Legendary Kiwis playmaker Kieran Foran could surpass Benji record before bowing out

New Zealand coach Stacey Jones has recalled six members of the 2023 squad that won the Pacific Championships, including retiring veteran Kieran Foran, for Sunday's showdown with Samoa at Auckland's Go Media Stadium.

In addition to Foran, the Kiwis will have other key contributors that played in the record 30-0 win over Australia in the 2023 final in Hamilton, including Ronaldo Mulitalo, Briton Nikora, Dylan Brown, Nelson Asofa Solomona and Penrith prop Moses Leota.

The inclusion of Foran gives the 35-year-old veteran a chance to surpass Benji Marshall's record for the longest span representing New Zealand.

READ MORE: Galvin calls for outside help to fix 'very poor' trait

READ MORE: Walsh reveals 'biggest' motivation for Kangaroos camp

READ MORE: Child killed in road accident after PM's XIII match in PNG

Foran made his international debut in 2009 and hasn't played for the Kiwis since 2023 but the Pacific Championships tournament will serve as his rugby league swansong after he played his last game in the NRL this season for the Gold Coast.

Other notable selections include Dolphins hooker Jeremy Marshall-King, who returns to Test football after three years out, and New Zealand Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is back in the No.1 jersey.

The Kiwis will face Samoa, who named Brisbane premiership winner Payne Haas in a line up that also includes Jarome Luai and Parramatta prop Junior Paulo.

Other notable names featured in the Samoa squad include winger Brian To'o, Terrell May, Jeremiah Nanai and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

Luai will partner Blaize Talagi in the halves while Canberra veteran Josh Papalii returns to the Samoa side, in his first Test match since the 2022 World Cup final against Australia at Old Trafford.

New Zealand: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Jamayne Isaako, Matthew Timoko, Casey McLean, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Dylan Brown, Kieran Foran, James Fisher-Harris (capt), Jeremy Marshall-King, Moses Leota, Briton Nikora, Isaiah Papali'i, Joseph Tapine. Reserves: Phoenix Crossland, Naufahu Whyte, Erin Clark, Nelson Asofa-Solomona. 18th man: Xavier Willison.

Samoa: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Murray Taulagi, Izack Tago, Deine Mariner, Brian To''o, Blaize Talagi, Jarome Luai (co-capt), Josh Papalii, Jazz Tevaga, Payne Haas, Jeremiah Nanai, Jaydn Su'A, Junior Paulo (co-capt). Reserves: Chanel Harris-Tavita, Simi Sasagi, Terrell May, Francis Molo. 18th man: Benaiah Ioelu.

Watch the 2025 Pacific Championships live and free on Nine and 9Now.