New Zealand vs Papua New Guinea Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2024 Pacific Championships Promotion/Relegation Final
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New Zealand face this promotion/relegation match needing a win to avoid dropping to the Bowl; a year off winning the championships
START DATE/TIME: Sunday 10th November, 2024, UK – 5:05am / US ET – 12:05am / Saturday 9th November, US PT – 9:00pm
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK - This match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Mix / AUS - This match will be broadcast live on Watch NRL
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK - This match will be streamed on SkyGo / AUS - This match will be streamed on Watch NRL
New Zealand: Kiwis unchanged from loss to Tonga last week
New Zealand have named an unchanged team from the loss to Tonga last week but they will be desperate to make a better start to this match. They were slow in the early stages last week and that ultimately cost them, but that will likely see them fired up right from the first whistle here.
Team
1. Keano Kini
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Matt Timoko
4. Peta Hiku
5. Will Warbrick
6. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
7. Shaun Johnson
8. James Fisher-Harris
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Joe Tapine
11. Isaiah Papali'i
12. Scott Sorensen
13. Naufahu Whyte
Interchange
14. Kodi Nikorima
15. Griffin Neame
16. Marata Niukore
17. Leo Thompson
Reserves
18. Erin Clark
19. Jordan Riki
20. Casey McLean
21. Trent Toelau
PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Skipper Rhyse Martin returns for crunch match
The Kumuls can count on the return of key man and captain Rhyse Martin for this crunch match. He missed last week’s match with the Cook Islands due to personal reasons as Dan Russell replaced him and Lachlan Lam deputised as skipper. Russell drops back to 18th man and the return of Martin will certain boost PNG for this one.
Team
1. Nene Macdonald
2. Elijah Roltinga
3. Robert Mathias
4. Rodrick Tai
5. Robert Derby
6. Kyle Laybutt
7. Lachlan Lam
8. Valentine Richard
9. Liam Horne
10. Jacob Alick-Wiencke
11. Rhyse Martin
12. Jeremiah Simbiken
13. Jack de Belin
Interchange
14. Judah Rimbu
15. Koso Bandi
16. Sylvester Namo
17. Ila Alu
Reserves
18. Dan Russell
19. Morea Morea
20. Sanny Wabo
21. Benji Kot
New Zealand vs Papua New Guinea Prediction
It will be interesting to see how motivated New Zealand are for this match given they were so sluggish in the first half against Tonga last week in a crunch match. They have failed in the defence of their crown and now need to win to avoid relegation.
They will not find it easy against the Kumuls here. PNG have played well in their matches so far and will fancy their chances of springing an upset here. They will look to Tonga’s approach last week and try follow that with a fast and physical start.
New Zealand have to be favoured to have enough quality to win this match but it is hard to see them doing enough to cover the spread. 19.5 is a crazy number based on their performances so far and we lean towards the Kumuls covering that.
Even if they go behind early and the Kiwis build a lead, the pride of the PNG boys will see them play hard for 80 minutes and we like their chances on the handicap in this one.
New Zealand vs Papua New Guinea Tip: Papua New Guinea +19.5 points
