In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — Lakapi Samoa unhappy with Oceania Sevens cancellation
2. FOOTBALL — Bula Boys reach MSG final
3. FOOTBALL — Oceania’s Future Stars Set for OFC U-15 Boys Development Tournament in Auckland
4. RUGBY — Ratuniyarawa joins Fijian Drua for 2027 Super Rugby season
5. FOOTBALL — Voices of Oceania | Sunil Kumar: The Coach Behind Fiji’s Golden Generation
6. RUGBY LEAGUE — The mother behind the Fijian NRL superstar
7. RUGBY LEAGUE — Prime Minister’s XIII 2026: Everything you need to know
8. RUGBY LEAGUE — Nathan Cleary and Tamika Upton win Dally M Medals
9. RUGBY — Will Genia leads drive against violence
10. RUGBY — Macpherson earns first Wallabies call up as squad confirmed for Bledisloe Cup Series
11. RUGBY — Star centre cleared for Cup action against All Blacks
PAC – RUGBY: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 01 Oct 2026
Lakapi Samoa unhappy with Oceania Sevens cancellation
AUCKLAND, 01 OCTOBER 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC)—Lakapi Samoa is disappointed that the Oceania 7s rugby tournament has been cancelled.
Chief executive Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun told the Samoa Observer in Apia on Tuesday the cancellation will affect the Samoan national sevens teams’ preparation for World Rugby qualification series next year.
Ngau Chun said both the Manu Samoa 7s and Manusina 7s teams were training in Apia for the Rotorua event, initially scheduled for 31 October and 01 November.
Oceania Rugby cancelled the event last Friday, pointing to lack of funding as the main reason for the decision.
“Both teams had already started training and were preparing for the tournament when we were informed of its cancellation,” Ngau Chun told the Samoa Observer.
“It is disappointing for our players, as the tournament would have given them much needed game time against international teams.
“The coaches will now revise their training plans while we look for other matches or tournaments for both teams.”
Both teams are overseen by Lakapi Samoa, which remains listed as Samoa’s member union by World Rugby despite its ongoing dispute with the government and the government’s recognition of a new union.
The event was scheduled for 31 October to 1 November in Rotorua, but Oceania Rugby announced its cancellation last week, two weeks after it had initially announced that the event was being hosted in Rotorua by Bay of Plenty Rugby, in association with New Zealand Rugby.
Oceania Rugby general manager Frank Puletua said in the statement they could not secure funding for the event.
That is despite having 12 months to prepare for the event, as the Oceania 7s is an annual event on the calendar of the regional rugby body.
RNZ Pacific reached out to Puletua today to find out why the organisation had failed to gather funding support when they have had the last 12 months to do that.
Puletua acknowledged in his statement last week that all the other stakeholders such as World Rugby had made its commitments in full, with only Oceania Rugby being unable to live up to its side of the bargain.
Miss out
The event was to have featured eight teams in the Men’s Cup – Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands and Niue.
Five of those unions, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands and Niue, were also going to compete for Oceania’s SVNS 3 qualification places.
The women’s competition had lined up two sections, the Oceania 7s Women’s Cup, doubling as the SVNS 3 qualifier, featuring Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Niue and Solomon Islands, while a six-team International Women’s Invitational would have featured Fiji, New Zealand and Australia together with France, Japan and the United States.
The cancellation now means the teams that need to qualify for the SVNS 3 competition will have to find another way of doing that.
Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Niue and Solomon Islands will also need to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games, through the Oceania event.
That process will be decided at next year’s Oceania 7s, which Puletua and Oceania Rugby are hoping can be staged in Rotorua.
Meanwhile, the Tonga Rugby Union also confirmed today that its two teams, for men and women, were also in training for the Oceania 7s when it was cancelled….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 01 Oct 2026
Bula Boys reach MSG final
SUVA, 01 OCTOBER 2026 (FBC SPORTS) —The Fiji Bula Boys have booked their place in the MSG Cup final after defeating New Caledonia 2-1 in their final pool match.
The home side started strongly, keeping New Caledonia pinned in their own half during the opening 20 minutes.
However, New Caledonia found a gap in Fiji’s defence and took the lead in the 30th minute.
Both sides battled hard over the next 15 minutes, with the score remaining 1-0 as they headed into half-time.
Fiji found their equaliser shortly after the restart, with defender Scott Wara scoring in the 49th minute.
