In this bulletin:
1. FOOTBALL — Kumuls Rhyse Martin joins PNG Chiefs football department
2. RUGBY — Moana Pasifika to bow out of Super Rugby Pacific against Brumbies
3. RUGBY — New Zealand Rugby sidesteps Pacific backing question on Moana Pasifika future
4. FOOTBALL — No decicision yet on Vanuatu hosting Pro League next year : OFC
5. RUGBY — Former Manu Samoa coach appeals sex offence convictions
6. RUGBY — Palu Sekona locked in as Brumbies Captain
7. RUGBY — Drua hungry for Reds win
8. RUGBY — Spain 7s prep boosts Fiji’s confidence
9. RUGBY — Drua Women adjust ahead of Reds clash
10. MSG PM CUP — Youth legacy programme to be part of MSG PM Cup
11. FOOTBALL — Government support sought for Bula FC
12. RUGBY LEAGUE — Young Maroons build hope for brighter destiny after series loss
PNG – FOOTBALL: NBC PNG PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 29 May 2026
Kumuls Rhyse Martin joins PNG Chiefs football department
PORT MORESBY, 29 MAY 2026 (NBC PNG) — The PNG Chiefs today announced in a statement, the appointment of Rhyse Martin as the club’s Football Operations Manager from 2027.
Proudly connected to Hula in Central Province through his father, Martin returns home as one of Papua New Guinea’s most respected rugby league figures, having forged an outstanding professional career across both the NRL and Super League while becoming a leader and role model for the PNG Kumuls.
Martin made his international debut for PNG in 2014 and later captained the Kumuls, becoming one of the nation’s most capped representatives with 18 Test appearances. He remains the Kumuls all-time leading point scorer and one of the most recognisable PNG rugby league players of the modern era.
After making his NRL debut for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in 2018, Martin went on to build an impressive Super League career with Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR, making more than 160 appearances in the UK competition.
Over the past two seasons, Martin has worked under future PNG Chiefs Head Coach Willie Peters at Hull KR, where he established himself as one of the competition’s most consistent and respected performers.
Martin also holds the world record for the most consecutive goals kicked, with 41 straight conversions during his time at Leeds Rhinos.
Away from the field, Martin has continued to invest heavily in his leadership and education, completing a Bachelor of Science in Applied Sports Studies and developing a strong reputation for professionalism, preparation and player leadership.
As Football Operations Manager, Martin will oversee key football operations, player welfare and integration programmes, while also helping support players and families transitioning to Papua New Guinea ahead of the club’s inaugural NRL season.
His appointment forms part of the PNG Chiefs’ long-term vision to build a football programme grounded in Papua New Guinean identity, leadership and culture, while combining international experience and elite professional standards across the organisation.
PNG Chiefs General Manager Football Michael Chammas said Martin’s appointment represented a significant addition to the club’s football leadership team.
“Rhyse has had an incredible career as a player but he still has so much to offer the sport. He has the trust of our coach Willie Peters from their time together at Hull KR and they will continue to work closely as Rhyse steps into a new role at the Chiefs. Anyone who has ever met Rhyse will talk about the quality of person he is and how passionate he is about Papua New Guinea. The combination of those two things makes him such an important off-field signing for the club and we are proud to have him joining our football staff,” said Michael Chammas.
PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson said Martin’s appointment reinforced the club’s commitment to building a world-class organisation both on and off the field.
“Every appointment we make is about building the right culture, the right leadership and the right foundations for long-term success. Rhyse represents everything we want this club to stand for — professionalism, humility, leadership and deep pride in Papua New Guinea. We are incredibly proud to welcome him and his family home as part of this journey towards 2028,” said Lorna McPherson.
Martin will relocate to Port Moresby with his wife Vanessa and their two children ahead of the club’s full operational launch in October 2027…. PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: REUTERS PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 29 May 2026
Moana Pasifika to bow out of Super Rugby Pacific against Brumbies
MELBOURNE, 29 MAY 2026 (REUTERS) — Moana Pasifika will bid farewell to Super Rugby on Saturday against the ACT Brumbies, marking the end of a failed five-year project to boost pathways into the highest levels for players with Pacific islands heritage.
