Ikenasio, King Return To Kiwi Ferns For Final

The Kiwi Ferns have named their star-studded side to battle the Jillaroos for the Pacific Cup this Sunday at Commbank Stadium.

The Kiwi Ferns are hungry for a win over the Australians after their recent close encounter at Eden Park, which had only a converted try in it. This sees versatile former Sevens athletes Tysha Ikenasio and Tyla King re-enter the lineup to inject further speed to the backline.

Head Coach Ricky Henry said: “We are glad to have another crack at the Jillaroos this week. That last match was a tough battle, but I was proud of how the team performed. We need to get those little things right to keep the pressure on in the final.

“It is unfortunate to have Lei [Tufuga] unavailable this week, but glad to have her with us supporting the team as she follows her HIA protocols.”

Henry has made a few changes to the team with Ikenasio replacing Leianne Tufuga on the wing, and five-eighth Ashleigh Quinlan earning a start after two strong impact performances off the bench. Shakira Baker will then return to take the 18 jersey as backup, whilst newly capped Shaniece Monschau gets another opportunity.

Head Coach Ricky Henry’s commitment to developing this squad since the last World Cup is apparent, with only four new faces in this team from the one that last defeated the Australians on their home soil in 2023: Ikenasio, Shanice Monschau, Ivana Lauitiiti, and Shakira Baker, who were standouts in NRLW this season.

This continuity and experience, which has been building for the last couple of years, may prove the difference in what is sure to be a tense final.

Kiwi Ferns team to face the Jillaroos in the Pacific Cup Final:

1. Apii Nicholls
2. Tysha Ikenasio
3. Mele Hufunga
4. Abigail Roache
5. Shanice Parker
6. Ashleigh Quinlan
7. Raecene McGregor
8. Tiana Davison
9. Brooke Anderson
10. Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa
11. Annessa Biddle
12. Otesa Pule
13. Georgia Hale
14. Tyla King
15. Shaniece Monschau
16. Alexis Tauaneai
17. Ivana Lauitiiti
18. Shakira Baker

Unavailable for selection: Leianna Tufuga (HIA protocols)

Match Info:

Sunday 9 November 2025, Commbank Stadium Sydney

11.25am - Men's World Cup qualifier: Cook Islands v South Africa
1.35pm - Women's Pacific Cup Final: Jillaroos v Kiwi Ferns
4.05pm - Men's Pacific Cup Final: Kiwis v Toa Samoa

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