In this bulletin:
1. FOOTBALL — ‘Flawed’ funding system keeping smaller nations on sidelines of FIFA civil war
2. PACIFIC GAMES — Pacific Games council give Tahiti prep the thumbs-up
3. RUGBY — Sereana Maragi earns Fijiana call-up
4. RUGBY — PNG rugby worry about league impact, amid ongoing suspension
5. FOOTBALL — Draw confirmed for OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup 2026
6. FOOTBALL — Central Coast FC prove too strong for AS Venus
7. FOOTBALL — Late winner gives Auckland City FC all three points
8. SWIMMING — Aussie swim star strikes gold and silver at Pan Pacific championship
9. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG Chiefs step up chase for Manu
10. RUGBY — Sevens stars rub shoulders with Chelsea Women stars at All Star game
11. RUGBY LEAGUE — ‘Sky is still the limit’: Koula’s added motivation as Manly fight for finals
PAC – FOOTBALL: THE JAPAN TIMES PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 14 Aug 2026
‘Flawed’ funding system keeping smaller nations on sidelines of FIFA civil war
BRISBANE, 14 AUGUST 2026 (THE JAPAN TIMES) —Former Papua New Guinea international Alex Davani says some of the smaller soccer federations have kept quiet during FIFA’s civil war because they fear losing the funding that is vital to their operations.
Davani, a former deputy general secretary of Football Australia, believes global soccer’s development funding system is flawed and hopes the discussions prompted by Gianni Infantino’s abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal might create the environment for reform.
The 11-member Oceania federation was scheduled to meet on Wednesday to discuss the row that has split world soccer apart, and Davani thinks it is in a tough spot.
“I don’t think the sort of institutional silence or the quiet coming out of the region is complicity or apathy or anything like that,” the lawyer and sports administrator said in an interview from Brisbane.
“I actually think it’s almost a predictable response in an environment where the FIFA … development funding is often at times the entire operational budget for a member association from Oceania. So in that context, I think they’ve been placed in a tricky position.
“On the one hand, you have some of the big confederations coming out being very vocal about the proposal. And on the other hand, you have a situation where, not right or wrong, and maybe not intentionally, I think it’s just a situation where speaking or forming a view may perhaps risk that funding.
“You don’t want to put that at risk because it’s your livelihood.”
The flaw in the system, Davani believes, is that FIFA’s funding is discretionary, not an entitlement.
“Whilst the FIFA statutes quite frequently talk about development funding and development programmes, nowhere in there is it enshrined the sort of principle that development money is an entitlement versus discretionary money,” he said.
“We all believe that the World Cup and the Women’s World Cup, they belong to us (and) the development funding derives from those major assets. So I do think that if we have the sense of belonging to it, member associations can certainly decide where it should go.”
Davani said that smaller federations, like most of those in Oceania, have done well out of Infantino’s decade in charge of FIFA with funding increasing from US$2 to US$3 million over a four-year cycle to US$8 million in the last round.
Infantino inaugurated a new national soccer center in Papua New Guinea, funded by FIFA Forward money in 2023, and another has opened in the Solomon Islands. Vanuatu has a new stadium.
While the prospect of the US$40 million that Infantino promised if the 211 full member associations had opted for his controversial plan would have been tempting, Davani believes that is missing the point about what kind of FIFA president Oceania needs.
“For a region like Oceania, we need our leaders to have a real understanding of some of the things that impact the growth and development of professional football,” he said.
“It’s really expensive to move around the islands, for example, climate change means we’re losing islands and places to play, and the advancement of indigenous peoples’ rights are important to the region.
“I think that’s the standard of leader that Oceania has every right to expect.”
Citing Tim Cahill, who played for Samoa before switching to Australia, and French World Cup winner Christian Karembeu, who was born in New Caledonia, Davani said there was plenty of talent in Oceania if it could be developed properly.
“I think the disappointing thing for me about this entire (FIFA schism) is we stop talking about football, especially in a region where it needs to be played more often,” he said.
“I don’t think talent has been the issue. I think it’s been the systems around that talent, which is why I’m really keen for us to get back to the football discussion,” he said…..PACNEWS
PAC – PACIFIC GAMES: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 14 Aug 2026
Pacific Games council give Tahiti prep the thumbs-up
PAPE’TE/SYDNEY, 14 AUGUST 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) —The Pacific Games Council has given the thumbs-up to Tahiti’s preparation for the 2027 Pacific Games.
