In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY LEAGUE — Fiji formally joins landmark Pacific Rugby League Partnership
2. RUGBY LEAGUE — Young players are key to ARLC’s long term plans in Fiji
3. RUGBY LEAGUE — Saukuru family rejoice after Fijian flyer’s NRL debut
4. COMMONWEALTH GAMES — Government recognises Team Fiji’s Commonwealth Games efforts
5. RUGBY — Fijiana XV shifts focus to Japan test
6. RUGBY LEAGUE — Munster discusses Storm future amid PNG Chiefs links
7. RUGBY LEAGUE — Raiders enforcer Josh Papali’i hangs up boots after glittering career
8. FOOTBALL — Students embrace traditional games with first-ever Niue footballer
9. RUGBY — Murimurivalu set to begin new chapter overseas
10. RUGBY LEAGUE — ‘A better chance’: Raiders prepare to meet star’s agent
11. RUGBY LEAGUE — Rumoured Chiefs target addresses NRL axing, future
FIJI – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 18 Aug 2026
Fiji formally joins landmark Pacific Rugby League Partnership
SUVA, 18 AUGUST 2026 (NRL)—Fiji has officially joined the Pacific Rugby League Partnership after Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru formally signed the Statement of Intent in Parliament.
The signing marks an important milestone in the development of stronger rugby league ties between Australia and Fiji, and reinforces Fiji’s role as a key partner in the future of Pacific rugby league.
Australian Rugby League Commission Commissioner Peter Beattie AC visited Fiji to meet with the Fijian Government and support the formalisation of Fiji’s participation in the partnership.
The visit provided an opportunity to engage directly with Prime Minister Rabuka and Minister Saukuru, discuss Fiji’s priorities and ensure Fiji’s interests are reflected in the delivery of the partnership.
Fiji now joins Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tonga as partners in the landmark Pacific Rugby League initiative.
The Pacific Rugby League Partnership is a historic initiative between the ARLC, the Australian Government, Pacific Governments and the rugby league federations of Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.
The partnership will deliver five key outcomes:
*stronger federations and clubs
*safe and accessible community and school competitions
*greater community cohesion, gender equality and inclusion
*Pacific-led talent pathways
*sustainable elite and international rugby league.
Supported by a $250m (US$177 million) investment by the Australian Government – a key part of the broader $600m (US$426 million) commitment, which includes support for the entry of the PNG Chiefs into the NRL in 2028 – the partnership will grow rugby league across the Pacific.
Key areas of investment will include pathways, academies, high-performance programs and community participation.
For Fiji, the partnership will help strengthen rugby league from grassroots through to the international level, working closely with the Fiji National Rugby League.
Commissioner Beattie said the partnership is about more than elite rugby league. It will use the sport to support community participation, inclusion, gender equality, wellbeing and stronger connections across communities.
A major focus will be schools and young people, creating opportunities for both boys and girls to participate in rugby league from an early age.
‘We will work with the Fiji government, and we will work with local community and schools to deliver these programmes,” he told reporters in Fiji.
“This partnership is a commitment from the Australian Rugby League Commission that we are committed to actually delivering the programmes here in Fiji. That’s the significance of it.
“We are advancing the women’s game, along with the men’s game, and of course there will be hosting (of games) in the future. That has to be all worked out.
“But what’s important is what we do in schools, what we do to encourage young people to get involved, because if you’re involved in sport, you are doing some physical activity and you are healthier.
“Rugby league is not just about the sport, it’s actually about advancing health and making sure that kids and children who are involved in sport are happy and healthy,” he said…PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY LEAGUE: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 18 Aug 2026
Young players are key to ARLC’s long term plans in Fiji
SUVA, 18 AUGUST 2026 (FIJI SUN)—The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing programmes that support young people in rugby league over the long term.
ARLC Commissioner Peter Beattie’s told SUNsports yesterday that their programmes extend to schools and competitions.
Beattie is part of the ARLC delegation that arrived in the country. Accompanying him is National Rugby League (NRL) manager – Pacific Strategy Anthony Trimarchi.
They are in the country for Fiji’s signing of the Pacific Rugby League Partnership today by the Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka
“We want to make sure that the game is encouraged here with competitions and schools, supporting both men and women to grow the game here,” Beattie said.
