Cook Islands rugby league men’s and women’s teams will take on the Fijians in the 2024 Pacific Championships in Suva, Fiji, tonight (Cook Islands time).

Cook Islands Moana and Fiji Bulikula kick off their 2024 Pacific Championships campaigns when they face off at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva at 8pm.

Both teams played in Port Moresby in their only games of the 2023 tournament, with both sides suffering losses.

While nations will field new-look line-ups, both have selected strong squads with considerable NRLW experience, with Fiji’s overall squad featuring seven players with NRLW experience, while Cook Islands have 10. However, only three - Toru Arakua, Kere Matua and Jazmon Tupou-Witchman - played in 2024.

For Cook Islands Moana, experienced campaigner Kiana Takairangi will co-captain the side from fullback and will be a key player for Cook Islands in their quest for a World Cup berth.

The side will also be led by former Dragon Anneka Stephens who was named NRL WA’s player of the year, starring for Joondalup Giants. Rising youngster Jazmon Tupou-Witchman, who played for the Cowboys this year is in the second row alongside Raiders forward Kere Matua, who returns to action after serving a two-match ban. Other players with NRLW experience in the side include prop April Ngatupuna and former Jillaroo and NSW forward Elianna Walton.

The men’s match will kick off at 10.10pm.

The Bati are sure to be smarting after a first-up loss to the Kumuls but they get a chance to redeem themselves in front of the Suva faithful against Cook Islands.

When these two sides met in last year's Pacific Championships it was Fiji getting home 22-18 in a thriller on the back of a monster game from fullback Jahream Bula, while Taane Milne also played a key role.

Coached by Karmichael Hunt, the Cook Islands have plenty of experience across the park with skipper Brad Takairangi, Zane Tetevano, Esan Marsters and Tepai Moeroa, while young Dolphin Mason Teague makes his Test debut.

Another tough forward battle is guaranteed but it's the team whose halves can kick best and control field position that will come away with the vital two points.

Veteran Brad Takairangi will call the shots in the halves alongside another experienced campaigner in Esan Marsters, who plays his ninth Test for Cook Islands to go with the six he played for New Zealand. Melbourne's Tepai Moeroa and Rabbitohs youngster Davvy Moale are the props while Aitu stalwart Zane Tetevano lines up at lock.

Dolphins utility Mason Teague makes his Test debut on the bench alongside Junior Teroi (Bulimba Valley Bulldogs), Justin Makirere (Ipswich Jets) and Kobe Tararo (Souths Logan). Former Broncos captain Alex Glenn is listed among the reserves and the 36-year-old is in line for a call-up as the week progresses.

• NRL.com