Pacific Championships explained… as shock relegation twist raises stakes: Ultimate Guide

The 2024 Pacific Championships is almost upon us, and this year there’s more to play for with relegation and promotion being introduced.

The 2024 tournament once again features two divisions, with Australia, New Zealand and Tonga competing for the Cup.

Meanwhile, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands will do battle for the Bowl.

Watch every game of the 2024 Pacific Championships with expert analysis LIVE with no ad-breaks during play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >

In the women’s competition, Australia, New Zealand and PNG compete for the Cup and Fiji, Tonga, Cook Islands and Samoa contest the Bowl.

The third-place Cup men’s and women’s teams will play against the winner of their respective Bowl competitions and whoever reigns supreme in that clash then features in the top bracket for the following season.

“This year we have raised the stakes by adding promotion and relegation across the men’s and women’s tournaments so there is a great deal at stake in the Pacific Championships,” NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said in a statement.

“As the Pacific’s largest sport, Rugby League is fast becoming the language that unifies the region.

“The Pacific Championships is a powerful showcase and celebration of culture, connecting passionate Rugby League fans in each host city and nation into one pulsating sporting community.”

This year’s Pacific Championships will see four weeks of football played over four weekends in four countries, kicking off in Australia in Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

Read below for everything you need to know about the 2024 Pacific Championships!

FULL PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIPS DRAW (All times in AEDT)

Pacific Cup – Men

Friday October 18 — Australia v Tonga, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane – 8:10pm

Sunday October 27 — New Zealand v Australia, Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch – 4:05pm

Saturday November 2 — New Zealand v Tonga, Go Media Stadium, Auckland – 6:05pm

Sunday November 10 — Final, CommBank Stadium, Sydney – 6:20pm

Pacific Bowl – Men

Saturday October 19 — Fiji v PNG, HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, Fiji – 7:10pm

Saturday October 26 — Fiji v Cook Islands, HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, Fiji – 7:10pm

Sunday November 3 — PNG v Cook Islands, Santos Stadium, Port Moresby – 4:00pm

Sunday November 10 — Promotion/Relegation Playoff, CommBank Stadium, Sydney – 4:05pm

Pacific Cup – Women

Friday October 18 — Australia v PNG, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane – 6:05pm

Sunday October 27 — New Zealand v Australia, Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch – 1:35pm

Sunday November 3 — PNG v New Zealand, Santos Stadium, Port Moresby – 1:55pm

Sunday November 10 — Final, CommBank Stadium, Sydney – 1:50pm

Pacific Bowl – Women

Saturday October 19 — Tonga v Samoa, HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, Fiji – 5:00pm

Saturday October 26 — Fiji v Cook Islands, HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, Fiji – 5:00pm

Saturday November 2 — Final, Go Media Stadium, Auckland – 3:35pm

Sunday November 10 — Promotion/Relegation Playoff, CommBank Stadium, Sydney – 11:35am

WHERE TO WATCH

Catch every Pacific Championships clash live on Fox League and Kayo!

CURRENT STANDINGS

MEN’S CUP

Australia

New Zealand

Tonga

MEN’S BOWL

Fiji

Cook Islands

PNG

WOMEN’S CUP

Australia

New Zealand

PNG

WOMEN’S BOWL

Cook Islands

Samoa

Tonga

EVERY SQUAD

AUSTRALIA KANGAROOS MEN’S

Broncos: Pat Carrigan

Bulldogs: Matt Burton

Cowboys: Reuben Cotter, Tom Dearden, Reece Robson

Dolphins: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

Dragons: Ben Hunt, Zac Lomax

Eels: Mitch Moses

Knights: Bradman Best

Panthers: Dylan Edwards, Lindsay Smith, Isaah Yeo (capt.)

