In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY LEAGUE — Tonga settle on spine for World Cup ‘Game of Death’
2. RUGBY — Mark Nawaqanitawase’s Wallabies future thrown into doubt as he considers switch of allegiance at international level
3. RUGBY LEAGUE — Will be great for us’: Suaalii welcomes Nawaqanitawase
4. FOOTBALL — Tuvalu pushing hard for full OFC membership after 20 years as an associate
5. RUGBY LEAGUE — Mate Ma’a Tonga’s 40-year legacy lives on through generations
6. FOOTBALL — Match Officials in American Samoa mark historic milestone
7. RUGBY — Samoa excited for inclusion of ex-All Blacks ahead of World Cup run-in
8. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG Chiefs confirm Toyota Tsusho (PNG) Ltd as automotive partner
9. RUGBY LEAGUE — Dominant Australia favourites to land 13th World Cup despite threat from Pacific islands
10. RUGBY LEAGUE — How NRL’s Super League bid could revive a fallen giant
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 14 Oct 2026
Tonga settle on spine for World Cup ‘Game of Death’
SYDNEY, 14 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—Tonga will field an explosive bench and a new-look spine in a World Cup opening clash with England that could well spell tournament doom for the loser.
In World Cups of various codes there are often “groups of death” but the clash in Perth on Saturday night has a “game of death” feel about it.
The two sides are in separate pools of three and will be part of what is a virtual “super six” where the top two teams from their pools will go through to the semi-finals.
Tonga plays England, Lebanon and Samoa in the three games while England lines up against Tonga, PNG and France.
For and against will be used to rank the teams but if they are on the same points they will be split on a head-to-head basis. If England and Tonga were to finish in equal second on four points each for argument’s sake then the winner of the clash in Perth would knock the loser out.
Tonga coach Kristian Woolf has named Manly outside back Lehi Hopoate at fullback, Wests Tigers playmaker Latu Fainu at No.6 and North Queensland rake Soni Luke at No.9 alongside Dolphins star half Isaiya Katoa.
The coach has kept Huddersfield five-eighth Tui Lolohea, veteran of 20 Tonga Test matches, at No.18 on an extended bench.
Woolf has been known to make late switches with his Dolphins teams in the NRL but at this stage Fainu, who has played just one Test in 2023, has the starting No.6 gig.
The powerful bench includes Warriors weapons Leka Halasima and Demitric Vaimauga, Melbourne prop Stefano Utoikamanu and rising Sydney Roosters star Salesi Foketi.
Foketi joins fellow Roosters grand final heroes Robert Toia (centre) and Siua Wong (second-row) in the team.
“Salesi has played for a Tonga B side but he hasn’t played for Tonga before,” Woolf told AAP.
“We need some young guys who are on the up and bring that enthusiasm and those three have that hunger and athleticism that comes with young players.
“They have had outstanding seasons and they were great in the grand final.”
Woolf said he was looking forward to injecting Halasima and Vaimauga for impact.
‘Both those Warriors guys are better after an extra year of experience and the confidence that comes with that,” Woolf said
“That is certainly the case with Leka. Whether he is at centre or back-row he can make a real impact. We will figure out where we think he can make the biggest impact.”
Woolf said Fainu was “an exciting young half on the up” but did not discount utilising Lolohea in the tournament.
“Tui has always done the job for us before,” he said.
“You go back to games where we have beaten New Zealand, Australia and Great Britain and it is no coincidence that Tui has been a part of all those wins.
“He has the experience and know how to get it done.
“This will be his third World Cup so that will be invaluable for us,” he said…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: PLANET RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 14 Oct 2026
Mark Nawaqanitawase’s Wallabies future thrown into doubt as he considers switch of allegiance at international level
SYDNEY, 14 OCTOBER 2206 (PLANET RUGBY)—High profile code hopper Mark Nawaqanitawase will not be in action for the Wallabies during their upcoming Tests in the United Kingdom and he could also swap allegiance at Test level.
According to Nawaqanitawase’s agent Milan Volavola-Shankar, the former Sydney Roosters star has informed Rugby Australia that he is unavailable for the Wallabies’ away Nations Championship clashes against England, Scotland and Wales.
Apart from that, the 26-year-old winger is also considering playing for Fiji, who he qualifies for through his biological father, while he is also eligible to represent Italy in the international arena.
“Mark will not be available for international rugby this year,” his agent Volavola-Shankar told Code Sports. “He informed (Wallabies coach) Les Kiss of his decision in July, and Rugby Australia has also been notified.
