Super League stars set for international rugby league as Pacific Championship squads announced

As the regular season for clubs come to an end, attention turns to the international stage, and there has been an abundance of squad announcements that include Super League talent.

Australia have already announced their squad for the Ashes series against England, with Reece Walsh and Nathan Cleary two of the biggest names that will travel to the UK this autumn.

Shaun Wane will announce his squad following the Grand Final, while countries competing in the Pacific Championships have this week announced their selections.

The stars of Super League will be on show all around the world this off-season, as they get the privilege of representing their country on the biggest stage.

New Zealand and Tonga feature no players from the Northern Hemisphere, which is a change from previous years, especially for the latter. Tui Lolohea was the last Super League player to be involved, having played for the Tongans last year.

Super League on show as Huddersfield Giants and Wakefield Trinity men called up for international selection

Samoa:

The 2022 World Cup Finalists have named an incredibly strong squad, with more stars who could have represented Australia choosing instead to play for them. Payne Haas is the biggest name, with the Brisbane Broncos prop rejected the Kangaroos in order to embrace his Samoan heritage and represent them.

Incoming Wakefield Trinity prop Jazz Tevaga is named, in what will be his final matches Down Under before linking up with Daryl Powell’s side. The loose forward is the only Super League player to be represented in the squad, and he will want to finish his 2025 season strong before heading to pastures new.

Terrell and Taylan May, brothers of Hull KR half-back Tyrone, are included, with the pair turning out for Wests Tigers in the NRL this year. The trio have all talked about playing together at some point in their careers, however it will not be in this year’s internationals, with Tyrone not playing for Samoa since the opening game of the World Cup.

Papua New Guinea:

The Kumuls are yet to announce their squads for the Pacific Bowl, where they will face the Cook Islands and Fiji, however they have named a Prime Minister’s XIII that will take on the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII this weekend.

In that squad, there are two current Super League players, with Salford Red Devils’ Nene MacDonald being named at full-back. The former Leeds Rhinos man took unpaid leave mid-way through the season to return to Australia, before stunningly returning to the club in September to see out the regular season.

Joining him is Castleford Tigers hooker, Liam Horne. The 27-year-old has made six appearances for his national side, and will be joined by two of his former teammates in representing his country. Ex-Tigers duo Sylvester Namo and Judah Rimbu are also named, after the pair were released from Tigers squad part-way through the year. Back rower Nixon Putt, who made seven appearances under Craig Lingard last year, is the final ex-Castleford representative.

Fiji:

Huddersfield Giants centre Taane Milne is included in the side, as is former St Helens and current Bradford Bulls outside back Waqa Blake.

Incoming Castleford winger Semi Valemei will play international rugby this Autumn, but there is no place for future teammate Mikaele Ravalawa.

Former Leigh Leopards prop Ben Nakubuwai is selected. The 29-year-old currently turns out for Norths Devils, after he was released from his contract at the start of this year.

Serious About Rugby League has launched a brand new podcast which can be watched in full on our YouTube channel here.