ACT Brumbies' new recruit Triston Reilly has been named skipper ahead of First Nations Pasifika's clash against Tonga President's XV on Friday.
Reilly, who moved from the NSW Waratahs, will line up in the midfield as the teams battle for the inaugural Kaume’a Ofi Trophy.
Watch First Nations Pasifika XV play Tonga President's XV live and on demand via Stan Sport.
He is one of three players who featured in last year's narrow loss to the British & Irish Lions, joined by fellow centre Jarrah McLeod and prop Lington Ieli.
McLeod starts at inside centre, continuing his stellar season that included an Australian Sevens and Super Rugby Pacific debut.
As for Ieli, he is coming off featuring for Australia A in 2025 against Japan XV, starting in the front-row.
He is joined by Australia U20 hooker John Grenfell and former Northland and Hawke's Bay prop Remsy Lemisio.
Brumbies duo Tavita Loughland and Judah Saumaisue have also been named, fresh off selection in their Super Rugby Aus squad.
The ACT connection continues in the halves with Moses Sorovi and Chace Oates named, whilst Oates' brother BJ is set to line up at fullback.
Sevens squad member Gage Philips adds speed on the wing, whilst former Australian Schoolboys fullback Angus Tagicakibau rounds out the backline.
NSW Waratahs hooker Oniti Finau headlines the bench alongside ex-Brumbies front-rower Fred Kailea and Reds young gun Teina Graham.
Former Waratahs and Wallabies great Wycliff Palu will coach the side, excited about the 'special' opportunity.
"This is a really special group of players, and we’ve got a powerful mix of First Nations, Pasifika and Māori heritage, experience and talent within this team," Palu said.
"What makes it even more meaningful is the opportunity to bring those cultures together here in Tonga and represent our communities on the international stage. We’ve received an incredible welcome since arriving, and the connection we’ve felt with the people, the schools and the rugby community has been really powerful.
"On Friday, we want to take that energy onto the field, play with pride and passion, and put in a performance that reflects the strength of this group and the significance of the occasion.”
Supported by the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports initiative and in close collaboration between Tonga Rugby Union and Rugby Australia, the Kaume’a Ofi Trophy — meaning “Close Friends” in Tongan — was established to celebrate the enduring relationship between Tonga and Australia and the role rugby can play in connecting communities.
Friday 4 September at 12.00pm AEST/3.00pm local.
1. Lington Ieli (Fijian)
2. John Grenfell (First Nations/Aboriginal)
3. Remsy Lemisio (Samoan)
4. Tavita Loughland (Samoan)
5. Sau Vaihu (Tongan)
6. Tau Tuisamoa (Samoan)
7. Davea Teoteo (Tongan/Samoan)
8. Judah Saumaisue (Fijian)
9. Moses Sorovi (Torres Strait Islands/Fijian)
10. Chace Oates (First Nations/Aboriginal)
11. Gage Phillips (First Nations/Aboriginal)
12. Jarrah McLeod (First Nations/Aboriginal)
13. Triston Reilly (c) (First Nations/Aboriginal)
14. Angus Tagicakibau (Fijian)
15. BJ Oates (First Nations/Aboriginal)
Substitutes
16. Oniti Finau (Tongan)
17. Berakah Tuifaasisina (Samoan)
18. Fred Kaihea (Tongan/Samoan)
19. Malakai Taulani (Tongan)
20. Taufa Kinikini (Tongan)
21. Teina Graham (Māori)
22. Tamarangi Tunui (Māori)
23. Garlen Peace (First Nations/Aboriginal/Fijian)
24. Denzel Veikune (Tongan)EndFragment
