In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — November schedule confirmed for climax of World Rugby Nations Cup 2026
2. BOXING — Samoa to host the Oceania Invitational Boxing Competition 2026
3. FOOTBALL — MSG push,| Battle Of Giants to sharpen preparations
4. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG Kumuls’ 40 to be named
5. GOLF — Luai adds flair to golf
6. FOOTBALL — Eight nations set for OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026 in Samoa
7. RUGBY LEAGUE — Final for Kumuls skipper
8. RUGBY LEAGUE — Lock in for the brothers: Another title is Brian’s chief concern
9. RUGBY LEAGUE — Cleary, Meakes claim top honours at Brad Fittler Medal
10. RUGBY LEAGUE — Saifiti faces huge ban; Hazelton suspended
IRELAND – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 01 Sep 2026
November schedule confirmed for climax of World Rugby Nations Cup 2026
DUBLIN, 01 AUGUST 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—World Rugby has confirmed the match schedule for the second phase of the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup 2026 with matches to be played across Europe and in Hong Kong from 6-21 November.
The competition sees 12 unions who have qualified for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 compete in a structured environment designed to accelerate competitiveness and create certainty of meaningful annual fixtures with revenue opportunities. The schedule balances geographic spread, player welfare, logistics cost and developmental opportunity, providing fans with clarity, teams with certainty, and unions with commercial opportunities.
These unions represent rugby’s most exciting growth markets, many of whom have made significant strides in recent years through dedicated pathways, increased investment, and record levels of supporter engagement. The Nations Cup gives them an annual platform to test themselves against comparable opposition, refine systems, and optimise experience ahead of Australia 2027.
Following a successful month of July, USA and Georgia sit top of Pool A and B respectively after recording three wins from three. Only Uruguay and Zimbabwe are yet to taste victory after an eventful three rounds which included the highest draw in test history (42-42) between Canada and Spain and a victory for Hong Kong China over Uruguay.
Split into two pools, Pool A – the Americas and Pacific pool – features Canada, Chile, Samoa, Tonga, Uruguay and USA, while Georgia, Hong Kong China, Portugal, Romania, Spain and Zimbabwe make up Pool B, the Europe, Asia and Africa pool.
Each team faces every team in the other pool in a full round-robin format spanning the July and November windows, at the end of which the teams finishing top of each pool will be crowned the inaugural Nations Cup champions.
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “The opening chapter of the World Rugby Nations Cup in the Americas delivered exactly what this competition was created to provide, compelling, competitive and meaningful rugby, with high-scoring drama, historic moments and nail-biting finishes that captured the imagination of fans around the world.
“November now promises a thrilling climax, with 18 fixtures across Europe and Hong Kong, 12 ambitious teams chasing silverware, and two inaugural Nations Cup titles on the line. For every union involved, this is more than a competition, it is an important step on the journey to Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia, providing the intensity, certainty and opportunity they need to grow, inspire and perform on the world stage.
“We look forward to seeing which teams seize the moment and make history as the first World Rugby Nations Cup champions.”
The November series begins on Friday, 6 November in Bucharest when Romania welcome Tonga to the Stadionul National Arcul de Triumf for the opening match of round four.
A day later, Georgia will face Canada in Tbilisi, Portugal host Chile in Lisbon, Zimbabwe take on Samoa in Wakefield, England, and Spain welcome Uruguay to Madrid, before Hong Kong China host USA in Bourg-en-Bresse in France on Sunday, 8 November.
As part of the November schedule, Zimbabwe will stage their designated home matches in England and France, while Hong Kong China will play two of their three home fixtures in France before returning to Hong Kong to host Tonga at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground on 21 November. The arrangements have been agreed with the respective unions for the 2026 edition, reflecting the wider European footprint of the November window, while maintaining important home-market moments where possible.
One match to keep an eye on is Uruguay’s visit to Lisbon to tackle Portugal on 21 November, a taste of what is to come in Newcastle Awabakal-Worimi on 11 October where they meet at RWC 2027 when an historic place in the Round of 16 could be on the line…..PACNEWS
SAMOA – BOXING: TALAMUA MEDIA PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 01 Sep 2026
Samoa to host the Oceania Invitational Boxing Competition 2026
APIA, 01 SEPTEMBER T 2026 (TALAMUA MEDIA) — Samoa will be hosting the Oceania Invitational Boxing Competition September 2026.