Placed into liquidation this week, Moana’s demise will see Super Rugby Pacific shrink to 10 teams in 2027 while leaving players and staff with uncertain futures.
Tana Umaga’s team head into the final round of the regular season at Canberra Stadium riding a 12-match losing streak.
A vision that Moana would be based in the Pacific failed to materialise and they ended up as New Zealand’s sixth team in the competition by default, struggling for fans and sponsorship in a city dominated by the Auckland Blues.
Umaga, set to join Dave Rennie’s All Blacks staff, says Moana’s exit may strengthen the National Rugby League’s hold over Pacific nations’ talent.
“The Pacific islanders make up about 40 percent of players in the NRL, similar to rugby (union),” he said.
“If they all go to league, it’ll be a sad time, a sad place for where rugby should be.”
Rival clubs are circling the franchise’s top talent, with All Blacks enforcer Ardie Savea the hottest property. The loose forward is on a playing sabbatical in Japan but was expected to return to Moana for the 2027 season.
Moana are not alone in battling financial problems.
Executives at multiple clubs have warned that Super Rugby, once boasting 18 teams and spanning South Africa to Japan, is on a slippery slope.
Hopes that Australia’s teams might give New Zealand better competition have come to nothing, with the top four Super Rugby slots set to be locked down by Kiwi teams unless the fifth-placed Brumbies beat Moana and the Canterbury Crusaders lose at home to leaders Wellington Hurricanes on Friday.
The Crusaders could drop to sixth place, the last spot in the playoffs, by the end of the weekend if the Queensland Reds take a bonus-point win over Fijian Drua at home on Friday before a Brumbies win.
The Hurricanes have an unassailable lead at the top of the table and may have more to lose by beating the Crusaders.
With the top-placed team facing the sixth best in the first week of the playoffs, the Hurricanes might prefer to host a visiting Australian side rather than the defending champions.
The Blues, meanwhile, will hope to upset the second-placed Chiefs in Hamilton to stave off the threat of the Crusaders taking third place and the privilege of a home playoff.
Compared to the New Zealand derbies, the final match of the regular season will be a damp squib as the already-eliminated Australian teams Western Force and New South Wales Waratahs meet in Perth with only pride on the line…. PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: PMN PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 29 May 2026
New Zealand Rugby sidesteps Pacific backing question on Moana Pasifika future
WELLINGTON, 29 MAY 2026 (PMN) — New Zealand Rugby has declined to confirm whether Pacific rugby unions are backing the Kanaloa Consortium takeover bid for Moana Pasifika.
This comes despite growing calls for Pacific nations to have a stronger voice in the franchise’s future.
In responses sent to PMN News, NZ Rugby repeatedly avoided directly responding to claims made this week by Kanaloa Rugby executive Tracy Atiga including suggestions the consortium has support from several Pacific Island rugby unions.
Asked whether rugby unions from Sāmoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, and Niue had formally endorsed Kanaloa’s bid, NZ Rugby responded: “NZR is not in a position to provide information related to interested parties.”
The answer comes as the future ownership of Moana Pasifika becomes one of the biggest issues facing Pacific rugby.
The franchise was placed into liquidation this week after the club’s owners, Pasifika Medical Association Group, moved to wind up the organisation with Teneo Financial Advisory appointed as liquidators.
But while liquidation is now underway, the fight over who controls the next chapter of Moana Pasifika is intensifying behind the scenes.
Kanaloa Rugby, fronted by former All Blacks Jerome Kaino and Joe Rokocoko, has pushed for a Pacific-led future for the club.
Speaking earlier with William Terite on Pacific Mornings, Atiga said Pacific nations should have greater “sovereignty” and decision-making power over a team created to represent Pacific people and players.
NZ Rugby did not directly engage with those comments. “Moana Pasifika is a privately owned Super Rugby club,” it said.