The Bula Boys continued to pile on the pressure and were rewarded in the 66th minute when Maikah Dau found the back of the net to give Fiji a 2-1 lead.
Fiji held firm for the remainder of the match, defending their advantage until the final whistle to secure their place in the MSG Cup final….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: PACNEWS PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 01 Oct 2026
Ratuniyarawa joins Fijian Drua for 2027 Super Rugby season
NADI, 01 OCTOBER 2026 (PACNEWS)—Experienced Nadroga forward and Flying Fijian Manueli Ratuniyarawa has signed with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua ahead of the 2027 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.
The signing gives the former police officer an opportunity to move into professional rugby after several seasons with the Nadroga Stallions in Fiji’s domestic competition.
Ratuniyarawa becomes the first player from Korotogo, Nadroga to join the Drua.
“I am so happy to be given this opportunity to join the Drua, and I’m grateful to the coaches and management for believing in me.
“I never dreamed that one day I would be here and have the opportunity to wear the Drua jersey. It is truly an honour,” Ratuniyarawa said.
The versatile forward can play at lock and across the loose forwards, adding experience to the Drua pack.
Ratuniyarawa recently played for Rugby Club Batumi in Georgia, helping the club win the 2025/26 Georgia Didi 10 Premier competition.
His performances for Nadroga earned him selection for the Flying Fijians squad for the 2020 Autumn Nations Cup in Europe.
He made his Test debut from the bench against Georgia at Murrayfield, helping Fiji to a 38-24 victory. He was also selected for the World Barbarians XV that played England in the same year.
Before establishing himself in international 15s rugby, Ratuniyarawa was involved with the Fiji men’s 7s programme in 2018 and 2019 and later featured on the 2023 Korea Tour.
His rugby career began with village rugby in Nadroga, where his performances earned him an opportunity to play at provincial level.
He went on to establish himself in the Nadroga forward pack and later took on leadership roles as captain and co-captain.
Ratuniyarawa, who has maternal links to Malake in Ra, attended Queen Victoria School before graduating from Fiji National University with a Diploma in Wood Processing and Value Adding.
His move to the Drua marks another step in a rugby career that began in village competition and progressed through provincial, international and overseas rugby.
The Drua said his signing adds further home-grown experience to the squad ahead of the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 01 Oct 2026
Oceania’s Future Stars Set for OFC U-15 Boys Development Tournament in Auckland
AUCKLAND, 01 OCTOBER 2026 (OFC)—The future stars of men’s football in Oceania will take their initial steps on the international stage when the OFC U-15 Boys Development Tournament 2026 kicks off at Ngahue Reserve in Auckland this week.
Six nations will participate in the third edition of the tournament from October 1st-9th played next to OFC’s headquarters at Te Kahu o Kiwa, where just under 100 boys from across the region will be involved.
‘This tournament is a massive opportunity for young players to experience representing their country, leaving their home, and listening to their national anthem, all in a safe environment which has development at the heart of it,” says Owain Prosser, OFC’s Head of High Performance and Education.
New Caledonia, Fiji, Tahiti, Samoa, Cook Islands, and Tonga, will play each other once in a round-robin format, with the team that finishes atop the standings to be crowned continental champions at U-15 age group level. The six nations were welcomed at Te Kahu o Kiwa on Tuesday evening, where all delivered cultural performances.
With the help of the support of UEFA Together, it’s the first time that both the Boys U-15 and Girls U-15s tournament have been held together in the same year
“The support we get from UEFA Together to provide these opportunities is amazing, and it provides much needed exposure for these players,” says Prosser.
First held in 2023, the OFC U-15 Boys Development tournament has previously been won by Tahiti and the Solomon Islands.
This year’s edition comes on the eve of the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival due to start in Azerbaijan on October 24th, where all 11 OFC Member Associations are set to be represented at a FIFA event for the first time.
“The FIFA U-15 World Cup is a very welcome initiative. We feel like it compliments what we’re doing here and provides another opportunity for players to experience representing their country on the international stage.”
“It also provides opportunities for other players to play. What we don’t want to see is a squad of 16 be selected, and those are the only players who ever get looked at again. It creates a wider pool of player development for our member associations.”
With development at its core, the aim is to better prepare the players who may go on to represent their nations both at the FIFA U-15 World Cup, and in future OFC and FIFA youth tournaments.