Chief executive Andrew Minogue told RNZ Pacific from Sydney on Wednesday the host country is doing a great job in getting the Games ready.
“It was a very good week in Tahiti last week,” Minogue said.
The week saw both the Pacific Games Council general assembly, where representatives of the 24 participating nations and territories were present, and the Pacific Games Council executive board meet in Pape’ete, hearing from the French Polynesian government, the Tahiti 2027 organising committee and stakeholders.
“I think everybody came away very happy knowing that the Games are on track,” he said.
“They’re being very well managed and organised.”
The regional representatives, which included reps from both Australia and New Zealand, had the chance to tour facilities.
Minogue said all facilities should be ready by the end of the first quarter of 2027.
“We got some briefings from the organising committee about the different services they’ll be providing during the Games,” he said.
“Then we spent probably a day and a half on the road looking at a couple of… the high schools where the athletes will be accommodated, and then going to quite a few of the competition sites across the island.
‘Some of them are still under construction. We went to the main athletics track, which should be ready and completed at the end of this year.
“We went to a couple of the indoor halls that will be used for indoor sports that require renovations and will be finished in about the first quarter of next year.
“And I think delegates were impressed that there are good facilities.”
Minogue said one of the exciting aspect of the Games now is the fact that it is also being used as a qualifier for the Olympic Games, or as a ranking event towards Olympic qualification.
At the same time the Games will double as the Oceania Championship for weightlifting.
‘For the Olympic committees, the ones that will send teams to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, the Games next year are going to be a very valuable opportunity in some sports to qualify the athletes for the LA Olympics.
“In other sports, it’ll be an ability to get rankings points which will contribute towards them getting to an Olympic Games, while some other sports have pathways to their World Championships and other events.
“For weightlifting, competition next year in Tahiti will be both an Oceania championship and an Olympic qualifier. So we expect a very high standard of competition in that sport.”
Minogue said the recent performances by Pasifika athletes at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow means next year’s competition in Papeete will be exciting.
He pointed to track and field, boxing, swimming and weightlifting performances by the Pacific Island teams as indicators of what should be expected at the 2027 event.
“I think all shows us that the the competition standards next year in Tahiti are going to be quite high and and continue to grow in the Pacific,” he said.
‘So, I think the sports competition is serious, it’s going to be meaningful and have implications for the athletes going past 2027, for their future.”
The participation of both Australia and New Zealand in 12 sports out of the 24 to be competed for at the Games, is another added bonus, Minogue said.
Australia dominated the medal tally at the Commonwealth Games, with 70 gold medals.
“We expect them to have fairly big teams and strong obviously,” he said.
“I know they will perform well and set a standard I think for a lot of our Pacific athletes to try and and reach, which is important for them with the Olympic Games the following year.”
Meanwhile, Minogue confirmed that the Council will fund two athletes for each member federation, to ensure that all federations are represented.
He added financial challenge is something federations will have to work on now to ensure they are able to have their best teams in Tahiti.
“I think in relation to the overall delegations, I think we will continue to expect the larger ones will charter flights,” he said.
“So, that’s always a challenge for the bigger countries to raise the money, but also to schedule those flights, depending on the sports programme and when they need their athletes to be on the ground in Tahiti.
“The Games Council is also supporting each of our member countries with athlete airfares for a male and a female, just so we make sure that even the very smallest and least-resourced member countries will be able to have representation at the Games, and in particular at the opening ceremony.”
The 2027 Pacific Games is scheduled to open on 24 July 2027 and will run until 8 August….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 14 Aug 2026
Sereana Maragi earns Fijiana call-up
SUVA, 14 AUGUST 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—Fresh off helping Yasawa Women secure the Royal Tea Ranadi Cup title, Sereana Maragi is set to add another chapter to an already remarkable sporting journey after being named in the Vodafone Fijiana XV squad for Saturday’s second Test against South Africa at Churchill Park.
Maragi, who has previously represented Fiji in both netball and rugby league, has been named on the bench and is in line to make her Fijiana debut.
