In this bulletin:
1. NETBALL — Samoa, Tonga open Oceania World Cup qualifier with wins
2. RUGBY — Andrew Durutalo appointed Fiji Rugby Head of Men’s High Performance
3. FOOTBALL — New Zealand made to work for tenth OFC U-19 Men’s Championship title
4. RUGBY — Defending champions set to meet Drua in Suva
5. ONOC — ONOC International Relations Commission sets strategic direction for Impact, Partnerships and Brisbane 2032
6. RUGBY LEAGUE — Bernard lifts trophy one last time with Gurias
7 AIMS GAMES — Record Cook Islands contingent competes at Zespri AIMS Games in New Zealand89. 8.NETBALL — Netball: Former Silver Ferns return to squad ahead of 2027 World Cup
9. RUGBY LEAGUE — ‘Hoping my future at Broncos’: Player of year Willison
10. RUGBY — Jordan Petaia back in Wallabies squad for Springboks Perth Test
PAC – NETBALL: PACNEWS PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 15 Sep 2026
Samoa, Tonga open Oceania World Cup qualifier with wins
NUKU’ALOFA, TONGA, 15 SEPTEMBER 2026 (PACNEWS)—- Hosts Tonga and Samoa made winning starts to the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Qualifier – Oceania, with both teams securing comfortable victories in Nuku’alofa.
Tonga defeated Cook Islands 81-55, while Samoa beat Papua New Guinea 72-56 in the opening matches of the five-team Oceania qualifying tournament.
The tournament brings together Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea, with two places at the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 up for grabs.
Tonga Tala entered the tournament ranked seventh in the world and have been dominant against Pacific opposition in recent years.
However, Tonga were beaten by Samoa Tifa Moana in the PacificAus Sports series, with Samoa taking the title from the defending champions.
The Oceania qualifier provides another test for Tonga as they look to secure their place at next year’s World Cup in Sydney.
With only two World Cup spots available, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea will battle throughout the tournament for qualification….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 15 Sep 2026
Andrew Durutalo appointed Fiji Rugby Head of Men’s High Performance
SUVA, 15 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FIJI SUN)—Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has appointed former Fiji age-grade captain and Olympian Andrew Durutalo as its new Head of Men’s High Performance.
Durutalo’s appointment is part of Fiji Rugby’s efforts to build a more integrated and internationally competitive high-performance system.
He brings extensive experience as a player, coach, administrator and sports executive, with a career spanning Fiji, Japan, England and the United States.
Durutalo was born and developed in Fiji and was among the pioneer members of the Fiji Rugby High-Performance Unit Academy in 2006.
He represented Fiji at age-grade level and captained the Fiji Under-19 and Under-21 teams before moving overseas to pursue his international and professional playing career.
After relocating to the United States, Durutalo represented Team USA at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, the 2015 Rugby World Cup and the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens.
His professional career included stints with the Sunwolves in Japan, Worcester Warriors and Ealing Trailfinders in England, as well as professional rugby in the United States.
Following his playing career, Durutalo moved into leadership and sports administration.
He served as Director of Rugby Operations and General Manager at Hong Kong Football Club before working as an International Sports Envoy with the United States Department of State.
He has also worked with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, where he contributed to strategic partnerships, commercial innovation and athlete-focused initiatives.
Fiji Rugby says Durutalo’s combination of international rugby experience, high-performance leadership, strategic management and commercial expertise will add value to its high-performance programme.
Durutalo holds an Executive MBA from the University of Oxford and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Hakuoh University in Japan.
He has also undertaken postgraduate studies in International Sports Management through the University of London.
Fluent in Fijian, English and Japanese, Durutalo returns to Fiji Rugby with experience across both elite sport and sports administration.
His appointment is part of Fiji Rugby’s broader focus on developing a sustainable high-performance pathway and strengthening its men’s programmes for international competition…..PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 15 Sep 2026
New Zealand made to work for tenth OFC U-19 Men’s Championship title
APIA, 15 SEPTEMBER 2026 (OFC)—New Zealand have won their tenth OFC U-19 Men’s Championship crown, defeating Tahiti 2-0 at the Samoa Football HQ in Apia.
