November 1, 2025 • 9 mins
The Pacific Championships are set to continue, with Tonga facing off against the Kiwis this afternoon.
The Auckland clash in the penultimate weekend of the Pacific Championships will determine who meets Samoa next weekend.
Kiwis player Isaiah Papali'i joined Piney to discuss.
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from News Talks.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
ED b B League comes to Eden Park today in
the form of a Pacific Championship doubleheader. The Kiwi Ferns
up against Australia and the women's match from three point
thirty five this afternoon, and then it's the Kiwis to
play Tonga in the men's match from five past six.
Let's bring in Kiwi's and Penrith second rower Isaiah papalii Izaia.
(00:32):
Thanks for joining us, mate. Can we start with the
review of the game against some More seems an age ago,
a couple of weeks ago. What were the main things
that came out of the review of that match as
you start preparing or you started preparing for the game
against Tonga.
Speaker 3 (00:45):
Hey jays, Yeah, that win over some More was it's
a good way to get the cobwebs out and I
guess get ourselves some momentum. But I think the on
reviewer just talking about how we defended so well after
putting ourself under a bit of pressure in that second half.
So I will making sure we can kind of build
(01:05):
off that.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
You talk about a few cob webs and I guess
the team doesn't get together a heck of a lot.
So when you do get together, does it take a
bit of time to get those combinations back to be
fully functioning again?
Speaker 3 (01:17):
Yeah, yeah it does. We kind of talk about it
when we assemble and kind of just try knuckle out
the game plan and how we want to play, and
then I guess you get those reps throughout the week
and then yeah, you kind of build it pretty quickly
hanging out pretty much twenty four to seven, so you
kind of get that connection pretty quick, and I think
(01:40):
it pays off when game they come.
Speaker 2 (01:43):
There's been a bit of talk about the penalty given
against you in that game for a supposed late char
John Jerome Lewi.
Speaker 4 (01:49):
How did you see that butter play?
Speaker 3 (01:51):
Yeah, I guess it's pretty consistent with tell the rest
have been. I guess calling those keenerally, so I couldn't
really argue too much because he Yeah, I kind of
definitely push them. I think I just got to wrap
my arms around the next time and take him to
the ground rather than just shoving him.
Speaker 2 (02:12):
Yeah. I guess the main gist of the opposition to
the penalty was the fact that it's a slow play
the ball. You've got up quickly to challenge him, and
I think some people think Arbeck's going to but too
much protection in situations like that, is that? I mean,
I know I don't expect you to say that, but
I mean it's it's a fine line.
Speaker 4 (02:28):
Isn't it.
Speaker 3 (02:29):
Yeah, I think I guess there's consistency there, which is
the main thing. So if I saw my heart getting
pushed like that, I'm sure on a penalty for us.
So I couldn't really do it, like I said, argue
too much about it fair enough.
Speaker 2 (02:43):
So then some all went and beat Tonga quite comfortably too.
Was there a surprise to see some more you know,
beat a tongue inside that I guess we all thought
was going to be your main competition again this year.
Speaker 3 (02:56):
I can't say it was a surprise. The way they
played against us. We definitely had to play a four
eighty minutes and the result was in the balance for
I guess the whole game. So when I seen them
go up against Tonge, they played, yeah, some really good footing.
Obviously they had a set that was their second game,
(03:17):
whereas Tomola had their first. So I think there's a
bit of an advantage there with them having that second game,
that first game under their belts. So I'm sure Tongo
will I guess take that those lessons from that game
and they'll be really to go this Sunday.
Speaker 4 (03:33):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
So on Tongua, what sort of threat do you expect
them to pose to you at Eton Park?
Speaker 3 (03:40):
Uh? Pretty much except all over the field. Really, They've
got a talented squad. They're coming off the back of
a loss. I'm sure they want to redeem themselves. And
also he's going to probably be a si of read,
so they're going to have eighteen men out there with
the crowd and I'm looking forward to that challenge and
(04:02):
I'm sure, yeah, it'll be a good game.
Speaker 2 (04:05):
You're playing a lot of rugby lake now. I mean
you're still very young, but you've played a lot of
NRL rugby league and international rugby league. How does wearing
the Kiwi jersey compare to playing club footy in the NRL.