Her selection caps a memorable period for the Yasawa lass, who recently helped guide her side to the Ranadi Championship crown and now finds herself on the verge of adding international rugby union to an impressive resume that already spans multiple sports.
Fijiana head coach Willie Walker has retained the core of the side that featured in the opening Test, with Kolora Lomani again captaining the team and Bitila Tawake serving as vice-captain.
The starting forward pack features Karalaini Naisewa, Bitila Tawake, Keri Lawavou, Karavaki Lutumaibau, Jade Coates, Nunia Daunimoala, Merewairita Neivoha and Adi Salaseini Railumu.
The backs include Kolora Lomani, Varanisese Qoro, Atelaite Buna, Ruth Raketekete, Ivamere Rokowati, Adi Vani Buleki and Litiana Vueti.
The reserves are Selai Naliva, Elesi Saukuru, Tiana Robanakadavu, Vilisi Tivalele, Sereana Maragi, Evivi Senikarivi, Adi Salote Nailolo and Vasemaca Duva.
With the series on the line after last week’s defeat, Fiji will be looking for a strong response in Lautoka as Maragi and the rest of the squad aim to help the Fijiana level the series against the Springbok Women.
Meanwhile, Fijiana XVs winger Adi Vani Buleki is confident the team can bounce back when they face the Springbok Women in Lautoka this weekend.
Buleki scored on her XVs debut last week as Fijiana went down 55-12 to South Africa in Suva.
The winger says the loss has been put behind them, with the team now focused on improving ahead of the second match for the Ubuntu-Bula Trophy.
Buleki says she was nervous playing XVs for Fiji for the first time at home but was pleased to score on debut.
She says her experience with the Fiji 7s team and Western Force has helped her adapt to the longer format.
Buleki says playing alongside former 7s teammates has also made the transition easier.
She is now hoping to build on her debut performance and score more tries against the Springboks.
Fijiana will take on the Springboks at 1pm Saturday at Churchill Park in Lautoka….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 14 Aug 2026
PNG rugby worry about league impact, amid ongoing suspension
PORT MORESBY, 14 AUGUST 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) —Papua New Guinea Rugby is worried more union players might be lured to rugby league, as it continues to be suspended by World Rugby.
The interim president of the PNG Rugby Union, Vince Karawa, told RNZ Pacific from Port Moresby that the Australian government’s large financial investments in rugby league in PNG has already seen players moving to the 13-man code.
The Australian government has approved AUD$600 million over 10 years to support rugby league in the Pacific, including PNG.
At the same time the Australians also budgeted AUD$190 million for the establishment of the PNG Chiefs franchise team that will make its debut in the NRL in 2028.
Overshadowed by league in PNG, Karawa fears more young people and current players will leave union if their suspension is prolonged.
He has called on Oceania Rugby to come to the table, sit and genuinely discuss a way forward, especially in their demand for grants given to the union to be reimbursed.
“Currently the games are still on and quite active at the moment,” he said.
“The question everyone is asking is, when will the suspension be uplifted?
“The game’s being jeopardised through the suspension.
“Rugby players have been lured to rugby league, so that’s something that we’ve raised to Oceania Rugby, saying to them the more the suspension is prolonged we are on the verge of losing good players to rugby league.”
Karawa said they are still waiting on Oceania Rugby to open the door for a round-the-table discussion “for us to really sit down and discuss all these issues surrounding rugby and PNG”.
Oceania Rugby delivered the suspension notice to the PNGRU in 2024 over breaches of its tournament obligations, governance and financial non-compliance.
Oceania Rugby commissioned an independent inquiry and established an Independent Judicial Panel to review PNGRU’s finances and governance in the months that followed.
Oceania Rugby general manager Frank Puletua said the ball is in PNGRU’s court.
“We’ve been in regular contact with PNGRU and World Rugby throughout this process,” he said.
“There’s a roadmap agreed by all parties, and we want to see PNGRU back in good standing as soon as they meet what’s required.”
Karawa acknowleged the contact made by Oceania Rugby but insists they need to have face-to-face discussions to iron out the issues.
Karawa said they have met “most of the sanctions that were placed by Oceania Rugby” and the union has been working with the regional body.
He revealed the current board is a new one, with members elected after the suspension in 2024.
