After a disappointing 2024 Pacific Championships, the Kiwis will be hoping to bounce back in this year's edition.
Injuries and unavailability saw coach Stacey Jones put out the SOS to then-retired playmaker Shaun Johnson, but the legendary halfback couldn't inspire them to the final.
New Zealand will be hoping to have a deeper squad to pick from this time around.
MORE: Kangaroos predicted Ashes team list
With Australia tied up in an Ashes series, the Kiwis get their campaign underway in Auckland against Samoa on October 19, before a clash with Tonga at Eden Park on November 2.
The final, should they qualify, is set for November 9 at CommBank Stadium.
New Zealand predicted side for Pacific Championships 2025
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Matt Timoko
4. Casey McLean
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Kieran Foran
8. James Fisher-Harris (c)
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Naufahu Whyte
11. Briton Nikora
12. Isaiah Papali'i
13. Joseph Tapine
14. Brandon Smith
15. Moses Leota
16. Erin Clark
17. Marata Niukore
Kiwis latest team news:
Plenty of good headaches for Jones to have going into this year's tournament.
The coach will no doubt be keeping a close eye on the form of Keano Kini over the remaining rounds of the season following his return from a long-term injury, but at the moment, it looks like Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad's fullback spot to lose.
On the wings, there's plenty of X-factor, with Jamayne Isaako and Ronaldo Mulitalo the front-runners, while Matt Timoko and Casey McLean appear in the frame to take up position in the centres.
The five-eighth spot could go several different ways, but Kodi Nikorima has turned in an impressive season for the Dolphins and should get the nod.
Alternatively, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Te Maire Martin and Dylan Brown will all be pushing for selection at six.
Jahrome Hughes, if fit and available, is the obvious choice to play at halfback, but his fractured forearm could throw a spanner in the works.
Retiring playmaker Kieran Foran could come into the mix if Hughes is ruled out.
The Kiwis have an embarrassment of riches up front, with skipper James Fisher-Harris set to partner emerging Roosters leader Naufahu Whyte in the front row.
Jeremy Marshall-King will face stiff competition from the likes of Brandon Smith for the dummy half spot, although we have "Cheese" coming off the bench.
In the backrow, hard-running Briton Nikora partners Isaiah Papali'i, with Raiders spearhead Joseph Tapine at lock.
Joining Smith on the bench is Moses Leota, Erin Clark and Marata Niukore.
We expect the likes of Scott Sorensen, Griffin Neame, Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Demetric Vaimauga all to be pushing their cases for a spot in the 17.
Who featured for New Zealand the last time they played a rugby league Test match?
The Kiwis last played in an international match at the end of the 2024 Pacific Championships, facing off with Papua New Guinea.
New Zealand claimed a 54-12 victory to ensure they weren't relegated to the Pacific Bowl.
Here's how they lined up:
1. Keano Kini
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Matt Timoko
4. Peta Hiku
5. Casey McLean
6. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
7. Shaun Johnson
8. James Fisher-Harris (c)
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Isaiah Papali'i
12. Scott Sorensen
13. Naufahu Whyte
14. Kodi Nikorima
15. Griffin Neame
16. Marata Niukore
17. Leo Thompson
18. Erin Clark