“Mark’s immediate focus is on his next chapter in Japan, where he will join the Panasonic Wild Knights and concentrate on settling into the club environment and preparing for the season ahead.
“As of August next year, Mark will have completed his three-year international stand-down period. With his heritage making him eligible to represent both Italy and Fiji, he remains open to all options regarding his international future.
“At this stage, Mark’s priority is establishing himself in Japan and continuing to develop his rugby, with any future international decisions to be considered at the appropriate time.”
Nawaqanitawase’s agent is the brother of veteran Fiji fly-half Ben Volavola.
Wallabies head coach Les Kiss told reporters during a press conference in Auckland last week that he has not been in contact with Nawaqanitawase recently, after the flyer scored a brace of tries in the Roosters’ 19-18 win over the Newcastle Knights in the NRL grand final earlier this month.
“I haven’t heard back from him yet, but we’ll see,” said Kiss.
“I’ll just let it settle for this week and then have some conversations and see where it goes. I won’t know (if he will tour) until I chat to him. I had one chat to him in the early part of the season then said I’d leave him alone.
“I did text him during State of Origin and said ‘don’t play well against Queensland’. I’ve kept a clear mind on that part, but he’s obviously flavour of the month, for sure.”
Winning the NRL title with the Roosters meant Nawaqanitawase finished his two-year stint in the 13-a-side code in style. He also won a State of Origin series with the New South Wales Blues earlier this year, represented Australia at international level and was named as the NRL’s Dally M Winger of the Year in 2025.
Nawaqanitawase represented the Wallabies in 11 Tests between 2022 and 2023 and was also in action for Australia’s sevens team at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 14 Oct 2026
Will be great for us’: Suaalii welcomes Nawaqanitawase
SYDNEY, 14 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—Wallabies superstar Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii wants Mark Nawaqanitawase on the spring tour and is welcoming the selection threat his fellow code-hopper will pose on his return to rugby.
Nawaqanitawase is the most talked about talent in either game after crowning his spectacular two-season stint in the NRL with a game-breaking two-try haul in the Sydney Roosters’ 19-18 grand final triumph over Newcastle.
Unless he opts for a shock allegiance switch to either lesser lights Italy or Fiji, who he is also eligible to play for through his grandmother and father respectively, the dual international shapes as a genuine rival to Suaalii for a Wallabies wing spot at next year’s World Cup in Australia.
First-year Wallabies coach Les Kiss shifted Suaalii from the centres for last week’s Bledisloe Cup I loss to the All Blacks in Auckland.
As well as Nawaqanitawase, Kiss will be trying to find room in the Wallabies backline next year for fellow Roosters premiership winner and one-time Australian schoolboys centre Angus Crichton, an ex-teammate of Suaalii.
Rather than fear for his own spot, Suaalii says bring the challenge on and reckons having Nawaqanitawase and Crichton on deck can “100 per cent” only boost Australia’s World Cup chances.
“The more internal competition we have, the better our team’s going to be,” he said after Wallabies training in Sydney on Tuesday.
“For Marky and Gussie to come across, and Gussie coming to the Waratahs, he’ll be a great addition for us.
“Then also Marky’s skill set, you’ve seen what he’s done over in NRL. He was great. Not many people have done what he’s done in the game for two years.
“Watching him from afar, he did things that not many people can do. For him to come and bring that over here, it will be great for us.”
Suaalii is so eager to have Nawaqanitawase in the Wallabies’ ranks that he hopes Kiss is able to convince the 26-year-old to change his mind and make the four-Test November tour of the UK.
Nawaqanitawase officially finishes his contract with the Roosters on October 31 to join the Saitama Wild Knights and said last month that he was committed to taking a holiday with family and friends before linking with his Japanese club.
“Having that respect just to start up a new club and find my feet there,” he said.
“It’ll be my first time living out of home, so I just get my head around cooking for myself, working out how things work around the house.”
Kiss said last week he planned to speak with Nawaqanitawase and Suaalii welcomed the prospect of the freakish talent being available ASAP for the Wallabies.
“You want your best players here,” Suaalii said.
“We brough Jordan (Petaia) over from Japan. He’s been a great addition for us as a group. You want your best players training, playing. Yeah, we’re one year to the World Cup now, so each game’s very important. We know what it does each week.
“But Les is the man who makes the call.”