A total of 13 Oceania countries were invited, and so far, 6 have been confirmed to attend with others pending attendance. All confirmed teams are expected to arrive in Samoa this Friday, 5th September 2026.
The competition is essentially a trial event for Samoa as the tentative host nation for the 2027 Oceania Olympic Boxing Qualifiers for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
It will also be a preparation competition for the 2027 Pacific Games which will be held in Tahiti. Samoa’s Independent Boxing President Tavu’i Mike Lemisio has been appointed as the official Boxing Competition Manager for the 2027 Pacific Games.
Part of the competition is the inclusion of a certification workshop for Oceania Level 1 referees, judges and coaches. These workshops will be held in a course of 3 days from the Monday 7th to Wednesday 9th September 2026.
The competition and workshops will be attended by Australian Technical Official – Mr. Wayne Rose, and Software Technical Officer – David Graham and the Oceania Boxing President and World Boxing Board member, Beulah Daunakamakama.
The competition will be opened on Thursday 10th September at 11am at the Multipurpose Gym, Tuana’imato. The three-day competition runs from Thursday, 10th to Saturday 12th September 2026.
The event is free and opened for all interested to attend….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 01 Sep 2026
MSG push,| Battle Of Giants to sharpen preparations
SUVA, 01 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FIJI TIMES) —The 2026 Extra Battle of the Giants (BOG) tournament will provide Fiji’s players with a valuable platform to prepare for the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Cup, according to Fiji Football Association president Rajesh Patel.
The BOG kicks off this Friday, 04 September, with all pool matches scheduled to be played until Sunday.
The semi-finals and final will be held the following weekend on September 12 and 13 at Ba’s 4R Stadium, with Patel expecting another highly competitive contest between the participating teams.
Patel said the intensity of the BOG would benefit both the players and the national team’s preparations for the MSG tournament, which will be hosted in Fiji after the domestic competition on September 17 to October 3.
“It’s very competitive. Until the last day, people don’t know who’s going to win. So you cannot take any team lightly,” Patel said.
He said the competitiveness of the tournament meant players would need to remain focused throughout, while the format would also allow them enough time to recover between matches.
“It gives rest time to the players too. We know that this will help for the MSG preparation, which is coming up after the BOG,” Patel said.
Patel believes the BOG will give national coach Stephen Auvray an important opportunity to assess players in a competitive environment before finalising his plans for the MSG tournament.
He said the tournament could also help Auvray identify players for the Bula FC side, adding to the importance of the competition for Fiji’s football development.
This Friday fixtures will see Suva and Navua kicking off the tournament at 1pm, followed by Labasa taking on Nasinu FC at 3pm.
Rewa plays Lautoka at 5pm followed by the opening ceremony at 7pm.
Hosts Ba will take on Nadi at 7.30pm to conclude day one…..PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 01 Sep 2026
PNG Kumuls’ 40 to be named
PORT MORESBY, 01 SEPTEMBER 2026 (THE NATIONAL) —Papua New Guinea Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou will soon name an extended 40-man squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. The team would be further trimmed to 23 players by the end of this month.
“I’ve got to pick a 40-man squad by the first week of September – and it’s important the boys are playing well and that they’re healthy,” he said. “From there, we’ll narrow that down to 23 players.
Sydney-born Demetriou has been in charge of the Kumuls since his July 2024 appointment, and has so far overseen a couple of successful Pacific Championships campaigns, including back-to-back triumphs in the Pacific Bowl.
The year 2024 ended with the Kumuls missing out on promotion into the Pacific Cup as they lost a promotion/relegation play-off to New Zealand. Papua New Guinea is now returning to the World Cup since 2017, and there is hope to improve on the consecutive quarter-final exits.
In the last two World Cup, England ended PNG’s campaigns at the last-eight stage. They will again square off this time around, albeit in the group stage – on Oct 30 in Wollongong. Before that, the Kumuls will play twice on home soil, with their group games against Lebanon and Samoa in Port Moresby.
Speaking earlier this week, the Kumuls’ head coach said: “Most of our players are over here (in the UK), so it’s pretty easy!
“For me, it’s just tracking. The beauty of the internet and social media these days is that it’s pretty easy to keep an eye on everyone, and track where everybody is at.
