In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — Fiji chase third straight Pacific Nations Cup title
2. RUGBY — Seruvakula names young Flying Fijians squad for PNC
3. RUGBY — Canada plans to frustrate Flying Fijians
4. RUGBY LEAGUE — They’ll run out of cap space: V’landys’ warning on PNG
5. BOXING — ‘Bro, go to sleep’: Opetaia’s power move for Vegas tilt
6. RUGBY LEAGUE — This is world-class, never achieved before: PNG Foreign Minister Tkatchenko tells BSP
7. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG Kumuls call-up
8. FOOTBALL — New Caledonia secure semi-final spot, whilst Papua New Guinea end decade long wait
9. RUGBY — James slips into new role as scrum coach
10. RUGBY LEAGUE — ‘Swear by it’: night ritual key to Dolphin’s 96 in row
PAC – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 11 Sep 2026
Fiji chase third straight Pacific Nations Cup title
OSAKA, 11 SEPTEMBER 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—The Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026 kicks off this weekend with two mouthwatering semi-finals at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka.
Defending champions Fiji take on Canada in the first semi-final before hosts Japan face USA in another intriguing showdown.
This year’s tournament features a condensed four-team format with the semi-final winners progressing to next Saturday’s final – and the losers facing off in a third place play-off, with both games taking place at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo.
Fiji are bidding to be crowned champions for the third successive year as they prepare to face Canada in their Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026 semi-final at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka.
The Flying Fijians, famed for their scintillating, fast-paced style of rugby, have beaten Japan in the last two title deciders in 2024 and 2025 and will now look to complete a hat-trick of tournament wins.
Hooker Tevita Ikanivere will captain a Fiji side featuring a mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent and is joined in the front row by props Peni Ravai and Mesake Doge.
Mesake Vocevoce and Temo Mayanavanua form the second-row pairing with Kitione Salawa, Motikiai Murray and debutant Isoa Tuwai in the back row.
Frank Lomani and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula are the half-backs with Manasa Mataele and Jone Nasova on the wings, Kalaveti Ravouvou and Virimi Vakatawa in the centres and Sireli Rabitu at full-back.
Fiji, who have named a further three uncapped players on the bench, were famously crowned champions in four successive years from 2015-18 and victory over Canada on Saturday would see them register a ninth successive Pacific Nations Cup win for the first time.
Canada, meanwhile, were beaten 57-12 by Japan last weekend and head coach Stephen Meehan has made 10 changes to his squad with Dewald Kotze starting at hooker and Jason Higgins returning at scrum-half.
Jamie Armstrong, who made his debut against Japan, will make his first international start on the wing and Jacob Ince has been shifted to outside centre. Ethan Fryer is set to make his first appearance for Canada since November 2024 when he suffered a fractured skull against Chile.
Canada and Fiji will face each other again at Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia – meeting in Adelaide | Tarntanya on 10 October – and Meehan said: “We’ve made some changes to the squad this week.
“It was always our intention to share the load a little on this tour and provide people with opportunities to get back into it.
“The key message against teams like Fiji is always to expect the unexpected – we must remain diligent and disciplined with our defensive game.
“If we can do that, we might be able to get our attacking game into gear and see what we can do to disrupt them.”
Eddie Jones’ Japan side go into their Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026 semi-final against the USA in confident mood, having warmed up for the tournament an impressive 57-12 win over Canada in Niigata last Saturday.
The Brave Blossoms marked the 100th anniversary of the Japan Rugby Football Union with a nine-try success that was chiselled on forward dominance.
Eight of Japan’s tries were fashioned by their pack as hooker Mamoru Harada scored twice and Takato Okabe, debutant Takumi Inaba, Ben Gunter, Kanji Shimokawa, Yuya Hirose, Harry Hockings and Tiennan Costley also touched down.
It was a timely tonic for Jones’ men after they lost back-to-back games against Australia last month and consecutive Nations Championship defeats to Ireland and France in July.
Jones has named a relatively inexperienced side that will be captained by scrum-half Naoto Saito again in the absence of Warner Dearns. Winger Kazuma Ueda and full-back Sam Greene both come into a backline which sees Ryunosuke Ito, Yuya Hirose, Dylan Riley and Inoke Brua – who impressed on debut against Canada – continue.
Japan have won nine of their last 10 matches against the USA and Brave Blossoms coach Jones said: “It’s our best 23. It’s important that players get as much experience as they can in test match rugby and every match in test match rugby is different.
