Kiwis Announce Squad for Pacific Championships, Foran Breaks Record
New Zealand's rugby league team, the Kiwis, has announced their 21-man squad for the Pacific Championships. The team welcomes back several players after injury-related absences, with Kieran Foran making history as the longest-serving Kiwi player.
The squad includes Dylan Brown and Kieran Foran in the halves, with James Fisher-Harris as captain. Foran's selection marks an impressive career milestone, as he will surpass the previous record held by Adam Blair. Foran debuted in 2009, making this year his 14th season in the Kiwis jersey.
The team also sees the return of Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Moses Leota, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Briton Nikora, and Briton Nikora after their respective injury layoffs last year. Stacey Jones, the coach who called Foran into the Kiwis for the Pacific Championships, has praised the players' resilience and dedication to their recovery.
Brisbane premiership-winning forward Xavier Willison is the only potential debutant in the squad. The final will be held in Sydney on November 9, with New Zealand giving up home-ground advantage. The team's Pacific Championships tournament begins with a home game against Samoa in Auckland on October 19, followed by a match against Tonga at Eden Park on November 2.
New Zealand's squad for the Pacific Championships is filled with experience and promise. With Kieran Foran extending his record-breaking career and several players returning from injury, the Kiwis are set to put on a strong showing in the tournament.