The Junior All Whites were made to work hard to get their hands back on the trophy though, only finding the initial breakthrough just before half-time, and then sealing victory with a strike from Harley Hill late on.
It was a far cry from the 8-0 win that New Zealand enjoyed when the two nations met 12 days earlier in the knockout stage, and a far more competitive contest between OFC’s two representatives at next year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Tahiti worked hard to keep the New Zealand attack at bay for almost all of the first half, even despite losing Bradley Ruiz to injury early on, one of three players in the squad with experience playing in the OFC Pro League for Tahiti United.
Just as it looked like they would hold the Junior All Whites scoreless through to half-time though, disaster struck. Dejaun Naidoo powered a dangerous low delivery into the box, which defender Malo Dieugard could only put in the back of his own net under pressure from Victor Barbosa.
Oscar Grosso missed two big chances in quick succession to add to their lead in the second half, forcing back-to-back saves from Nihuau Firiapu, whilst Keahinui Brown came close for Tahiti with a long-range effort that curled inches wide of finding the top-left corner of the net.
Substitute Harley Hill eventually provided the finishing touch for New Zealand in the 79th minute, drawing level with Solomon Islands captain Jayroll Patty atop the Golden Boot standings with his fifth goal of the tournament and New Zealand’s second of the afternoon.
He came close to claiming the Golden Boot outright as well, having a goal ruled out for offside, before having a late spot kick saved by Firiapu.
Two goals were enough for the Kiwis to hold onto the title for the fifth successive edition though, and attention will quickly turn towards FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027™ – the next step for both New Zealand and Tahiti.
Tahiti: 0
New Zealand: 2 (Own Goal 45+4′, Harley HILL 79′)
HT: 0-1
Earlier in the day, the Solomon Islands finished with the bronze medal after defeating New Caledonia 1-0 in the third-place play-off.
Like the two finalists, these two nations had already met at the group stage, and the Solomon Islands replicated their earlier 3-1 success at Samoa Football HQ to finish their OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026 campaign on a high.
Seltia Blake scored the only goal of the game in the 73rd minute, after having the ball laid off for him in the penalty box by player of the match Michael Horikura.
It’s the second edition in a row, and the fourth time overall that the Solomon Islands have finished third at the championship, as well as the seventh consecutive time that New Caledonia have finished inside the top four.
Solomon Islands: 1 (Seltia BLAKE 73′)
New Caledonia: 0
HT: 0-0 …. PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 15 Sep 2026
Defending champions set to meet Drua in Suva
SUVA, 15 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FBC NEWS) —Suva is set for another big night of Super Rugby Pacific action, with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua to host defending champions the Hurricanes at HFC Bank Stadium on 30 April next year.
The 7.35pm kick-off will give Drua fans in the capital a chance to see the reigning champions back on Fijian soil in what is expected to be another highly anticipated clash.
The Hurricanes will be well aware of the threat the Drua pose in Fiji, having lost twice to the Fijian side on their previous visits.
Their most recent defeat came last season when the Drua produced a 25-20 upset in Lautoka, ending the Hurricanes’ unbeaten run and contributing to one of just three losses they suffered throughout their title-winning campaign.
The Drua also defeated the Hurricanes in Suva in 2023, giving the home side plenty of confidence heading into their latest meeting.
The fixture will also take the Drua back to HFC Bank Stadium, where they created history in 2024 with a sell-out crowd.
Drua head coach Brad Mooar says the team is looking forward to welcoming the defending champions to Suva.
“We will kick Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific Round 12 off in style hosting the Hurricanes in front of our passionate and loyal Suva fans. It’s a great opportunity for us at home against the defending champions that we will be right up for. Toso Drua!”
Fans can expect pre-match activities around the stadium before the 7.35pm kick-off, while players from both sides will also be available to meet supporters.
Several Flying Fijians and All Blacks are also expected to feature following the match…..PACNEWS
PAC – ONOC: ONOC MEDIA PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 15 Sep 2026
ONOC International Relations Commission sets strategic direction for Impact, Partnerships and Brisbane 2032
SUVA, 15 SEPTEMBER 2026 (ONOC MEDIA) —The Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) International Relations Commission has concluded its inaugural induction and planning meeting in Suva, setting a clear direction for how international relations, strategic partnerships and sport diplomacy can strengthen Oceania’s voice and deliver greater impact for athletes and National Olympic Committees across the region.