“Some of these players will go on to play the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship and the FIFA U-17 World Cup, so providing them with this opportunity just prepares them that little bit better.”
“I want everyone to take lots of learnings with regards to how to prepare for matches, how to perform under pressure, and how to reflect on their performances. That’s for everyone involved in the process.”
While the focus in Auckland remains firmly on development, the tournament offers a first glimpse at a generation of players who could represent their nations across Oceania and on the world stage for years to come….PACNEWS
FIJI – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 01 Oct 2026
Voices of Oceania | Sunil Kumar: The Coach Behind Fiji’s Golden Generation
SUVA, 01 OCTOBER 2026 (OFC)—Three consecutive FIFA U-17 World Cup™ qualifications have placed Sunil Kumar at the heart of one of the most successful periods in Fiji’s youth football history.
The Head Coach of the Fiji U-16 and U-17 men’s national teams, as well as Head of Talent Development at Fiji FA, Kumar is helping provide three generations of young Fijian footballers with the opportunity to experience the game at the highest level on the world stage.
“Qualifying for three FIFA U-17 World Cup’s will have a massive impact on the future of football in Fiji,” says Kumar. “Three generations of Fijians will be going to a World Cup, and just being able to participate, can benefit a player mentally and physically.”
Today, Kumar is helping shape the future of Fijian football, but his own story began in the football-mad town of Ba, where he was first introduced to the game that would go on to define his life.
“Anyone from Ba has to love football,” Kumar says. “I enjoyed watching football when I was young. I think it was my dad who first inspired me to go and watch.”
“I used to play youth football for Ba, as well as regional and national youth teams. My interest in the sport grew from there.”
It was under the tutelage of veteran Fijian coach Yogendra Dutt that Kumar thought he could one day coach himself. Dutt was the coach of Fiji’s senior men’s national team in 2010, but coached Kumar when he was a young player growing up in Ba.
“Yogendra taught me a lot of things. He used to inspire me when I saw him coach and taught me how to tie my bootlaces when I was young.”
“He remains an inspiration for me even now and continues to guide and support me in my coaching journey.”
Kumar started coaching when he became a schoolteacher, beginning a journey which saw him lead Ba’s youth team, join the youth national team set-up as an assistant, and eventually be appointed head coach of the U-16 and U-17 national teams. He has also done some coaching at senior level too, for local powerhouse club Ba FC, and to assist with senior Fiji national team training camps.
Drawing on his experience as a schoolteacher, Kumar’s coaching vision is based around the development of character first, ahead of technical skill.
“One of the biggest driving factors of my philosophy is connection before correction. I always believe in connecting with the people, my players, the environment and the culture before I can start with the correction.”
“I always teach my players how to become better people, before they can be better players. I like to teach some of the core values of life like honesty, humility, and respect. I think this is really a key motivator for me and my players.”
There are huge differences between coaching at senior level and age-group level, but ones that Kumar also embraces in his role.
He sees himself as a guardian for his U-16 and U-17 teams, and someone that his players can rely on and trust, even with issues and matters off the pitch.
“They need a lot of attention, guidance, and support, I would say. You can’t just be the coach. You also have to be a teacher, their mother, their father, and their caretaker. You must be a little bit of everything for them.”
The opportunity to lead Fiji to three FIFA U-17 World Cup’s is therefore a source of immense pride for him, and a life-changing experience for the players selected.
He points out Maikah Dau as an example of a player whose exposure to the world stage last year has already hugely benefitted him. Dau was the youngest professional player in the first edition of the OFC Pro League with Bula FC earlier in 2026 and was also recently called up for the senior national team for the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, scoring his first senior international goal in a 3-3 draw with the Solomon Islands in Suva.
“Maikah Dau was the captain for the Under-16 team when we qualified for the World Cup for the first time at OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2024 in Tahiti. This year he was part of the OFC Pro League with Bula FC. You can see the massive difference that having exposure at a higher level at the FIFA U-17 World Cup has had on him.”
Fiji qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 2025 and will appear at the tournament again in 2026 and 2027, after a trio of top three finishes at the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship. They’ll play Spain, Morocco, and China, when they participate in their second consecutive edition of the tournament in Qatar in November this year.
To reach the world stage though, Kumar has had to make a lot of sacrifices. Travelling to coach and compete has meant missing out on significant family time with his wife and two children.