Speaker 3 (04:18):
Yeah, it's a bit more special. I guess I'm kind
of being a Kiwi kid myself growing up here in Auckland.
You always kind of dreamt of putting on that black
jersey and always remember watching the Kiwis before me do
Hawker singer Anthem playing those big games, and for me
(04:39):
to be in that position right now, I'm pretty grateful
and blessed, and I'm just happy that I get to
do it in front of my family and friends and
live out my childhood dreams. It's pretty special for myself
and even also for my family, who has supported me
since since day one.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
How do you go about integrating some of the newer
guys into the Kiwi's environment.
Speaker 3 (05:03):
I think it's pretty easier. Everyone's a que I guess,
and we connect pretty easily. Oh yeah. We just kind
of make them feel welcome as soon as they come
into camp and just go play some coffee or go
get some coffee, play some cards and kind of just
do what you're doing at Coubland. But being in camp
for more than a couple of days, you kind of just, yeah,
(05:28):
make them feel welcome pretty quickly, and then you kind
of find your group pretty quick at the end.
Speaker 2 (05:34):
Are you at the point of your career now as
where you feel like you've got a leadership role to
play in this team?
Speaker 3 (05:40):
Oh yeah, you could say that. I think it's been
a few years now and you just want to kind
of lead with action and and just make sure that
are those around you feel comfortable. And I guess yeah,
I think definitely feeling a bit older now the last
(06:02):
couple of years, so trying to keep myself young by
hanging out and getting around them. So yeah, I think
those are the things I try to do as a leaders,
Just lead by action and make sure they feel comfortable
around me.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
And pretty proud history of rugby leg and your family
of course, you and your mum, Lorena New Zealand's only
mother son combination to represent the Kiwi ferns and then
the kiwis How big an influence has she been on you?
Speaker 3 (06:29):
She's massive. I guess she's someone that I used to
watch growing up a lot. And yeah, she's just not
only her just playing for Kii Ferns, but the way
she she is just around home, just always I guess,
working hard and making sure things are done around the house.
(06:49):
I think that's something that I kind of take away
into my own lifestyle and how I go about things.
So she's been a massive influence, and yeah, to look
up to her as a role model today and try
to see that person years day and day out.
Speaker 2 (07:08):
How did you evaluate as your first season with Penrith.
Speaker 3 (07:13):
Oh yeah, good. Obviously a rough start, but I think
personally I was growing each day each week, and that
was probably the main thing I wanted to do throughout
this year, and I thought I did that and obviously
came up short at the back end of the year.
But myself, I was hadn't been in Final fourty since
(07:36):
twenty twenty two, so that was something that I relished
and enjoyed, but obviously wanted to go all the way
and that didn't happen. So still got a goal to chase,
and yeah, I'm looking forward to for the next couple
of years at the club.
Speaker 4 (07:52):
And what about your time at the Tigers, how do
you how do you reflect on that?
Speaker 3 (07:56):
Yeah, a lot of learnings, I guess two years there
and I guess, yeah, the results weren't weren't coming, and
it was definitely tough, but I think it taught me
to kind of just count my blessings and and understand that, yeah,
(08:18):
my preparation is key to performing on that and on
that field and on the weekend. So uh, those are
learnings that I took away from from the Tigers and
and I've made sure to implement throughout my time at tennis, So.
Speaker 4 (08:32):
You're going to get a bit of time off.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
I mean you've got Tom going to play and then
in all probability the final as well.
Speaker 4 (08:38):
Do you get a bit of time off before you
have to report back for pre season?
Speaker 3 (08:41):
Yeah? Yeah, so after we wrap up here, I think
the planners my due dates in the new year, so
I got a bit of traveling to do with my
family and I'll probably end up here come Christmas time,
so I'm looking forward to that and I hope Auckland
you didn't have some good weather.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
I guess it depends on I guess it depends on
where you are in the country, but I'm sure you'll
find some sunshine somewhere. Isaiah, I all the best, all
the best against Tonga made and onto the final as well.
Speaker 4 (09:14):
It's been great to chat to you mate. All the best.
Speaker 2 (09:17):
You have a good one to things indeed, Isaiah, Papa
Lei there out of the Kiwis camps.
