‘A try every day of the week’: Kiwis sink Samoa to rule the Pacific after contentious call leaves Mariner high and dry

A try every day of the week: Kiwis dominate Samoa to claim Pacific crown

The final match of the 2025 rugby calendar delivered an outstanding contest, showcasing the talents of Samoa and New Zealand as strong contenders to challenge Australia’s supremacy at next year’s World Cup.

Both teams demonstrated formidable strength up front combined with impressive speed and skill in the wider channels, indicating their potential to disrupt Australia’s global dominance in rugby league.

New Zealand's comeback and decisive victory

New Zealand overturned an eight-point deficit to decisively defeat Samoa 36-14 in the Pacific Championships final, highlighting their international rugby league prowess in the Pacific region.

Standout performances from key players

Dylan Brown, recently recruited by the Knights, maintained his excellent form in the black jersey. He capitalized on the relentless forward momentum led by James Fisher-Harris, Joseph Tapine, Naufahu Whyte, and Moses Leota.
Brown contributed with three try assists, 10 tackle breaks, and a line break, offering hope to Newcastle supporters that he could resolve long-standing attacking challenges.
With Jahrome Hughes expected to return to the squad, the Kiwis will be formidable and balanced at full strength for the World Cup.
On the Samoan side, Payne Haas delivered an immense performance beyond his usual high standards, exemplifying Samoa’s determination though they eventually tired in the second half having ceded over 60% possession to New Zealand.

"New Zealand overcame an eight-point deficit to mow down Samoa 36-14 in a superb exhibition of international rugby league in the Pacific Championships final."

"Brown racked up three try assists, 10 tackle breaks and a line break of his own to give Newcastle fans plenty of hope that he can be the answer to the long-term attacking woes."

"Payne Haas was enormous, even by his own lofty standards, for Samoa who never surrendered despite running out of steam in the second half due to the Kiwis commanding upwards of 60% of overall possession."

Author’s summary: New Zealand’s dominant comeback win over Samoa in the Pacific final signals their potential to challenge Australia’s rugby league supremacy in the 2026 World Cup.

The Roar — 2025-11-09

A try every day of the week: Kiwis dominate Samoa to claim Pacific crown

New Zealand's comeback and decisive victory

Standout performances from key players

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