“My wife has always supported me as a coach, and I’ve had to sacrifice a lot of time with her and my kids,” says Kumar. “I also must thank my parents. All my family always support and motivate me.”
For all the time he has given to the sport and the development of Fiji’s next generation of football players, he also reflects on the life that football has given him.
“Football has given me energy in my life. It inspires me every day. It also gives me a reason to live, to perform, and to do better.”
“It has helped me connect with lots of people in different places, who I will call lifelong friends. Football is life. I cannot think of my life without football.”
Now as he prepares to lead Fiji to their second FIFA U-17 World Cup™ in Qatar this November, his hope is that he can inspire many more youngsters to take up the sport of football.
Voices of Oceania
The Voices of Oceania campaign builds on OFC’s celebrations of World Football Day and World Football Giving Day in May 2026, by highlighting the positive change being made in Oceania by football.
Each month OFC will highlight an individual working within one of the region’s member associations, associate members, or communities; to celebrate the impact they have made and demonstrate the Power of Football across Oceania….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY LEAGUE: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 01 Oct 2026
The mother behind the Fijian NRL superstar
SUVA, 01 OCTOBER 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—Sydney Roosters star Mark Nawaqanitawase has been making headlines with his spectacular tries, impressive power and blistering speed.
FBC News met up with Nawaqenitawase’s mum as she shares her son’s story.
From buying football boots one pair at a time to watching her son prepare for an NRL grand final, Fiona Tovehi says the journey has been filled with sacrifice, prayer and pride.
Tovehi says Mark has loved sport since childhood, and the family always did what they could to support his dreams.
She remembers when money was tight, and she had to buy football boots for her children one at a time.
“I couldn’t buy the children all in one go; I would have to tell them each paycheck, then I’d buy, you know, their footy boots. So, and the children were always very good, like, never demanding on that, but yeah, that I’d have to say, I would have to space it out with the purchases”
Mark’s talent emerged early, when he was selected to play first XV rugby for his school while still in Year 10.
Tovehi says she initially opposed his move to the Roosters and Rugby league, knowing the toughness of the game, but eventually gave him her blessing.
She says she still prays before, during and after every game.
Tovehi, who works as a Fiji Airways station manager in Sydney, is currently in Fiji for work but will cut short her stay to return home and watch Mark play in the Grand Final.
“I’ve cut the trip short. I was here for two weeks; I was working for this week and extending for a week’s holiday, but the earliest I can get back is on Friday morning. I can’t miss it”
The 2026 NRL Grand Final will see the Sydney Roosters face the Newcastle Knights at Accor Stadium in Sydney on Sunday, with Roosters winger Mark Nawaqanitawase set to play in his first NRL grand final….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 01 Oct 2026
Prime Minister’s XIII 2026: Everything you need to know
SYDNEY/PORT MORESBY, 01 OCTOBER 2026 (NRL)—The Prime Minister’s XIII weekend is upon us and there there will be four massive games to look forward to with plenty of pride on the line.
The annual event showcases some of the rising talent from the 2026 NRL and NRLW seasons, as well as emerging talents from across the schools competitions and academy programs in the junior games.
This year, all games will be played at Santos Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Saturday, October 3 with kick-off times as follows.