NZ Rugby also avoided responding to Atiga’s claim that the liquidation “could have been avoided” if Kanaloa’s earlier rescue proposal had been accepted.
“That is a question for PMA and Kanaloa.”
While NZ Rugby would not discuss specific bidders, it confirmed there is more than one group interested in taking over the licence. “There are more than one interested party.”
The Kanaloa bid has also received backing from the Pacific Rugby Players Association, which represents Pasifika athletes across the region and abroad.
According to ABC Pacific, the association is “putting its support behind a takeover bid from the Kanaloa consortium”.
NZ Rugby also signalled that any successful bidder would need to prove long-term financial stability rather than rely on emotion or symbolism.
“Interested parties will need to present a long-term, sustainable business plan.”
But for many across Pacific rugby supporters and former players, the future of Moana Pasifika is about more than finances or ownership structures.
The franchise was created to give Pacific players and communities a stronger place in professional rugby.
That response is likely to sharpen debate around whether Pacific backing alone will be enough to secure the future of the franchise or whether financial strength will ultimately decide who takes control.
Moana Pasifika was launched to create a professional pathway for Pacific players and strengthen Pacific representation in Super Rugby.
Former Moana Pasifika captain Sekope Kepu recently spoke about the wider meaning of the club following the liquidation news.
He told ESPN that Moana Pasifika “represents Pasifika people all over the globe”.
Now with the club’s future uncertain, questions are growing over whether Pacific communities will have meaningful influence over what comes next.
Despite the uncertainty, NZ Rugby says it still supports the original vision behind the team.
“NZR remains supportive of the purpose of Moana Pasifika to provide a high-performance pathway for Pasifika rugby players.”
Moana Pasifika was originally established to create the first professional Pacific rugby team with prominent figures including Sir Michael Jones and Bryan Williams helping shape the vision behind the franchise.
The debate is now growing beyond who can financially rescue the franchise and who should shape the future direction of Pacific rugby at the professional level.
For many Pacific rugby figures, the fight over Moana Pasifika is becoming about more than survival. It is about whether Pacific rugby finally gets control of its own future…. PACNEWS
VAN – FOOTBALL: VANUATU DAILY POST PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 29 May 2026
No decicision yet on Vanuatu hosting Pro League next year : OFC
PORT VILA, 29 MAY 2026 (VANUATU DAILY POST) — A statement by the President of the Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF),Lambert Maltock, that Vanuatu will host a key stage of the Oceania Pro-League next year has yet to be confirmed by the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC).
President Maltock made the remarks during the welcome ceremony for Vanuatu United FC at the VFF Freswota Stadium on Tuesday.
“Next year in May we will host the final stage here before it will go to the semi-finals,” he said.
However, inquiries by the Daily Post Sports to the OFC indicate that the matter remains under consideration and no host nation has yet been confirmed.
Media Operations Manager for OFC, Matt Brown, said competition hosts have not yet been announced and finalists are also yet to be confirmed.
“Nothing has been confirmed yet,” Brown said.
An OFC spokesperson further clarified that while discussions are ongoing regarding the possibility of Vanuatu hosting part of the competition, no official confirmation has been made.
“We are working on hosting a round in Vanuatu but nothing has been confirmed yet. The stadiums will be announced later in the year,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added that OFC “can’t confirm at this stage.”
Questions have also been raised over whether local facilities currently meet the required standards for professional competition.
President of the Port Vila Football Association (PVFA), Harry Atisson, said football grounds in the country still need to meet OFC professional league standards before any hosting rights can be secured.
He said OFC officials are expected to travel to Vanuatu to inspect facilities, including both match venues and training grounds.
“Our fields do not withstand the standards of the Pro League,” he said.
He explained that hosting requirements extend beyond the main competition stadium.
“If we want to host the games we must have all the fields, not just the one they will be playing on. The training fields must also meet the standard,” he said.
Atisson confirmed that OFC inspectors have not yet arrived in the country and that assessments are still pending.
