In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY LEAGUE — ‘I won’t back flip’: Samoa star reveals plan for Cup
2. RUGBY LEAGUE — Jarome Luai to leave Wests Tigers at end of season
3. RUGBY — PM Rabuka denies influencing Flying Fijians coach selection
4. RUGBY — FRU expected to pay land premium from profit
5. RUGBY LEAGUE — Human highlights reel open to rugby league exit party
6. FOOTBALL — Tahiti overturn first half deficit to open with win
7. FOOTBALL — Defending champions New Zealand open with win
8. FUN RUN — Hundreds turn out to run for Team PNG
9. GOLF — PNG Open sets stage for August 22 start
10. RUGBY — Props Barrett and Ranawai extend contracts with the Waratahs
11. RUGBY — England and Scotland trade places in World Rugby Men’s Rankings
12. OLYMPICS — Brisbane 2032 enters uncertain labour territory
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 14 Jul 2026
‘I won’t back flip’: Samoa star reveals plan for Cup
BRISBANE, 14 JULY 2026 (AAP)—Winning a World Cup is the final frontier for Payne Haas and he is fully committed to attempting to do so with Samoa.
There had been reports the Brisbane prop was considering switching back to Australia for the 2026 tournament, but the 26-year-old has quashed those suggestions.Haas, who has Samoan heritage through his mother Joan Haas, committed to Toa Samoa for last year’s Pacific Championships after previously playing four Tests with Australia.
He helped lift Samoa into the Pacific Cup final after starring in a 34-6 win over Tonga.
The powerhouse front-rower is a man of his word and said there was no way he had considered making himself available for the Kangaroos.
“I made my decision last year to move to Samoa from Australia,” Haas said.
“The kind of person I am, I wouldn’t back flip on them. I want to represent my mum, my grandmother and my granddad as well and there is no way in hell that I would (back flip).”
Haas is already on his way to being recognised as an all-time great, but lifting Samoa to World Cup glory would be a huge achievement and has the potential to raise Pacific rugby league to another level.
Samoa have been drawn in the same pool as France, Papua New Guinea and Tonga for the 10-team tournament to be hosted by Australia, New Zealand and PNG in October and November this year.
Haas is a key member of a Samoa forward pack that boasts the likes of Francis Molo, Jaydn Su’A, Simi Sasagi, Junior Paulo and Terrell May.
The backline includes premiership-winning stars Jarome Luai, Brian To’o and Stephen Crichton. Dolphins flyer Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has also committed for the World Cup.
There is a sense the side can go one better than their 2022 World Cup performance, when beaten by Australia in the final.
“With the kind of calibre of players we have got there is a great chance, but that is still far away,” Haas said.
“This is my last two months here so I am trying to focus on the Broncs.”
Last week Haas dominated the State of Origin decider for NSW, terrorising Queensland up front in a stunning 30-12 win. It was his third Origin series win when playing all three matches and his second in a decider at Suncorp Stadium.
Last year’s premiership win with Brisbane ticked that box and Haas also was named the club’s player of the year for a sixth time.
He is without doubt the Broncos’ greatest player of the decade and a worthy successor to the likes of Glenn Lazarus, Shane Webcke, Petero Civoniceva and Brad Thorn.
Haas will join South Sydney next year, but is fully committed to reviving Brisbane’s spluttering season as they target winning all eight of their remaining matches to give themselves a chance of defending their title….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: ABC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 14 Jul 2026
Jarome Luai to leave Wests Tigers at end of season
SYDNEY, 14 JULY 2026 (ABC SPORTS)—Wests Tigers have confirmed star five-eighth Jarome Luai will leave the club at the end of the season.
Luai signed with the Tigers from Penrith, where he won four premierships as a Panther, for the 2025 season.
He was contracted with the Tigers until 2027, but the two parties have agreed to part ways after the playmaker activated a release clause in his contract.
Luai will be part of the PNG Chiefs’ inaugural season in the NRL in 2028, having signed as the expansion club’s highest-profile recruit earlier this season.
“I’m grateful to everyone involved with the Club for everything over the last two seasons,” Luai said.