“It’s always about the best 23 first and then obviously we’re trying to build a team for the World Cup.”
Meanwhile, Chris Hilsenbeck starts at fly-half following his return to the USA squad and will be partnered by Ruben de Haas.
Noah Brown and Mitch Wilson come into the side at wing and full-back respectively in a team not dissimilar to that which recorded a recent thrilling 25-24 win over an Argentina XV in Fort Lauderdale.
Experienced hooker Joe Taufete’e, who has not represented USA since appearing as a replacement against Romania in August 2023, has been named on the bench.
USA head coach Scott Lawrence said: “Joe’s been an enormous influence since he’s been here. He knows how to play in these big moments and so you trust him to do that.”…PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 11 Sep 2026
Seruvakula names young Flying Fijians squad for PNC
OSAKA, 11 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FIJI SUN)—Senirusi Seruvakula is now a lot wiser as he settles into his role as interim head coach of the Flying Fijians.
The 56-year-old was appointed to the role on 02 April2 and got his baptism of fire leading the Flying Fijians at the inaugural Nations Championship in July.
The Flying Fijians played Wales, England and Scotland in the United Kingdom, losing all three Test matches.
Now Seruvakula is being given another chance to lead the Flying Fijians at the Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) in Japan.
Their title defence starts in Osaka on Saturday against Canada in the first semi-final, followed by hosts Japan taking on the USA Eagles.
With next year’s Rugby World Cup in mind, Seruvakula has opted to select a young team as he continues to build depth in all positions.
“The recent Nations Championship tour was my first as head coach and I have identified what our weaknesses are and how we can improve,” he told World Rugby.
“ I’ve also identified the players that should not be in the team and those that we have to bring into the team.”
The uncapped players selected are Joseva Tamani, Penaia Cakobau, Vilikesa Nairau, Inoke Ravuiwasa, Isoa Tuwai, Terio Tamani, Maleli Nauvasi and Isaac Ratuimatavuki-Kneepkens.
Among them is Olympic Games silver medallist and experienced sevens rugby playmaker Tamani along with powerhouse Saracens loosehead prop Vilikesa Nairau.
“It’s all a learning process. Every powerhouse team in the world was not always winning once and now they’re at the top. We always start somewhere and make our way up,” Seruvakula said.
Squad
Forwards: Livai Natave, Peni Ravai, Meli Tuni, Tevita Ikanivere, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Penaia Cakobau, Mesake Doge, Samu Tawake, Vilikesa Nairau, Inoke Ravuiwasa, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua, Joseva Tamani, Kitione Salawa, Motikiai Murray, Isoa Tuwai, Elia Canakaivata.
Backs: Frank Lomani, Sam Wye, Philip Baselala, Terio Tamani, Caleb Muntz, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Kemu Valetini, Joji Nasova, Maleli Nauvasi, Manasa Mataele, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Virimi Vakatawa, Isaac Ratuimatavuki-Kneepkens, Isikeli Rabitu….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 11 Sep 2026
Canada plans to frustrate Flying Fijians
OSAKA, 11 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FIJI SUN)—The Canada men’s rugby team is confident of frustrating the Flying Fijians in their Pacific Nations Cup semi-final in Osaka, Japan, on Saturday.
Speaking to Rugby Pass, Canada head coach Stephen Meehan said they are expecting the unexpected from the defending PNC champions.
Fiji claimed last year’s PNC crown when they beat Japan 33-27 on September 20 in Utah, United States.
The reigning champions are again in Osaka preparing to defend that title. The Flying Fijians are looking to bounce back from a winless 0-3 run during the inaugural Nations Championship Tests in July. Meanwhile, Canada finished with a 1-1-1 record from three matches in the all-new World Rugby Nations Cup.
Canada had another chance to play before the PNC, taking on the Brave Blossoms in the Japan Rugby Football Union’s 100th anniversary match last Saturday. But the Canadians fell 57-12 in front of about 18,000 supporters in Niigata.
It doesn’t get any easier for the Canadians, who are now days away from taking on a Flying Fijians outfit that play with free-spirited, attacking flair.
But coach Meehan believes there may be some opportunities for the Canadians to get their attack going and “disrupt” Fiji.
“Many of their top-tiered won’t be around but they’ll have a lot of players who are (Fijian) Drua-based players; a team that plays consistently well in a good competition in Super Rugby,” Meehan told reporters yesterday.