Australian Schoolgirls v PNG Junior Orchids select side – 9am
Australian Schoolboys v PNG Junior Kumuls select side – 10.30am
Australian Women’s Prime Minister’s XIII v Papua New Guinea Prime Minister’s XIII Women – 12.15pm
Australian Men’s Prime Minister’s XIII v Papua New Guinea Prime Minister’s XIII Men – 2.05pm
The squad lists for the 2026 fixtures are listed below:
The updated 2026 Australian Men’s Prime Minister’s XIII squad:
1. Jaxon Purdue
2. Nick Meaney
3. Tom Chester
4. David Fifita
5. Braidon Burns
6. Ezra Mam
7. Lachlan Galvin
8. Toby Couchman
9. Billy Walters
10. Thomas Hazelton
11. Ryan Couchman
12. Hamish Stewart
13. Josh Curran
14. Owen Pattie
15. Jock Madden
16. Tallyn Da Silva
17. Kurtis Morrin
18. Josh Kerr
19. Alex Seyfarth
20. Jamal Fogarty
Coach: Ben Te’o
The 2026 Australian Women’s Prime Minister’s XIII squad:
Ahlivia Ingram – St George Illawarra Dragons
Andie Robinson – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Bree Chester – North Queensland Cowboys
China Polata – Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Chloe Jackson – Parramatta Eels
Georgia Hannaway – Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Jacinta Carter – Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Jada Taylor – Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Jasmin Morrissey – Parramatta Eels
Kasey Reh – St George Illawarra Dragons
Khyliah Gray – Parramatta Eels
Lucy Spain – Newcastle Knights
Montana Clifford – St George Illawarra Dragons
Rory Owen – Parramatta Eels
Ruby-Jean Kennard-Ellis – St George Illawarra Dragons
Tahlia O’Brien – St George Illawarra Dragons
Taneka Todhunter – Parramatta Eels
Tayla Preston – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Tess McWilliams – Parramatta Eels
Tori Shipton – St George Illawarra Dragons
Coach: Jess Skinner
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister’s XIII Men
1. Sanny Wabo – PNG Hunters
2. Chris Benjamin – ENB Gurias
3. Stanford Talita – Western Clydesdales
4. Jayden Numapo – Kandes RLC
5. Bruce Bawase – PNG Hunters
6. Victor Ario – Mendi Muruks
7. Francis Sam – Mendi Muruks
8. Koso Bandi – PNG Hunters
9. Stanza Tandoa – Kandes RLC
10. Sylvester Namo – PNG Hunters
11. Murray Connors – PNG Hunters
12. Jacob Taulani – Newcastle Knights
13. Ila Alu – PNG Hunters
14. Emmanuel Alfred – ENB Gurias
15. Xavier Turi – Hela Wigmen
16. Jordan Pat – Mt Hagen Eagles
17. Modekai Waim – Enga Mioks
18. Dou Tapako – Mendi Muruks
19. Lote Kuman – Hela Wigmen
20. Jeremiah Ben – Port Moresby Vipers
Coach: Wellington Albert
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister’s XIII Women
1. Alice Alois – Port Moresby Vipers
2. Anika Butler – Maitland Pickers
3. Belinda Gwasamun – Mt Hagen Eagles
4. Cynthia Peters – ENB Gurias
5. Doreen William – Lae Tigers
6. Gemma Schnaubelt – Western Clydesdales
7. Gian Kaupa – Lae Tigers
8. Jafinda Sap – Central Dabaris
9. Ivania Wong – ACT Brumbies
10. Jacinta Gerry – Mt Hagen Eagles
11. Jenny David – Brisbane Tigers
12. Josephine Howard – Central Dabaris
13. Joyce Hobert – Port Moresby Vipers
14. Lila Malabag – Port Moresby Vipers
15. Mala Mark – Central Dabaris
16. Ruth Gende – Port Moresby Vipers
17. Sareka Mooka – Northern Pride
18. Ua Ravu – South Sydney
19. Sherinda Philip – Central Dabaris
20. Mya Muller – Penrith Panthers
Coach: Cathy Neap
The Australian Schoolboys squad
Liam Martin
Cyrus Bloomfield
William Manning
Callum Elsley
Cornelius Pupualii
Chase Butler
Liam Challenor
Steven Nunn
Jai Bilish
Jamie Curran
Curtis Mulherin
Kalani Patu
Charlie Xuereb
Jireh-Trey Stewart
Cooper Townsend
Cordell Arama
Hayden Bell
Riley Rostron
Head coach: Adam Sargent-Wilson
Assistant coach: David Ackers
The Australian Schoolgirls squad
Harmony Taupau
Eboni Heurea
Halo Matthews
Aaliyah Boga
Lacey McLaren
Mamele Misa
Gloria Isaraelu
Emilee George
Lilianah Lewis
Shar-Lene Nati
Macey Lahrs
Isabella Bell
Rubie Drake-Brockman
Kewa Kuhuroa
Sienna Sullivan
Lahni Moore
Anastasia Leatupue
Tanya Kavapalu
Head coach: Elle Moss
Assistant coach: Nikkita Cox
PNG Junior Kumuls select side
1. Araga Eresi – Port Moresby Vipers
2. Ellyjeh Brive – Panthers
3. Geordan Amaiu – Raiders
4. Gibson Karini – Central Dabaris
5. Issac Paun – Mt Hagen Eagles
6. Jack Gasey – Goroka Lahanis
7. James Ken – Port Moresby Vipers
8. Jason Daniel – Mt Hagen Eagles