“Shaun (Mielekamp, CEO), Benji (Marshall, head coach), the coaches, the staff and my brothers out on the field. We’ve laid some strong foundations together.
“I look forward to seeing this group continue to grow and bring success to the Wests Tigers.
“The focus now is on my game and helping this group finish the season strongly.”
Luai has played 33 matches for the Tigers since making his club debut in round one last season.
Interest in Luai’s immediate future grew in recent weeks with speculation the Samoa international and NSW Blues representative could end his stint with the Tigers early.
Luai skipped the post-match press conference last night with coach Benji Marshall, after the Tigers fell to the New Zealand Warriors at Campbelltown.
In Saturday’s statement, Marshall said Luai’s departure gives the club a chance to develop young talent.
“I want to thank Jarome for his maturity during these discussions and his team first mentality,” Marshall said.
“We’ve got some great young halves here at the club and we need to provide them with the best chance to grow and develop as players, which means we need to give them opportunities to test themselves at NRL level.
“With Jarome leaving at the end of next season, it was going to prove a challenge for us to do that, and he didn’t want to stand in the way of young players getting their opportunity and the overall journey of this group.
“This agreement is testament to Jarome and his commitment to this group, that he’s willing to step aside to ensure our club is in the best position possible over the next few years.
“We want to wish Jarome and his family well with the next chapter of his career.”….PACNEWS
FIJI/UK – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 14 Jul 2026
PM Rabuka denies influencing Flying Fijians coach selection
SUVA, 14 JULY 2026 (FBC SPORTS) —-Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has dismissed claims that he was involved in the selection of the Flying Fijians head coach, saying he did not influence the appointment process.
Responding to questions about rumours that he had recommended a local coach, Rabuka said he was only informed of the selection after the decision had been made.
“I was notified of the selection and I said, well, let’s see if the argument that a local coach would better understand and the players would better understand the coach.”
Rabuka said he has always supported the concept of appointing a local coach because a Fijian coach would have a better understanding of the nature and psyche of Fijian players, and the relationship between the coach and players.
He stressed that it is still too early to judge whether that approach has been successful, saying two Test matches are not enough to properly assess the process.
The Prime Minister also shared his thoughts on Fiji’s recent performances against Wales and England, saying there were too many missed opportunities in both matches.
He said it was disappointing that the Flying Fijians did not finish off several promising attacking moves.
Rabuka said he hopes the team will address those shortcomings during preparations for their upcoming Test matches.
Meanwhile, Flying Fijians head coach Senirusi Seruvakula says the lack of focus and silly mistakes was their biggest downfall during their 73-8 loss to England in the Nations Championship.
With Scotland up next for the side, they will be using the next few days to refocus and work on areas that needs improvement.
Seruvakula said there is no excuse for their poor performance against the English.
“I’m not giving any excuses; we just need to adapt. England was the better team; they played really, really well and they deserved the win. We gave away a lot of penalties, and our boys had a lack of focus from the start, so that’s what destroyed us today.”
In another development, the future of Flying Fijians coach Senirusi Seruvakula will be known after the Fiji Rugby Union Board reviews the team manager’s report following the Nations Championship.
FRU chairperson and former national rep, John Sanday, says they’ll make the necessary decisions once they receive the report to get the full scope.
Sanday was responding to questions from FBC Sports regarding Seruvakula, who was supposed to win two out of three games but suffered successive losses as a tier-one nation, including the humiliating defeat by England yesterday.
The FRU chair was also asked if there’s a disconnection between players and coaches, and he says they’ll also await the Manager’s report after the tour.
He says at the moment they’re focused on the next game against Scotland and will work hard to get a much-needed win.
Sanday goes on to say they’re not done yet, as they have a massive Test on Sunday, which is another chance for the players to redeem themselves.
The former Flying Fijians lock adds that he doesn’t involve himself in coaching and team dynamics as that is the domain of the coaching and team management staff.
However, he says that based on their discussions after the game, the team is focused on fixing things up and putting on a stronger outing against Scotland.
Sanday is asking for fans’ voices, prayers, and unwavering belief as always, and also celebrates the immense growth of our game off the field and looks forward to a spectacular finish this weekend.
