The Rise and Broken: Pacific championship obviously too hot for some teams as sheeps already left the battle for the Lions_This year’s Pacific Championships are divided into two tiers.. here’s all you need know that have never known about Pacific championship so far..

The Rise and Broken: Pacific championship obviously too hot for some teams as sheeps already left the battle for the Lions_This year’s Pacific Championships are divided into two tiers.. here’s all you need know that have never known about Pacific championship so far..

 

 

 

Pacific Championships heat up: PNG Kumuls vs Cook Islands Aitu and Tonga vs Samoa set for a blockbuster weekend

Rugby league’s waiting period is over — the 2025 Rugby League Pacific Championships is now firing on all cylinders and this weekend features two must-see showdowns that underline the ambition, passion and quality of Pacific rugby league. First up on Saturday, the Papua New Guinea Kumuls host the Cook Islands Aitu live on Sky Sports Mix from 6 pm (local/UK time). Then on Sunday evening it is time for the heavyweight clash: Tonga national rugby league team vs Samoa national rugby league team, live on Sky Sports Mix from 5 pm.

Setting the scene

This year’s Pacific Championships are divided into two tiers: the Pacific Cup for the higher- ranked men’s teams and the Pacific Bowl for those still forging their pathway.
The PNG Kumuls and Cook Islands Aitu meet within the Pacific Bowl bracket, giving both countries a rich opportunity to showcase their style on the international stage. Meanwhile, the Tonga–Samoa match forms part of the Cup competition, and marks one of the fiercest rivalries in Pacific rugby league.

PNG Kumuls vs Cook Islands Aitu – Saturday, 6 pm

The Kumuls, playing on home territory, will be keen to build momentum. They bring a mix of experience and rising talent, and will want to enforce their physical style and home crowd energy.

Their opponents, the Cook Islands Aitu, are no bus-passengers. With a squad stacked with players hungry to prove themselves, they’ll be aiming to upset the hosts and make a statement for their program.
According to the late mail, PNG’s side features important names like skipper Lachlan Lam, hooker Edwin Ipape and centre Zac Laybutt, among others. On the Cook Islands side, playmaker Esan Marsters is named at halfback, with other key adjustments showing how they are trying to optimise their spine ahead of this weekend.

What to watch:

Set-piece and physicality: PNG have historically leaned on their forward pack to deliver go-forward and dominance in the middle. If they impose their engine room, they’ll give themselves a platform.

Cook Islands’ spine and back-line flair: With some changes to their halves and back-line, the Aitu could threaten wide and off quick ball. If they can avoid being hemmed in, they may unsettle PNG.

Home crowd and momentum: Playing in front of local fans gives PNG a boost; the Cook Islands will look to play the spoiler role with speed and precision.

Implications: A win here for either side is crucial — for PNG it’s about maintaining supremacy in the Bowl; for Cook Islands it’s about building pathway momentum and proving they belong.

Tonga vs Samoa – Sunday, 5 pm

On Sunday, two of the Pacific’s most iconic rugby-league nations go head to head. Tonga and Samoa have a long and storied rivalry—these games carry more than just competition, they carry pride, identity and regional bragging rights.

Tonga come into this fixture boasting depth and plenty of big names. Their forward pack will be under the spotlight, but so too will their halves and their ability to adapt when the opposition comes with intensity. Samoa, on the other hand, have a mix of power and slick ball-movement; they’ll look to combine physical blow-for-blow contact with tempo and skill to offset Tonga’s physicality.

Late team announcements show Samoa have selected hooker Jazz Tevaga despite a recent head knock, with prop Terrell May listed among the bench as he recovers from a hamstring issue. For Tonga, changes in the spine have been made: halves combination of Isaiya Katoa and Isaiah Iongi, with logistics and rotation to back deep forward talent.

What to watch:

Forward battles and ruck speed: Both teams have monster packs. Who controls the ruck, who wins collisions, who compresses the defence? That will likely determine territory.

Spine execution: The halves, hooker and fullback will decide whether the team’s momentum is directed or reactive. Mistakes here could be costly.

Momentum swings and error count: In rivalry games like this there is emotion. The team that can stay composed under pressure will have the edge.

What’s at stake: For Samoa, a win is a statement of resurgence; for Tonga, it’s about dominance and making their claim for the Cup.

Why this matters

The Pacific Championships serve several large-scale purposes for the region:

International growth: The tournament contributes to building international standards for Pacific nations, offering competitive fixtures and raising exposure.

Pathway building: For many players and nations, this is the platform to build towards bigger goals — World Cup qualification, professional contracts, increased funding.

Regional pride and identity: The Pacific Championships bring together islands, nations and cultures that live rugby league deeply. For players, fans and communities, this is about more than just a game.

Television and exposure: With broadcasts on networks like Sky Sports Mix, these matches are reaching wider audiences, boosting the profile of Pacific rugby league globally.

How to watch & logistics

The Kumuls vs Aitu match kicks off on Saturday at 6 pm (UK time via Sky Sports Mix).

The Tonga vs Samoa fixture airs on Sunday at 5 pm (UK time via Sky Sports Mix).

Carrier, viewer region and time-zones may vary so viewers should check local listings.

Both games are set to deliver high-intensity rugby league, so tune in early to soak in the atmosphere and pre-match commentary.

Final word

As the tournament heats up, the weekend ahead offers a perfect snapshot of what Pacific rugby league is about — raw power, tactical sophistication, cultural pride and razor-sharp intensity.

If you’re looking for why these games matter, look no further: the Kumuls and Aitu are both striving to seed themselves for future success, while Tonga and Samoa carry heritage, expectation and ambition.

Get your snacks ready, tune in early, and settle in for Saturday’s 6 pm clash followed by Sunday’s 5 pm blockbuster. The Pacific Championships are coming alive — don’t miss a second of it.