9. Joseph Martin – Kandes
10. Manase Watt – Port Moresby Vipers
11. Manua Dau – Cowboys
12. Manuel John – Mt Hagen Eagles
13. Nathaniel Apa – Mt Hagen Eagles
14. Otto Thomas – Goroka Lahanis
15. Philape Miale – Kandes
16. Remexson Jocky – Port Moresby Vipers
17. Tai Kapaith – Mabel Park State High School
18. Taufa Taulani – Dolphins
Coach: Joe Grima
PNG Junior Orchids select side
1. Angela Nane – Northern Pride
2. Bridgit Movoa – Central Dabaris
3. Christine Raim – Port Moresby Vipers
4. Daniella Max – Mt Hagen Eagles
5. Georgina Michael – Port Moresby Vipers
6. Jafita Ropra – Goroka Lahanis
7. Janique Mili – Pine Central Hornets
8. Jarishama Fonataba – ENB Gurias
9. Kala Kup – Mt Hagen Eagles
10. Linda Daure – Central Dabaris
11. Lucy Kodana – Central Dabaris
12. Martha Wal – Mt Hagen Eagles
13. Meriso Jomino – Goroka Lahanis
14. Miharna Artango – Northern Pride
15. Miriam Ekinye – Port Moresby Vipers
16. Miriam Sailas – Port Moresby Vipers
17. Sheteyah Han – Wynnum Manly Seagulls
18. Ukeray Sabumei – Goroka Lahanis
Coach: Godfrey Luke….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 01 Oct 2026
Nathan Cleary and Tamika Upton win Dally M Medals
SYDNEY, 01 OCTOBER 2026 (NRL)—Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers) and Tamika Upton (Brisbane Broncos) have been crowned the 2026 Dally M Medal winners.
Cleary won his first Dally M Medal in a glittering ceremony at The Cutaway, Barangaroo, lastnight, while Upton was crowned the female champion for the third time just days out from a Grand Final appearance.
Cleary won by 14 points from Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks halfback Braydon Trindall (53 points), and Cleary’s teammate Dylan Edwards (52 points).
Upton (31 points), polled six points in the penultimate round and then one point in Round 11 to beat Wests Tigers’ Raecene McGregor (29 points).
“Rugby League has enjoyed another record-breaking season, with record attendances, highest ever number of viewers on our Broadcast platforms and more participating than ever before,” ARLC Executive Chairman Peter V’landys AM said.
“Our players deserve all the credit. Week after week, they have delivered the skill, courage and fierce competition that makes our game so compelling and powerful.
“To all our winners, congratulations. These honours recognise exceptional achievement, but also the years of hard work, sacrifice and determination behind it. You should be immensely proud of what you have accomplished and what you have given your teammates, your clubs and your supporters.”
NRL Grand Finalist Sydney Roosters had two players in the Dally M Team of the Year; Centre of the Year Robert Toia and Prop of the Year Naufahu Whyte.
Cleary’s Penrith Panthers boasted three players in the Dally M Team of the Year; Cleary, Fullback of the Year Dylan Edwards and Winger of the Year Thomas Jenkins.
South Sydney Rabbitohs’ Jai Arrow won two awards, the Provan-Summons Medal, and the Peter Frilingos Headline Moment.
Arrow’s South Sydney Rabbitohs teammate Alex Johnston capped a stellar season, sharing the Ken Irvine Medal for top tryscorer, alongside the Panthers’ Thomas Jenkins, while also taking out the award for Try of the Year.
2026 NRL Telstra Women’s Premiership Grand Finalists Sydney Roosters (Winger Brydie Parker, Centres Isabelle Kelly and Jess Sergis, Prop Millie Elliott, Hooker Keeley Nizza and Lock Olivia Kernick) dominated the NRLW Team of the Year. Fellow Grand Finalists Brisbane Broncos earned two members in the Team of the Year; fullback Tamika Upton and winger Julia Robinson….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 01 Oct 2026
Will Genia leads drive against violence
PORT MORESBY/LAE, 01 OCTOBER 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Papua New Guinea rugby union clubs in Morobe can be used to promote respect, positive masculinity and the prevention of family and sexual violence, says former Wallabies captain Will Genia.
Genia outlined the possibility during a visit to Lae, where he met representatives of Femili PNG and Family and Sexual Violence (FSV) services to discuss using rugby union to address social issues affecting families and young people.
The Papua New Guinea-born rugby icon was accompanied by Morobe Rugby Union president Lionel Kamiak.