Kiss’s more immediate call will be whether or not to make any changes to his side walloped 50-19 in Auckland, leaving the Wallabies to surrender the Bledisloe Cup for a 23rd straight year ahead of Saturday’s return bout in Sydney on Saturday night…PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: ABC PACIFIC PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 14 Oct 2026
Tuvalu pushing hard for full OFC membership after 20 years as an associate
FUNAFUTI, 14 OCTOBER 2026 (ABC PACIFIC)—It’s been more than 20 years since a new nation was last admitted as a full member of the Oceania Football Confederation.
Tuvalu have been battling away for a lot longer than that for a place at the top table, but they are optimistic that 2027 could be their year, with a crucial vote scheduled for March at the next OFC Congress.
Meanwhile Kiribati have also given OFC a nudge after they were invited to compete in Fiji’s Interstate Championship and won!
The Tuvalu Islands FA believe they have delivered all that OFC has asked of them in order to earn promotion, but some late changes to the regulations won’t make their mission any easier. …PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: PMN PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 14 Oct 2026
Mate Ma’a Tonga’s 40-year legacy lives on through generations
AUCKLAND, 14 OCTOBER 2026 (PMN)—Four decades after Mate Ma’a Tonga first took the field, former players and supporters have gathered in West Auckland to honour the people who built a rugby league legacy that continues to connect Tongans across generations and borders.
The 40th-anniversary celebrations on Saturday and Sunday brought together the Mate Ma’a Tonga Old Boys Association, with a programme of All Stars matches and a gala dinner recognising pioneers from the team’s foundation years between 1986 and 1994.
Held at The Trusts Arena (Waitakere Stadium), the event looked back at the early years while celebrating the pride, unity and connection to Tonga that the team has carried through generations.
Speakers at the event said Mate Ma’a Tonga was never meant to be just about the players on the field.
They said MMT’s founders saw rugby league as a way to strengthen Tongan identity and help younger generations growing up in Aotearoa stay connected to their language, customs and traditions.
“When I look back where we start to where we’re at now, it was common for our elders at the time, our Tongan leaders, to gather around at Māngere and Raglan Street and would sit in the garage, but, you know, as younger kids, we’d more listen than be part of the conversation,” one speaker said.
Watch former MMT players and their families and friends celebrate the team’s 40th anniversary in Auckland last weekend.
“It wasn’t just about rugby league,” he said, adding that the early leaders wanted to use sport to keep Tongan identity strong as the community grew in New Zealand.
“They were talking about how can we use the vehicle of rugby league and sport to keep and retain our strength and our Tongan identity for a while.”
Another speaker said the movement belonged to the wider community, not just the players who represented Tonga. “It was never about a small, you know, a team. It was always bigger. It’s about a country.”
Willie Wolfgramm, association leader and pioneer, helped lead the commemoration which also received congratulations from Tonga’s King Tupou VI.
In a statement, the association thanked the King for acknowledging the milestone and reflecting on the values that have sustained the movement.
“With humble hearts, we would like to publicly express our gratitude to His Majesty, King Tupou VI, for congratulating the Mate Ma’a Tonga Old Boys Association on its 40th Anniversary milestone.
“Forty years later, we received this heartfelt letter from His Majesty King Tupou VI, reminding us that, with God at the centre of all we do, hard work and unity give us the power to inspire generations to come.
“We thank everyone who participated in and contributed to this year’s celebrations, and we wish our current Tongan rugby league team the very best at the upcoming Rugby League World Cup,” the association said.
The King also paid tribute to the players who first represented Tonga in 1986 and the generations who have followed them.
“40 years ago, the first Mate Ma’a Tonga Rugby team took to the field, representing Tonga with an unwavering level of passion, resilience and dedication.
“Such performance has continued to inspire many of the young generation throughout the past 4 decades,” the King said in a statement.
The celebrations also come just days before the 2026 Rugby League World Cup kicks off on Thursday, 15 October with matches being played across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
Tonga’s men are in Pool C alongside Papua New Guinea and France, and begin their campaign against England at HBF Park in Perth on Saturday, 17 October. They will also face Lebanon before meeting Pacific rivals Toa Sāmoa in their final pool-stage match on 1 November.
For many supporters, the team means more than what happens on the field. One fan told PMN News their red and white colours represent a shared identity while the players’ national jerseys offer a visible connection to their homeland for families growing up far from Tonga.
The weekend’s gathering honoured those who helped establish that and the generations who have kept it alive, from former players to young fans looking towards the next chapter.