The Flying Fijians tackle Scotland at 1:10am on Sunday ….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 14 Jul 2026
FRU expected to pay land premium from profit
LONDON/SUVA, 14 JULY 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—The Fiji Rugby Union is expected to pay the premium for its land in Saweni, Lautoka, from the profit it made over the weekend in England.
FRU Chair, John Sanday, said there was never a shortfall in gate takings for the England game, and they amassed the record number of spectators in a home test with a presence of around 50,200.
He said the Profit and Loss for this is expected to be a windfall gain, which FRU expects to pay for the premium of the Saweni land, share with its member unions to cover for their season costs and also extinguish all inherited FRU debt.
Sanday said last week, after the Wales game, that they had not yet reconciled the numbers.
However, now after having the numbers reconciled for the game against Wales, they have turned out a reasonable profit.
Leading up to the Nations Championship, FRU had publicly stated that ticket sales for the Wales match were the weakest, and they were using many different marketing tools to raise their profile.
The former national lock also says they were competing against the Soccer World Cup, and the global music star “Pit Bull” was performing live at The Principality Stadium and a very big crowd was there.
Upon their return to Fiji, the FRU Board will publish a full set of financial accounts for the three home games so that everyone is aware and knows the financial gains made, according to Sanday.
He also said hosting three games in Europe has not been an easy project. It is the largest and the most challenging one ever that FRU has embarked on in its 120 year history.
The result on the field has been disappointing, but the off-field success has been huge…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 14 Jul 2026
Human highlights reel open to rugby league exit party
SYDNEY, 14 JULY 2026 (AAP)—Trent Robinson declares Mark Nawaqanitawase has the greatest ball mastery of any player he’s ever seen, as the superstar winger leaves the door open for a Kangaroos World Cup farewell.
Nawaqanitawase added another spectacular moment to his NRL highlights reel on Saturday night against Parramatta, when he flung a ball back inside behind his back for a Robert Toia try
The Roosters flyer hit Toia on the chest despite having little sight of where his support players were, as he himself was being forced over the sideline.
The rugby-bound star has spent just two years in the NRL, but has arguably produced more box-office highlights than any player since Benji Marshall in his prime.
“You can have individual skill, but you can have ball mastery on the end of it,” Roosters coach Robinson said.
‘Can you control that ball at all different angles, at all different heights? And that’s what he’s got.
“His ability to know where the ball is around his body, 360 degrees, how to change his fingers, how to change the pass, how to move it into space.
“He’s by far the best I’ve ever seen at that.
“Sonny Bill (Williams) was the other one that had it. They’re in rare, rare, those two, in my opinion.”
Nawaqanitawase grew up idolising Williams, and at one stage even contemplated getting the same tattoos as his fellow cross-code star.
But he said his own skills had been inspired in the backyard as a child, with most coming naturally to him.
“It was just growing up, playing with the ball, seeing what I can do with it, and being confident enough to do it,” the Roosters flyer said.
“It’s just natural … It all happens pretty quickly.
“You catch it, you’re just running, and then I know my body is already in a spot to do (something). It just happens.
‘You definitely think about (how cool it might look afterwards). You think ‘oh shoot, that just happened’.”
Nawaqanitawase got his first taste of State of Origin in NSW’s series win, and also debuted for Australia in last year’s Ashes.
The 25-year-old has agreed to join Japanese rugby club Saitama Wild Knights this summer, before eyeing off a Wallabies return at next year’s home World Cup.
The Japan season starts in December, but Nawaqanitawase has refused to rule out featuring in this year’s Rugby League World Cup if contracts allow.
Australia’s campaign kicks off against New Zealand on October 15, while the final is in Brisbane exactly one month later.
“It would be a great opportunity. A World Cup in Australia, New Zealand and PNG, I’m more than happy to be a part of it,” he said.
“I don’t know (if I can) yet. I’ve got to talk to the club that I’m going to. I’ve got to work out dates and stuff.