He said the main area they are working on now is clearing a debt that is puzzling them.
That is because around AUD$130,000 in grants given to the union between 2018 to 2023 is now one of the main issues that is affecting their reinstatement.
Oceania Rugby is saying PNGRU needs to repay the grant.
General manager Puletua said last week repaying that debt is critical for PNG Rugby’s reinstatement.
“Reinstatement depends on PNGRU clearing a longstanding debt and meeting governance conditions set out in the roadmap,” he said
“Some details of the process will stay confidential given the sensitivities for people and organisations in PNG.”
But Karawa said their understanding is that they need to send in acquittals for grants extended to PNG, and not to repay the money as it was never a loan.
“So, as far as we understand, this grants are supposed to assist organisations in terms of setting up programmes and developing rugby programmes, assisting all the unions,” he said.
“The grants were used to assist the international events, especially rugby tournaments where the national teams competed in.
“They’re asking that those funds to be reimbursed. As far as we understand you have to acquit for those funds.”
Karawa said “in terms of reimbursing, that’s something that we need to really discuss with Oceania Rugby”.
The financial assistance was given to PNGRU under the old board but since the new board were elected the burden of payment has fallen on them, Karawa said.
He said getting Oceania Rugby to meet them and agree on a payment plan agreement going forward so they can be reinstated is what they are asking for.
“We have programmes running in schools, we have development pathway programmes going forward and we need exposure to regional and international events.
“This can’t happen because we’re still suspended.”
Karawa said PNG Rugby is reaching out to stakeholders and will keep trying to get Oceania Rugby to sit with them.
Regarding governance and management, he said they have worked with their local member unions on ensuring that they follow the World Rugby guidelines and are transparent.
“We have worked with them to understand the systems, the process and they need to meet the requirements like you know, the reportings and financial reports and executive reports,” he said.
“Our focus has been on making sure they stop the usual systems they had operated in maybe in the past.”
“The whole purpose is to make sure that the rugby administration and operation and done correctly going forward and we want to set a precedent so that the next board executives don’t fall short.”
Karawa said the union does not want the future generation to lose interest in the game if the current suspension is not lifted soon…. PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 14 Aug 2026
Draw confirmed for OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup 2026
AUCKLAND, 14 AUCKLAND 2026 (OFC)—The draw for the OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup 2026 has been confirmed at the OFC Home of Football – Te Kahu o Kiwa in Auckland, New Zealand.
The OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup returns to Tahiti for the first time in three years, with five teams from across Oceania hitting the sand over six exciting match days.
Along with the trophy, teams will be competing for a place at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2027.
Defending champions and hosts Tahiti will be joined by New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu at Aorai Tini Hau in Papeete from 22 – 31 October….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 14 Aug 2026
Central Coast FC prove too strong for AS Venus
AUCKLAND, 14 AUGUST 2026 (OFC)—Central Coast FC got their OFC Men’s Champions League campaign up and running with an impressive victory over AS Venus in Lautoka.
Having narrowly lost to defending champions Auckland City FC on Monday, the Solomon Islands side were keen to bounce back and did so in style, dominating from the off.
It was AS Venus however who had the first clear sight of goal. Mana Teniau with time and space on the edge of the penalty area but side footing his first-time effort narrowly over the bar.
They were made to pay soon after as Central Coast took the lead. Rafa Le’ai’s corner was nodded down by captain Javin Wae and Barrie Limoki was first to react in a crowded box to finish from range.
Le’ai should have doubled the lead when through on goal but was denied by goalkeeper Tetahio Teriinohopuaiterai when he perhaps should have squared to a team mate.
He would make amends shortly after though, latching onto a well-weighted through ball from Prince Tahunipue before slipping the ball past the ‘keeper to make it 2-0 inside 20 minutes.
Five minutes later and when their third goal arrived, it was an almost carbon copy of the opener. Le’ai’s corner again headed downwards by Wae and this time Bobby Leslie turning his effort in from a few yards out as AS Venus struggled to deal with the aerial threat.
Central Coast took their foot off the gas to an extent in the second period but still posed considerable threat on the counter-attack.
Rafa Le’ai was a constant nuisance to the AS Venus backline, as more and more space opened up as the Tahitian side looked for a way back into the contest.