Speaker 1 (09:21):
For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live
to news Talks at b weekends from midday, or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio.
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from News Talks.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
ED b B League comes to Eden Park today in
the form of a Pacific Championship doubleheader. The Kiwi Ferns
up against Australia and the women's match from three point
thirty five this afternoon, and then it's the Kiwis to
play Tonga in the men's match from five past six.
Let's bring in Kiwi's and Penrith second rower Isaiah papalii Izaia.
(00:32):
Thanks for joining us, mate. Can we start with the
review of the game against some More seems an age ago,
a couple of weeks ago. What were the main things
that came out of the review of that match as
you start preparing or you started preparing for the game
against Tonga.
Speaker 3 (00:45):
Hey jays, Yeah, that win over some More was it's
a good way to get the cobwebs out and I
guess get ourselves some momentum. But I think the on
reviewer just talking about how we defended so well after
putting ourself under a bit of pressure in that second half.
So I will making sure we can kind of build
(01:05):
off that.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
You talk about a few cob webs and I guess
the team doesn't get together a heck of a lot.
So when you do get together, does it take a
bit of time to get those combinations back to be
fully functioning again?
Speaker 3 (01:17):
Yeah, yeah it does. We kind of talk about it
when we assemble and kind of just try knuckle out
the game plan and how we want to play, and
then I guess you get those reps throughout the week
and then yeah, you kind of build it pretty quickly
hanging out pretty much twenty four to seven, so you
kind of get that connection pretty quick, and I think
(01:40):
it pays off when game they come.
Speaker 2 (01:43):
There's been a bit of talk about the penalty given
against you in that game for a supposed late char
John Jerome Lewi.
Speaker 4 (01:49):
How did you see that butter play?
Speaker 3 (01:51):
Yeah, I guess it's pretty consistent with tell the rest
have been. I guess calling those keenerally, so I couldn't
really argue too much because he Yeah, I kind of
definitely push them. I think I just got to wrap
my arms around the next time and take him to
the ground rather than just shoving him.
Speaker 2 (02:12):
Yeah. I guess the main gist of the opposition to
the penalty was the fact that it's a slow play
the ball. You've got up quickly to challenge him, and
I think some people think Arbeck's going to but too
much protection in situations like that, is that? I mean,
I know I don't expect you to say that, but
I mean it's it's a fine line.
Speaker 4 (02:28):
Isn't it.
Speaker 3 (02:29):
Yeah, I think I guess there's consistency there, which is
the main thing. So if I saw my heart getting
pushed like that, I'm sure on a penalty for us.
So I couldn't really do it, like I said, argue
too much about it fair enough.
Speaker 2 (02:43):
So then some all went and beat Tonga quite comfortably too.
Was there a surprise to see some more you know,
beat a tongue inside that I guess we all thought
was going to be your main competition again this year.
Speaker 3 (02:56):
I can't say it was a surprise. The way they
played against us. We definitely had to play a four
eighty minutes and the result was in the balance for
I guess the whole game. So when I seen them
go up against Tonge, they played, yeah, some really good footing.
Obviously they had a set that was their second game,
(03:17):
whereas Tomola had their first. So I think there's a
bit of an advantage there with them having that second game,
that first game under their belts. So I'm sure Tongo
will I guess take that those lessons from that game
and they'll be really to go this Sunday.
Speaker 4 (03:33):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
So on Tongua, what sort of threat do you expect
them to pose to you at Eton Park?
Speaker 3 (03:40):
Uh? Pretty much except all over the field. Really, They've
got a talented squad. They're coming off the back of
a loss. I'm sure they want to redeem themselves. And
also he's going to probably be a si of read,
so they're going to have eighteen men out there with
the crowd and I'm looking forward to that challenge and
(04:02):
I'm sure, yeah, it'll be a good game.
Speaker 2 (04:05):
You're playing a lot of rugby lake now. I mean
you're still very young, but you've played a lot of
NRL rugby league and international rugby league. How does wearing
the Kiwi jersey compare to playing club footy in the NRL.
Speaker 3 (04:18):
Yeah, it's a bit more special. I guess I'm kind
of being a Kiwi kid myself growing up here in Auckland.