“We want to ensure that young people are playing sport, as sport is more important than some argument between rugby league and rugby union.”
Beattie said it was important that Fiji have a strong domestic competition.
“We’ll listen to the community on how to do that, and the Australian Government has some programmes which we’ll work with the local community, federation and Fiji Government to deliver them here in Fiji,” he said.
The ARLC delegation will meet Rabuka today to sign the Statement of Partnership with Pacific Rugby League Federations.
It is an initiative backed by the Australian Government and the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC), valued at about AU$250 million (FJD$390.13 million).
“The signing is important because it’s us saying that we’ll work with the Fiji Government and federations to get an outcome that benefits young people,” Beattie said.
“It’s not about NRL, this is about young people reaching their full potential.”
Beattie added that development programmes in schools are an important aspect of their work.
“If you’re involved in sport, then you’re healthier as you’re doing some physical activity and that’s what we need to do,” he said.
“Rugby League is not just the sport. It’s actually advancing health and making sure that children involved in sports are happy and healthy,” he said…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 18 Aug 2026
Saukuru family rejoice after Fijian flyer’s NRL debut
SYDNEY, 18 AUGUST 2026 (NRL)—Joey Saukuru could have been excused for shedding a few tears of joy in the crowd at CommBank Stadium on Sunday.
Standing behind a massive fence banner featuring his son, Solomone, this proud Fijian man was happily shaking hands with anyone in reach while proudly wearing a t-shirt with images of his young boy.
It was a wonderful moment for the Saukuru family, who had just witnessed Solomone score two tries in a memorable NRL debut for Wests Tigers against St George-Illawarra.
For Joey, it was extra special. After all, here is a man who has coached and nurtured many promising young footballers across junior rep teams at St George-Illawarra, Canterbury, and the Wests Tigers, over the years. He is also the current Head of Football for Fiji’s Kaiviti Silktails.
Now, it was his turn with Solomone, who he coached from U11s to SG Ball Cup at the Western Suburbs Magpies.
“We were very honoured to be able to present Solomone his jersey at Wests Tigers on Saturday. It meant the world to our family,’’ Joey said.
“But being here today, to see him fulfil his dream as an NRL player, is just very special.
“Watching him grow from a young boy to the man he is now…we are so proud.
“I coached Solomone, but there comes a time where, as a father, and as a coach too, you’ve got to break the shackles and let them go.
“Solomone has gone about it his way. I’ve just backed off and been watching and supporting him as a Dad. I couldn’t be prouder.
“To see him get two tries, that was awesome. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get the win; I would have loved that…he loves it at Wests Tigers and being around the boys. I’m just overwhelmed.”
Moments earlier, Joey managed to share the occasion with his daughter, Jamaica, via Facetime, who watched her younger brother’s debut from London.
As for the man himself, Solomone, well, it was one of those ‘pinch me’ moments 21-year-olds can only wish for.
“I dreamed last week that I was going to score a try. For it to happen, oh my God,’’ Solomone said.
“When I dived over from the pass from Api (Koroisau), I was more geed up than anything. To get one try was great, but two. Wow.
“When I looked at the crowd, it was just a sea of faces…from my Mum, Dad, grandparents, to even my mates who rocked up unexpectedly.
“It means so much to my family. My Dad has always been there for me. He’s taught me right from wrong. I can’t be more grateful.
“When I saw the t-shirts they made, I was just shocked. Mum got them done. It blew me away.
“I’ve been at Wests Tigers for a few years now and the boys kept me afloat through it all. I’m grateful to them for bringing me in as a ‘brother’.
“I’m just glad to have finally got the NRL debut done. Hopefully there are many more games to come.”….PACNEWS
FIJI – COMMONWEALTH GAMES: FIJI GOVT PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 18 Aug 2026
Government recognises Team Fiji’s Commonwealth Games efforts
SUVA, 18 AUGUST 2026 (FIJI GOVT)–The Fiji Government has recognised the efforts of Team Fiji athletes who represented the country at the Commonwealth Games, praising their commitment, discipline and determination on the international stage.
Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru made the remarks at the Team Fiji Commonwealth Games Thanksgiving Dinner in Suva.
“As a Government, we will continue to invest in our young people and in sport because we believe sport can change lives.”
Saukuru thanked the athletes for representing Fiji with courage and determination and welcomed them home on behalf of the Government and people of Fiji.