Vateanui Tehau’s men rarely looked like threatening, with the occasional set piece their best chance of creating something. Central Coast’s aerial dominance and height however made it difficult to truly trouble goalkeeper Erick Wanega.
Le’ai should have grabbed his second and Central Coast’s fourth when he worked space for himself just inside the area, but his left-footed effort flew wide of Teriinohopuaiterai’s right-hand post. The Solomon Islands international had a similar chance moments later but this time dragged it wide of the opposite stick.
The result leaves Central Coast with a winner-takes-all final group match against AS Tiga Sport. With Auckland City FC on six points, both sides will know a win will see them join the defending champions in the semi-finals.
Goal difference will be on Central Coast’s side however, in no small part thanks to their impressive first-half showing.
Central Coast FC: 3 (Barrie LIMOKI 8′, Rafa LE’AI 19′, Bobby LESLIE 24′)
AS Venus: 0
HT: 3-0…PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 14 Aug 2026
Late winner gives Auckland City FC all three points
AUCKLAND, 14 AUGUST 2026 (OFC)—Auckland City FC scored another late goal to seal a vital 1-0 win over AS Tiga Sport and all-but-confirm their place in the semi-finals of the OFC Men’s Champions League.
The defending champions scored two late goals to overcome Central Coast FC in their opening match on Monday, whilst AS Tiga Sport secured a narrow 1-0 in over AS Venus.
It was a first-half low on chances, as both sides struggled to test either goalkeeper. The early kick-off and hot conditions making it tough to play at a high tempo.
Spanish midfielder Gerard Garriga had the first attempt with a clever looping effort that just had too much on it, fading over Thomas Schmidt’s far post.
Auckland City boasted four OFC Pro League players in their starting eleven, with Bula FC duo Matthew Foord and Fergus Gillion joined by South Island United centre-back Christian Gray and Auckland FC striker Matt Ellis, but Rudolf Mozr’s side continued to toil despite dominating possession.
Tiga Sport finally mustered an effort after the half hour mark, but Willy Read could only snatch at his shot from the edge of the penalty area, sending it flying high over the crossbar.
Their was a distinct uptick in tempo and intent from the champions after the break and they almost had the crucial breakthrough within minutes of the restart.
Matt Ellis picked the ball up on the left flank and drove infield, before whipping a low effort that beat Schmidt, only to see the ball hit the inside of the post and fly agonisingly across the face of goal.
Shene Welepane went almost as close soon after for Tiga Sport, playing a cute one-two before firing an effort from the edge of the box that beat the outstretched hand of Matthew Foord but skidded just wide of the target.
Auckland City continued to press as the match wore on, with Tiga Sport getting deeper in their own half. Ellis was a constant threat from the left and Coach Mozr was able to turn to his bench and introduce the experienced Ryan De Vries, who scored the winner in their opening match earlier in the week.
The New Caledonians task was made significantly harder however when Florian Gope was shown a second yellow card for a rash tackle on the edge of the area, giving referee Ben Aukwai little choice other than to brandish the red.
The man advantage eventually took its toll on Tiga Sport with just five minutes left on the clock, as Auckland City scored yet another late goal. Nathan Lobo’s corner was flicked on by Nathan Rostron and captain Mario Ilich was on hand at the back post to nod in from close range.
The win puts the defending champions on the brink of the final four, whilst AS Tiga Sport will look to rebound in their final group stage match against Central Coast FC at the weekend.
AS Tiga Sport: 0
Auckland City FC: 1 (Mario ILICH 85′)
HT: 0-0…PACNEWS
USA – SWIMMING: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 14 Aug 2026
Aussie swim star strikes gold and silver at Pan Pacific championship
CALIFORNIA, 14 AUGUST 2026 (AAP)—Australia’s freestyle star Lani Pallister has collected gold and silver medals in her arduous opening to the Pan Pacific championships in the United States.
Pallister triumphed in the women’s 200m freestyle and then set a personal best when finishing behind American legend Katie Ledecky in the 1500m freestyle in Irvine, California on Wednesday (Thursday AEST).
Dolphins teammates Sam Short (men’s 800m freestyle), Brittany Castelluzzo (women’s 200m butterfly) and Ben Armbruster (men’s 50m butterfly) also triumphed on the opening night of the Pan Pacs.
