Samoa returns to the rugby league’s Pacific men’s Championships which will be played in three countries over four weekends starting in late October.
A NRL statement says Samoa will return to the men’s Cup draw after they missed last year’s tournament to tour the United Kingdom.
They are due to face 2024 runner-up Tonga as part of a double-header in Brisbane: the Jillaroos and Samoa will also meet at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, October 26.
The Kiwis are due to host two games in Auckland: Samoa on October 19 and Tonga on November 2.
The men’s and women’s Pacific Cup finals will be held at Parramatta on Sunday, November 9.
EARLIER STORY: Australia claims Cup double at Parramatta
The Jillaroos begin their Pacific Cup title defence against Samoa at Suncorp then head across the Tasman to face the Kiwi Ferns at Eden Park on November 2.
The men’s and women’s Pacific Bowl tournaments will be played over three weekends in Port Moresby.
The men’s Bowl includes PNG, Fiji and Cook Islands; PNG, Cook Islands and Tonga will contest the women’s Bowl.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo is keen to rekindle the passion of last year’s event.
“The images of a sea of red jerseys and Tongan flags at last year’s final in Sydney, the crowds in New Zealand and the hero’s reception for teams playing in Fiji and PNG were massive moments for rugby league last year,” he says.
NSW Sport and Tourism Minister Steve Kamper says they are “thrilled” that Sydney will host the championship final.
Full draw: click here for the men’s and women’s fixtures
COACHES FOR UK TOUR
New Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters joins re-signed Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner for the end of season tours to the UK.
He replaces Mal Meninga who is now coach of the new NRL expansion team the Perth Bears.
Walters is looking forward to guiding the Kangaroos in an Ashes Tour.
“It is truly an honour and a privilege to be able to coach the Kangaroos on such a stage,” he said.
“Playing on a Kangaroos Tour was always a pinnacle as a player, so to be able to lead the best of the best in this environment is very humbling and obviously very exciting.”
The Kangaroos will play England on October 25, November 2 and November 9 in London, Liverpool and Leeds.
