The NRL season might be done and dusted, but there's still plenty of rugby league to enjoy this year with the Pacific Championships getting underway this weekend.
New Zealand will kick off their campaign on home soil as they take on Samoa in a blockbuster clash, while Fiji and Cook Islands will square off in the first match of the Pacific Bowl.
The Sporting News provides all the latest team news for the opening week of the Pacific Championships.
MORE: Pacific Championships full squad lists and latest team news
Fiji vs. Cook Islands
(Saturday, October 18 at Santos National Football Stadium, 4:00pm AEDT)
Fiji predicted team:
1. Jahream Bula
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Semi Valemei
4. Michael Jennings
5. Jethro Rinakama
6. Kurt Donoghoe
7. Brandon Wakeham
8. Tui Kamikamica
9. Peni Tagituimua
10. Ben Kanubuwai
11. Kitione Kautoga
12. Taane Milne
13. Caleb Navale
14. Ronald Philitoga
15. Akuilla Qoro
16. Michael Waqa
17. Kylan Mafoa
Bati team news:
Jahream Bula will start at fullback and is the undoubted star player for the Bati this year due to the absences of Api Koroisau and Viliame Kikau.
Bula's club teammate Sunia Turuva will line up on the wing, with Bulldogs prospect Jethro Rinakama likely to get the nod on the other flank.
Semi Valemei may have to settle for a place in the centres, while the other vacant spot in the backline remains up for grabs.
Michael Jennings will be pushing his case after the veteran was included, while Solomone Saukuru could also be in the mix.
Kurt Donoghoe and Brandon Wakeham are the best options for the halves and will partner together during the tournament.
Tui Kamikamica has been named as the side's captain and will start up front, with former Super League forward Ben Kanubuwai set to play alongside him in the engine room.
Peni Tagituimua is the standout candidate at hooker and will likely grab the No.9 jersey.
Kitione Kautoga will feature on one edge after overcoming a leg injury, while Taane Milne will join him in the backrow. Manly forward Caleb Navale could get the nod at lock.
Ronald Philitoga has enjoyed an impressive campaign for the Wynnum Manly Seagulls this season, scoring 11 tries in 14 games while stationed on the wing. Due to the tough competition in the backline, he may have to settle for a spot on the bench.
Akuilla Qoro, Michael Waqa and Kylan Mafoa will also be in the running for places on the pine.
Cook Islands predicted team:
1. Esom Ioka
2. Paul Ulberg
3. Delahia Wigmore
4. KL Iro
5. Reubenn Rennie
6. Brad Takairangi
7. Mason Teague
8. Makahesi Makatoa
9. Rua Ngatikaura
10. Davvy Moale
11. Brendan Piakura
12. Marata Niukore
13. Pride Petterson-Robati
14. Cassius Cowley
15. Tepai Moeroa
16. Reuben Porter
17. Justin Makirere
Aitu team news:
It will be interesting to see whether KL Iro is slotted in at fullback as the headline talent for the Cook Islands, or if he remains in the centres.
Delahia Wigmore is likely to start in the centres after impressing there during last year's Pacific Championships.
Toulouse Olympique pair Paul Ulberg and Reubenn Rennie are favourites to occupy the two wing spots.
Veteran Brad Takairangi played at five-eighth for the national side last year and is likely to get the nod again.
Mason Teague and Wynnum-Manly Seagulls playmaker Cassius Cowley will be competing for the halfback role.
Makahesi Makatoa and Davvy Moale will start up front, while Rua Ngatikaura is set to be the hooker once again.
Brendan Piakura and Marata Niukore will form an impressive backrow pairing, while Pride Petterson-Robati could take the No.13 jersey.
Tepai Moeroa will provide experience off the bench and could be joined there by Reuben Porter as they provide support in the pack.
Norths Devils teammates Justin Makirere and Brody Tamarua could be battling for a place on the pine.
New Zealand vs. Samoa
(Sunday, October 19 at Go Media Stadium, 4:05pm AEDT)
New Zealand predicted team:
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Matt Timoko
4. Casey McLean
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Dylan Brown
7. Kieran Foran
8. James Fisher-Harris
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Naufahu Whyte
11. Briton Nikora
12. Isaiah Papali'i
13. Joseph Tapine
14. Erin Clark
15. Moses Leota
16. Scott Sorensen
17. Xavier Willison
Kiwis team news:
Stacey Jones faces a major decision at fullback, with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Keano Kini competing for the No.1 jersey.
Matt Timoko and Casey McLean appear to be the front runners for the centre spots, although Sebastian Kris is also in the mix.
Dylan Brown will start at five-eighth, while Kieran Foran is set to be named as the side's halfback after putting off his retirement to play for the Kiwis.
James Fisher-Harris will lead from the front and will be part of an imposing pack that will also include Naufahu Whyte and Moses Leota.
Jeremy Marshall-King is likely to start at hooker, although Phoenix Crossland could also be in contention for the No.9 jersey.
Briton Nikora and Isaiah Papali'i will form a strong backrow partnership, while Joe Tapine will play at lock.
Erin Clark could be used as the utility after an impressive first season for the Warriors and he will be joined on the pine by debutant Xavier Willison.
Scott Sorensen and Nelson Asofa-Solomona are likely to compete for the final spot in the 17.
Toa Samoa predicted team:
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
2. Brian To'o
3. Izack Tago
4. Taylan May
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Blaize Talagi
7. Jarome Luai
8. Francis Molo
9. Benaiah Ioelu
10. Payne Haas
11. Jaydn Su'A
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Terrell May
14. Chanel Harris-Tavita
15. Junior Paulo
16. Josh Papalii
17. Simi Sasagi
Samoa team news:
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will take the No.1 jersey and will be a part of a stellar backline.
Brian To'o and Murray Taulagi will occupy the wings, although Deine Mariner will also be in the frame after a great end to the NRL season with the Broncos.
Izack Tago and Taylan May are likely to get the nod for the centre spots, while Mariner could be seen as an option here as well.
Ben Gardiner faces a selection headache in the halves with several candidates in the running.
Blaize Talagi and Jarome Luai could combine, while Chanel Harris-Tavita is the other leading contender. If the latter is overlooked for a starting spot, he could find a place on the bench as the utility.
Payne Haas will line up for Samoa at prop following his defection from Australia. He could be joined by Francis Molo in the engine room.
Benaiah Ioelu started to establish himself as an NRL regular at the Roosters during the second part of the campaign and he could continue his rise on the international stage. However, Jazz Tevaga is also an option.
Jaydn Su'A and Jeremiah Nanai will be the starters in the backrow, while Terrell May will take his place at lock.
Junior Paulo and Josh Papalii could be introduced off the bench after the veteran duo were named by the coach with one eye also on the upcoming World Cup campaign next year.
Simi Sasagi is likely to be battling with Canberra teammate Ata Mariota for a place on the pine.