The Dolphins won four of 11 gold medals on offer, with Pallister’s remarkable year continuing.
Just weeks after winning four Commonwealth Games gold medals in Glasgow, Pallister pipped Canadian ace Summer McIntosh in the 200m final.
The Australian clocked one minute 53.67 seconds – just 0.02s outside her personal best in the event – with McIntosh second in 1:53.86.
“I said to Dean (Boxall, coach) at the start of the week that racing this week at Pan Pacs is kind of the first taste of the Olympics in two years time,” Pallister said.
“I often don’t swim the 200 individually, so going 1:53 is wicked here.’
About two hours later, Pallister then returned to the pool for the gruelling 1500m freestyle and set a her best time, and an Australian record, over the distance.
In what was essentially a match-race against peerless American great Ledecky, who hasn’t lost in the event in 16 years, Pallister put in a gallant effort.
The 26-year-old shadowed Ledecky, the winner of nine Olympic and 23 world championship gold medals, for the initial 500 metres.
The American great then produced her renowned burst to create a handy advantage en route to touching in 15:36.09.
Pallister’s 15:38.62 eclipsed her previous best of 15:39.14 from June last year.
In the men’s 800m freestyle, Short went close to a personal best as he edged American rival Bobby Finke.
Short clocked 7:37.02, just 0.71s shy of his best time in the event, with Finke finishing some five-and-a-half seconds behind in second.
Earlier, Armbruster claimed Australia’s first gold medal of the pool meet, winning the men’s 50m butterfly in 22.75 seconds – 0.02s outside the Australian record held jointly by Kyle Chalmers and Matt Targett.
And Castelluzzo took out the women’s 200m ‘fly in 2:06.24 from her Dolphins teammate Liz Dekkers (2:06.56)….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 14 Aug 2026
PNG Chiefs step up chase for Manu
PORT MORESBY, 14 AUGUST 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—The PNG Chiefs have stepped up their pursuit of former NRL star Joey Manu, with the NRL expansion side continuing to build a strong squad for its historic NRL debut in 2028.
Manu recently travelled to Port Moresby and met with the club as part of discussions about a possible return to rugby league. While the Chiefs have made their interest clear, there is no confirmed deal with Manu at this stage.
Franchise general manager of football Michael Chammas indicated that the 29-year-old still has time to consider his next move.
“We give him some time to sort of think about his next move and have a chat with his manager,” Chammas told The National yesterday.
The club has already secured several major names including Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson, Matty Lees, Zac Lomax and the latest signing, Brian To’o.
Chammas said the club was focused on getting its recruitment work done despite outside noise and speculation.
The Chiefs are not simply looking for big names. They are building a squad with the experience and quality needed to compete when they enter the NRL.
The football manager said Manu fits that plan. Chammas said Manu’s experience with the Sydney Roosters, his representative career and his current rugby union experience make him one of the most valuable players still being considered by the Chiefs. For now, the focus remains on his current commitment to Racing 92 and his decision on what comes next.
Manu’s current French contract runs until the end of 2027, meaning the timing could work perfectly if he chooses to return to rugby league with the new franchise.
His recent Port Moresby visit has added weight to the growing belief that the Chiefs are serious about bringing him back to the NRL. But the final decision remains with Manu and his management…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 14 Aug 2026
Sevens stars rub shoulders with Chelsea Women stars at All Star game
SYDNEY, 14 AUGUST 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU) —Stars of the Australia Women’s Sevens side have relished the chance to pick the brains of some of Chelsea Women’s side’s finest.
Skipper Bella Nasser, Kaitlin Shave and Ruby Nicholas were able to share their expertise with Chelsea stars Veerle Buurman and Becky Spencer during their match against an A-League All Stars side in Sydney.
Buurman and Spencer are amongst a plethora of internationals within the eight-time English champions, which includes Matildas star Ellie Carpenter.
The Sevens trio swapped jerseys with the star footballers, picking their brains for tips in their respective sports ahead of a massive two years for the Sevens program.
“It was such a great experience to be at Allianz Stadium tonight and get the chance to meet a couple of the Chelsea squad members,” Nasser said.