The Commission met over two days, on 05 – 07 September, bringing together members from across Oceania to establish its priorities and develop an initial programme of work.
The meeting confirmed a shared strategic direction aligned with the ONOC Strategic Plan 2025-2028, the ONOC reset agenda, and ONOC’s Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games legacy agenda.
Central to the discussions was the role the Commission can play in developing targeted strategic partnerships and using sport diplomacy to strengthen ONOC’s international engagement, influence and leadership.
Commission Chair and ONOC Executive Board Member Marcus Stephen said the meeting had provided an important opportunity to move from broad ambitions towards clearly defined areas of action.
“The most important thing is that we have identified the areas we want to focus on, including targeted partnerships that will be useful for our movement. We have also identified areas where our work intersects with the work of other ONOC Commissions.”
Stephen, who is also President of the Nauru Olympic Committee, highlighted the value of the Commission’s regional representation, bringing together members from Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia alongside expertise and perspectives from Australia and New Zealand.
He said the diversity and experience within the Commission would be important as it develops its contribution to ONOC’s wider regional agenda.
A major focus of the meeting was the opportunity presented by the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, particularly how ONOC and its partners can work together to ensure the Games generate lasting benefits across Oceania.
Stephen said the Commission’s work must ultimately be measured by the impact it delivers.
“The two things we are looking at are impact and legacy. It is very important that we target results. It is not just a matter of meeting and getting together, we want results, and through those results we leave legacies behind.”
With Brisbane 2032 now six years away, Stephen said the region needed to begin translating the concept of Brisbane as an Oceania Games into practical action.
“We keep saying the Brisbane 2032 Games are regional Games, and it is time we make that happen. If all the Commissions contribute and we put that work together, it can make a big difference to our athletes and our region. That is the impact and legacy we hope to achieve”
Athletes at the centre of the Commission’s work
For Commission member and Melanesia representative Gomara Gorua of Papua New Guinea, the discussions reinforced the importance of ensuring that athletes remain at the centre of the region’s planning and partnerships.
Gorua said Brisbane 2032 provides a significant opportunity to improve access to high-quality training environments and facilities for Pacific athletes as they prepare for the Games.
“We need to use this opportunity with Brisbane to give more of our athletes access to facilities where they can train and prepare themselves for 2032. For many of our athletes, access to the right facilities is a challenge. If we use this opportunity well, I am sure Oceania can do well.”
He also highlighted the importance of looking beyond competition and considering the longer-term legacy for athletes after their sporting careers.
For many Pacific countries, Gorua said, governments remain critical partners in sport, creating opportunities to explore how athletes who have represented their countries can transition into employment and continue contributing to their communities.
“Partnership is very important. For me, it is also about what legacy we leave for the athletes. That is something I want to take back and discuss with government – how we can support athletes beyond competition and recognise the contribution they have made to their country.””
From induction to action
During the two-day programme, the International Relations Commission also examined its intersections with ONOC’s other Commissions and functional areas, identifying opportunities for stronger collaboration, athlete-centred strategic action and greater collective impact.
The Commission explored how coordinated engagement with ONOC partners could help secure lasting Pacific benefits from Brisbane 2032 and identified opportunities to strengthen the region’s international relationships and influence.
The meeting concluded with the development of an initial work plan across four priority action areas, including proposed activities and recommendations that will now be progressed for consideration by the ONOC Executive Board.
The Commission’s next phase will focus on translating those priorities into practical partnerships and initiatives that support ONOC’s strategic objectives, strengthen the international positioning of Oceania’s NOCs, and ensure opportunities created by Brisbane 2032 deliver tangible benefits across the Pacific….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 15 Sep 2026
Bernard lifts trophy one last time with Gurias
PORT MORESBY, 15 SEPTEMBER 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—After 13 years of service, five grand final appearances and two premierships, veteran Konnie Bernard has ended his playing career with the East New Britain Agmark Gurias by lifting the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup one last time.
Bernard was part of the Gurias team that won the 2015 premiership against TNA Simbu Lions, and Sunday he added another title to his name when the Gurias defeated PRK Mendi Muruks 26-14 in the 2026 grand final at the Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby.