“I’ve got a player profiling format that keeps a track on how players are going, and I’m able to keep in contact with them.
“Like I say to all the players, nothing is going to get you picked more than playing good footy, so that’s their focus at the moment.
“We’ve performed really well in the Pacific Championships over the last two years and pooled together a good squad of players that have played some good footy together.
“They understand what our identity is as a team and what our strengths and weaknesses are, so I feel like we come into camp in a good place. Hopefully everybody gets through the season unscathed so we’re able to put the best team possible on the field.” ….PACNEWS
PNG – GOLF: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 01 Sep 2026
Luai adds flair to golf
PORT MORESBY, 01 SEPTEMBER 2026 (THE NATIONAL) —PNG Chiefs 001 and passionate golfer, Jarome Luai, was a special guest at the Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited 2026 PNG Open final day at the Royal Port Moresby Golf Club
Luai and his family made a special appearance alongside Prime Minister James Marape at the course yesterday, where champion Josh Armstrong made a strong finish to complete his run in this edition of the annual major golf event in Port Moresby.
After the final round was complete and during a chit-chat session on the VIP stands, Luai shared his thoughts on the recent signing of Brian To’o with the Chiefs and Nathan Cleary’s pending decision.
Luai told The National that he wasn’t not too sure if 2028 will be a Penrith Panthers’ reunion with the Chiefs.
“Brian was a real close mate of mine back in Penrith; he was like my little brother but, whatever happens, you know they’ve got some really good people behind the scenes and I think PNG Chiefs is a lot more than just footy,” Luai said. “You’ve got to have a connection with the people, you are going to want to be able to help communities and grassroots so you have to take that all into consideration.”
Luai, also being a passionate golfer, added that the final day of PNG Open was awesome.
“I love golf, I’ve got a big love for golf so it’s good to see all the diverse cultures, corporates, and it’s just a great day for PNG and I’m happy to be a part of it.”
He jokingly added that we might see him next year in the next golf tournament playing 20 Under.
Luai, representing Pepsi PNG as its new brand ambassador on a five-year deal through 2031, was part of the final day awards presentation at the Kumul Minerals PNG Open 2026, alongside Prime Minister Marape and Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Belden Namah….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 01 Sep 2026
Eight nations set for OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026 in Samoa
APIA, 01 SEPTEMBER 2026 (OFC)—A place on the world stage is on the line in Apia over the next two weeks as eight of Oceania’s brightest young men’s teams begin their push towards the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027 in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.
The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship kicks off in Samoa with plenty at stake, with the two finalists qualifying for next year’s global showpiece.
Coaches and captains gathered at the iconic Taumeasina Island Resort for a pre-tournament media event and photo shoot on the eve of competition. Hosts Samoa are in Group A and face New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
Samoa’s Spanish coach Michael Alvarez knows his side will be underdogs against three strong opponents.
“Our main objective is to be competitive in every match we play and to represent Samoa with pride. When we are in Samoa, we’ll have that extra motivation from the fans, and I think it’s important for Samoans to have an event like this. For the people here in Samoa, a message: the people of Samoa, come and support us.”
New Caledonia, who play Samoa on the opening day, are coached by Jules Wakanumune, who has set high goals for his players.
“We had good preparation, so the goal is to qualify for the next round, and why not bring the cup home? We’re trying to adapt and acclimatise, but the team is doing very, very well, and we’ll see how it goes in our first match tomorrow,” Wakanumune said.
Matthew Witu’s Papua New Guinea side has benefited from coming through a qualifying campaign in the Cook Islands and feels ready for the tournament opener against the Solomon Islands tomorrow.
“I have kept the same squad that went to the Cook Islands. Their attitude and preparation has been good and we are looking forward to the tournament.”
Solomon Islands coach Franco Ne’e believes he has assembled a talented squad who will be competitive.
“We have a lot of players from the provinces who are representing our country, and we have experienced players who have played senior football back home. If they stick to what they have trained to do, it will make it easier for us. We are looking forward to trying to qualify for the World Cup,” Ne’e said.
Defending champions New Zealand headline Group B alongside Tahiti, Fiji and Vanuatu. Coached by Jose Figueira, they will again be the team to beat.