You always kind of dreamt of putting on that black
jersey and always remember watching the Kiwis before me do
Hawker singer Anthem playing those big games, and for me
(04:39):
to be in that position right now, I'm pretty grateful
and blessed, and I'm just happy that I get to
do it in front of my family and friends and
live out my childhood dreams. It's pretty special for myself
and even also for my family, who has supported me
since since day one.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
How do you go about integrating some of the newer
guys into the Kiwi's environment.
Speaker 3 (05:03):
I think it's pretty easier. Everyone's a que I guess,
and we connect pretty easily. Oh yeah. We just kind
of make them feel welcome as soon as they come
into camp and just go play some coffee or go
get some coffee, play some cards and kind of just
do what you're doing at Coubland. But being in camp
for more than a couple of days, you kind of just, yeah,
(05:28):
make them feel welcome pretty quickly, and then you kind
of find your group pretty quick at the end.
Speaker 2 (05:34):
Are you at the point of your career now as
where you feel like you've got a leadership role to
play in this team?
Speaker 3 (05:40):
Oh yeah, you could say that. I think it's been
a few years now and you just want to kind
of lead with action and and just make sure that
are those around you feel comfortable. And I guess yeah,
I think definitely feeling a bit older now the last
(06:02):
couple of years, so trying to keep myself young by
hanging out and getting around them. So yeah, I think
those are the things I try to do as a leaders,
Just lead by action and make sure they feel comfortable
around me.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
And pretty proud history of rugby leg and your family
of course, you and your mum, Lorena New Zealand's only
mother son combination to represent the Kiwi ferns and then
the kiwis How big an influence has she been on you?
Speaker 3 (06:29):
She's massive. I guess she's someone that I used to
watch growing up a lot. And yeah, she's just not
only her just playing for Kii Ferns, but the way
she she is just around home, just always I guess,
working hard and making sure things are done around the house.
(06:49):
I think that's something that I kind of take away
into my own lifestyle and how I go about things.
So she's been a massive influence, and yeah, to look
up to her as a role model today and try
to see that person years day and day out.
Speaker 2 (07:08):
How did you evaluate as your first season with Penrith.
Speaker 3 (07:13):
Oh yeah, good. Obviously a rough start, but I think
personally I was growing each day each week, and that
was probably the main thing I wanted to do throughout
this year, and I thought I did that and obviously
came up short at the back end of the year.
But myself, I was hadn't been in Final fourty since
(07:36):
twenty twenty two, so that was something that I relished
and enjoyed, but obviously wanted to go all the way
and that didn't happen. So still got a goal to chase,
and yeah, I'm looking forward to for the next couple
of years at the club.
Speaker 4 (07:52):
And what about your time at the Tigers, how do
you how do you reflect on that?
Speaker 3 (07:56):
Yeah, a lot of learnings, I guess two years there
and I guess, yeah, the results weren't weren't coming, and
it was definitely tough, but I think it taught me
to kind of just count my blessings and and understand that, yeah,
(08:18):
my preparation is key to performing on that and on
that field and on the weekend. So uh, those are
learnings that I took away from from the Tigers and
and I've made sure to implement throughout my time at tennis, So.
Speaker 4 (08:32):
You're going to get a bit of time off.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
I mean you've got Tom going to play and then
in all probability the final as well.
Speaker 4 (08:38):
Do you get a bit of time off before you
have to report back for pre season?
Speaker 3 (08:41):
Yeah? Yeah, so after we wrap up here, I think
the planners my due dates in the new year, so
I got a bit of traveling to do with my
family and I'll probably end up here come Christmas time,
so I'm looking forward to that and I hope Auckland
you didn't have some good weather.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
I guess it depends on I guess it depends on
where you are in the country, but I'm sure you'll
find some sunshine somewhere. Isaiah, I all the best, all
the best against Tonga made and onto the final as well.
Speaker 4 (09:14):
It's been great to chat to you mate. All the best.
Speaker 2 (09:17):
You have a good one to things indeed, Isaiah, Papa
Lei there out of the Kiwis camps.
Speaker 1 (09:21):
For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live
to news Talks at b weekends from midday, or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio.
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