The West New Britain native made his debut for the club in 2013 and remained with the franchise through different generations of players, coaches and teams. His career also included five grand final appearances, a place in the 2015 Melanesian Cup campaign and selection in the annual Papua New Guinea Prime Minister’s XIII side.
“Konnie has been a regular face in the Gurias since 2013 when he made his debut, and we both played together,” head coach Wartovo Puara Jr said.
“He’s currently the last man standing of all the other players, including me, who have left or retired from playing.
“I sat with him at the beginning of the season and talked about his future and his plans, and we agreed to everything. So I’m happy that we sent him to retirement with his second premiership title under his name.”
Puara Jr described Bernard as an important leader, “a great leader both on and off the field and, for sure, we did plan to at least send him home with a win”.
“The boys just did it, so I am super proud of all the boys and their efforts.”
Bernard’s final premiership also gives him the rare opportunity to walk away from the game at the top, having helped the Gurias end an 11-year wait for the cup.
“On behalf of the franchise, we wish him luck and all the best in his future with his family,” Puara Jr added…..PACNEWS
NZ – AIMS GAMES: COOK ISLANDS NEWS PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 15 Sep 2026
Record Cook Islands contingent competes at Zespri AIMS Games in New Zealand
TAURANGA, 15 SEPTEMBER 2026 (COOK ISLANDS NEWS)—The Apii Avarua Rip Rugby team won nine of their 12 matches last week at the Zespri AIMS Games in Tauranga, New Zealand.
A record contingent from the Cook Islands took part in the Zespri AIMS Games this year, with five schools from Rarotonga and one from Aitutaki travelling to Tauranga in New Zealand to compete in the annual event.
The AIMS Games is New Zealand’s biggest school sporting tournament, hosted annually in Tauranga. It ran from 5-11 September.
This year saw a record 14,506 entries from 467 schools, including 11 international schools from Australia, the Cook Islands and Fiji. Athletes aged 11-13 competed across 27 sporting codes.
The Cook Islands has been represented at most AIMS Games since Apii Avarua School and Nukutere College first sent badminton players in 2016.
This year, Apii Avarua School sent a Rip Rugby team for the first time, while Nukutere College, Apii Te Uki Ou School, Titikaveka College and Apii Nikao Primary School all had badminton players competing, with Apii Nikao also sending Moeana Matheson as a tennis player.
There were also eight badminton players from Araura College in Aitutaki.
It was the first time the Rarotongan school competed in Rip Rugby at AIMS, finishing 35th in a tough competition with 99 teams.
Coach William Henry Heather said he was impressed with the team’s performance, coming away with mostly wins and only a few losses.
“So, in general, we’re doing pretty good,” he said on the sidelines after one of their matches.
“I couldn’t expect more.”
For many of the Apii Avarua players, this was their first time playing Rip Rugby and their first time competing at AIMS.
“In the islands we don’t have much competition, it’s just us playing against each other, so we were looking for that next excitement overseas, that’s why we thought we’ll put in a team,” coach Heather said ahead of the tournament.
The team worked hard in the lead up to the event, training almost every day, both at school and at their local rugby club.
“Definitely there’s a big change, not just skill wise, also attitude wise and our discipline,” Heather said.
“Quite a lot of them this is their first time, which is actually exciting as well. So, a learning curve for them and also for me as a coach as well.”
He hoped the team would return home to Rarotonga with “that experience from what we’ve learned and hopefully we can grow the sport bigger in the Cook Islands and I’m hoping that we’ll do it as an annual thing to go over every year”.
Apii Avarua team captain Treyvhon Kae, 13, noted the intensity of the matches and said it had been “fun” but also “cold”.
“I love playing rugby and representing my school,” he said. “I will always try my best to help my team.”
Kae said he had enjoyed spending time with his friends as well as meeting new people around the large Bay Oval sports ground in Mount Maunganui.
Raupine Tereapii, 12, acknowledged the positive atmosphere of the tournament and the spirit with which the games were played.
“We have respect for each other, and the teams we’ve been playing so far are being very kind, humble and I love that.”
She was enjoying the experience of getting to play overseas with her friends, “and just enjoying the sport with other teams”.
“When I first knew I was selected to be part of the team, I was very grateful for the opportunity,” Tereapii said.