“We have a large group of players coming through from the last Under-17 cycle, and many of our players have become professionals, whether in New Zealand, Australia or across the globe,” Figueira said.
For New Zealand, qualifying for the World Cup is not simply enough.
“We want to do that in Oceania, but for those players, we want them to do that on the world stage as well. So, for us, it’s always an objective to qualify.”
The Kiwis could face stiff opposition from Fiji whose coach Marika Rodu is thrilled with his side’s preparation, which included a six-week training camp at the Fiji Football Academy in Bam and training matches against OFC Men’s Champions League teams Lae City FC and AS Tiga Sport as part of their preparations.
“We have seven players from the last U-17 FIFA World Cup,” Rodu said. “Two players are returning for their second U-19 competition, and we have four players who had OFC Pro League experience with Bula FC, as well as nine overseas-based players. Our goal is to go to the World Cup next year,” the coach added.
There is plenty of confidence from Tahiti coach Raimana Bu-Luc, who has had his squad together for several months.
“The main objective for Tahiti is to qualify for the World Cup. I think everything is in place. So, we are ready, we are going to do everything to qualify.”
Vanuatu bring an experienced squad to Samoa, with most of their players having previously represented the country at U-16 and U-19 level. Coach Philemon John has a simple objective.
“We aim to qualify for the semi-finals and go from there.”
The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026 kicks off today….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 01 Sep 2026
Final for Kumuls skipper
PORT MORESBY, 01 SEPTEMBER 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—PNG Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou has vowed to ensure captain Rhyse Martin brings down the curtain on his decorated career with a successful World Cup campaign.
Martin, 33, will start the next chapter of his professional life by taking up a post as the PNG Chiefs’ football operations manager next year.
However, with 50 days to go until the Kumuls opening match against Lebanon on Oct 17 at Santos National Stadium, Demetriou said there was no question of PNG’s most capped player retiring when his Super League commitments with Hull KR finish.
“He’s playing – he’ll lead the team as he’s done for many years.
“I’ve spoken to Rhyse the last several weeks about how excited he is,” Demetriou, who is coaching London Broncos, said.
“We’ve got to submit a squad at the back end of August of 40 players but it’s not until the back end of September where we’ve got to cut it down to 23.”
Proudly connected to Hula in Central through his father, Martin is one the most-respected rugby league figures in Papua New Guinea after forging a successful career in the NRL and Super League
The goal-kicking backrower made his international debut for PNG in 2014 and remains the all-time leading point scorer for the Kumuls, scoring 248 points in 20 Test appearances.
He also hold the world record for most consecutive goals after landing 41 kicks without miss while playing for Leeds Rhinos and was a key figure in Hull KR’s success last year.
Martin will join Hull KR coach Willie Peters at the Chiefs next season in a non-playing role.
“It’s a big move for him because not only is he going to finish his year off playing for the Kumuls but he’ll be transitioning into a new job at the end of his career in Papua New Guinea as well,” Demetriou said.
“I think there’lll be some excitement about that for him but, most importantly, it’s about making sure he finishes on the terms that he wants to.
“As a country and as head coach of the Kumuls, we will make sure that he gets everything he can to get the goodbye he deserves because he’s been a great servant for Papua New Guinea in a lot of ways for a long period of time.”
The Kumuls play their second match against Samoa on Oct 24, also in Port Moresby before travelling to Wollongong to meet England on 30 October.
Demetriou has selection hopefuls Finley Glare, Epel Kapinias, Robert Mathias, Alex Max, Morea Morea, Jeremiah Simbiken and Gairo Voro with him in London this season.
“I’m starting to get excited about the potential for that squad but I don’t like to think about it too much,” Demetriou said. “It’s more about crossing fingers and toes that the guys get through the season playing good footy and healthy and cone into camp healthy.
“Even sides we might be playing against … Adam Doueihi (Lebanon) has been ruled out and potentially Payne Haas (Samoa) so those types of things happen every week.
“The main thing for me now is keeping an eye on our boys and hoping they stay healthy.
“I’m not going to talk about naming my team now. There’s no reason to talk about that now. It’s a long way off.
“As I say to the players, keep playing your footy and be in good form and selection will take care of itself.” ….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 01 Sep 2026
Lock in for the brothers: Another title is Brian’s chief concern
SYDNEY, 01 SEPETMBER 2026 (NRL)—-Brian To’o admits he never saw himself playing in any other colours than the Penrith Panthers, which is why signing on with the PNG Chiefs for 2028 has been such a hard decision.
