The Kiwis went down 36-18 against a red-hot Kangaroos side, but Michael Maguire’s men get a chance to redeem themselves in a week’s time.
New Zealand flyer Ronaldo Mulitalo was everywhere and was one of three try-scorers for the team from across the Tasman.
Meanwhile, halfback Jahrome Hughes did all he could to inspire his team and lead them to victory.
Watch every match of Pacific Championships LIVE on Kayo Sports. Join Kayo now and start streaming instantly >
Elsewhere, James Fisher-Harris put in a mammoth performance while his middle partner Joseph Tapine stood tall and did all he could to make a dent in the Kangaroos’ defence.
Read on for our Kiwis’ player ratings
1. CHARNZE NICOLL-KLOKSTAD — 5.5
Created space for winger Jamayne Isaako with a smart play with 10 minutes left in the first half, who came very close to scoring. Failed to have a massive impact on the game but was his usual reliable self at fullback.
2. RONALDO MULITALO — 7
Found himself slightly out of position for the Kangaroos first try after he was unable to bat away a James Tedesco grubber. Scored his side’s second with a huge effort, leaping high before reaching out to score the try in a “smart play” according to Cooper Cronk. Struggled with a leg injury to close out the game but was very solid.
3. MATTHEW TIMOKO — 6.5
Made some smart runs early and got himself involved in the contest. In the second half he did the same and racked up running metres, finishing with 121 after putting his hand up to take the tough carries.
4. JOSEPH MANU — 7
Looked very dangerous to open the game and came close to offloading the ball to spark his side’s first try. Delivered an impressive no look pass for an Isaako break down the right side of the field, sparking New Zealand’s second. Threatened the defensive line all night, but was managed reasonably well by Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.
5. JAMAYNE ISAAKO — 6.5
Started the game with a blunder from the kick-off, handing the Australians strong field position. Came desperately close to scoring a staggering try, finding the sidelined narrowly. Solid jamming defence on Tedesco in the final 20 minutes, stopping what looked to be a strong try-scoring chance.
Munster expected to start against NZ? | 01:21
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
6. DYLAN BROWN — 5
Had a quiet first half and didn’t get himself in to the game in the second. Not up to his usual standards and failed to record a try assist, line break or line break assist, breaking only a single tackle across 80 minutes.
7. JAHROME HUGHES — 8
Kicked the ball out on the full in the first ten minutes as he attempted to get himself in to the contest. However, he hit back with a perfect grubber to find Briton Nikora for his side’s first four-pointer. Consistently schemed in the first half and assisted the second try with another kick for Ronaldo Mulitalo. Finished the night with impressive stats, tallying two try assists to go with 64 running metres.
8. JAMES FISHER-HARRIS — 7.5
Came desperately close to scoring in the 18th minute before leaving the field bursing a cut in the 25th. Passed his HIA and swapped jerseys, before he once again suffered another ugly head knock, clashing with teammate Joseph Tapine. Got through his work as usual and made a team-high 35 tackles.
9. KIERAN FORAN — 6
Made several important tackles to start the clash and got through his work in the middle of the park, putting a huge shot on front rower Tom Flegler to force an error. His service out front behind the ruck was also impressive and he made 26 tackles with only one miss.
10. MOSES LEOTA — 6.5
Made a number of powerful runs in the first 10 minutes and stamped his mark on the contest. Got through his work and made 28 tackles, attempting to stop an attacking barrage from the Kangaroos.
11. ISAIAH PAPALI’I — 6
Made a mistake scooting out of the ruck on the fifth tackle in the 13th minute, putting Dylan Brown under pressure to deliver a kick. Made several runs and poked his nose through the line in the second half, running for 69 metres to go with 19 tackles.
Munster in doubt for clash against NZ | 01:47
MORE NRL NEWS
2024 TEAMS: Every club’s best 17 ahead of next season with every list analysed
‘I KNOW MY VALUE’: Papenhuyzen opens up on Storm contract bombshell
BREAKOUT STARS: Every club’s breakout star and who they are set to replace
‘YOU’D LOOK AT IT’: Teams that could make a play for Papenhuyzen
12. BRITON NIKORA — 6.5
Scored his team’s first of the night, running on to a Hughes grubber when initially looking to run the hard, straight line he’s known for. Made 31 tackles and was solid throughout the contest.
13. JOSEPH TAPINE — 8
Recorded 50 running metres in the first 20 minutes to go with 16 tackles, the most of any player to start the game. Consistently worked hard in the middle of the park and answered every question asked of him. Copped a friendly fire head knock when colliding with James Fisher-Harris. Was the only Kiwis forward to record triple digits in running metres, whilst also making 35 tackles.
INTERCHANGE
14. FA’AMANU BROWN — 6.5
Didn’t take the field until the second half, coming on with 30 minutes remaining. Burrowed his way over for his team’s third try in the final 10 minutes with a solid effort.
15. NELSON ASOFA-SOLOMONA — 5.5
Made several big runs after coming on off the bench and tallied a total of 76 running metres to go with 20 tackles.
16. GRIFFIN NEAME — 4.5
Gave away a marker penalty in his first moments on the field. Only had a short stint but made nine tackles and took two carries.
17. LEO THOMPSON — 6
Came on the field and was happy to do the dirty work, making a staggering 25 tackles in his short 37-minute stint off the bench. Impressive work in a middle rotation that doesn’t lack fire power.
Discussion about this post