“It’s my first time playing in this game and it’s not that scary but it’s very competitive.”
Team manager Teumere Koteka-Heather, speaking in the lead up to the event, said getting to Tauranga for the AIMS Games was “a big huge community effort” with a lot of fundraising and parents working together to make it happen. It was all worth it.
“In the long run our kids will get that exposure and that experience and hopefully we’ll be able to turn that into an annual thing.”….PACNEWS
NZ – NETBALL: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 15 Sep 2026
Netball: Former Silver Ferns return to squad ahead of 2027 World Cup
WELLINGTON, 15 SEPTEMBER 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC)—Former Silver Ferns shooters Aliyah Dunn and Te Paea Selby-Rickit are back in the national squad ahead of the 2027 World Cup after several years outside of the national team.
The only new face in an otherwise predictable 2026/2027 Silver Ferns squad is young Tactix defender Laura Balmer, who has earned her first selection after a breakout ANZ Premiership season.
The 18-player squad retains the 12 who won gold at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Dunn has not played for the Silver Ferns in six years, with her four tests coming in 2018. The 26-year-old, who at times fell short of the Silver Ferns fitness requirements, was the most prolific shooter this ANZ Premiership season, and was named as a non-travelling reserve for July’s Commonwealth Games.
Dunn is one of many Silver Ferns who will play overseas next year, with Netball NZ unable to guarantee there would be a professional league in Aotearoa from 2027.
The national body recently announced an overhaul of the elite domestic competition by backing a bid by Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams to establish a private franchise league, but the news came too late for the country’s top players.
Selby-Rickit, who has not made herself available since the 2023 World Cup, also returns to the black dress.
The 34-year-old seems to have gained a new lease on life since joining the Australian netball league. She was recently named as a non-travelling reserve for the Commonwealth Games and will return to the Queensland Firebirds in 2027.
The experienced shooter brings 66 test caps and a wealth of pinnacle event experience to the group.
Balmer, who moved south to the Tactix for 2026, has established herself as one of the competition’s most disruptive in-circle defenders in her first full season at the elite level. The selection caps a rapid rise for Balmer who was part of the New Zealand U21 side that claimed silver at the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup.
Silver Ferns head coach Dame Noeline Taurua said selecting the squad over the last couple of years had become increasingly difficult.
“There is genuine competition for places, and that is exactly what we want as we continue to build the depth within the Silver Ferns programme.”
Taurua has been contracted through to the end of the Constellation Cup, and is in discussions with Netball NZ about her future, with an announcement expected soon.
Taurua has previously said her intention was to remain in charge at the 2027 Netball World Cup.
“This squad has been selected with our eyes firmly on the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney. It is about building from the success of the Commonwealth Games, continuing to grow the game and creating the competition for places we need heading into a World Cup year.
“But it is also bigger than Sydney. We have a group of athletes who have the potential to represent the Silver Ferns across at least two World Cup cycles. That is exciting for the future of the programme and gives us an opportunity to continue building genuine depth and sustained success.”
The Silver Ferns needed to add more defensive power to the wider squad, with Kate Burley recently announcing her retirement. Defender Catherine Hall also faces months of rehabilitation after rupturing her ACL in her right knee at the Commonwealth Games.
Taurua said Balmer had secured her place through the consistency of her performances and ability to play across two positions.
“Laura had an outstanding season with the Tactix and has earned this opportunity. She brings real presence in the circle, has the ability to win ball and has a high work ethic. We’re looking forward to seeing what she can bring into the Silver Ferns environment.”
Taurua said Dunn adds proven scoring power to a shooting circle led by Grace Nweke.
“She is a high-percentage shooter, a strong holding option and has a smart netball brain. She has continued to develop her game and deserves the opportunity to test herself within this environment.
“Having Te Paea back in the Silver Ferns environment is also exciting. She is a 66-Test veteran who understands the demands of international netball and had a strong latter part of the SSN (Suncorp Super Netball) season. Her experience, versatility and understanding of the game add another dimension to the shooting circle.”
Taurua described the squad as an exciting mix of experience and emerging talent.
The Silver Ferns will assemble for training camps in September and October ahead of the Constellation Cup series against opener against Australia on October 18 in Auckland.