“They didn’t come yet to inspect the field and as they said it will be confirmed in July and we are already assuring people that we will be hosting,” he said.
The Daily Post Sports attempted to reach Maltock for comments regarding his statement and OFC’s position but was unable to reach him before publication.
With OFC expected to announce venues later this year, football supporters and officials alike may have to wait several more months before knowing whether Vanuatu will indeed host the prestigious competition stage…. PACNEWS
SAMOA – RUGBY: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 29 May 2026
Former Manu Samoa coach appeals sex offence convictions
APIA, 29 MAY 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) — Public prosecutors say they will fight an appeal by Manu Samoa’s former head coach, following his recent conviction for multiple sex offences.
Mahroni Schwalger was charged in September 2024 with unlawful sexual connection, attempted sexual violation, sexual conduct with a person under 16, indecent assault, and common assault.
Local media reported on 19 May that Samoa’s Supreme Court found Schwalger guilty of eight out of the 11 charges against him, involving two teenage victims. He was released on bail.
Schwalger, who also played for New Zealand Super Rugby franchises the Highlanders, Hurricanes and the Chiefs, remained as head coach of manu Samoa until the end of 2024.
He was initially suspended by Lakapi Samoa (the Samoa Rugby Union), before resigning from his position on 6 January 2025, while investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct were under way.
The head of Samoa’s Ministry of Justice and Courts, John Papalii, told RNZ Pacific that in the Supreme Court on Monday, Schwalger’s lawyer lodged three motions to appeal his conviction.
Defence counsel Leinafo Strickland sought a stay on the former coach’s sentencing, due on 5 June, until the matter could be heard in the Court of Appeal.
However, the court heard that the Court of Appeal’s workload meant that it was unlikely to be able to review the matter until October.
Meanwhile, Prosecutor Leone Sua-Mailo told the court that they intend to oppose all three applications filed by the defence.
Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma adjourned the matter to 5 June to give lawyers time to respond…. PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 29 May 2026
Palu Sekona locked in as Brumbies Captain
CANBERRA, 29 MAY 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU) — The ACT Brumbies are proud to announce Siokapesi Palu Sekona as club captain for the 2026 Swyftx Super Rugby Women season.
Palu Sekona, 29, has captained the ACT side since 2023, following in a long line of Brumbies captain greats including Michelle Milward and Michaela Leonard. The Wallaroos and Brumbies back-rower has established herself as one of the premier players and leaders in world rugby, picking up Super Rugby Women’s player of the year honours in 2024 and captaining the Wallaroos since 2025.
“I’m honoured to once again lead the Brumbies in 2026,” Palu Sekona said.
“It’s not lost on me what a huge honour it is to lead this team. We are building a really special team here in Canberra and when you look at the talent we’ve got, there’s no ceiling for the potential of this group.”
Head Coach James Erwin named his leadership group this week, heading up a solid leadership group full of established stars and emerging leaders. Palu Sekona will don the captains arm band, but will be ably supported by her lieutenants in the leadership group. Wallaroos Tania Naden, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Ella Ryan, and experienced Brumbies Ash Bishop and Merania Paraone. The leadership group also includes emerging leaders Bonnie Brewer, Manu’a Moleka, and Rayna Ellis.
“We know we are at our best when Siokapesi is leading from the front” Erwin said.
“Rugby in Australia, is blessed to have someone of her calibre and character continuing to be a beacon for everything that’s great about our game. She exemplifies everything we talk about as being a Brumby, and there’s not a player in our building with more pride to wear a ‘Brumby on their chest’ ”
“The leadership group we have around her forms the nucleus of our squad and obviously sets us up for success in 2026 and beyond.”
The ACT Brumbies will face the NSW Waratahs in their third and final pre-season trial this Saturday at GIO Stadium, kick-off at 12.05PM. The match will be part of a special double-header, showcasing arvo footy at its finest, combinining with the ACT Brumbies men’s side facing Moana Pasifika in their final regular season match at 2.35PM…. PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 29 May 2026
Drua hungry for Reds win
SUVA, 29 MAY 2026 (FBC SPORTS) — The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua are determined to end their 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific campaign on a high when they face the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium tonight.