“They will be a very different challenge to the one that we faced against Japan. Japan’s very well-organised and diligent and disciplined in the way that they play. Fiji have that ability to call on their physical attributes and throw that ball around in all sorts of fashions.”
The match kicks-off at 7pm and will be shown live on Fiji TV One….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 11 Sep 2026
They’ll run out of cap space: V’landys’ warning on PNG
SYDNEY, 11 SEPTEMBER 2026 (AAP)—Peter V’landys has defended the NRL’s handling of the Hudson Young affair, adamant it was not a course correction and that PNG’s tax-free concessions won’t allow them to build a supercharged roster.
The Chiefs were last week forced to hold off on an offer of $950,000 for Young, when the NRL made clear that figure would not be accepted under the salary cap.
It came after Canberra had tabled a $1.1 million (US$780,000) per season deal to keep their NSW State of Origin second-rower, before granting him permission to visit Port Moresby.
NRL rules state a player cannot be signed for below market value, with that figure set by the salary cap auditor based on a number of factors.
The Chiefs had privately been confident their offer would meet market value requirements, based on Young’s age and current Achilles rupture.
But the NRL has now set the figure for Young at $1 million (US$715,000), meaning the Chiefs are $50,000(US$35,000) short of his market value. As things stand, PNG do not want to budge.
Young has since had talks with the Rugby League Players Association, and is expected to wait until after November 1 to decide his future.
V’landys’ message to club bosses last week that the Chiefs must meet market value on contracts was viewed by many as a response to concerns over PNG’s signing power.
Few in the game expected PNG to pull off what they already have before officially being allowed to enter the free market, with Jarome Luai, Zac Lomax, Brian To’o and Joey Manu headlining a list of seven players signed.
But V’landys insisted this was not a course correction, and that the NRL was simply enforcing salary-cap rules.
“This has been the case from day one, so we’ve just highlighted it. Whatever the Chiefs offer has to be at market value,” V’landys said.
“They can’t offer $300,000 or $400,000(US$214 – US$286,000) less because the player gets a tax advantage.
“The whole idea and the fabric of our game is around the salary cap, and everyone gets the same salary cap.
‘When the Chiefs exhaust their salary cap, they should exhaust it like they do at any other team, not by paying unders or paying under the market value.
“The Chiefs should be treated no different than any other club. If Hudson Young’s worth $1 million (US$715,000) and they’re paying $900,000(US$644,000), $1 million (US$715,000) will go on the salary cap.”
The NRL can allow players to sign below market value, if factors such as family reasons come into play.
It is also not uncommon for players not to sign with the highest bidder, with RLPA surveys showing the main motivation for most players moving clubs is not money.
The Chiefs’ situation is unique, considering what players can take home on a lower wage, with PNG given the NRL and government’s agreement for tax-free contracts.
V’landys did make clear that the NRL was comfortable the Chiefs had offered market value to every other player signed so far.
But he also moved to allay concerns that the tax-free exemption had given them the power to assemble a roster beyond what other clubs can attain.
“They’re going to extinguish their salary cap pretty quick. Eventually, they can’t buy any more players,” V’landys said.
“And that’s the beauty of the salary cap, and that’s why it’s got to be at market value.”
PNG have not given up hope of signing Young after November 1, when a field of elite back-rowers will become available….PACNEWS
AUST – BOXING: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 11 Sep 2026
‘Bro, go to sleep’: Opetaia’s power move for Vegas tilt
GOLDCOAST, 11 SEPTEMBER 2026 (AAP)—Jai Opetaia has weaponised the power nap as the irrepressible Australian cruiserweight prepares to make a statement on his biggest stage yet.
The unbeaten former IBF world champion will look to extend his record to 31-0 against confident German-Armenian Noel Mikaelian at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday (AEST).
Mikaelian (28-3) holds the division’s WBC belt but, as happened to Opetaia, faces the likelihood of it being stripped once he fights under Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing banner this weekend.
The rebel organisation, not recognised by boxing’s ‘Big Four’ governing bodies, has faced continual roadblocks since inception and this week’s been no different after legendary promoter Don King filed a cease and desist letter to have the fight scrapped.
White, Opetaia and Mikaelian, who took the fight after aborting futile negotiations with King to unify against two-belt cruiserweight champion David Benavidez in his first defence, have all shrugged off those threats.
In fact Opetaia, four years after first winning his world title straps, is so used to the territory that he’s been able to sleep on it.
The Australian-Samoan, based on the Gold Coast, said he had traditionally worked overtime and “chased the pain” during pre-fight camps.
