Almanac Rugby League – Pacific Championships 2024: The Finals

 

 

 

The 2024 rugby league Pacific Championships conclude on Sunday with a massive quadruple-header at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta. Aficionados of the code should get themselves comfortable with the action getting underway from 10.40am AEDT and running through until approximately 7.30pm. What a way to end the season!

 

Week 3

But first let’s go back to last weekend and Week 3 of the tournament. In the women’s matches, Fetu Samoa came from behind to down the Fiji Bulikula 16-12 on the back of two powerhouse tries by a rampaging Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala in what can only be described as an entertaining game of footy. There may not have been a lot of finesse but there sure was a ton of energy! With their win, Fetu Samoa claimed the Pacific Bowl title and a shot at promotion to the top tier of the competition in 2025. Standing in their way for the latter are the PNG Orchids who were disappointing in their 36-0 defeat at the hands of the Kiwi Ferns. But it has to be said that the Ferns were in terrific form as they made light work of their opponents. The Ferns now progress to the Championships final where they meet the Jillaroos.

 

In the men’s matches, Tonga roared out of the blocks to have the Kiwis all but down and out at 24-0 just before the break before a late try got it back to 24-6 at the interval. An irresistible Tongan onslaught had them looking like kings while the Kiwis were reduced to something resembling a rabble. There must have been something in the water they imbibed at the break because the Kiwis emerged and completely turned the tables with a dominant, confident performance that had them on even terms with 12 minutes to go on the clock. It looked for all money that Tonga would surrender a match-winning lead. But they steadied, held their nerve and regained the lead on the back of a clutch field goal by Isaiya Katoa with five to go. The Kiwis had three opportunities to win or draw the match in the final frantic moments but a missed penalty, had a field goal charged down and, in the very last minute, another missed attempt at field goal saw a final scoreline that favoured Tonga 25-24. It was the classic example of the old term ‘a game in two halves’. The Kiwis now have to defeat the PNG Kumuls to retain their top tier status. Tonga go on to play the Kangaroos for the Pacific Championships title. In the other match, the PNG Kumuls overcame a slow start to get on top of and then run away from the Cook Islands Aitu by 42-20. The Kumuls played some very entertaining footy, especially in the second half, but have a hard road ahead to reach the top tier of the competition as they have to beat New Zealand to progress.

 

The Finals

The women’s final, as you’d expect, sees the Jillaroos up against the Kiwi Ferns. The hosts will start as firm favourites on the back of their 14-0 win in Week 1. But never underestimate the Ferns! All you have to do is think back to last year’s final when the Ferns sprung a huge upset. Can they do it two years in a row? I think not. For me, the Jillaroos have just too many attacking and scoring options from Tamika Upton right through to Millie Elliott. They’re 1 to 7 reek of creativity, class and clinical finishing. How good is your depth if Jessica Sergis is listed as No. 18? I expect the Jillaroos to win by 8+. In the other match, the PNG Orchids meet Fetu Samoa for promotion to the top tier for 2025. I think the Orchids will battle to stay in this game and I expect Fetu Samoa to win by 12+.

 

In the men’s final, the Kangaroos play Tonga in a rematch of their Week 1 clash won 18-0 by the Australians. I doubt we’ll see that scoreline this time around. Tonga has its act together now although but they are susceptible to stretches of play when they look disorganised and ripe for the picking. Their fadeout in Week 3 was worrying and they were fortunate to survive. The Kangaroos, by comparison, are an 80-minute side who can put you away in a twinkling if given even the smallest opportunities. Added to that, their defence has been a standout in their two games to date. After last year’s horror loss in the final, I can’t see the Kangaroos allowing this one to get away from them and I expect them to win by 8+. Similarly, in the second match, I can’t see the Kiwis allowing themselves to be relegated to the second tier when they take on the Kumuls. In fact, I fear a very lop-sided game where the Kiwis take out their pent up frustrations and run away by a large margin, say 24+.

 

Enjoy the matches and then treat yourselves to the off season where we hope the players are purely back page stories!

 

 

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Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.

 

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