Gagai’s Knights teammate Ponga will line up at fullback against the Kangaroos, capping his ambition to play for the Kiwis after representing the Māori All Stars three times.
Kiwi head coach Stacey Jones has included the grand finalists in a potent combination that draws on an experienced pack.
Of the forwards used in the 36-14 win over Toa Samoa in last year’s Pacific Championships final, five return – captain James Fisher-Harris (Warriors) and Moses Leota (Panthers) as the starting props, with Briton Nikora (Sharks) and Isaiah Papali’i (Panthers) in the second row and vice-captain Joseph Tapine (Raiders) at loose forward.
The only player missing is Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland, ruled out through suspension. He’s replaced by Dolphins dummy half Jeremy Marshall-King.
Jones has named the same impressive interchange combination from the victory over Samoa, with Te Maire Martin (Warriors) joining middle forwards Naufahu Whyte (Roosters), Erin Clark (Warriors) and Xavier Willison (Broncos).
With Ponga coming into the side, Keano Kini (Titans) moves to the extended bench while Ronaldo Mulitalo (Sharks) returns on the left wing after being injured in the opening match of last year’s Pacific series against Samoa.
Gagai is paired in the centres with Casey McLean (Panthers) and halfback Jahrome Hughes (Storm) is back in the Kiwi jersey for the first time since the 14-16 loss to Australia in the 2022 World Cup semi-final in Leeds. Wearing No 6 will be Kodi Nikorima (Dolphins), the longest-serving Kiwi in the squad after making his debut in 2015.
In the Kangaroos side, Reece Walsh gets the call ahead of Clive Churchill Medal winner James Tedesco at fullback with Cameron Munster of the Storm and Eels halfback Mitchell Moses making up the halves combination.
Kiwis team: 1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Jamayne Isaako, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Casey McLean, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. James Fisher-Harris (c), 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Moses Leota, 11. Isaiah Papali’i, 12. Briton Nikora, 13. Joseph Tapine (vc).
Interchange: 14. Te Maire Martin, 15. Naufahu Whyte, 16. Erin Clark, 17. Xavier Willison.
Reserves: 18. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 19. Keano Kini, 20. Scott Sorensen, 21. Leo Thompson, 22. Jacob Laban.
Kangaroos: 1. Reece Walsh, 2. Jack Bostock, 3. Latrell Mitchell, 4. Kotoni Staggs, 5. Tom Trbojevic, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Patrick Carrigan, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11. Jacob Preston, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo.
Interchange: 14. Tom Dearden, 15. Cameron Murray, 16. Rueben Cotter, 17. Keaon Koloamatangi.
Reserves: 18. David Fifita, 19 Bradman Best, 20 Blayke Brailey, 21 James Tedesco, 22 Sam Walker.
Kiwi Ferns name four debutants
The Kiwi Ferns meanwhile have named an accomplished side for their first match against the Fiji Bulikula on Sunday.
It will be a fierce battle at McDonald Jones Stadium as the two sides test each other in their first-ever encounter.
Kiwi Ferns coach Ricky Henry has also built a strong foundation for his first squad, naming four players already seasoned in the Rugby League World Cup arena; Co-Captains Georgia Hale and Raecene McGregor, Apii Nicholls and former World Cup winner with Australia, Shannon Mato, who this year switched allegiance to honour her birth country, New Zealand.
“Getting the chance to debut this weekend, I know I’m going to get very emotional,” Mato said.
“I never thought this day would ever come, because of the rules, but I’m just grateful that God led me to this pathway, and I get to enjoy it with all my loved ones. I think it’s a huge achievement for myself… It’s a sense of belonging for me, and I’m really excited.”
Alongside Whangarei-born Mato in the forwards is NRLW Champion Otesa Pule, Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa at lock, and back rowers Annessa Biddle and former Cook Islands international Kaiyah Atai.
Also swapping allegiance from Australia, five-eighth Zahara Temara, earns her first start in the black jersey to create an impressive spine alongside Nicholls, McGregor, and Hale.
Cross-code star Stacey Waaka will make her debut on the left wing with Canberra Raiders player of the year Leianne Tufuga on the right, alongside experienced centres Mele Hufanga and Abigail Roache.
Bringing impact off the bench will be Ashleigh Quinlan, Alexis Tauaneai, Ivana Lauitiiti and Brianna Clark, with Brooke Anderson as 18th-man.
Kiwi Ferns squad:
1. Apii Nicholls, 2. Leianne Tufuga, 3. Mele Hufanga, 4. Abigail Roache, 5. Stacey Waaka, 6. Zahara Temara, 7. Raecene McGregor, 8. Otesa Pule, 9. Georgia Hale, 10. Shannon Mato, 11. Annessa Biddle, 12. Kaiyah Atai, 13. Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa. Interchange: 14. Ashleigh Quinlan, 15. Alexis Tauaneai, 16. Ivana Lauitiiti, 17. Brianna Clark, 18. Brooke Anderson.