“It’s all legal kind of stuff, it’s up to them,” he said…. PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 14 Jul 2026
Tahiti overturn first half deficit to open with win
AUCKLAND, 14 JULY 2026 (OFC)—Tahiti have come from behind to open their OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2026 campaign with a 4-2 victory over Vanuatu in Group B.
Esdras Jamet and Santiago Covic both scored twice for the Tahitians, as they overcame a first half deficit to record a fifth consecutive win over Vanuatu at the tournament dating back to 2005.
It was Vanuatu who took the lead just before the break in rather calamitous circumstances. Under pressure from Rohan Masauvakalo, Tahiti captain Manatea Ahupu saw his attempted clearance deflect into his own net, handing the qualifying winners the lead.
Vanuatu hadn’t won a group stage match at the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship since 2023 though and quickly unravelled after returning for the second half. Two costly errors whilst playing out from the back were punished by Tahiti, who scored twice in four minutes to turn the contest on it’s head.
First Vanuatu goalkeeper Ezekiel Tasso gave the ball straight to Jamet at the top of his own box from a goal kick, allowing an easy tap-in for the Tahitian centre-forward, before a classy finish into the bottom-left corner by Covic gave Tahiti the lead after winning possession in a similar position.
Pushing numbers forward from a corner in search of a response of their own, the Vanuatu defence was again exposed for the third goal in the 61st minute, Jamet scoring his second of the morning after bursting away on the counter.
Vanuatu continued to harbour hope of a result when Franso Shem nodded home a second goal from a pinpoint Mathew Naviti cross in the 77th minute, but Covic put the match to bed with Tahiti’s fourth goal late in regular time, again punishing his opponents for a mistake whilst playing out from the back.
Tahiti take on defending champions New Zealand next, whilst Vanuatu will be hoping to bounce back against the Solomon Islands, when the second matchday in Group B is played on Thursday. …PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 14 Jul 2026
Defending champions New Zealand open with win
HONIARA, 14 JULY 2026 (OFC)—New Zealand have begun their OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2026 title defence with a 5-1 victory over the Solomon Islands in Group B.
Jack Clegg scored twice as the ten-time defending champions overcame a spirited display from their Melanesian opponents at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby.
Previously, New Zealand had only lost one match at the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship since 2007, a 0-5 defeat to the Solomon Islands in 2018 – who did well to frustrate their highly favoured opponents for much of the first half, sitting deep and soaking up the pressure.
They were unfortunate to concede the opening goal in the fashion they did in the 38th minute though, the referee adjudging the ball to have crossed the goal-line after a discussion with his assistant, as two defenders battled to clear from a New Zealand corner delivery.
Clegg doubled the defending champions’ lead shortly after the break, racing in-behind and beating Eddie Aefi from a one-on-one position.
The Solomon Islands kept fighting and halved the deficit in the 59th minute when Vaulton Hoova’s delivery sailed over the head of New Zealand keeper Will Martin, but the floodgates eventually opened in the final quarter.
Clegg added a second, whilst captain Ben Trenberth and Reuben Lee Sang also found the back of the net as New Zealand hit the Solomon Islands for five.
It’s the perfect way for New Zealand to begin their campaign. They face Tahiti next, whilst the Solomon Islands will be hoping to bounce back against Vanuatu, when the second matchday in Group B is played on Thursday.
New Zealand: 5 (Own Goal 38′, Jack CLEGG 48′, 77′, Ben TRENBERTH 69′, Reuben LEE SANG 79′)
Solomon Islands: 1 (Vaulton HOOVA 59′)
HT: 1-0 …PACNEWS
PNG – FUN RUN: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 14 Jul 2026
Hundreds turn out to run for Team PNG
PORT MORESBY, 14 JULY 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Hundreds of city residents, including NCD Governor Powes Parkop, participated in the 2026 Trukai Fun Run in Port Moresby to support Team PNG’s participation in the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland later this month.
PNG Olympic Committee (PNGOC) treasurer and Team PNG Chef de Mission to Glasgow, Elaine Iorive, stressed the importance of supporting athletes and their dreams through this initiative of the Trukai Fun Run.
During her opening remarks, Iorive thanked Trukai Industries Limited for their long-standing partnership with PNGOC for over two decades.
