Pacific Championshp rugby league: What you need to know about Kiwi Ferns v Jillaroos women's final

Pacific Championship (women) - Kiwi Ferns v Jillaroos

Kickoff: 3.35pm, Sunday, 9 November

CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Live blog updates on RNZ

History

Formed in 1995, the Kiwi Ferns spent the next 20 years dominating women's rugby league, winning the first three World Cup crowns in 2000, 2003 and 2008.

Gradually, Australia began devoting more resources to developing their women's programme and the rivalry went up a level, with the Jillaroos capturing the 2013, 2017 and 2021 titles.

New Zealand still hold a 17-14 head-to-head advantage over the Aussies, but are 1-10 since 2017.

With the creation of the NRLW, the women's game has reached new levels, albeit still dominated by the trans-Tasman powers.

Australia overran the Ferns 24-4 in last year's Pacific Championship final, but New Zealand shocked their neighbours 30-0 the year before that.

Only a converted try separated them last week, when the Jillaroos prevailed 10-4 in poolplay and the final should be another close affair.

Form

The Kiwi Ferns struggled to overcome Samoa 22-20 in their opening game of the Pacific Championship, as their much-improved opponents showed the benefits of having so many players involved in NRLW.

Ferns coach Ricky Henry also took the opportunity to blood three rugby converts, but only one of them is included for the final, so there was some degree of experimentation in that line-up.

The NZ women were much better against Australia and can be better again, if they cut back on unforced errors.

The Jillaroos were far more dominant (60-0) against Samoa and beat the Ferns twice last year, so they must start as favourites to defend their crown.

Jillaroos

If you're wondering, a jillaroo is a female jackaroo, which is to say a young woman training on an Australian sheep or cattle station.

The name was created during the Second World War, when women had to do much of the work traditionally done by men, who were away fighting overseas.

The terms 'jackeroos' and 'jilleroos' are derived from the nursery rhyme Jack and Jill.

[h}Teams

Kiwi Ferns: 1. Apii Nicholls, 2. Tysha Ikenasio, 3. Mele Hufanga, 4. Abigail Roache, 5. Shanice Parker, 6. Ashleigh Quinlan, 7. Raecene McGregor (captain), 8. Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa, 9. Brooke Anderson, 10. Tiana Davison, 11. Annessa Biddle, 12. Outesa Pule, 13, Georgia Hale

Interchange: 14. Tyla King, 15. Shaniece Monschau, 16. Alexis Tauaneai, 17. Ivana Lauitiiti

Reserves: 18. Shakira Baker, 19. Patricia Maliepo, 20. Trinity Tauaneai

From the team that lost to Australia last week, coach Ricky Henry has lost the services of winger Leianne Tufuga to concussion protocols, replacing her with former sevens star Tysha Ikenasio.

The key change comes at five-eighth, where rugby convert Patricia Maliepo has made way for Ash Quinlan, while Olympic sevens gold medallist Tyla King (formerly Nathan Wong) joins the interchange, after playing a major role in the championship final victory two years ago.

Player to watch

Centre Mele Hufanga has enjoyed a remarkable month, scoring the winning try for Brisbane Broncos in the NRLW final and then repeating the feat for the Kiwi Ferns against Samoa.

She scored the Ferns' only try in last year's Pacific Championship final and will be a major addition to the NZ Warriors women's programme next year.

Jillaroos: 1. Tanika Upton, 2. Julia Robinson, 3. Isabelle Kelly, 4. Tiana Penitani Gray, 5. Jakiya Whitfield, 6. Ali Brigginshaw, 7. Jesse Southwell, 8. Ellie Johnston, 9. Olivia Higgins, 10. Jessika Elliston, 11. Kezie Apps, 12. Yasmin Clydsdale, 13. Olivia Kernick

Interchange: 14. Quincy Dodd, 15. Keilee Joseph, 16. Jessica Sergis, 17. Rima Butler

Reserves: 18. Sarah Togatuki, 19. Abbi Church, 20. Jocelyn Kelleher

Fullback Tamika Upton missed last week's game with a calf injury, but reclaims her No.1 jersey from Abbi Church.

Olivia Higgins slots into hooker, with Keeley Davis lost to a shoulder injury, while Jakiya Whitfield claims a spot on the wing, with Jess Sergis moving to the bench.

Player to watch

Tamika Upton was the NRLW's leading tryscorer (18), as the Broncos finished second on the competition table and then overcame leaders Sydney Roosters in the final.

As a result, she became the first woman to claim two Dally M Medals as player of the year and scored two tries in Australia's runaway win over Samoa two weeks ago.

What will happen

A Kiwi Ferns win is not out of the question, but the Aussies have superior speed and athleticism, and the ability to find another gear at will.

New Zealand's best bet is to keep it physical, wear them down and reduce the contest to a close, lowscoring affair.

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