But he’s struck a finer balance this time after preparing at an all-purpose fitness resort in Phuket, Thailand.
“It was something new … getting told to have more rest, ‘Bro, go to sleep’,” Opetaia told AAP of his regular power naps before facing off with Mikaelian for the first time in Vegas.
“That’s hard; my mind’s always ticking. Especially in camp, getting ready for a guy willing to take everything from you.
“I’m thinking he’s another me, training hard, so I’ve got to match it.
“But I got my rest knowing I’d ticked every box and earnt it.”
Training in a steamy open-air gym, Opetaia mixed it up with hilly road runs and turned his phone off to arrive in Las Vegas fresher than ever.
“It’s made a huge difference, even just a 45 minute nap in between sessions,” he said.
“Usually I’m just geed up; busy, busy, busy.
“It’s probably the best I’ve felt, like a phone battery recharging.”
With Mikaelian committed in Vegas, Benavidez is eyeing a clash with Michal Cieslak, who will likely earn full WBC status if Mikaelian is stripped, in December.
Both Opetaia and Mikaelian have expressed interest in fighting Benavidez and ironically could get their shot next, with the American’s camp keen to fight this Sunday’s winner next May in another Las Vegas showstopper.
Opetaia, one of Zuffa’s biggest signings, will share the stage with Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn in an arena that packs in 20,000 for boxing and UFC events.
“It’s exciting and I deserve to be here,” Opetaia said.
“You don’t make it here by accident.
“I’m here with my family; my circle’s tight and we’ve travelled the world together and we’re conquering it.
“People will remember our name when we leave. We’re honoured to be here but we deserve to be here,” he said…. PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 11 Sep 2026
This is world-class, never achieved before: PNG Foreign Minister Tkatchenko tells BSP
PORT MORESBY, 11 SEPTEMBER 2026 (THE NATONAL)—Papua New Guinea Minister for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko has described the partnership between the Bank South Pacific (BSP) Financial Group and PNG Chiefs as a significant incentive and investment; something that is world-class and has never been achieved before.
The minister, representing the Government, expressed delight in having one of Papua New Guinea’s founding commercial banks, committing to a AUD$5-million-a-year (about K16mil per year) for the Chiefs’ jerseys.
“We see PNG Chiefs as the flagship of promoting our beautiful country, rugby league, our people and, moving forward, taking BSP to Australia as well,” he said.
Tkatchenko told BSP CEO Mark Robinson and chairman Robert Bradshaw: “It is time to put up BSP branches in Australia … because there’s a medium of Pacific islanders living in Australia and that includes Papua New Guineans.
“That will surely take the business to another level.
“But at the end of the day, it’s all about partnership and getting things right.
“PNG Chiefs will set a precedent, set a platform and make things in the rugby league world get to another level.
“Our prime minister, who is also the sports minister, is very passionate about this and that passion allows him to work very closely with Lorna (McPherson) and the Chiefs, including all rugby league teams, and sports throughout the country to ensure people’s passion is looked after properly.”
Tkatchenko thanked BSP, noting that as one of the biggest corporate citizens in Papua New Guinae, the bank is putting its sponsorship out there for everyone to see, setting the example.
“Let’s look forward to the PNG Chiefs’ unveiling at the ministerial forum where we will have eight senior ministers from Australia here with us, including our bilateral and diplomatic partners in the region,” Tkatchenko said.
“PNG Chiefs is one of those achievements that we can all be proud of.”
The PNG Chiefs will enter the NRL competition in 2028…..PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 11 Sep 2026
New Caledonia secure semi-final spot, whilst Papua New Guinea end decade long wait
HONIARA, 11 SEPTEMBER 2026 (OFC)—New Caledonia have booked their place in the semi-finals of OFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2026 with a 1-0 victory over Samoa at the National Stadium in Honiara.
Heidra Adjouhgniope scored the game’s only goal, her second of the tournament, to send New Caledonia through to the last four for the third year in a row, and with a match in Group B still to play.
Adjouhgniope’s goal came from a defensive error by the Samoan backline, stealing possession inside the penalty box, and picking out the top-right corner of the net from point-blank range in the 35th minute.
New Caledonia had other opportunities to add to their advantage over the course of the match, including a long-range strike from Wylona Haewegene that struck the crossbar midway through the second half, and a wayward effort from Emma Jiako when one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
The result is Samoa’s first group stage defeat at the championship since 2017, failing to replicate the 5-0 victory over New Caledonia they enjoyed at the same stage of the competition last year.