“On behalf of the Honourable Prime Minister, Cabinet, and the Government and people of Fiji, I warmly welcome you all home.”
He said Team Fiji’s performance should be measured not only by the medals won but also by the commitment, sacrifice and sportsmanship displayed throughout the Games.
The Minister announced that the Government will award $15,000(US$7,500) to weightlifter Taniela Rainibogi for winning a gold medal, while boxer Jasmine Daunakamakama will receive $5,000(US$2,500) for becoming the first Fijian woman to win a boxing medal at the Commonwealth Games.
Saukuru also acknowledged the coaches, team management, officials, medical team, sponsors and other stakeholders for their contribution to preparing and supporting the athletes.
He encouraged the athletes to draw on their experience in Glasgow as motivation for future competitions and to continue striving for excellence.
Team Fiji members were also presented with certificates recognising their participation and contribution to the Games….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 18 Aug 2026
Fijiana XV shifts focus to Japan test
LAUTOKA, 18 AUGUST 2026 (FIJI SUN)—Despite the Springbok Women claiming the Ubuntu-Bula Challenge trophy, Vodafone Fijiana XV head coach Willie Walker is adamant the team is on the right track.
The side narrowly lost 29-22 to the Springbok Women in the second Test at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Saturday, after leading 10-5 at halftime.
Walker said the team had continued what it started during the week.
“We went back to basics, we stripped it all back to the fundamentals of rugby, and we’ve just got to continue over the next two to three weeks to build on those aspects of the game,” Walker said.
“I say it again, this is a longterm plan and we’ve got to make sure our conditioning is good, our skill development is good, and then our decision-making is good off the back of that.
“There’s a lot of work to still be done, obviously, but I can say it’s an exciting opportunity to do that.”
Walker said the focus would now shift to Japan.
Fiji is scheduled to play a oneoff Test match against Japan on September 4 at the Japan Base in Fukuoka, Japan before they head to the WXV Global Series Challenger in Hong Kong from September 13-26.
“It will just be to tidy up small aspects of our game. Again, we’re not trying to do things that are outside of our reach,” he said.
“We want to stay within what we can do and what we’re capable of, but we just have to be more accurate around some of the decisionmaking and then the skill-set stuff.
“So that’ll be one of the key focuses over the next few weeks, is making sure that we stay accurate with what we’re trying to do, but we’re continuing to learn new things, and we’re challenging ourselves at the same time.”
Captain Kolora Lomani said the team had talked at halftime about the need for a hard and fast start to the second half.
“We did give that out in the first 20 minutes of the game. It was just going back into our discipline that kind of led us down through that second half,” she said.
“But again, we had to just kind of hold on to that. Again, we just have to go back now and look at where we can focus on leading what’s ahead of us.”
Centre Ruth Raketekete stepped into the inside centre position in the absence of Josivini Naihamu and impressed with line breaks and strong tackles…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 18 Aug 2026
Munster discusses Storm future amid PNG Chiefs links
MELBOURNE, 18 AUGUST 2026 (AAP)—Melbourne star Cameron Munster will sit down with Storm bosses to discuss the club’s long-term coaching plans as he weighs up whether to see out his career as a one-club player.
As Melbourne stare down the first season in more than a decade where they will not feature in the NRL finals, Storm coach Craig Bellamy has declared he will remain in charge for 2027, despite publicly disclosing his battle with a “neurodegenerative disorder” earlier this year.
Assistants Ryan Hinchcliffe and Aaron Bellamy – Craig’s son – have both been linked to replacing the supercoach, who is contracted until the end of 2028.
And despite standing down as Queensland coach last week, Storm great Billy Slater has consistently claimed the grind of day-to-day NRL coaching doesn’t appeal to him.
Munster is off contract at the end of next season and was recently given permission by Melbourne to speak with the PNG Chiefs ahead of their entry into the NRL in 2028.
“That (the Storm’s coaching plans) is something that I need to obviously speak to the club about and my management,” Munster said ahead of Thursday’s clash with Penrith.
“That’s all well and good and whoever’s going to be the coach (after Bellamy), I know ‘Bellyache’ is the coach next year.
“We’re very lucky to have him for another year, whether that’s further beyond that, I’m not too sure what he decides or the club.
“I know full well that I’ll be here next year with him, and I’m looking forward to having a better year than it was this year.”
