The Canberra Raiders have received a major boost this week, with three of their key players named in New Zealand’s squad for the 2025 Pacific Championships. The selection of Joseph Tapine, Matthew Timoko, and Sebastian Kris is not only a personal achievement for the players, but also a huge moment of pride for the Raiders organisation and its fans.
As international rugby league returns to the spotlight in the Pacific region, these selections shine a light on the Raiders’ strong development program and the international calibre of talent within their ranks.
The New Zealand Kiwis, one of the premier rugby league teams in the world, are gearing up for a major campaign in the Pacific Championships. The tournament, designed to strengthen rugby league in the Pacific and prepare teams for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, will feature elite competition between the likes of New Zealand, Tonga, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji.
In a squad stacked with top-tier talent from the NRL, three Raiders have earned their place:
- Joseph Tapine – The experienced prop forward has long been a staple of the Kiwi side and continues to prove why. His leadership, tough carries, and defensive grit have been crucial for the Raiders in 2025, and he’ll now look to bring that same impact to the international stage.
- Matthew Timoko – One of the brightest young stars in the game, Timoko has been electric in the centres all season. Known for his powerful runs, sharp footwork, and aggressive defence, his selection signals his rise as a genuine international threat.
- Sebastian Kris – A versatile outside back, Kris has once again shown his value through consistent performances and adaptability. Able to play centre, wing, or fullback if needed, his utility value is a major asset for the Kiwis.
The Raiders’ influence on the international stage has grown steadily in recent years, and this latest trio of selections confirms the club’s commitment to elite development. Having three players named in a powerful New Zealand squad speaks volumes about the level of professionalism and coaching at Canberra.
Coach Ricky Stuart was full of praise for his players:
The selections also come at an important time for the club, as the Raiders look to bounce back from a mixed 2025 NRL season. Having their players perform on the international stage could be the spark that fuels further success in the coming year.
The Pacific Championships are more than a tournament—they’re a celebration of Pacific culture, identity, and unity through rugby league. For players like Tapine, Timoko, and Kris—who all have deep cultural roots in the region—the chance to represent New Zealand is both an honour and a responsibility.
The tournament will also serve as a critical test for coaches and selectors ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Performances in these matches will go a long way toward shaping future national squads.
New Zealand is expected to field a strong team capable of going all the way, and the Raiders trio will likely play key roles in that campaign.
The Kiwis open their campaign on October 19, with a showdown against traditional rivals Toa Samoa in Auckland. Following that, they’ll face Tonga on November 2, before the final on November 8 at CommBank Stadium in Sydney.
With high-stakes matches and packed stadiums expected, the Pacific Championships are shaping up to be one of the year’s most exciting rugby league events.
Canberra fans have reacted with pride and excitement across social media, praising the club’s international representation.
There’s a growing sense that this generation of Raiders talent could leave a lasting legacy both in the NRL and on the global stage
The selection of Tapine, Timoko, and Kris for New Zealand’s Pacific Championships squad is a huge moment for the Canberra Raiders. It validates the club’s investment in player development and cements their status as a key contributor to international rugby league.
As the Pacific Championships unfold, Raiders fans will be watching closely—not just to see their players succeed, but to witness how their contributions can help shape the next chapter of Kiwi rugby league dominance.
For the players, it’s a chance to shine on one of the sport’s biggest stages. For the Raiders, it’s a reminder that their influence reaches far beyond the NRL ladder.