Speaking for the first time since he became Chiefs signing #006 three weeks ago, To’o said he feels a large weight has been lifted now that his family, the Panthers and his teammates have all been told.
“I’m really grateful that the Panthers were there to support me through the whole process,” To’o said.
Probably the hardest one first was telling my family but it’s now a lot of weight off my shoulders having their support.
“I’m really happy with my decision and it’s all waiting for me in 2028.
“For now I’ve just got to lock in for the brothers at Penrith.”
Second to his family was fronting the teammates he has stood side by side with through a golden Panthers that produced four premierships.
“That was another hard thing – standing up in front of the boys and telling them myself, and the club also,” he said.
“As much as it really hurts me, it kind of works out for everyone. It means some other boys can get a great opportunity with the Panthers.”
The 28-year-old has signed a three-year deal with the Chiefs and that frees up money for the Panthers trying to keep the bulk of its squad intact since they lose three to the Perth Bears next year in Jack Cole, Scott Sorenson and Liam Henry, while hooker Freddy Lussick confirmed last week he is off to the Bulldogs.
To’o will be around in 2027 but he was happy to be out of the headlines now that the Chiefs deal has been made public.
“Yes, 100 per cent. It allows me to focus on the Panthers now,” the representative winger said.
“To be honest I didn’t see myself in a different jersey than the Panthers.
“But once the opportunity came to change peoples’ lives in PNG that was something I would love to do.
“Not only to I get to changes their lives, but they’ll change mine as well.”
He also will link with former Panthers, NSW, and Samoan teammate Jarome Luai.
“That makes it special as well to be back with him… so really excited.”
The more immediate priority is Penrith’s bid for a fourth minor premiership in seven years when they tackle Wests Tigers in the final round.
The Panthers and Warriors are equal on 40 competition points with the Wahs on top by virtue of a single point on for and against (+309 to +308).
“It’s definitely going to help us in the coming weeks as we work on ourselves and how to be better,” To’o said.
“We’re still building and those types of games have had that semi-final feeling to them.”
The clash against the Tigers will bring To’o ad Luai together again – but on opposite sides of the CommBank Stadium field. …. PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 01 Sep 2026
Cleary, Meakes claim top honours at Brad Fittler Medal
SYDNEY, 01 SEPTEMBER T 2026 (NRL)—NSW Blues halfback Nathan Cleary has claimed his second Brad Fittler Medal and Westpac NSW Blues Women’s back-rower Yasmin Meakes also won her first NSW Women’s Origin Player of the Series Award at the 2026 Brad Fittler Medal in Sydney tonight.
Cleary, who claimed his first Brad Fittler Medal in 2020, was presented his medal by 2026 Westpac NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley in front of more than 600 guests in a glittering ceremony at The Star Event Centre, where 21 awards were handed out across NSWRL Representative, Major and Junior Representative Competitions, as well as community.
Also in attendance were NSWRL Chair Carolyn Campbell and the NSWRL Board, NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden, recently appointed Westpac NSW Blues coach Matt King, Westpac NSW Blues Women’s coach John Strange, NSW Blues and NSW Blues Women players, True Blues, club representatives and players.
“The Brad Fittler Medal is a night where we celebrate the achievements of our administrators, officials, volunteers and players for the 2026 season,” Trodden said.
“This year has already been a memorable and successful season for NSWRL, with our men’s and women’s Origin teams both claiming their respective series, and participation records broken for a fourth consecutive season.
“I congratulate all the winners tonight for the positive contributions they have made in 2026 and wish all the teams still in the running for a premiership the best of luck for the finals.”
Cleary had an outstanding series for the Westpac NSW Blues and was awarded the Wally Lewis Medal for being the best player from either state after guiding the Blues to a 2-1 series win, including a dominant performance in the decider at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. He finished the series with three tries, three try assists, two line breaks, five tackle busts and 60 average running metres.
Cleary also claimed The Daily Telegraph People’s Choice Award where he received more than 50 per cent of the votes from fans.
