International rugby league is set to return to Australia with a bang as the Kangaroos and Jillaroos rematch their World Cup Final wins as part of the new Pacific Championships.
The tournament comes as the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) announced a partnership with Anthony Albanese’s Federal Government to support rugby league in the Pacific, with an expected $7m in funding being provided to assist the tournament.
“Geography makes us neighbours, but through sport we build strong and lasting ties across the Pacific family,” said Albanese.
The tournament is just part of a $90m funding initiative designed to “deepen Pacific connections by strengthening cultural and people-to-people ties with the region and promote shared values.”
In particular, this funding will enable three weeks of international footy to be played in Papua New Guinea, with the Pacific Bowl tournament involving the PNG Kumuls, Fiji and the Cook Islands – as well as women’s games for the PNG Orchids, Fiji, Samoa and the Cook Islands – to be played in Port Moresby.
The top three nations will play for the Pacific Cup, with a three-team round robin followed by a final in Hamilton.
Tonga’s men are the notable absentees, as they will be playing England in the UK at the same time, but it is expected that they will return for the 2024 tournament with Samoa most likely travelling to the Northern Hemisphere.
The Pacific Cup will start two weeks after the NRL Grand Final, when Australia’s Men will face Samoa on October 14 in Townsville with the Jillaroos facing the Kiwi Ferns on the same day in a double header.
This will be the first Kangaroos game on home soil since 2019 and the first time both of Australia’s national teams have played on the same day at home since the 2017 World Cup Final.
The next week, the attention will shift to New Zealand, where the Kiwis will take on Toa Samoa at Eden Park with the Ferns facing Tonga’s Women, before a blockbuster between the Kiwis and Kangaroos a week later at AAMI Park in Melbourne.
A final will then be played on November 4th to round out the tournament in Hamilton, New Zealand.
Alongside the Pacific Cup, there will be a tri-series between Papua New Guinea, Fiji and the Cook Islands. They will play off over the same three weekends in Port Moresby, followed by a final on November 5.
The PNG Orchids will also play twice against the Cook Islands Women, with Samoa and Fiji Women featuring in the opening round as well.
“The Commission’s focus on growing the international game will combine with an equally strong desire to grow rugby league in the Pacific,” said ARLC Commissioner Kate Jones.
“I’d like to thank Prime Minister the Hon Anthony Albanese for his personal support of Rugby League in the Pacific, alongside the Hon Pat Conroy, the Federal Minister for International Development and the Pacific, as well as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
“The 2023 Pacific Championships will showcase the best of international Rugby League in matches across three countries. Importantly, the international matches will be highlighted by both men’s and women’s matches.
“The southern hemisphere tournaments will deliver on the broader NRL Pacific Strategy objectives – to create pathways for aspiring athletes, coaches, referees and administrators from the Pacific along with further growing international Rugby League.”
Week One – October 14-15
Australia v Samoa (men) at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Australia v New Zealand (women) at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
PNG v Cook Islands (men) at Santos Stadium, Port Moresby
Samoa v Fiji (women) at Santos Stadium, Port Moresby
Week Two – October 21-22
New Zealand v Samoa (men) at Eden Park, Auckland
New Zealand v Tonga (women) at Eden Park, Auckland
Fiji v Cook Islands (men) at Santos Stadium, Port Moresby
PNG v Cook Islands (women) at Santos Stadium, Port Moresby
Week Three – October 28-29
Australia v New Zealand (men) at AAMI Park, Melbourne
Australia v New Zealand (women) at AAMI Park, Melbourne
PNG v Fiji (men) at Santos Stadium, Port Moresby
Week Four – November 4-5
The Final of the men’s Pacific Cup tournament on November 4 in Hamilton, New Zealand
The Final of the men’s Pacific Bowl tournament on November 5 at Santos Stadium, Port Moresby
sheek
Roar Guru
The Barry, Yes I did. I have always followed the men's world cups since 1966 & the women's world cups since 2015, but I struggle to be a soccer fan day in/day out. These women were such a refreshing change from the rugby codes & cricket meatheads. Do you notice how all the men seem to attend the same 'how to speak to reporters' school & say exactly the same old crap? Anyway, I have favourite Aussie teams memories (just a sample): Matildas 2023; Socceroos 1974, 1997 (sweet & sour), 2006; Baggy Greens 1974/75, 1994/95 & 2006/07; Kangaroos 1973(a)/74(h), 1982, 86 & 90; Wallabies 1984, 1991, 1999 & 2003; Olympics 1968, 1992, 2000, 2008, 2021. It's a different world now, some good, some not so good. Change is inevitable, but only if it's meaningful. Anyway, have a good day.
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
The Barry
Roar Guru
Did you get on the Matilda’s bandwagon….
Micko
Roar Rookie
:laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :silly:
Pickett
Roar Rookie
Mad Davis There are 100 nations that play RL. Most have a booming domestic comp. In 10 years RL will overtake Soccer as the world game.
Renegade
Roar Guru
I’ll see you there!
Renegade
Roar Guru
Leather? Your comments are already don’t make any sense, no need to compound the issue.
sheek
Roar Guru
The Barry, Thanks for thinking of me. Nothing to say here, with both rugby codes boring me to death. Almost…
JimCam73
Roar Rookie
Brilliant, Can wait for this. I hope they get it on FTA TV. The England vs Tonga series in November is on BBC.
Maddi Davis
Roar Rookie
Because there aren't 6 Nations that play Rugby League leather alone 3 or 4
Maddi Davis
Roar Rookie
So it's Australia vs Australia A? How exciting
Noel
Roar Rookie
I think it's in Rugby Australia's interest to have as few people as possible invested in the RWC, unfortunately.
Nat
Roar Guru
So much so he thinks a few games in PNG might steal the international spotlight from the RWC.
Noodles
Roar Rookie
Any reason why they didn’t just make a 6 Nations comp over 5 weeks? Any mention of the Junior Kangaroos starting up again.
BigGordon
Roar Rookie
Perhaps a shout out should also go to Xi Jinping. Successive Australian gov'ts have had plenty of opportunities to promote all manner of sports in co-operation with South Pacific countries, yet it's only now that Albo decides to stump up some cash. I'm sure the ARL won't mind the "why" this money is now available. Nor should those who like international footy.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I’d like to hear what Sheek the elite has to say about international rugby league… :silly:
Pickett
Roar Rookie
Good to see and long overdue.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Agree Mic, We have been blessed with some wonderful indigenous players in the great game . My two favourite players of all time Artie and Matt Bowen were so good to watch it was ridiculous. I'll be there in Melbourne for that Kiwi game. Can't wait.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Wow, I just read all your comments. RU hasn't entered my consciousness since I was forced to play that abomination in high school, but RL is certainly buried in yours.
MickDonovan
Roar Rookie
Can't wait to see the Kangaroos and Jillaroos play again, they are such DEADLY teams. It's so good for my kids to see Aboriginals represent Australia.