With the NRL season concluded, it’s time for international footy to begin with the second instalment of the Pacific Championships taking place.
Last year’s Rugby League World Cup brought with it a platform for numerous youngsters to shine on an international stage.
Young stars like Sunia Turuva and Isaiya Katoa were particularly impressive at that tournament and went on to have great rookie seasons in the NRL in 2023.
So, who are the players to watch at the upcoming Pacific Championships?
Each Nations Pacific Championships player to watch
Australia – Kotoni Staggs
With the Kangaroos it’s incredibly hard to find a hidden gem or a player with untapped potential as the side is full of established stars.
Staggs, who has been a crucial piece for the Broncos over the past few seasons, gets his chance to help solidify himself a spot as an Australian starting centre.
With the international retirement of Jack Wighton and the injuries to both Latrell Mitchell (finger) and Tom Trbojevic (pectoral), Staggs looks set to make his debut for Australia.
MORE: Mal Meninga unveils 21-man Kangaroos squad
Staggs was a monster in attack this season, totalling 13 tries, seven try assists, and 117 average run metres, all career highs.
With Valentine Holmes suspended for their opening game against the Samoans, Staggs will have the gigantic task of facing either Stephen Crichton, Izack Tago, or Murray Taulagi in the centres.
Staggs, who’s built a reputation for making poor defensive reads, should relish the task of taking on the fellow elite and will be wanting revenge for the outcome of the Grand Final.
An outstanding tournament combined may increase his stature with coach Mal Meninga and help his chances of making future Kangaroos sides.
Cook Islands – Brendan Piakura
With the Cook Islands squad yet to be announced the selection of a Piakura is just an assumption at this point.
Piakura, who featured in all three games in last year’s World Cup for the Cook Islands, has now developed into a quality NRL player.
He evolved from a talented youngster on the fringe of the Broncos' starting side to a consistent regular towards the end of the season.
He put in 80-minute performances with ease, showcasing his skills as a strong ball-runner and tackle-breaking threat who was even trusted in the Grand Final at just 21 years of age.
Piakura will come into the Pacific Championships as one of their star pieces and will be relied upon heavily against Fiji and PNG for the Pacific Bowl title.
Fiji – Siua Wong
Another prediction with the Fijian squad yet to be confirmed, but Wong is set to be certainty for selection.
Wong, who was already heavily involved in the Fijian’s run to the Quarter Final at the World Cup in 2022, has only elevated his status in the sport this past year.
The damaging second-rower would have to wait patiently for his chance at the Roosters but took the opportunity with both hands once it arose.
MORE: Pacific Championships 2023: Predicted team lists for Australia, Samoa and New Zealand
He had been dominating the NSW Cup and within no time became an important player for Trent Robinson’s side starting regularly during their magical late-season streak of victories.
His nine tackle break, 122 run metre game in the elimination final gave us a glimpse of what the young prodigy is capable of.
Expect him to be a focal point of the Fijian’s attack during the tournament.
New Zealand – Dylan Brown
Arguably the highest profile name on the Kiwi's roster, Brown enters the Pacific Championships with much to prove.
After a tumultuous 2023 which included off-field drama, suspension and the Eels falling drastically short of their aspirations, Brown will get a chance of redemption.
The five-eighth will be without Shaun Johnson in the halves which should allow him to take more of a leadership role alongside Jahrome Hughes.
The Kiwis will also be without their leading hooker options Brandon Smith and Jeremy Marshall-King which should only increase Brown’s attacking responsibilities.
The Kiwis lost by just two points against the Aussies in the semi-final at the World Cup and had to look on as the Samoans soared to the Grand Final.
If New Zealand is to topple their international rivals, they will need Brown firing as a successful tournament would rescue what has been a wretched individual season.
Papua New Guinea – Edwin Ipape
Ipape has been starring in the English Super League for the Leigh Leopards helping them gain promotion in 2022 and qualify for the finals in 2023.
The nifty hooker was integral to the Leopards 2023 Challenge Cup title, the side's first major trophy in 52 years.
MORE: Grading every club's 2023 NRL season
Ipape’s play at an international level has also been spectacular with the PNG native named as the starting hooker in the RLWC Team of the Tournament, selected over superstars like Harry Grant and Brandon Smith.
At just 22, the Pacific Championships not only allows Ipape to lead his country in front of his home fans but also gives the hooker a chance to prove himself against relatively similar competition in the Pacific Bowl group.
An impressive outing should only increase the likelihood he receives an NRL contract in the near future.
Samoa – Jesse Arthars
A player who has worked relentlessly in the QLD Cup and at the Titans and Warriors looks to have now solidified himself as a starting NRL outside back in his second stint at the Broncos.
Arthars' selection for Samoa is no surprise after his breakout 2023 season on the Broncos wing.
With a career-high nine tries, 100 average run metres and 16 line breaks, Arthars has knocked off Broncos’ veteran, Corey Oates, to become Kevin Walters' preferred wing option.
Walters showed great trust in the winger as he featured throughout the Broncos’ final series and had an outstanding showing in the Grand Final.
He doesn’t physically mirror wingers like Maiko Sivo or Brian To’o but he has become praised for his courageous carries, safe hands and intelligent defensive positioning.
Arthars has been duly rewarded for his season and should only add to a Samoan backline which is arguably the most talented in the tournament.