Despite falling short of a first-ever win in Perth last week and missing out on a top-six finish, coach Glen Jackson says motivation within the squad remains strong heading into their final match of the season.
Jackson admits it was frustrating for the Drua to sit second from the bottom of the standings despite recording five wins this season, the same number as several teams above them on the ladder.
He believes the players deserve to finish the year with a memorable performance after the hard work shown throughout the campaign.
“It’d be lovely to finish off with a historic win at a magical ground here in Brisbane.”
The Drua have remained in Australia instead of returning to Fiji, with Jackson and his coaching staff using the extra time to prepare specifically for the Reds’ style of play.
Jackson says the Reds’ mobile and skilful forward pack matches up well with the Drua, prompting the coaching staff to select a side capable of playing an attacking brand of rugby.
He highlights the form of loose forwards Kitione Salawa and Elia Canakaivata, saying their ability to provide quick front-foot ball would be key to the Drua’s game plan.
The Drua have also opted for multiple playmakers in the backline, including Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula at fullback, as they look to move the ball around and challenge the Reds defensively.
Jackson expects an entertaining contest between two sides known for their attacking rugby.
“I know the Reds are a good team to watch and a good team to play, so it should be a cracking game.”
The Drua and Reds will meet at 9.35 tonight…. PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 29 May 2026
Spain 7s prep boosts Fiji’s confidence
SUVA, 29 MAY 2026 (FBC SPORTS) — Fiji Airways Men’s 7s coach Osea Kolinisau says his side heads into this weekend’s Spain 7s tournament injury-free after a productive build-up camp in France.
Kolinisau revealed the team travelled to Europe a week early and spent time training in Biarritz before shifting camp to Spain, with the extra preparation helping the players settle in well ahead of the tournament.
The Fiji coach thanked Fiji Rugby House and Biarritz Mayor Serge Blanco for hosting the side during their stay in France, saying the camp allowed the team to improve combinations and sharpen their on-field work.
“We had a good training week in Biarritz before we moved to Spain, no injuries and all came out fine after the week there.”
He confirmed 13 players were taken on tour, with Terio Tamani to captain Fiji for the Spain leg, while Isaia Rugu is set to make his debut this weekend.
Kolinisau says training in Spain had also gone smoothly, particularly their work around the breakdown and ball retention.
The team enjoyed a day off and bonding activities yesterday, including a bowling competition, before today’s captain’s run.
Kolinisau says the atmosphere in camp had been positive and the players were eager to get the tournament underway.
Fiji Women will open up the championship against the USA at 8pm today.
The men’s team will meet France at 11.40pm…. PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 29 May 2026
Drua Women adjust ahead of Reds clash
SUVA, 29 MAY 2026 (FBC SPORTS) — The McDonald’s Fiji Drua Women are making key adjustments ahead of Sunday’s second pre-season trial against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane.
Head Coach Mike Legge is reshuffling his squad as the side looks to build combinations and test depth before the new season.
The clash at Ballymore Stadium will be the Drua Women’s first return to the venue since the Reds ended their 2025 campaign in the semifinals, adding extra motivation for the visitors.
Legge has named a 27-member trial squad, bringing back lock Mereoni Nakesa and utility forward Salaseini Railumu from injury as the side continues fine-tuning combinations.
One of the biggest changes comes at fly-half, where former Adi Cakobau School student Varanisese Qoro earns a starting role in place of the injured Imari Nai.
The rising talent from Sabeto, Nadi, has impressed through the ranks in both sevens and 15s rugby and will now steer the Drua backline in Brisbane.
Aqela Raitubu and Ruth Raketekete have also been rewarded with opportunities in the matchday squad.
Up front, captain Bitila Tawake will lead the side from hooker alongside loosehead prop Karalaini Naisewa and tighthead prop Tiana Robanakadavu.
