Pacific Championships and Internationals Squad Tracker: Youngsters Line Up for Bati, Skelton Makes Samoa

A number of Bulldogs players have been selected to represent their respective nations at the 2024 Pacific Championships and end of season Internationals. See below the full list as it updates.

Mens Pacific Championships

Australia: Matt Burton

After arguably his best season in the Blue and White, five-eighth Matt Burton has been selected for the Kangaroos.

The 24-year-old five-eighth will have the opportunity to make his debut in the green and gold of Australia, having already played two matches for NSW in the 2022 State of Origin series.

Fiji: Viliame Kikau, Kitione Kautoga, Jethro Rinakama, Penioni Tagituimua

Fijian trio Villiame Kikau, Kitione Kautoga and Jethro Rinakama will have the opportunity to suit up for the Bati in this year’s Pacific Bowl.

The 2024 Dr George Peponis Medal winner will play a senior role following 16 appearances for the Bati, while Kautoga and Tagituimua will look to build on their experience in the Test arena, with two and nine games respectively.

Meanwhile Rinakama, who helped the Bulldogs to a second consecutive Jersey Flegg Cup title, and will be primed to make his international debut.

Men’s Internationals

Samoa: Jeral Skelton

Outside back Jeral Skelton has been selected for Toa Samoa’s two Test series against England.

The 25-year-old has the opportunity to make his Test debut following a strong season in the Blue and White.

Womens Pacific Championships

Tonga: Shannon Muru, Paea Uilou

Forward duo Shannon Muru and Paea Uilou, stalwarts of the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership side this season, have both been selected for Tonga.

The pair, fresh of signing deals to join the Bulldogs’ inaugural NRLW squad, will gain valuable experience in the tournament ahead of the Club’s first campaign in the women’s competition.

Fiji: Latisha Smythe

Co-Captain of the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership side, hard-running forward Latisha Smythe has been selected in the Fiji Bulikula squad for the Women’s Pacific Championships.

Smythe, who has signed a deal with the Club’s inaugural NRLW squad, will become the first female player to progress from the Canterbury-Bankstown District Junior Rugby League through to the NRLW.