“They’re a part of such an iconic club with so much history, so it was great to chat and swap jerseys with them.
“As athletes, it’s always so awesome to connect and chat with other athletes from different sports and different parts of the world.”
The interaction comes ahead of a big period for the World Champion team, fresh off their success in Valladolid and Bordeaux.
Next year marks the Olympic qualification period for the Australian teams, with the top four teams locking up their spot at the LA Games.
Before that, all three players will compete in the inaugural Ultimate Sevens competition, kicking off next month.
The competition pits national teammates against each other, with Nasser the marquee player for Albion Athletic.
She is joined by Shave, with GB star Abbie Brown and Canada’s Carmen Izyk amongst their teammates.
Meanwhile, the newly re-signed Nicholas will suit up for Sol Feroz alongside Aussie teammate Bienne Terita and Brazilian superstar Thalia Costa.
Maddison Levi and Kahli Henwood have been named for Pacific Current, whilst Heidi Dennis and Mackenzie Davis form a trans-Tasman core along with Jazmin Felix-Hotham at Cian Taran.
Faith Nathan rounds out the Aussies as the marquee player for Atlantic Novas, with the competition kicking off in Madrid on September 5, before stops in Cardiff, Biarritz and London…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 14 Aug 2026
‘Sky is still the limit’: Koula’s added motivation as Manly fight for finals
SYDNEY, 14 AUGUST 2026 (NRL)—The Sea Eagles are determined to ensure their season comes full circle when they host the Dolphins in a must-win clash on Friday night.
Manly kicked off the Fozball era with a thumping 52-18 win over the Dolphins in Round 5 but they have struggled in recent weeks.
Five-straight losses have left Manly sitting 10th on the ladder, four points outside the top eight with just four games remaining.
Standing in their way this weekend are the fifth-placed Dolphins, with Manly needing a win to keep pace in a congested finals race.
“We still have a chance for finals, and hopefully we chase that this weekend, get a win and turn it around,” Haumole Olakau’atu said.
“The last couple of weeks haven’t been the best for us.
“It comes down to our attitude, our mindset and turning up on the day and playing for each other.”
There is a sense of deja vu about Friday night.
The last time Manly faced the Dolphins, Foran had just taken over as interim coach in Round Five, sparking a four-game winning streak that ignited the Sea Eagles’ season.
With Foran now permanently in charge, Manly are hoping to produce another turnaround against the same opponent, this time with their season hanging in the balance.
“We’ve had glimpses in the last couple of weeks, the results haven’t gone our way,” halfback Jamal Fogarty said.
“Foz is giving us game plans, giving us confidence and belief.”
The players have continued to back Foran through the difficult run, with Fogarty adamant the responsibility sits with the playing group to turn their form around.
“It’s us as a team, us as players and the club,” he said.
“Foz is doing a wonderful job.
“We know what we are playing for. We try to go out there every single week to get a win and perform well and some weeks that doesn’t happen.
“If we have 17 guys do that on the weekend, we’ll get a result.”
Friday night will also carry a different kind of significance for centre Tolu Koula.
The 24-year-old will run out for his 100th NRL game, a milestone that brings his career full circle, with Foran and Olakau’atu both alongside him when he made his first-grade debut for Manly in 2022.
“It was always a dream of mine to make my NRL debut,” Koula said.
“It feels like a little while now. I remember coming on at left centre and Foz was the half.
“It’s crazy now that he’s my coach.
“Haumole was in the team as well and a few of the other boys.”
Olakau’atu still remembers the teenager who nervously made his way around the sidelines before getting his chance.
“It’s a very special round for him and his family,” Olakau’atu said.
“I still remember his first game.
“I remember a young, shy kid walking up and down the sidelines, getting ready to jump on.
“We all know how explosive and fast he is, he played really well that night.
“We all know how good he’s been for the past 99 games. The sky is still the limit for him.
“He’s a very good player, and I can’t wait for what the future holds for him.”
Koula has since developed into one of Manly’s most dangerous attacking weapons, earning a NSW debut this season and establishing himself as a key part of the Sea Eagles’ future.
But his 100th game will mean little if Manly cannot keep their season alive.
Four games remain, and with every point crucial in the race for the top eight, Friday night shapes as a must-win for Foran’s side….PACNEWS