She said Trukai has stood beside Team PNG through the Fun Run, helping ensure athletes are supported as they prepare to represent PNG on the international stage.
“Your commitment to sports and our athletes continues to make a real difference,” she said.
This year’s theme, “Together in Every Grain”, reflected the spirit of partnership between Trukai, Team PNG, and the people of PNG. Just as every grain contributes to every meal, every Fun Run shirt purchased and every step taken during the event contributed directly to supporting PNG’s athletes and their dreams.
PNG Swimming president Ryan Pini, reaching the finish line with wife Carly and son Nate during yesterday’s Fun Run.
The Trukai Fun Run is one of PNGOC’s most important fundraising initiatives, helping Team PNG prepare for major international competitions including the Commonwealth Games, the upcoming Pacific Games, and the Olympic Games.
“Preparations for these competitions require significant support, and initiatives like the Trukai Fun Run play a crucial role in helping our athletes train, travel, and compete with pride,” Iorive said.
Governor Parkop, in his closing remarks, commended Trukai for always supporting Team PNG, describing the partnership as a win-win relationship that both promotes Trukai and supports athletes to perform at their best in representing the country.
“Sports is part of nation-building. It unites our people, inspires the youth of our country, and that’s why we need to put more effort and resources into this great platform. It is a win-win for the government, sporting codes, athletes, and for development all around,” Parkop said.
The run started at 6:10am from the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium to Ela Beach and back. The first two participants, Malton and Isaiah, crossed the finish line at 6:35am……PACNEWS
PNG – GOLF: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 14 Jul 2026
PNG Open sets stage for August 22 start
PORT MORESBY, 14 JULY 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—This year’s world-class PNG Open is scheduled for 23-30 August at the Royal Port Moresby Golf Club, National Capital District, launching the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia season.
Widely regarded as one of the Pacific’s most prestigious sporting events, the PNG Open attracts leading professional golfers, rising amateurs, and passionate fans from across the region and beyond.
Among the competitors, Papua New Guinea’s newly promoted professionals Brian Taikiri, Morgan Anato, Gideon Tikili, and Soti Dinki will relish the chance to test themselves against seasoned international players on home soil.
The tournament will be contested over 72 holes of stroke play, with 120 players tackling 18 holes on each of the first two days. The leading 50 professionals and ties, plus any amateurs on the same score or better, will advance to the final two rounds.
The PNG Open alsdo highlights the vibrant culture, hospitality, and spirit of Papua New Guinea, offering spectators an unforgettable experience both on and off the course.
General manager of tournaments and Global Tour Relationships for PGA Australia, Nick Dastey, confirmed that this year’s Open has seen the largest registration uptake in its history. Notably, a record number of Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia members with exemption categories have entered, ensuring a deeper field and higher quality of play.
“PNG golf has really hit the international stage in delivering a tournament that the best golfers want to compete in,” Dastey said.
The PNG Golf Association (PGA) has extended a warm welcome to players, sponsors, partners, and fans, inviting them to celebrate another remarkable chapter in the PNG Open’s legacy….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 14 Jul 2026
Props Barrett and Ranawai extend contracts with the Waratahs
SYDNEY, 14 JULY 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)–The NSW Waratahs have extended the contracts of props Jack Barrett and Apolosi Ranawai ahead of the 2027 season.
Loosehead Barrett, 22, has penned a new deal until the end of 2028, while tighthead Ranawai, 32, has signed a one-year extension for 2027.
Director of High Performance B-J Mather was delighted to lock the pair in and further bolster the tight five ranks, after the signings of Sefo Kautai and Veikoso Poloniati were also announced last week.
“It’s great to re-sign both Jack and Apolosi for Super Rugby Pacific in 2027,” Mather said.
“Jack is a promising prop who is still learning the game and developing all the time, but he demonstrated his huge potential last season with some crucial performances for us.
“I think most people know Apolosi’s story by now, but he is such a terrific presence in the group and the impact he made during the latter stages of the season was enormous.”
Hailing from the Australian mining town of Lightning Ridge in NSW, Barrett attended St Joseph’s College in his youth with fellow teammates Max Jorgensen and James Hendren.
