New Zealand is facing an injury crisis as coach Stacey Jones has announced a heavily depleted squad for the Pacific Championships, featuring eight debutants. Among the notable inclusions is Dally M winner Jahrome Hughes, who will represent the Kiwis in two upcoming Tests. Toelau and McLean, two fringe first-graders from Penrith, have been called up to the squad despite having only 16 NRL games of experience between them. The pair has primarily played in the NSW Cup throughout the season. On the other hand, rising star Paul Alamoti from Penrith has been selected to make his debut for Tonga. Alamoti, who played a crucial role in the Panthers' NRL grand final victory over Melbourne by scoring the match-winning try, is one of five debutants included in the Tongan squad, which is filled with talent under the guidance of coach Kristian Woolf.