Munster made his debut for the Storm in 2014 and has played in six grand finals, winning two premierships (2017, 2020).
The five-eighth turns 32 in September, meaning his next contract is likely to be his last on top dollar.
“Obviously the coach does play a part, and the coach has got to want me here as well,” Munster said on Monday.
“We’ve got some good young kids coming through our grades and our pathways.
“I love the club, I have so much respect and love for it. They’re the club that gave me my first chance and I’m about giving back to that.
“I could have gone to other clubs for more money, but at the same time I’ve got to make sure I do the right thing for my family too – I’ve got three maniac kids and they’ve got to go to school and get a better education than myself.”
Munster, meanwhile, urged the Queensland Rugby League to reach out to Cameron Smith as they weigh up a replacement for Slater.
Smith was previously on Slater’s Maroons coaching staff, but has yet to declare whether he will apply for the Queensland coaching job.
“When you look at guys like him (Smith), Billy and JT (Johnathan Thurston), they’re guys that have been in that arena a long time and had a lot of success,” said Munster, who was made Maroons captain by Slater midway through the 2025 series.
“It’ll be a no-brainer to have a chat to Smithy, (but) I’m not sure if he wants to do it,” he said…. PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 18 Aug 2026
Raiders enforcer Josh Papali’i hangs up boots after glittering career
CANBERRA, 18 AUGUST 2026 (AAP)—An emotional Josh Papali’i will remain a one-club player after the Canberra Raiders’ veteran enforcer announced he will retire at the end of the NRL season.
Ahead of Canberra’s final home game against Brisbane on Friday, the Raiders on Monday unveiled a mural inside GIO Stadium of Papali’i’s famous 2019 preliminary final try, which earned the Green Machine a long-awaited grand final berth.
The unveiling of the artwork only made Papali’i, who was already fighting to hold back tears, even more emotional.
The 34-year-old admitted the decision to leave the club that handed him his NRL debut in 2011 was tough, but he conceded an injury-riddled 2026 season had taken a toll on his body.
“I’m definitely ready. It’s been on my mind for a few weeks now, a few months actually, a lot of sleepless nights just thinking whether I could keep going or not,” Papali’i said as he stood behind his two older children.
“Funny story. On day one of pre-season, before I even started, I went to (coach Ricky Stuart’s) office and said ‘I quit’. Then he told me to just hang on and do one session.
“I went and did that one session and came last in everything, and I was pretty sure from then on.”
There was speculation that Papali’i would switch to the English Super League to finish his career, but the prop said he needed to put his young family first.
“I was pretty keen to head overseas as well, but it just wasn’t meant to be,” he said.
“I’ve got two other young sons at home … just taking them to England would be tough.
“I’m definitely holding back the tears right now. This club means a lot to me.”
After debuting as a teenager, the prop went on to become the most-capped Raider (currently 340 games), headlined by a grand final appearance against the Sydney Roosters in 2019.
Papali’i has not only enjoyed success with the Green Machine, but also excelled in the State of Origin arena.
He made 24 appearances for the Maroons, even coming out of Origin retirement last year to help the Queenslanders secure a fairytale series victory.
Papali’i opted to stay for one more year after Canberra claimed the minor premiership in 2025, and said he didn’t regret the decision, despite the club being virtually no chance of making finals this season.
He’s now focusing on Friday night’s clash, although he’s left the door ajar to either play for Samoa or the Cook Islands in the Rugby League World Cup this year, because he has ancestral roots in the Pacific nations.
“It would be nice to represent the Kukis or Samoa in the World Cup, but there’s a lot of young, talented players coming through,” Papali’i said.
“The last couple of weeks are getting to me physically, so I’d probably just have to focus on this Friday, and we’ll cross that bridge when we get there,” he said…PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 18 Aug 2026
Students embrace traditional games with first-ever Niue footballer
AUCKLAND, 18 AUGUST 2026 (OFC)—Football, culture and community came together at Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate Middle School as students embraced a day of traditional sports ‘Takalo he maaga’, an initiative led by Healthy Active Learning Advisor Florence Rodwell.
Rodwell, who is the mother of Niue’s first-ever professional football player Jaylen Rodwell, delivered the activation drawing on the knowledge and ideas gained through New Zealand Football’s Pasifika Community Coach Developer Programme.