Nakesa returns to partner Carletta Yee in the second row, while Nunia Daunimoala, Alfreda Fisher and Sulita Waisega form the loose forward trio.
In the halves, Evivi Senikarivi links up with Qoro, while Josivini Naihamu and Vika Nakacia combine in midfield.
Raitubu starts on the left wing with Michellae Stolz on the right, while Litiana Vueti slots in at fullback.
The bench features Keleni Marawa, Selai Naliva, Zipporah Sorokacika, Keri Lawavou, Elesi Saukuru, Vilisi Tivalele, Railumu, Kolora Lomani, Vatiseva Cavuru, Ivamere Nabura, Raketekete and Kelera Roqorua.
The Drua Women will meet NSW Waratahs in their first clash of the Super W season next Saturday in Sydney…. PACNEWS
PAC – MSG PM CUP: VANUATU DAILY POST PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 29 May 2026
Youth legacy programme to be part of MSG PM Cup
PORT VILA, 29 MAY 2026 (VANUATU DAILY POST) — The next edition of the MSG Prime Ministers (PM) Cup to be hosted in Port Vila will include a new youth development category aimed at strengthening football, culture, and education across Melanesia.
The initiative forms part of the MSG PM Cup Legacy Programme, which was launched this week through a partnership agreement signed between the MSG Secretariat and the Solomon Islands Football Federation.
A similar agreement is expected to be signed next with the Vanuatu Football Federation as preparations continue for the regional tournament.
Under the programme, the Vanuatu Football Federation will run youth activities over an 18-month period with funding support from the MSG Secretariat.
The programme will combine football training with cultural learning and life development skills aimed at encouraging young people to reconnect with Melanesian traditions and customs.
The partnership agreement signed in Honiara targets youths aged between 10 and 15 years and will initially be implemented through five pilot schools in the Solomon Islands, including rural, urban, and peri-urban communities.
The programme will be delivered through the technical structure of the Solomon Islands Football Federation, while the MSG Secretariat will provide strategic oversight and financial support.
Programme Manager for Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Development at the MSG Secretariat, Bill Henry, said the organisation is currently working with donors to secure further funding support for the initiative.
He said the programme began in Honiara, regarded as the birthplace of the MSG Prime Ministers Cup, and aims to use sport as a platform to preserve Melanesian identity.
“Westernisation has influenced too much on the islands and therefore this sports platform aims to get the interest of youths to take part in cultural activities and continue the customs and traditions of the islands,” he said.
MHenry said the long-term goal is to make the MSG Prime Ministers Cup one of the leading sporting tournaments in the Pacific region.
Acting Director General of the MSG Secretariat, Ilan Kiloe, said the partnership would ensure the tournament leaves a lasting impact beyond football.
“This partnership ensures the MSG Prime Ministers Cup leaves a tangible impact on the next generation,” he said.
“By working directly with SIFF and schools across urban, peri-urban and rural communities, we are investing in youth development and strengthening the foundations of football and culture in Melanesia.”
Chief Executive Officer of the Solomon Islands Football Federation, Leonard Paia, welcomed the collaboration and said it aligned with SIFF’s commitment to grassroots football development.
“It gives more young Solomon Islanders access to quality football opportunities, cultural learning and life skills, no matter where they live,” he said.
The pilot phase of the programme is expected to begin soon, with plans already underway to expand the initiative to other MSG member countries in future editions of the tournament…. PACNEWS
FIJI – FOOTBALL: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 29 May 2026
Government support sought for Bula FC
SUVA, 29 MAY 2026 (FBC SPORTS) — Government support for Extra Bula FC’s participation in the inaugural OFC Pro League was strongly advocated in Parliament Thursday morning.
Member of Parliament Joseph Nand calls for direct funding and tax incentives to help Fiji’s first professional football franchise.
During his end-of-week statement, Nand described the Oceania Football Pro League as a “turning point” for football in the Pacific, saying Bula FC could create jobs, develop young players and strengthen national pride.
Nand compared the opportunity to the success of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua.