The Diamonds head into the series as the world’s top-ranked side and reigning Cup holders, but have not won a test on New Zealand soil since 2021.
2026/2027 Silver Ferns squad
Shooters
Aliyah Dunn
Georgia Heffernan
Grace Nweke
Martina Salmon
Te Paea Selby-Rickit
Amelia Walmsley
Midcourters
Tayla Earle
Maddy Gordon
Kate Heffernan
Kimiora Poi
Mila Reuelu-Buchanan
Peta Toeava
Defenders
Laura Balmer
Karin Burger
Catherine Hall
Kelly Jackson
Parris Mason
Carys Stythe…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 15 Sep 2026
‘Hoping my future at Broncos’: Player of year Willison
BRISBANE, 15 SEPTEMBER 2026 (AAP)—The retention of boom forward Xavier Willison is now a must for Brisbane after he won the Paul Morgan Medal as player of the year.
Towering prop/second-rower Willison confirmed he wanted to stay long-term at the Broncos in a huge boost to the club.
‘I am changing my management company now and I believe everything happens for a reason. I am hoping my future is here at the Broncos,” Willison said.
He was the only Bronco to play all 24 games this season, when he averaged a career high 124m, scored seven tries and was a giant handful for opponents.
In a poor 14th-placed finish for the defending premiers, 24-year-old New Zealand international Willison was the ultimate diamond in the rough and now is a priority re-signing in the wake of star prop Payne Haas’s defection to South Sydney.
The Broncos intend for Willison to be a long-term leader of the pack like Haas and play a key role in filling the substantial void he will leave.
Re-signing Willison, who becomes a free agent on November 1, is a waiting game at the moment as he is in the process of changing management companies and won’t be inking a new deal until that move is complete.
Willison, known as “X’ by fans and teammates alike, has been linked with joining the Ahmad Merhi management stable. AAP understand he has had discussions with Merhi, who also manages Haas.
Willison said a decision on his future would be determined “hopefully not too much longer”
“I am happy to wait,” he said.
“My daughter was born in Brisbane so I would love to stay here and I would love to build my family here.
“The culture between the boys and the staff … we have some of the best connection.
“The people that have won (the Paul Morgan Medal) in the past have been Broncos greats and I have always aspired to be one. It is a huge honour.
“I was looking on the trophy and all I can see is Payne Haas. What he has done for the club is so special. It was so good to learn off him.”
Broncos outside backs, Josiah Karapani and Deine Mariner, both signed with Merhi a fortnight ago after leaving their previous agencies..
Haas has won a club record six player of the year medals, his latest being in 2025.
Forward leader Pat Carrigan, who shared the gong with Haas in 2020, won it solo in 2024.
So it was a glimpse into Brisbane’s hoped-for future when Willison was presented with the prestigious medal, named in honour of late founding director Morgan, in front of more than 800 guests at the The Star in Brisbane on Monday night.
The most asked direct message question by fans to the Broncos on social media this year has been: “When are we re-signing Willison?”
They will have their answer in good time.
PNG would be an option for Willison financially and their entry in 2028 is perfect timing to align with his current contract ending on October 31 next year.
Willison hit his straps last year when he was a key figure in the playoffs, with his try against Penrith in the 16-14 preliminary final win after a barnstorming display a career highlight.
Carrigan (players’ player), Mariner (best back), prop VJ Semu (rookie of the year) and second-rower Jordan Riki (most consistent) were among other key award winners on presentation night……PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 15 Sep 2026
Jordan Petaia back in Wallabies squad for Springboks Perth Test
SYDNEY, 15 SEPTEMBER 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—Former Queensland Reds back Jordan Petaia has been recalled to the Wallabies squad for the one-off Test against the Springboks on September 27 in Perth.
Petaia last pulled on the gold jersey at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, having recently signed for Japanese club Urayasu D-Rocks.
The versatile back left Australian Rugby in 2024 to pursue a dream in the NFL, trialling out for the Los Angeles Chargers. He then joined up with Top 14 side Perpignan, playing 13 games in 2024-25.
Petaia debuted for the Wallabies in 2019 at the World Cup against Uruguay.
Further squad changes after the Argentina series win includes the call-up of Harry McLaughlin-Phillips for a potential debut, replacing Carter Gordon (leg).