Samoa: 0
New Caledonia: 1 (Heidra ADJOUHGNIOPE 35′)
HT: 0-1
Earlier in the day, Papua New Guinea secured their first win at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship in over a decade, defeating Tonga 4-1 to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.
The victory at the National Stadium in Honiara was their first at the tournament since a 2-1 success over New Caledonia at the semi-final stage in January 2016, eliminating Tonga from semi-final contention in the process.
Player of the match Chriszanne Sifas scored two of the four goals for Papua New Guinea, of which three were scored in a dominant first half.
Joylin Lisah capitalised on a failed attempt at a defensive clearance to open the scoring inside seven minutes, before Sifas put the Junior Bilums out of sight with a quick-fire double in the space of twelve first half minutes, showcasing her pace on both occasions to break in-behind the Tongan defence.
Things got worse for Tonga when Uinita Moala was shown a straight red card for pulling on the shirt of Sifas whilst through on-goal just after the hour mark. They did at least find the back of the net though, Vea Tenifa pouncing on a rebound off opposing goalkeper Roselyn Joses to score in the 85th minute.
Glenda Dany added Papua New Guinea’s fourth in the fifth minute of second half stoppage-time, stepping up and bending a free kick into the top left corner, that Tonga had given away inside their own box with a back pass to the goalkeeper.
Papua New Guinea’s long-awaited victory now sets up a crunch clash with Samoa for the remaining place in the knockout stages from Group B on the final matchday in Honiara on Sunday. That contest will be played after New Caledonia face Tonga, the former needing just a point to confirm top spot in the group ahead of the semi-finals.
Papua New Guinea: 4 (Joylin LISAH 7′, Chriszanne SIFAS 23′, 35′, Glenda DANNY 90+5′) Tonga: 1 (Vea TENIFA 85′)
HT: 3-0 …PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 11 Sep 2026
PNG Kumuls call-up
SYDNEY, 11 SEPTEMBER 2026 (NRL)—Papua New Guinea’s Rugby League World Cup 2026 campaign has received a major boost, with Parramatta forward Luca Moretti and Manly back Josh Feledy declaring their eligibility for the Kumuls.
Former captain Kyle Laybutt is also in line for a surprise return.
Moretti, who represented Italy at the last World Cup, qualifies through his mother who was born in Port Moresby while her father was working in Papua New Guinea as a lawyer.
Coach Jason Demetriou revealed Moretti has officially switched allegiance, and both he and Feledy could add valuable NRL experience to the 23-man squad.
Their inclusion comes as RLWC2026.com invites fans to select their dream teams ahead of the most anticipated tournament since the inaugural 1954 edition.
Under Demetriou, PNG have emerged as genuine contenders, winning the Pacific Bowl three years running.
The squad is shaping into a dynamic mix of youth and experience. Rabbitohs superstar Alex Johnston, Titans prospect Cooper Bai, Cowboys backs Zac Laybutt and Robert Derby, ex-Origin forward Jack de Belin, and Broncos rookie Phillip Coates are among NRL players likely to feature.
Seven Kumuls currently play in the Super League, including Lachlan Lam, Edwin Ipape, Nene Macdonald, and stalwart Rhyse Martin. Demetriou also has six Kumuls in his London Broncos side, such as playmakers Gairo Voro and Finley Glare, fullback Morea Morea, and prop Epel Kapinias.
Laybutt, who retired last year, has resurfaced with the Townsville Blackhawks, steering them to a crucial Queensland Cup win over Norths Devils.
With 14 Tests and past captaincy experience, he could provide depth in the halves alongside Lam, Voro and Glare.
PNG’s campaign begins Oct 17 in Port Moresby against Lebanon, followed by a blockbuster clash with Toa Samoa on Oct 24 – a historic fixture after Jarome Luai and Brian To’o signed with the PNG Chiefs.
Their final group match against England at WIN Stadium on Oct 30 is expected to decide semi-final qualification, with head-to-head results breaking ties.
The Kumuls’ growing depth and international pedigree signal that PNG will be more than just crowd favourites – they are shaping as genuine challengers on the world stage….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 11 Sep 2026
James slips into new role as scrum coach
SYDNEY, 11 SEPTEMBER 2026 (AAP)—James Slipper has spent almost two decades scrummaging at the highest level. Now, he’ll put that experience to work from the Brumbies coaching box.
