After a disappointing 2024 Pacific Championships, the Kiwis will be hoping to bounce back in this year's edition.
Injuries and unavailability saw coach Stacey Jones put out the SOS to then-retired playmaker Shaun Johnson, but the legendary halfback couldn't inspire them to the final.
With Australia tied up in an Ashes series, the Kiwis get their campaign underway in Auckland against Samoa in a blockbuster meeting.
MORE: Fixtures, scores, matches, pools for Pacific Championships 2025
New Zealand predicted side for the Pacific Championships 2025 opener
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Matt Timoko
4. Casey McLean
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Dylan Brown
7. Kieran Foran
8. James Fisher-Harris
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Naufahu Whyte
11. Briton Nikora
12. Isaiah Papali'i
13. Joseph Tapine
14. Erin Clark
15. Moses Leota
16. Scott Sorensen
17. Xavier Willison
18. Phoenix Crossland
19. Keano Kini
20. Sebastian Kris
21. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Kiwis latest team news:
There are plenty of good headaches for Stacey Jones to have going into this year's tournament as several players have returned to the fold after beign ruled out through injury last year.
The first big decision the coach must make is who will wear the No.1 jersey after Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Keano Kini were both named in the squad.
On the wings, there's plenty of X-factor, with Jamayne Isaako and Ronaldo Mulitalo to line up on the wings, while Matt Timoko and Casey McLean could be the front runners to take up position in the centres.
Sebastian Kris is also in the frame for a place in the backline and will be pushing hard.
Dylan Brown is available after missing last year through injury and will take the No.6 jersey, with Kodi Nikorima ruled out of the tournament due to injury.
Shaun Johnson answered an SOS call last year to play following his NRL retirement and Kieran Foran will do the same this year after Jahrome Hughes was ruled out due to injury.
The Kiwis have an embarrassment of riches up front, with skipper James Fisher-Harris set to partner emerging Roosters leader Naufahu Whyte in the front row.
Support could be provided off the bench by Moses Leota and potential debutant Xavier Willison. Meanwhile, Nelson Asofa-Solomona is also in the mix for a place in the 17.
Jeremy Marshall-King looked like he would face stiff competition from Brandon Smith for the dummy-half spot, although the "Cheese" has ran into legal trouble and will not feature in the tournament.
Therefore, Phoenix Crossland will be the major contender for the No.9 jersey.
In the backrow, hard-running Briton Nikora partners Isaiah Papali'i, with Raiders spearhead Joseph Tapine at lock.
Erin Clark will be rewarded for a stellar season with the Warriors with a spot on the bench along with veteran Scott Sorensen.
Griffin Neame is out of contention due to injury, while there is no place for Leo Thompson or Marata Niukore in the squad.
Who featured for New Zealand the last time they played a rugby league Test match?
The Kiwis last played in an international match at the end of the 2024 Pacific Championships, facing off with Papua New Guinea.
New Zealand claimed a 54-12 victory to ensure they weren't relegated to the Pacific Bowl.
Here's how they lined up:
1. Keano Kini
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Matt Timoko
4. Peta Hiku
5. Casey McLean
6. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
7. Shaun Johnson
8. James Fisher-Harris (c)
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Isaiah Papali'i
12. Scott Sorensen
13. Naufahu Whyte
14. Kodi Nikorima
15. Griffin Neame
16. Marata Niukore
17. Leo Thompson