Good News for the Raiders: Trio of Canberra Stars Named in New Zealand’s Pacific Championships Squad…
The Canberra Raiders have reason to celebrate, with three of their top performers named in the **New Zealand Kiwis squad** for the 2025 **Pacific Championships**.
**Joseph Tapine**, **Matthew Timoko**, and **Sebastian Kris** have all earned selection after standout seasons in the NRL. Tapine, a consistent leader in the forward pack, brings aggression and experience. Timoko’s explosive form in the centres has turned heads all year, while Kris’s versatility across the backline has proven invaluable for Canberra.
The Kiwis, coached by **Stacey Jones**, have named a strong 21-man squad blending veterans like **Kieran Foran** with emerging talent such as **Phoenix Crossland** and **Erin Clark**. Other big names include **Nelson Asofa-Solomona**, **Moses Leota**, and **Dylan Brown**.
New Zealand kicks off its campaign against **Samoa** on **October 19** in Auckland, followed by a clash with **Tonga** on **November 2**. The final is scheduled for **November 8** in Sydney.
While the Raiders are proud of their international representatives, the club will be hoping for safe returns with no injuries. The selections highlight Canberra’s growing influence on the world stage and the strength of its current roster.
