 2025</p> <p>- &nbsp; Veteran halfback Kieran Foran will make his final international appearance before retirement, while Brisbane Broncos forward Xavier Willison earns his maiden Kiwis selection</p> <p>- &nbsp; Notable absences including injured Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes and Dolphins playmaker Kodi Nikorima</p> <p>- &nbsp; The defending Pacific Champions will face Samoa on October 19 in Auckland before taking on Tonga at Eden Park on November 2</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Experienced Core Returns for Title Defence</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The New Zealand Kiwis squad showcases remarkable depth with several key players returning from injury to bolster their Pacific Championships campaign.</p> <p>Melbourne Storm powerhouse Nelson Asofa-Solomona leads the returnees alongside Newcastle recruit Dylan Brown, Gold Coast Titans veteran Kieran Foran, Penrith Panthers enforcer Moses Leota, and Cronulla Sharks duo Ronaldo Mulitalo and Briton Nikora.</p> <p>Captain James Fisher-Harris will once again lead the team, partnered by Warriors teammate Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad in the leadership group. The squad maintains strong continuity from their victorious 2023 Pacific Championships campaign, providing a solid foundation for their title defence.</p> <p>Veteran halfback Kieran Foran's inclusion adds significant emotional weight to the tournament, as the 31-Test international will don the iconic black and white jersey for the final time before retiring after Gold Coast's 2025 NRL season.</p> <p>Foran's international return under Jones adds invaluable experience to an already formidable spine.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Fresh Faces and Rising Stars</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The New Zealand Kiwis squad perfectly balances experience with emerging talent, highlighted by Brisbane Broncos forward Xavier Willison earning his maiden international selection following the club's NRL premiership triumph.</p> <p>The young forward's inclusion reflects the depth of talent available to Jones as he builds for the future.</p> <p>Several players who impressed during their 2024 international debuts have retained their positions, including Warriors hooker Erin Clark, Newcastle Knights utility Phoenix Crossland, Gold Coast speedster Keano Kini, Penrith's Casey McLean, and Sydney Roosters back-rower Naufahu Whyte.</p> <p>Notably, Clark, McLean, and Whyte all earned Dally M Team of the Year nominations, with Clark claiming the Lock of the Year award.</p> <p>The squad also features 2025 NRL leading point-scorer Jamayne Isaako from the Dolphins, alongside established internationals Isaiah Papali'i, Scott Sorensen, Joseph Tapine, Matthew Timoko, Jeremy Marshall-King, and Sebastian Kris.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Pacific Championships Schedule</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The New Zealand Kiwis will commence their Pacific Championships defence against Toa Samoa at Go Media Stadium in Auckland on October 19.</p> <p>Following a Round 2 bye, the team returns to Eden Park on November 2 to face Tonga in what promises to be a blockbuster encounter.</p> <p>The Pacific Championships finals will conclude at CommBank Stadium in Sydney on November 8, where the Kiwis will aim to retain their crown.</p> <p>With notable absences including injured Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes and Dolphins playmaker Kodi Nikorima, Jones has assembled a squad capable of navigating the challenges ahead.</p> <p>The blend of returning stars and fresh talent positions the New Zealand Kiwis as formidable contenders for back-to-back Pacific Championships titles, with Foran's farewell tour adding extra motivation for the defending champions.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>New Zealand Pacific Championships Squad</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Storm)</p> <p>Dylan Brown (Knights)</p> <p>Erin Clark (Warriors)</p> <p>Phoenix Crossland (Knights)</p> <p>James Fisher-Harris (c) (Warriors)</p> <p>Kieran Foran (Titans)</p> <p>Jamayne Isaako (Dolphins)</p> <p>Keano Kini (Titans)</p> <p>Sebastian Kris (Raiders)</p> <p>Moses Leota (Panthers)</p> <p>Jeremy Marshall-King (Dolphins)</p> <p>Casey McLean (Panthers)</p> <p>Ronaldo Mulitalo (Sharks)</p> <p>Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Warriors)</p> <p>Briton Nikora (Sharks)</p> <p>Isaiah Papali’i (Panthers)</p> <p>Scott Sorensen (Panthers)</p> <p>Joseph Tapine (Raiders)</p> <p>Matthew Timoko (Raiders)</p> <p>Naufahu Whyte (Roosters)</p> <p>Xavier Willison (Broncos)</p>