Genia is an ambassador for the Bank of Papua New Guinea and is using his profile in sport to promote messages around family wellbeing, gender equality, respect and the prevention of violence. Their discussions focused on how rugby union clubs, players, coaches and administrators could become platforms for delivering awareness in communities.
Messages could include respect for women, men and children, rejecting family and sexual violence, responsible leadership, healthy relationships, peaceful families and encouraging people to speak up and seek help when violence occurs.
Kamiak said rugby had a large community reach that could be used to influence positive behaviour.
“Rugby is more than just a game. Every weekend we have men, women and young people coming together through our clubs and competitions. We have an opportunity to use that platform to educate, influence and create positive change,” he said.
Kamiak said MRU was prepared to work with Femili PNG, government agencies, BPNG and other community organisations to develop programmes that could be delivered through rugby.
“We want our players to understand that being a good rugby player also means being a good person, a good family member and a responsible member of the community. We want our clubs to become places where young people learn respect, discipline and leadership,” he said.
Femili PNG provides case-management support to survivors of family and sexual violence and assists them to access services including police, medical, legal and safe accommodation support.
The discussions also considered using schools, women’s rugby, youth competitions, coaches, referees and community rugby activities to reach more people across Morobe.
Genia, who was born in Papua New Guinea and moved to Brisbane with his family at 12, played 110 Tests for Australia between 2009 and 2019.
He represented the Wallabies at three Rugby World Cups and captained Australia three times.
His visit highlighted the potential for sporting figures and rugby organisations to use their influence beyond competition and contribute to community awareness and leadership….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 01 Oct 2026
Macpherson earns first Wallabies call up as squad confirmed for Bledisloe Cup Series
SYDNEY, 01 OCTOBER 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—Goondiwindi junior Toby Macpherson has been called into his first Wallabies squad, named as one of a 34-man squad for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup Series against New Zealand.
Born in Dubbo, and raised in Goondiwindi, the 22-year-old, who can play both lock and back row has been rewarded for his strong performances in Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby AUS for the ACT Brumbies.
He replaces Tom Hooper in the group, who has returned to the UK and his club side Exeter with the Wallabies next two Tests falling outside World Rugby’s Regulation 9 window.
The same goes for France-based Taniela Tupou, with Wallaby #1000 Massimo de Lutiis recalled to the squad.
Inside centre Hunter Paisami has been named, with his availability subject to the outcome of a Disciplinary Committee Hearing tonight following his yellow card in the dying stages of the team’s win over South Africa in Perth. Should Paisami be unavailable, Jock Campbell will be brought into the group.
The versatile Filipo Daugunu who can cover multiple positions has also been recalled after fully recovering from a minor knee issue.
Wallaby number 953 Nick Frost has been called in as injury cover for Josh Canham who is still managing a minor hamstring strain he picked up in Perth.
Elsewhere the group, which is made up of 19 forwards and 15 backs, remains consistent from those who have been selected over the past five Tests by Les Kiss and the Wallabies coaches.
The group will assemble in Auckland on Sunday before the first Test against New Zealand at Eden Park next Saturday.
Wallabies Head Coach Les Kiss said: “It’s pleasing to keep the core of our squad together for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup Series against New Zealand.”
“They’re a motivated playing group who take pride in representing the gold jersey and each other, but we know Auckland is a huge challenge that will demand we be at our best.”