Forty years on, the message from the Old Boys Association and the King was clear: the legacy built by the pioneers belongs to the generations still to come…..PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 14 Oct 2026
Match Officials in American Samoa mark historic milestone
PAGOPAGO, 14 OCTOBER 2-26 (OFC)—Five match officials have taken a significant step forward in their refereeing journey after being presented their OFC Referee badge, signifying a historic milestone for the Football Federation American Samoa (FFAS).
The presentation marked of the FIFA MA Referee course delivered by FIFA Referee Instructor Rakesh Varman and FIFA Fitness Instructor Siuta Tavake of Tonga, with James Taito, Tavita Kaio, Iliui Williams, Mckayla Tua and Irae Moatoga becoming the first officials from FFAS to earn their OFC badge.
“It was a surreal feeling for them and for myself, it’s been years of pushing them and advising them that as a referee they can make a career out of it,” FFAS Referee Development Manager Sione Mau said. “Without the support and commitment to developing match officials here in American Samoa, this wouldn’t be possible.”
With the recent success of their national women’s team during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Qualifiers, Mau praises the achievement for giving more exposure to the talent in American Samoa.
“Not only our players get to achieve international recognition, but now our match officials also get the same thing. Now they’re like a role model for all our other officials,” Mau said.
“If you’re not qualified as a national team player, this is another way for you.”
OFC Head of Refereeing Kevin Stoltenkamp was pleased with the persistence of the referees, praising their commitment to years of hard work.
“To finally have officials who meet the criteria, although we bring them every year to try and get them, it’s that consistency,” he said.”If you work hard, you will get the reward.”
“When you get the badge, you know you can progress. So that’s it, we want people to work towards getting their badge.”
Stoltenkamp explained that the badge is designed to give officials something tangible to strive for. Earning their OFC Referee badge, they now open themselves up to a progression of OFC tournaments can attend.
“For us it’s the under 15 development tournaments, then under 16 tournaments, then OFC tournaments, the qualifying tournaments, then the OFC Championship, and hopefully on to our biggest competitions at the moment, the OFC Pro League and Champions League.
“If you’re not a footballer you can also become a match official, and this just ties in with having the pro-league now, we started from a development and we’re creating a pathway and hopefully some of them will go on to reach that level.”
For the five newly badged officials, the achievement is just the beginning, with one of the five part of the officiating team at OFC U-15 Boys tournament in Auckland.
“This opportunity comes in once. So you have to grab that opportunity and take it, don’t take it for granted.” said Sione Mau.
Looking ahead, Mau has set an ambitious target in his long-term development plan.
“By 2030, we should have 15 plus OFC Match officials and at least two FIFA [Officials],”
“Without the support and commitment to developing match officials here in American Samoa, this achievement wouldn’t be possible. So I want to thank all of them.”….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: AFP PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 14 Oct 2026
Samoa excited for inclusion of ex-All Blacks ahead of World Cup run-in
AUCKLAND, 14 OCTOBER 2026 (AFP)—Experienced Samoa forward Theo McFarland said on Monday the addition of former New Zealand players in Shaun Stevenson, Akira Ioane and Josh Ioane will have a “massive” impact on the Pacific Islanders as they prepare for next year’s World Cup.
The All Blacks trio are benefitting from a World Rugby law change to represent a second nation, in time for the tournament starting in Australia next October, with Samoa having failed to reach the quarter-finals since 1995.
Watch every second of Saturday’s quad-header with the Wallabies, Wallaroos and Sevens teams live and on demand via Stan Sport.
Full-back Stevenson, No.8 Akira Ioane and unrelated fly-half Josh Ioane are expected to make their debuts during November’s Nations Cup campaign which includes Tests against Zimbabwe, Portugal and Spain.
“I think it’s massive, especially with the World Cup around the corner,” La Rochelle’s McFarland told AFP.
“They’re quality players.
“I think the main thing is just getting to have cohesion.
“”You can have all the talent, but I think the main thing for us is to play a bit more games with them and build ourselves leading into the World Cup,” added McFarland, who turns 31 on Friday.
The recent additions have offered Samoan rugby some respite during ongoing off-field issues.
During the summer a new rugby union was launched in the country of 205,000 people due to an impasse between the current Lakapi Samoa body and the national government.
“I don’t really know what’s going on,” 24-time Test player McFarland said.
“As a player, I feel like that’s out of my control. My job is just to be ready for whenever I get the call and play the game of rugby to the best of my ability representing Samoa.
