The Kiwis have officially named their squad for the 2025 Pacific Cup - a blend of hardened veterans and breakout young talent ready to make their mark. With several big names returning from injury and a few surprise inclusions, this is a side that looks both powerful and unpredictable.

Full New Zealand Squad

Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Storm)
Dylan Brown (Eels)
Erin Clark (Warriors)
Phoenix Crossland (Knights)
James Fisher-Harris (c) (Warriors)
Kieran Foran (Titans)
Jamayne Isaako (Dolphins)
Keano Kini (Titans)
Sebastian Kris (Raiders)
Moses Leota (Panthers)
Jeremy Marshall-King (Dolphins)
Casey McLean (Panthers)
Ronaldo Mulitalo (Sharks)
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Warriors)
Briton Nikora (Sharks)
Isaiah Papali’i (Panthers)
Scott Sorensen (Panthers)
Joseph Tapine (Raiders)
Matthew Timoko (Raiders)
Naufahu Whyte (Roosters)
Xavier Willison (Broncos)

Key Talking Points

Can Nelson Keep His Cool?

Nelson Asofa-Solomona remains one of the most damaging forwards in rugby league - when he’s on the field. His recent disciplinary issues and frequent sin-bins have hurt both Melbourne and New Zealand at crucial times. If he can channel that aggression productively, he’ll be a weapon up front.

Dylan Brown’s Fresh Start

This Pacific Cup is the perfect opportunity for Dylan Brown to remind everyone of his class before making his move to the Knights in 2026. Coming off his final season with Parramatta, Brown has plenty to prove after the Eels’ tough campaign. Expect him to take control and push for leadership responsibility.

Youth Movement Rising

The next generation of Kiwi forwards are here. Naufahu Whyte and Xavier Willison both had breakout 2025 seasons at club level, and now get a chance to learn alongside veterans like Fisher-Harris, Tapine, and Sorensen. As the older brigade edges past 30, this Pacific Cup could signal the beginning of a new era for New Zealand rugby league.

Overall Outlook

This Kiwi squad looks balanced - a bruising forward pack with a mix of creativity and youth in the spine. With Fisher-Harris leading from the front and a healthy mix of experience across the park, New Zealand will be hard to stop if they click early.

The Pacific Cup is shaping up as a statement series for a team with genuine World Cup ambitions.