The programme brings together Pasifika coaches from across Aotearoa to share ideas on using football as a vehicle to strengthen communities and create opportunities at every level.
“We came together and exchanged ideas around how we can take football and the love of football and bring it to our communities,” Rodwell said. She said one of the programme’s biggest takeaways was empowering young people to lead.
“One of the most important things I took from the workshop was working with student leaders. It’s about coaches passing on their knowledge and skills. It’s the tuakana-teina model.”
Those learnings came to life throughout the day, with students rotating through activities that included traditional Niuean games such as ‘ta vao’ and ‘liti uho’ alongside football and touch rugby activities.
“It allows them to see school as a space where they can engage in their cultural identities,” Rodwell said. “The engagement is really good because it talks about teamwork, competition and a sense of identity and belonging.”
Adding to the occasion was Rodwell’s son, Jaylen, who recently became the first Niuean professional footballer after signing with South Island United in the inaugural OFC Professional League. He spent time with students, sharing his journey and encouraging them to dream big.
“I introduced myself and said that I’m half Niuean, and they were going pretty crazy. That was a cool moment,” Jaylen shared. “It’s awesome to see all these young kids inspired to play sport. We’d love to see more kids playing football.”
He said the current FIFA World Cup had also captured the students’ imagination.
“There were kids asking me to do tricks and talking about the World Cup. It’s cool to see them inspired not just by local football, but by the World Cup.”
South Island United’s Jaylen Rodwell with the students of Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate. Photo: OFC Media
For Jaylen, supporting the event alongside his family made the day even more special. “Since my mum is running it, I wanted to come and support her. She’s been working hard to organise this event. To be here with my brother and my mum, giving back to the community, I’m super grateful.”
Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate Middle School Deputy Principal Maxine Inu said the initiative had a lasting impact on both students and staff. “It’s really great to have our students out here, engaged in different sports and different cultures,” Inu said.
She said the inclusive nature of the activities ensured every child could participate. “These games are for everyone. There is no elimination. No one is told, ‘You’re out of this game.’”
Inu also hopes students leave with more than just memories of a fun day. “Being active, being outside, being together and celebrating culture. That’s what today was all about.”….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 18 Aug 2026
Murimurivalu set to begin new chapter overseas
SUVA, 18 AUGUST 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—Queen Victoria School sprinter Josese Murimurivalu is set to leave Fiji this Friday to begin a new chapter in his young sporting career.
Murimurivalu is heading to Brisbane Boys College on a five-year scholarship covering athletics, sports and academics, with the opportunity expected to further develop his potential on and off the track.
The young athlete leaves QVS after a standout year in which he played a key role in several of the school’s sporting achievements.
He was instrumental in helping QVS end a 33-year drought in the Coca-Cola Games sub-junior grade in Term One, before helping the school’s Under-14 rugby side secure a place in the Vodafone Deans Trophy final.
While his teammates prepare to face Ratu Navula in Saturday’s final, Murimurivalu will be preparing for his own journey overseas.
His success is also a proud moment for the Murimurivalu family, with his father, former Flying Fijian Kini Murimurivalu, playing a major role in supporting his son’s sporting development.
QVS says the family’s commitment, including Kini’s early morning and late-night trips to support the school’s coaching staff, has been an important part of Josese’s progress.
The school will miss one of its promising young athletes, but believes the scholarship is the next step in a journey built on hard work, sacrifice and faith.
Murimurivalu now has the chance to take his talent to a new level, with the five-year opportunity providing a platform to develop his athletics, sporting and academic ambitions.
And as he prepares to depart Fiji on Friday, QVS will be hoping its golden son can continue to shine well beyond the school grounds….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 18 Aug 2026
‘A better chance’: Raiders prepare to meet star’s agent
CANBERRA, 18 AUGUST 2026 (AAP)—Canberra is challenging barnstorming second-rower Hudson Young to re-sign with the club, as it looks to stave off the glittering prospect of a big-money deal with the PNG Chiefs.
Young, who is off-contract at the end of 2027, will be free to talk to rival NRL clubs on 01 November, and the Raiders are desperate to lock down the NSW State of Origin representative before then.
But reports have emerged the Chiefs are looking to lure the 28-year-old up north ahead of their inaugural season in 2028.