Back-rower Hudson Young collected his first True Blue Award which is awarded to the player who embodies the team’s core values of trust, resilience, and culture. Young had a strong series after scoring two tries, running for an average of 117 metres and bending his back for 115 tackles.
Meakes was equally as impressive for the Westpac NSW Blues Women’s Origin team after claiming the Katrina Fanning AO Medal for being the best player from either state in the Blues’ historic 3-0 series win against Queensland. She played every minute of all three games, made five tackle busts, five offloads, ran for 69m, and made 79 tackles including a try-saver in Game One in Newcastle.
It is the second time Meakes has been recognised at the Brad Fittler Medal after she collected the NSW Women’s Origin Award in 2024, which honours a player who displays exceptional performance, commitment, and standard during the Women’s Origin series.
Prop Ellie Johnston was the recipient of the NSW Women’s Origin Award this year after a strong series where she led the team up front. She scored a crucial try in Game One, made seven tackle busts, produced three offloads, ran for 107m and made 68 tackles.
Halfback Jesse Southwell came out on top in a close race for The Daily Telegraph People’s Choice Award, after a strong series where she landed a decisive field goal in Game One and came up with a try-saving tackle in Game Two.
Newcastle Knights hooker Diesel Hagan was named the GIO NSW Under 19s Men’s Player of the Year, while Sydney Roosters centre Anastasia Leatupue was named the Westpac NSW Under 19s Women’s Player of the Year.
Penrith Panthers fullback Jaxen Edgar was named The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Player of the Year after helping guide the club into their strongest position to win the premiership since their last title in 2022. As well as helping steer the Panthers to the Minor Premiership, he has crossed the line for 16 tries, had 68 tackle busts, six try assists, 11 line breaks and ran for an average of 117m.
Newcastle Knights hooker Charley Lahmert was named the NSW Women’s Premiership Player of the Year after a strong season where she scored six tries on the way to helping the club claim the Minor Premiership.
The Gordon Lowrie Memorial Community Volunteer of the Year Award winner, presented by Westpac, was also announced with Kevin Whitford from South Coast awarded the honour.
Whitford, who was chosen from eight regional winners, holds many roles in Group 7 and has been at the forefront of growth in the region, as well as helping to raise the standards of player and crowd behaviour in the competitions.
The Brad Fittler Medal night recognises and celebrates the achievements of players across all NSWRL teams and competitions, from Origin to seniors, juniors and women, as well as the contributions of match officials, club administrators and volunteers.
The Brad Fittler Medal was first presented in 2005 with winners including King (2005), Steve Menzies (2006), Danny Buderus (2008), Paul Gallen (2011), James Tedesco (2018-19, 22), Tom Trbojevic (2021), and Brian To’o (2023, 2025).
The NSW Women’s Origin Player of the Year was first presented in 2015 with winners including Simaima Taufa (2015, 17, 19), Kezie Apps (2016), and Isabelle Kelly (2018, 21-22)….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 01 Sep 2026
Saifiti faces huge ban; Hazelton suspended
SYDNEY, 01 SEPTEMBER 2024 (NRL)—-Knights prop Jacob Saifiti is set to miss the remainder of the 2026 season after he was hit with a Grade 2 Reckless High Tackle charge for his shot on Warriors winger Luke Laulilii at Go Media Stadium on Sunday.
Saifiti was sent from the field in the 13th minute and Laulilii was ruled out for the rest of the match with a Category 1 concussion.
The charge carries a four-game ban with an early guilty plea, increasing to five games should Saifiti fight the charge and be found guilty at the judiciary.
With the Knights having a bye in Round 27, the maximum number of games they have left in their season is four, if they progress all the way to the grand final.
Saifiti has until 12pm on Tuesday to enter a plea.
Sharks prop Tom Hazelton has been banned for one match for a hip drop on Parramatta’s Ronald Volkman at CommBank Stadium on Sunday.
Hazelton pleaded guilty to the Grade 2 Dangerous Contact charge and will miss the Round 27 game against the Storm.
Eels prop Junior Paulo is facing a fine of $1800 (US$1,289) should he plead guilty to a Grade 1 Dangerous Contact charge arising from Sunday’s win over the Sharks.
Paulo was sent to the sin bin for the hip drop tackle on Addin Fonua-Blake in the 12th minute of Sunday’s clash. He has until 12pm on Tuesday to enter a plea….PACNEWS