“That’s my thought process on it,” the former Samoa basketball international added.
This season, McFarland, who can cover lock and across the back-row, moved to the French club on the Atlantic coast coached by ex-Ireland fly-half Ronan O’Gara after five season with Saracens in England.
He has played three out La Rochelle’s six games so far this campaign, crossing for a try against Clermont earlier this month.
La Rochelle are fourth in the Top 14 table after four wins from six this term, including an impressive away win over Lyon last Saturday.
“I felt like it was the right moment to get out of my comfort zone and experience something new,” he said.
“La Rochelle got in touch with me and it just felt like it was the right club to come to after speaking with O’Gara.
“I felt it was the right option to come here and develop more as a player.”
McFarland has adapted quickly to life in France, learning enough of the language to order coffees in the port town on his days off.
“It just feels like I’m back at home, back in Samoa,” McFarland said.
“With the sun, it’s a nice day, you get up in the morning and you’re ready to seize the day. All of that adds up really.”
This weekend, McFarland’s side launch their bid for a third Champions Cup trophy, having won the trophy in 2022 and 2023, as they host the Johannesburg-based Lions.
“These are the sort of games that you get hyped up for.
“There’s a lot of confidence going into this week’s first round. We’re definitely looking forward to the challenge,” he said…PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 14 Oct 2026
PNG Chiefs confirm Toyota Tsusho (PNG) Ltd as automotive partner
PORT MORESBY, 14 OCTOBER 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—-PNG Chiefs have confirmed Toyota Tsusho (PNG) Limited trading as Ela Motors, as a major partner and official automotive partner ahead of the Chiefs’ official entry into the NRL competition in 2028.
Toyota Tsusho (PNG) Limited will help as the Chiefs’ official automotive partner, providing vehicle and logistical support for the team’s operations, as well as featuring as a major partner on team branding and assets.
The long-term agreement will see Toyota logo feature on the shoulders of the PNG Chiefs jersey from 2028 as part of an exclusive partnership across the automotive category.
As major partner, Toyota Tsusho PNG will have a strong presence across the PNG Chiefs brand, with stadium signage, media backdrop branding, digital integration and hospitality offerings, alongside match-day activation opportunities. The partnership will also deliver a significant value-in-kind contribution to support the club
PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson said Toyota Tsusho (PNG) Limited is a globally respected brand with deep roots in PNG and to have them as major partner and official automotive partner is a huge endorsement for the PNG Chiefs and for rugby league in PNG.
“This partnership is a terrific example of what we mean when we talk about our partners helping us build the club, not just putting a logo on a shirt,” she said.
“The PNG Chiefs are going to move a lot of people, so having the right automotive partner is a critical decision for our operations. The vehicles and supported provided by Toyota Tsusho PNG will have a direct impact on how efficiently we operate as a club and how safely and effectively we move all the people connected to us.
“We’re delighted to partner with one of the most recognised brands in the world combined with a business that has such a strong understanding of Papua New Guinea and its customers as we continue to build a strong club – both on and off the field.”
“It is an absolute honour for us to join the PNG Chiefs as a major partner in the automotive sector,” Toyota Tsusho (PNG) Limited t/a Ela Motors PNG CEO Masaru Maximi said.
“Our global mission is ‘Passing on a better Earth to the children of the future’. Guided by this overarching principle, our corporate mission focuses on ‘Producing happiness for future society’.
“As a mobility service provider, this major partnership with the PNG Chiefs allows us to share the joy and excitement of movement with the people and communities of Papua New Guinea, while making a meaningful contribution to society.
“We are proud to support a team that embodies excellence, unity, and national pride, and we look forward to building a strong and lasting relationship with the PNG Chiefs and their supporters throughout the country.”
Toyota Tsusho is the leading automotive and marine company in Papua New Guinea…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: REUTERS PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 14 Oct 2026
Dominant Australia favourites to land 13th World Cup despite threat from Pacific islands
SYDNEY, 14 OCTOBER 2026 (REUTERS)— A blockbuster clash between Australia and New Zealand on Thursday kicks off the 17th Rugby League World Cup, the latest attempt to project international relevance on a game which is booming in Australasia but struggling elsewhere.
The tournament was delayed for a year after France withdrew after having replaced the United States and Canada as hosts, while the field has been reduced to 10 teams from 16 after a series of early blowouts in the 2021 edition in England.
The extraordinary success over the last few decades of Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL), which has a team in New Zealand and will expand into Papua New Guinea in 2028, has been matched by a marked decline in competitiveness of the European game.