The 22-year-old made his Waratahs debut in Round 6 in 2024 against the Melbourne Rebels. While he came off the bench in the 21-10 loss to the British & Irish Lions at a packed-out Allianz Stadium in July last year.
Barrett made six appearances in Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific in 2026, three from the off and three off the bench, including starting in the landmark 50-35 win over the Fijian Drua in Suva in Round 14, our first-ever win in Fiji.
He will represent Southland Stags in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship from August onwards, after featuring regularly for Randwick in their Shute Shield campaign so far this year.
And Barrett was pleased to extend his contract for two years for the club he made his professional debut with.
“It’s awesome to secure my immediate future with the Waratahs,” Barrett said.
“The club gave me my first opportunity in professional rugby and I’d like to repay the faith they’ve shown in me.
“I’m really looking forward to the next two years and continuing my development with this group of players.”
Ranawai was born in Nadi and grew up playing rugby at his local village club, Korovuto Rugby Club.
He went on to represent Fiji at under-20 level, before moving over to Australia to seek further opportunities in the sport, making a name for himself at club level at first.
Ranawai was snapped up by the Waratahs ahead of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific competition, after impressing for Norths in the Shute Shield and subsequently in our title winning, Super Rugby Aus campaign.
The 32-year-old made his Super Rugby Pacific debut in Round 12 against the Western Force. He went on to make five appearances for the Waratahs in 2026, all from the bench, scoring three tries.
He made an emotional return to Fiji for our Round 14 fixture against the Fijian Drua, scoring a try in our bonus point win, while also visiting his former school Nasinu Secondary School in the lead up to the game.
And Ranawai was over the moon to sign a contract extension with the Sydney-based club for 2027.
“I’m incredibly grateful and excited to be re-signing with the Waratahs for the 2027 season,” Ranawai said.
“I can’t wait to keep growing, working hard, and giving everything I have for the jersey.
“I’m looking forward to what’s ahead and I’m grateful for everyone who’s been a part of the journey.”….PACNEWS
IRELAND – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 14 Jul 2026
England and Scotland trade places in World Rugby Men’s Rankings
DUBLIN, 14 JULY 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—The Nations Championship and World Rugby Nations Cup produced another set of dramatic matches over the weekend, leading to several changes to the top 25 of the World Rugby Men’s Rankings.
England’s first-ever outing at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool was marked with a record 73-8 win over Fiji and a one-place rise to fifth in the rankings, with Steve Borthwick’s team climbing above their oldest international rivals, Scotland.
Scotland now reside in sixth, having lost one of the two places they had gained for their win over Argentina on the opening weekend of the Nations Championship, after falling to a battling 42-28 defeat to world number one South Africa in Pretoria.
South Africa’s advantage over the All Blacks at the top of the rankings increased by 0.02 rating points to 2.92 points as a result of their victory over Scotland.
New Zealand and Ireland’s ratings remained unchanged after wins over lower-ranked Italy and Japan, while France closed the gap on the top three with a 42-21 win over Australia at a sold-out Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, seeing them pick up 0.68 points.
Behind England and Scotland in fifth and sixth, Argentina remain in seventh place, albeit with an improved rating of 84.06 points, thanks to their 35-21 win over Wales.
Outside the top 10, Wales have dropped a place to 12th, with Japan moving up to 11th, while Georgia, USA and Portugal remain 13th to 15th after wins in the Nations Cup.
The biggest movers of the weekend were Spain, who beat Tonga 32-19 in the Nations Cup. Los Leones have gained four places and are now up to 16th, with Uruguay, Chile, Samoa and Tonga all losing ground.
Rugby rankings
1.South Africa
2.New Zealand
3.Ireland
4.France
5.England
6.Scotland
7.Argentina
8.Australia
9.Fiji
10.Italy…PACNEWS
AUST – OLYMPICS: INSIDE THE GAMES PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 14 Jul 2026
Brisbane 2032 enters uncertain labour territory
BRISBANE, 14 JULY 2026 (INSIDE THE GAMES)—The draft code for Queensland public works, open for consultation until 24 July, has pitted the government against unions over its legal footing and prompted warnings that it could complicate the delivery of Olympic Games venues.