The recently re-signed Brumbies prop will take on scrum coaching duties during Super Rugby AUS, as he turns his attention to helping develop the next generation of Brumbies forwards.
And with regular scrum coach John Ulugia called up to the Wallabies, there is arguably no better person to step into the breach than the most experienced prop in World Rugby.
“I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve been around a lot of scrums over the years, so hopefully I can pass on a bit of what I’ve learnt and help the boys get better,” Slipper said.
The 36-year-old recently committed to one more season with the Brumbies, extending his playing career through 2027.
But for Super Rugby AUS, Slipper will remain on the sidelines and take on a different role within Stephen Larkham’s coaching group.
Rather than reinventing the wheel, Slipper wants to share the lessons gathered throughout a career that has included 212 Super Rugby appearances, 154 Wallabies Tests and countless hours spent packing down in the front row.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play with and against some really good front-rowers and work with some really good scrum coaches, so I’ve picked up plenty along the way,” he said.
“If I can pass some of that on to the younger guys, then that’s something I’ll really enjoy.”
It is an opportunity Slipper is embracing, while also recognising there is plenty for him to learn as he moves from player to coach.
“There are some really good young guys coming through, and they’re hungry to learn,” he said.
“I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel. I’m just trying to give them some things that I’ve learnt over a long career and hopefully help them along the way.”
For Slipper, the role is another way to contribute to a Brumbies environment he has called home since 2019.
And while he may not be packing down himself during Super Rugby AUS, he’ll still be right in the thick of the action when the Brumbies scrum takes centre stage.
This weekend will be Slips’ first chance to see the fruits of his scrum coaching when the Brumbies take on the Waratahs at Bungendore Sports Hub on Sunday, 13 September, kicking off at 2:00pm AEST…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 11 Sep 2026
‘Swear by it’: night ritual key to Dolphin’s 96 in row
SYDNEY, 11 SEPTEMBER 2026 (AAP)—Jamayne Isaako credits nightly saunas as integral to him playing 96 consecutive NRL games for a Dolphins club that he never wanted to leave.
The Melbourne-bound winger will play the Warriors away in Saturday’s qualifying final with a goal to play at least 99 consecutive matches for the Dolphins.
“To have played all 96 games in a row is something to be proud of and I would happily take 100. To do that inside four years would be something special,” Isaako told AAP.
“I’d be equally happy with 99.”
To get to 100, the Dolphins would need to lose against the Warriors and progress to the grand final the long way.
“We will take this week first and worry about that when it comes,” Isaako grinned.
Isaako puts his iron man ways down to his nightly sauna ritual.
For a long time he was a regular at recovery centres in the Redcliffe area.
“I ended up buying a sauna of my own, but then I managed be hooked with a company called Nordhaus who sponsored me with a great sauna,” he said.
“I do it every night and I swear by it. It plays a big part in keeping me on the field and my body healthy. It helps me sleep as well.
“My ability to stay on the field is a lot to do with my recovery. The things you do off the field contribute to how you perform at training and in games.
“I have prioritised my preparation, which at this level is key.”
Isaako is without doubt one of the keys to the Dolphins winning a maiden title. In 2026 he was the NRL’s regular season leading points scorer for the third time in his four-year stint at the club and for the fourth time in his career.
This year, his 288 points is his best points return yet, including 21 tries and 102 goals from 121 attempts.
Dolphins training days are intense and don’t allow Isaako time to spend a lot of time on his goalkicking craft, so his extras are key.
“So when I have time off I go down to the Albany Creek Crushers and kick goals down there,” he said.
“I bump into a whole heap of the public who see me kicking there as well, but if I want to be good at it I have to incorporate in my training schedule.”
The 30-year-old New Zealand international s rightly proud of his point-scoring awards.
“You don’t do it for the accolades, but being a try-scoring winger and having the goalkicking job, I am grateful to score that many points,” he said.
“Throughout the last couple of years we have been a great attacking team and that has helped me get those awards”
Isaako’s intent is to leave with a premiership before joining the Storm in 2027.
“There are young players coming through and I couldn’t really come to an agreement with the Dolphins,” he said.
“I would have loved to have stayed but it wasn’t meant to be, I guess.
“I love this club and I love the people. I have created some of my fondest rugby league memories at this club. Playing in the inaugural Dolphins game and being a foundation player is something I will hold dear to my heart forever.”
Isaako’s partner is from Melbourne, which will make the move south easier.
“She was born and raised there and all her family are still there,” he said.
“It will be nice to be close to that support,” he said…PACNEWS