He says football fans across the country could unite behind Bula FC in the same way rugby supporters have rallied behind the Drua.
“Football is the most widely played sport globally, with deep roots in every town, village and community across Fiji. By securing a permanent team in this regional league, we are giving fans a team to support at the elite level.”
He says full-time professionalism would give local players access to elite training, sports science support and stronger development pathways.
Nand also proposed around $1 million in government support for Bula FC operations, along with tax incentives to encourage sponsorship.
Responding to the statement, Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru acknowledged the importance of the OFC Pro League and the opportunities it presents for football development, youth empowerment and economic growth.
Saukuru says any government support must be strategic, accountable and sustainable, while encouraging clubs to build financially independent professional models…. PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 29 May 2026
Young Maroons build hope for brighter destiny after series loss
CANBERRA, 29 MAY 2026 (NRL) — Queensland rookie Destiny Mino-Sinapati had the unenviable task of stepping into the boots of injured skipper Tamika Upton, but was able to make the role her own in her impressive debut.
Admitting to feeling some nerves before the game about stepping into the fullback role, it didn’t show on the field, with the 21-year-old handling the task impressively.
As well as defusing kicks and breaking tackles, Mino-Sinapati also made 119 metres for her side in their hard-fought 12-4 loss to the Blues, only beaten by workhorse prop Jessika Elliston with 136.
“Honestly lost for words,” Mino-Sinapati said of making her debut.
“I’m just so grateful to put on the jersey and represent the state, the girls, my family and myself.
“It was everything and more.
“Honestly, I didn’t think that I was going to get my chance this year and then getting the chance to put on the jersey, it’s a moment that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.
“And to play along with these girls as well, the best in the state, I’ve made sisters for life.”
Mino-Sinapati was emblematic of this year’s Queensland side that had lost a vast wealth of experience with the retirement in recent years of Maroons stalwarts Ali Brigginshaw and Tazmin Rapana and unavailability this series of players like Tarryn Aiken, Evania Isa’ako and Shannon Mato.
Full of enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, Maroons coach Nathan Cross was full of praise for a player he likened to “a female Keano Kini” pre-game for her kinetic style of play.
“I struggle to find words and superlatives for Des, she is a 10 out of 10 human being,” Cross said.
“If you could coach 17 Destiny Minos each week, I am going to coach for the next 50 years because that is how enjoyable she is to coach.
“She is a ripper.
“Nothing surprised me tonight because we’ve seen it at training and done the work, she’s done the reps.
“Her character is such that she was disappointed at the end because she let me down because she was cramping.
“That’s her, she was enormous and I’m so proud of her and wow, what a what a future.”
For Mino-Sinapati, this year’s experience in camp under Cross had been one of growth, with the Samoa representative looking to take her form into the upcoming NRLW season, where she will again play Cbus Super Stadium with the Titans.
“Crossy has been amazing and all the staff have been so good with helping me and prepping me for the game,” Mino-Sinapati said.
“I feel like I’ve learned so much in this camp that I can take on in NRLW.
“Being out with injury as well for the last few years, confidence was a big thing, and I think I’ve built that confidence in this camp.
“I’m ready to go into NRLW land and bring all this experience that I’ve learned and go in confident.”
With the future looking bright, Cross – who is signed on to continue as head coach of the Maroons next season – said he was looking forward to building on his maiden campaign in the role.
“Of course we’re disappointed, that’s obvious,” Cross said.
“You lose a series and you lose it 3-0, but I’m just looking in that room and looking at the future and how many girls have debuted this year and how bright the future is and I’m just so excited by what’s ahead.
“It’s been challenging and obviously at times when you feel like you’re throwing so much out and getting nothing back, but when you sign up to be a coach, that’s also the territory that you that you’re in.
“I feel like if we keep doing the right thing, we keep working really hard, we keep investing in the right players, this will turn.
“The New South Wales team’s a great team, and full credit to them, sometimes class and experience wins in the end, and I think probably that was telling over the series and well done to them.
“But we’re coming and we’ll see them next year.”…. PACNEWS