Wallabies squad for the Bledisloe Cup Series against New Zealand (Wallaby number, first Australian Rugby club, Super Rugby Pacific club, Test caps)
Forwards (19)
Allan Alaalatoa (#896, West Harbour Juniors, ACT Brumbies, 94)
Angus Bell (#940, Hunters Hill Rugby Club, NSW Waratahs, 58)
Josh Canham (#987, Harlequin Junior Rugby Club, Queensland Reds, 8)
Nick Champion de Crespigny (#99, Canberra Grammar School, Western Force, 5)
Massimo De Lutiis (#1000, Surfers Paradise Dolphins, Queensland Reds, 3)
Isaac Kailea (#975, Harlequin Junior Rugby Club, NSW Waratahs, 9)
Toby Macpherson (uncapped, Goondiwindi Junior Emus, ACT Brumbies, 0)
Fraser McReight (#937, Albany Creek Brumbies, Queensland Reds, 47)
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, 31)
Billy Pollard (#958, Lindfield Junior Rugby Club, ACT Brumbies, 25)
Aidan Ross (#994, Bond University, Queensland Reds, 7)
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (#914, Randwick, Queensland Reds, 48)
Lachlan Shaw (#996, University of Queensland, ACT Brumbies, 5)
Carlo Tizzano (#982, University of Western Australia, Western Force, 17)
Rob Valetini (#929, Harlequin Junior Rugby Club, ACT Brumbies, 69)
Jeremy Williams (#973, Wahroonga Tigers, Western Force, 33)
Harry Wilson (c) (#933, Gunnedah Red Devils, Queensland Reds, 43)
Backs (15)
Filipo Daugunu (#931, Wests Bulldogs, Queensland Reds, 24)
Ben Donaldson (#962, Clovelly Eagles, Western Force, 26)
Isaac Henry (#999, Kenmore Bears, Queensland Reds, 4)
Len Ikitau (#944, Tuggeranong Vikings, ACT Brumbies, 55)
Max Jorgensen (#984, Balmain Wolves, NSW Waratahs, 28)
Ryan Lonergan (#993, Tuggeranong Vikings, ACT Brumbies, 13)
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, 39)
Jordan Petaia (#930, Wests Bulldogs, Urayasu D-Rocks (Japan), 31)
Harry Potter (#989, Moorabbin Rams, NSW Waratahs, 16)
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (#988, The Kings School, NSW Waratahs, 25)
Kalani Thomas (#995, Springfield Hawks, Queensland Reds, 2)
Tom Wright (#939, Clovelly Eagles, ACT Brumbies, 51)
Injury Cover
Nick Frost (#953, Hornsby Lions, ACT Brumbies, 38)
Wallabies vs New Zealand, 5:10pm AEDT on Saturday October 10 at Eden Park, Auckland
Wallabies vs New Zealand, 3:45pm AEDT on Saturday October 17 at Accor Stadium, Sydney …. PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 01 Oct 2026
Star centre cleared for Cup action against All Blacks
SYDNEY, 01 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—Game-breaking centre Len Ikitau has been included in the Wallabies’ Bledisloe Cup squad, bolstering hopes of a breakthrough series win over the All Blacks.
Ikitau, who scored two tries in Australia’s gutsy win over the world champion Springboks last Sunday, appeared unlikely to play after limping off with an ankle injury.
But the reigning John Eales medallist has been included in a 34-man squad that will travel to Auckland for the October 10 match, with the second Test a week later in Sydney.
A question mark remains over his centre partner Hunter Paisami, who is challenging a dangerous tackle sanction in front of the SANZAAR Disciplinary Committee.
Jock Campbell is on stand-by if Paisami’s appeal fails while another Queenslander, the versatile Filipo Daugunu has also been recalled after fully recovering from a minor knee issue.
Australia’s squad includes a debutant in 22-year-old forward Toby Macpherson, who made his Super Rugby Pacific debut this season, playing 10 matches for the Brumbies.
The former Australian under 20s captain, who hails from Queensland border town Goondiwindi, replaces Tom Hooper in the squad.
With the Test falling outside the international window, Hooper has returned to his UK club while prop Taniela Tupou is back in France with Massimo de Lutiis his replacement.
Nick Frost has been called in as injury cover for Josh Canham, who is still managing a minor hamstring strain picked up at training in Perth.
Despite the Wallabies’ impressive recent form – unbeaten in five Tests under new coach Les Kiss – they will be rank outsiders at Eden Park.
Now coached by former Wallabies mentor Dave Rennie, New Zealand haven’t lost to Australia at Eden Park since 1986, or to any other Test side since 1994.
With only two matches in the series, if the Wallabies lose there the All Blacks retain the Cup for a 24th consecutive year.
Kiss said he was happy to mostly keep continuity in his playing group for the formidable battle.
“It’s pleasing to keep the core of our squad together for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup Series against New Zealand,” he said.
“They’re a motivated playing group who take pride in representing the gold jersey and each other, but we know Auckland is a huge challenge that will demand we be at our best.”
Wallabies: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Josh Canham, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Massimo De Lutiis, Isaac Kailea, Toby Macpherson, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Lachlan Shaw, Carlo Tizzano, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson, Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Isaac Henry, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Ryan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Declan Meredith, Hunter Paisami, Jordan Petaia, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Kalani Thomas, Tom Wright…PACNEWS