The proposal to introduce new rules for public works was put forward in early July by the lawyers assisting the commission of inquiry into the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union. They asked the commissioner to recommend that a code be reinstated to set out the conditions companies bidding for public contracts would have to meet, and that an independent body be established to oversee its implementation. No formal recommendation has yet been made and the government has taken no decision, saying it will consider the inquiry’s conclusions.
The Brisbane 2032 timetable lends particular urgency to the debate, as the infrastructure programme will channel AUD$7.1 billion (€4.3bn) in public funding into building or upgrading 17 venues. The federal government will contribute around AUD$3.4bn (€2bn), while several agreements covering major projects are due to be renegotiated soon.
The current dispute between the Queensland government and unions stems from the controversy surrounding the Best Practice Industry Conditions, a set of employment conditions introduced by the former Labor government for major public contracts. The Liberal National government led by Queensland Premier David Crisafulli suspended them in November 2024, arguing that they drove up project costs and reduced productivity, while unions maintain that they strengthened safety and training.
The draft proposes replacing the suspended BPIC framework with a code that would use public procurement to restrict practices deemed unproductive. Its rules would apply to construction tenders worth more than AUD$2 million (€1.2m), while the requirement to submit a plan covering workforce management, agreements and subcontracting would be limited to building projects worth over AUD$10m (€6m) and civil works above AUD$20m (€12m).
The restrictions include agreements that impose staffing ratios, place constraints on recruitment or limit the choice of subcontractors, as well as paid time for trade union activities and certain payments to delegates or organisations. The draft does not abolish rostered days off; instead, it would prevent agreements from barring employers from rescheduling one of those days off.
The controversy intensified on 8 July, when The Courier-Mail reported that Queensland Deputy Premier and Industrial Relations Minister Jarrod Bleijie intended to bar companies with existing CFMEU agreements from tendering. A government spokesperson later denied that any blanket ban was planned and told Australian Associated Press, “We can confirm we’re not banning contractors. There’ll simply be site-specific (agreements) for 2032 and beyond venues, that obviously won’t include BPICs.” Work on Brisbane 2032 venues would instead be governed by site-specific agreements, probably involving multiple unions, and contractors would have to comply with the new requirements if the code were ultimately adopted.
Jacqueline King, general secretary of the Queensland Council of Unions, argues that the proposed construction code would conflict with the federal Fair Work Act and, if adopted, could trigger constitutional challenges, administrative law proceedings before the Supreme Court and action before the Fair Work Commission. “There’s a lawyer’s picnic here in terms of what they’ve proposed with the draft code,” King said in comments reported by AAP after she raised her concerns with federal employment and workplace relations minister Amanda Rishworth.
The document itself states that no provision can require conduct that contravenes the Fair Work Act and that any incompatible provision would have no effect, but that safeguard has not allayed union objections regarding projects co-funded by Canberra.
Beyond the courts, King fears that the uncertainty could deter major construction companies and disrupt the timetable. “There’s definitely a high risk that some of those projects will be pushed back,” she warned. The QCU also objected to the ban on negotiating apprentice ratios amid a skills shortage that both unions and industry representatives expect to worsen as the Olympic and energy programmes compete for labour.
Bleijie dismissed suggestions that legal action could slow the projects and argued that the proposed framework would allow them to be delivered more quickly and within budget. “You can have an EB registered with Fair Work Australia, and you can have a building code,” he told The Courier-Mail, defending the state’s right to impose conditions on projects funded by state taxpayers.
Against union opposition, the leading industry bodies backed the reform in principle, although some are waiting to see its final wording. Andrew Chapman, chief executive of the Queensland Major Contractors Association, told ABC News: “We need to have a construction code in Queensland to provide safe, productive approaches to work that are fair and reasonable and include relevant conditions that are focused on productivity and safety.”
The code’s future will depend on what the commissioner recommends and how the government manages the transition from existing agreements, as introducing it without a transition period could temporarily make much of the sector ineligible to tender and complicate the Brisbane 2032 timetable…..PACNEWS
