In the opening week of the Pacific Championships held in Brisbane and Suva, several Dragons players delivered standout performances. Jessica Patea, a rising star, scored two tries in her international debut for Fetu Samoa, helping her team defeat Tonga 30-16 and keep their World Cup aspirations alive. Patea, who joined the Dragons on an NRLW development deal, played a key role for the Steelers in the NSW Women’s Premiership.
Maatuleio Fotu-Moala, a Dragons rookie, faced Patea’s Fetu Samoa in Fiji, running 84 metres from 10 carries. Meanwhile, Moses Suli had a strong game for Tonga despite their loss to the Kangaroos, covering 185 metres from 19 carries and making four tackle breaks.
Jack de Belin also shone for the Kumuls, leading them to a 22-10 win over Fiji Bati. In a 64-minute performance, he ran for 143 metres and made 29 tackles.