Auckland will host the region's first and only international rugby league test matches this year, in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Kiwi Ferns v Fetu Samoa, Mt Smart, New Zealand. 22 June 2019. © Copyright Image: Marc Shannon / www.photosport.nz. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2019 www.photosport.nz
Samoa, Tonga and Niue will feature in the 'Clash of the Pacific' as part of the Kiwi Ferns 25th anniversary year.
The Samoa women's rugby league team have promised to leave it all on the field when they play New Zealand at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday.
Fetū Samoa were outclassed last year 46-8, but with teams now restricted to selecting New Zealand-based players, because of pandemic-related border restrictions, coach Ross Uele said it was a more level playing field.
Fetu Samoa in camp ahead of their test match against the Kiwi Ferns. Photo: Supplied
"It just comes down to how well we utilise our New Zealand-based players and to give them this opportunity to run out for their country," he said.
"We'll be very competitive because the Ferns have had the same time frame as what we've had."
He said both teams were probably going through the same rigmarole in regards to having to select their squads.
"I think it's fair to say that it is up for grabs. It's obviously up to whichever team is hungriest, [and] whichever team wants it the most will probably be the team that comes out on top."
Eight of the 20-strong squad were involved in last weekend's NZRL women's grand final, while six players have been plucked from New Zealand's rugby union competition.
Masuisui Pauaraisa will lead Fetū Samoa for the second year running, while Aieshaleigh Smalley has swapped black for blue having been a part of the New Zealand team last year.
Aieshaleigh Smalley has swapped black for blue, having been a part of the New Zealand team last year. Photo: Supplied
Uele is hoping this weekend's test match will build towards a possible future World Cup spot.
"They have the Manusina for the rugby and we need the Fetū Samoa women's team just to get the ball rolling and getting them onto that process and pathway onto the next World Cup."
"I think it's every Samoans wish. I'd really love to see that and to be part of that, but depending on what the footy gods direct... if they direct Samoa into the World Cup then that's us."
Meanwhile the Kiwi Ferns don't know how much game time they'll get in the lead-up to next year's World Cup in the United Kingdom, so are treating Saturday's test as a starting point.
The World Cup is set to take place in just under 12 months time and new Kiwi Ferns captain, Krystal Rota, said any chance to get the team together before then is important.
"There's a lot for us to learn in this short time frame leading up to this game this weekend, but leading up to the World Cup this time together, it's important that we start building the foundation to move forward next year."
Niue will play their first 13-a-side international in almost two decades when they take on Tonga in the curtain-raiser.
Secretary of Auckland Niue Rugby League, Phillip Tasmania, said the women's game presents a massive opportunity for the small island nation.
Niue Language Week begins this Sunday. Photo: Talei Anderson / ARL
"We can not remember the last time a Niuean rugby league team, male or female, was live on a media format like Sky [Sport]. Our people in Niue are going to be watching on the day and that's really momentous for us," he said.
Their opponents, Tonga, are looking to draw inspiration from their male counterparts who created history by producing one of the sports biggest upsets in beating the world champion Australians a year ago.
Tongan coach, Dion Briggs, said they're hoping they can reach the same heights as the men.
Tonga women's coach Dion Briggs is drawing inspiration from the success of their male counterparts. Photo: RNZ / Talei Anderson
"The boys have been pretty supportive of this and I think they're pretty excited and not only have they been successful in the World Cups and Pacific Nations, but I think it would be good to see the female team up there too," said Briggs.
"Jason Taumalolo changed the world, changed the game and he's Tongan and I know a few of these girls are good enough to play Kiwi's, but if they feel it in their heart that they want to be here in a red jersey rather than a black jersey, all be for it."
Former Kiwi Fern Lilieta Maumau, who initially took up the sport to play for her country of heritage, said she's excited to be back representing the kingdom after the women's Tongan team to compete at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup fell through.
"I actually started playing rugby league because there was a Tongan team but then we didn't end up going to the World Cup so I ended up staying and playing rugby league and then making the Kiwi Ferns the next year," she said.
The squad's hard-hitting prop said representing her culture and parents made it special.
Tonga women's rugby league team to play the Kiwi Ferns this weekend. Photo: RNZ / Talei Anderson
"It's special playing for your birth country, for New Zealand, but it's a different feeling when you're representing your parents and their birth country. All you want to do is make your parents proud, so I think for many of us, representing our parents, our families and everyone back home in Tonga, that's what makes it more special."
No matter the outcome this weekend, rugby league has reached new heights to see the women, and three Pacific Island nations, on display this weekend.