Raiders CEO Don Furner is determined to do everything possible to keep Young ahead of his agent meeting with Canberra officials later this week.
“He’s someone that hopefully will captain this club. He’s someone that wants to keep playing representative footy, but he’s probably got a better chance of doing that here,” Furner said.
“He’s also got his eyes on life after footy. He started his own supplements company, so all those sorts of things perhaps will help. But if it’s just pure money, we can’t compete with that.
“I can’t see us losing to another NRL club outside of PNG.”
The Chiefs’ lucrative tax-free salaries have become a huge drawing card for players to make the move to PNG as the club has attracted the names of Jarome Luai, Brian To’o, Zac Lomax and Alex Johnston.
Young would be another huge addition to their roster as he was a shoo-in to play for Australia in this year’s Rugby League World Cup before suffering a season-ending achilles injury in round 20.
But it’s not just the 28-year-old who has been caught up in Canberra’s contract storm, with forwards Morgan Smithies (Perth) and Josh Papali’i (retirement) set to leave the club.
Prop Corey Horsburgh is also readying for an exit to the Perth Bears, with Furner hinting an announcement was imminent.
“We will never find another Josh Papali’i. It’d be great if we could find another Josh Papali’i, but we definitely need some middle forwards,” Furner said.
“We’ll have to concentrate on that area. Morgan Smithies as well (is leaving) and Red (Horsburgh).
“I think the next couple of weeks there’ll be movement at other clubs and things will open up.’
Horsburgh’s potential move comes after coach Ricky Stuart called the forward’s slapping of Newcastle centre Dane Gagai two rounds ago a ‘brain explosion’, which led to Horsburgh being dropped for Canberra’s clash against Cronulla last Saturday.
Regardless, Furner believes the Raiders have a team capable of winning the premiership next campaign despite the club being all but ruled out of this season’s finals the year after winning the minor premiership.
The chief executive also rubbished claims that outside back Sebastian Kris is set for a move to the Warriors, saying nothing has caught his eye and it was news to him when the rumours broke.
He didn’t rule out signing Brisbane forward Jaiyden Hunt as well, after reports emerged that he met with Canberra officials…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 18 Aug 2026
Rumoured Chiefs target addresses NRL axing, future
SYDNEY, 18 AUGUST 2026 (AAP)—After spending nearly three months in the wilderness, Peter Mamouzelos is determined to prove he can be a hooker at NRL level as he faces an uncertain future at South Sydney.
Mamouzelos was dumped to reserve grade after the Bunnies’ round-12 loss to North Queensland in May and was finally recalled for last Friday’s 22-6 win over Canterbury that all but wrapped up the club’s spot in the finals.
Not so long ago Mamouzelos was billed as the club’s long-term replacement for Damien Cook.
But his lack of gametime in 2026 has meant that Mamouzelos has been linked with a deal in England to play under ex-Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou at London Broncos.
He has also been floated as a target for PNG Chiefs although their officials say they have not spoken to the Souths hooker, who has another year to run on his current deal.
“I just want to get through this year, I’m still contracted for next year, so I’d love to be here, but I don’t know,” Mamouzelos told AAP.
“I want to be playing first grade every week. I’m not really fussy on starting and to be fair, I was starting here last year and I got put on the bench and never complained.
“If that’s what the team needed, that’s what I was going to do.
“I love these boys so if I can be here, I want to be with them, but sometimes footy doesn’t work out like that.”
Adding to Mamouzelos’ frustration is the fact that while the Greek international has had to prove his worth in NSW Cup, Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett has attempted to fashion forward Adam Elliott into a back-up No.9 to first-choice hooker Brandon Smith.
Souths can lock up a finals spot with a win over the Warriors on Saturday and Mamouzelos is desperate to show he can be a difference maker for the Bunnies.
“These are the environments that I want to play in and no disrespect to (NSW) Cup, but I don’t want to be there,” Mamouzelos said.
“I want to be in the first-grade team, and I want to be playing every week because I know what I can add to the team and I want to prove what I can do.
“I was playing 80 minutes in Cup, so fitness is probably one (I was told to work on), and then just my running game and my defence, there wasn’t one thing in particular.
“I’d love to make a difference for this team, coming off the bench for ‘Cheese’ (Smith) like at the start of the year, I thought that worked well and I was enjoying it so hopefully I get a chance again,” he said…. PACNEWS