While forgiving player eligibility rules ensure that the cream of NRL talent will be on display over the month of competition, it would be a seismic shock if any nation barring Australia ended up lifting the trophy in Brisbane on November 15.
Only New Zealand in 2008 have managed to take the trophy away from 12-times champions Australia since Great Britain last won it in 1972, and the Kiwis would appear to be the one side capable of challenging the Kangaroos this time around.
Livewire fullback Kalyn Ponga has switched allegiance from Australia and will combine with halves Jahrome Hughes and Kodi Nikorima behind a pack studded with forwards who helped the New Zealand Warriors to second place in this year’s NRL standings.
There is plenty of quality in the squads of the main Pacific islands challengers as well with Samoa, losing finalists five years ago, boasting the likes of Jarome Luai, Stephen Crichton, Brian To’o, Sua Fa’alogo and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.
Tonga, who came within an ace of beating England in the 2017 semi-finals, will be able to call on NRL standouts Jason Taumalolo, Haumole Olakau’atu and Stefano Utoikamanu in their pack and have plenty of elite talent in the backline.
England have supplemented their core of Super League players with NRL centre Herbie Farnworth and winger Dom Young as well as Australians of British origin in AJ Brimson, Victor Radley and Hugo Savala — the latter two newly minted NRL champions with the Sydney Roosters.
It is hard to see a semi-finalist from outside those five nations with France, Fiji, the Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea and a Lebanon outfit coached by former rugby union test coach Michael Cheika likely to do little more than make up the numbers.
Australia coach Kevin Walters has two players in most positions that would walk into any other squad with his choice of Reece Walsh and James Tedesco at fullback alone the envy of the other nine nations.
To add to the lack of jeopardy, the structure of the tournament means even if Australia are caught cold by the Kiwis in front of 40,000 fans at Sydney Football Stadium on Thursday, they are still almost certain to qualify for the semi-finals.
The tournament will take place mostly in Australia with a smattering of games in New Zealand and Papua New Guinea and will again incorporate women’s and wheelchair competitions.
Australia’s Jillaroos will be favourites to land a fourth straight women’s title, while reigning champions England, France and the hosts are expected to vie for the wheelchair title…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 14 Oct 2026
How NRL’s Super League bid could revive a fallen giant
SYDNEY, 14 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—As talks over the NRL’s proposed investment in Super League near the pointy end of negotiations, Trent Robinson says a partnership between the two competitions could help reinvigorate the sport in France.
After guiding the Sydney Roosters to the fourth NRL premiership victory of his tenure earlier this month, Robinson would have every right to be sat somewhere in the south of France with his feet up sipping a glass of red.
But instead he finds himself offering his services to the French national team, where he supports head coach Laurent Frayisnous as director of rugby, in preparation for Friday’s World Cup opener against Samoa.
On the other side of the world, club owners in England and the Super League’s two French sides – Catalans Dragons and Toulouse Olympique – are weighing up an offer that would lead to the NRL providing an investment into the code’s only other professional competition.
Some British clubs are reluctant to cede power to the NRL but Robinson is a firm believer in how Australia can help revive France as an international force.
“I think the NRL will have a world vision of rugby league, and I know they see the value of French rugby league and the importance of it,” the Roosters coach told AAP.
“I think it would continue the progression of having a place at the table.”
France was one of the sport’s leading powers in the 1950s and 1960s but their stock has fallen considerably.
The presence of two French clubs in Super League, from which the majority of the national team is drawn, has so far failed to translate into international success.
France was supposed to host this year’s World Cup until the government pulled the pin, citing the expense of hosting rugby union’s World Cup in 2023 and the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Mitchell Pearce, who has retired in France after playing for Catalans, said: “There’s some great French talent and they’ll be enjoying the opportunity (to play in the World Cup).
“I think it’d be great for the NRL to expand and open up French rugby league and help the development pathways.”
France’s struggles to field a strong international side – they were hammered 62-4 by Samoa four years ago – can surely be attributed to the fact their clubs are operating in the most cash-rich market in any rugby code.
“There’s a respect that is growing in France for rugby league from when I first went 24 years ago,” Robinson said.
“It’s because we’ve got a great sport and because of the Catalans and Toulouse.
“It’s a fair mountain to climb, the Top 14, and trying to catch up with that.
“But it (league) does have respect and the NRL would add to that because there’s an enormous amount of respect for it in rugby union circles,” he said……PACNEWS