Rabbitohs: Cam Murray

Raiders: Hudson Young

Roosters: Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton

Sea Eagles: Tom Trbojevic

Storm: Xavier Coates, Harry Grant

Warriors: Mitch Barnett

NEW ZEALAND KIWIS MEN’S

Broncos: Jordan Riki

Cowboys: Griffin Neame

Dolphins: Jamayne Isaako, Kodi Nikorima

Knights: Phoenix Crossland, Leo Thompson

Panthers: James Fisher-Harris (capt.), Casey McLean, Scott Sorensen, Trent Toelau

Raiders: Joe Tapine, Matthew Timoko

Roosters: Naufahu Whyte

Storm: Will Warbrick

Tigers: Isaiah Papali’i

Titans: Erin Clark, Keano Kini

Warriors: Shaun Johnson, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Marata Niukore

Hull KR: Peta Hiku

TONGA MEN’S

Cowboys: Jason Taumalolo

Dolphins: Felise Kaufusi, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

Dragons: Moses Suli

Panthers: Paul Alamoti, Isaiah Iongi, Soni Luke

Rabbitohs: Siliva Havili, Keaon Koloamatangi

Roosters: Daniel Tupou, Sitili Tupouniua, Siua Wong

Sea Eagles: Lehi Hopoate, Tolutau Koula, Haumole Olakau’atu, Taniela Paseka

Sharks: Sione Katoa

Storm: Eliesa Katoa

Warriors: Addin Fonua-Blake

Giants (UK): Tuimoala Lolohea

FIJI BATI MEN’S

Bulldogs: Kitione Kautoga, Viliame Kikau, Jethro Rinakama, Penioni Tagituimua

Cowboys: Semi Valemei

Dolphins: Kurt Donoghoe

Eels: Maika Sivo

Panthers: Sunia Turuva

Rabbitohs: Bayleigh Bentley-Hape, Taane Milne

Sea Eagles: Kylan Mafoa, Caleb Navale

Storm: Tui Kamikamica

Tigers: Jordan Miller, James Valevatu

Dons (UK): Joe Lovodua

Leopards (UK): Ben Nakubuwai

Saints (UK): Waqa Blak

Brisbane Tigers: Nathan Kegg-Smith

No club: Michael Jennings, Kevin Naiqama

COOK ISLAND AITU MEN’S

Broncos: Xavier Willison

Dolphins: Mason Teague

Eels: Makahesi Makatoa

Illawarra South Coast Dragons: Steven Marsters

Newtown Jets: Rhys Dakin

Norths Devils: Justin Makirere, Pride Petterson-Robati

North Sydney Bears: Rua Ngatikaura

Rabbitohs: Davvy Moale

Raiders: Delahia Wigmore

Souths Logan Magpies: Rixson Andrew, Kobe Tararo

South West Goannas: Brad Takairangi

Storm: Tepai Moeroa

Tigers: Reuben Porter

Toulouse Olympique: Reubenn Rennie

Tweed Heads Seagulls: Malachi Morgan

Western Clydesdales: Esom Ioka

West Panthers: Junior Teroi

Red Devils (UK): Esan Marsters

No club: Zane Tetevano

PNG KUMULS MEN’S

Titans: Jacob Alick Wienke

PNG Hunters: Ila Alu, Koso Bandi, Alex Max, Valentine Richard, Judah Rimbu, Elijah Roltinga, Sanny Wabo

Dragons: Jack De Belin, Daniel Russell

Cowboys: Robert Derby

Dolphins: Jeremiak Simbiken

Warrington Wolves: Roderick Tai

Central Queensland Capras: Khaiya Waiembi

Castleford Tigers: Liam Horne

Leigh Leopards: Edwin Ipape, Lachlan Lam

Salford Red Devils: Nene Macdonald

Leeds Rhinos: Rhyse Martin

Castleford Tigers: Sylvester Namo

AUSTRALIA JILLAROOS WOMEN’S

Tarryn Aiken

Kezie Apps

Ali Brigginshaw

Lauren Brown

Abbi Church

Yasmin Clydsdale

Quincy Dodd

Millie Elliott

Jessika Elliston

Olivia Higgins

Keilee Joseph

Isabelle Kelly

Shannon Mato

Mahalia Murphy

Tiana Penitani

Julia Robinson

Simaima Taufa

Jess Sergis

Sarah Togatuiki

Tamika Upton

Jakiya Whitfeld

NEW ZEALAND KIWI FERNS WOMEN’S

Abigail Roache

Alexis Tauaneai

Amber Hall

Angelina Teakaraanga Katoa

Annessa Biddle

Apii Nicholls

Ashleigh Quinlan

Brianna Clark

Brooke Anderson

Brooke Talataina

Gayle Broughton

Georgia Hale

Leianne Tufuga

Mackenzie Wiki

Mele Hufanga

Mya Hill Moana

Najvada George

Otesa Pule

Shanice Parker

Tiana Davison

Tyla King

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