McLaughlin-Phillips started for the Force in the Super Rugby AUS opener, kicking the winner for his new side against old side Queensland Reds.
The flyhalf was part of the Australia U20s at the 2023 and 2024 World Rugby U20 Championships, whilst also serving as cover during the Nations Championship.
Reds prop Zane Nonggorr (calf) also returns from injury, swapping with Massimo De Lutiis, with club teammate Jock Campbell officially named after he was a late arrival in Argentina for Dylan Pietsch, who is still on the sidelines.
The squad will assemble in Perth on Friday to face the back-to-back world champions Springboks. South Africa are fresh off a 3-1 series win over New Zealand, sealed with victory in Sunday’s finale in Baltimore.
“We’ve learned a bit more about ourselves as a group over the last four Tests, and we know we still have a lot to work on to get to where we want to be,” Kiss said.
“South Africa have been the benchmark team in World Rugby for a long time, and we’re motivated by the challenge of meeting them in our own backyard in two weeks’ time.”
Wallabies squad for the Fight Centre Series Test against South Africa in Perth (Wallaby number, first Australian Rugby club, Super Rugby Pacific club, Test caps)
Forwards (19)
Allan Alaalatoa (#896, West Harbour Juniors, ACT Brumbies, 93)
Angus Bell (#940, Hunters Hill Rugby Club, NSW Waratahs, 57)
Charlie Cale (#976, Beecroft Junior Rugby Club, ACT Brumbies, 6)
Josh Canham (#987, Harlequin Junior Rugby Club, Queensland Reds, 8)
Tom Hooper (#964, Bathurst Bulldogs, Exeter Chiefs (UK), 24)
Isaac Kailea (#975, Harlequin Junior Rugby Club, NSW Waratahs, 9)
Fraser McReight (#937, Albany Creek Brumbies, Queensland Reds, 46)
Josh Nasser (#979, Easts Rugby (Brisbane), Queensland Reds, 16)
Zane Nonggorr (#966, Gold Coast Eagles, Queensland Reds, 20)
Brandon Paenga-Amosa (#918, Southern Districts, Western Force, 30)
Billy Pollard (#958, Lindfield Junior Rugby Club, ACT Brumbies, 24)
Aidan Ross (#994, Bond University, Queensland Reds, 6)
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (#914, Randwick, Queensland Reds, 47)
Lachlan Shaw (#996, University of Queensland, ACT Brumbies, 4)
Carlo Tizzano (#982, University of Western Australia, Western Force, 16)
Taniela Tupou (#917, Brothers Rugby (Brisbane), Racing 92 (France), 73)
Rob Valetini (#929, Harlequin Junior Rugby Club, ACT Brumbies, 68)
Jeremy Williams (#973, Wahroonga Tigers, Western Force, 32)
Harry Wilson (c) (#933, Gunnedah Red Devils, Queensland Reds, 42)
Backs (15)
Jock Campbell (#959, Inverell Highlanders, Queensland Reds, 6)
Ben Donaldson (#962, Clovelly Eagles, Western Force, 25)
Isaac Henry (#999, Kenmore Bears, Queensland Reds, 4)
Len Ikitau (#944, Tuggeranong Vikings, ACT Brumbies, 54)
Max Jorgensen (#984, Balmain Wolves, NSW Waratahs, 27)
Ryan Lonergan (#993, Tuggeranong Vikings, ACT Brumbies, 12)
Tate McDermott (#936, Flinders Rugby Club, Queensland Reds, 56)
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips (uncapped, Gunnedah Red Devils, Western Force, 0)
Declan Meredith (#997, Barron Trinity Bulls, ACT Brumbies, 3)
Hunter Paisami (#932, Harlequin Junior Rugby Club, Queensland Reds, 38)
Jordan Petaia (#930, Wests Bulldogs, Urayasu D-Rocks (Japan), 31)
Harry Potter (#989, Moorabbin Rams, NSW Waratahs, 15)
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (#988, The Kings School, NSW Waratahs, 23)
Kalani Thomas (#995, Springfield Hawks, Queensland Reds, 2)
Tom Wright (#939, Clovelly Eagles, ACT Brumbies, 50)….PACNEWS
