In this bulletin:
1.RUGBY LEAGUE — Turbo bags three as Roos outlast brave Fiji Bati in Brisbane
2. RUGBY LEAGUE — Fiji claim record win with World Cup thrashing of PNG
3. RUGBY LEAGUE — Tonga outclass Lebanon to set up Samoa showdown
4. RUGBY LEAGUE — Leniu inspires Samoa to dominate win over PNG
5. RUGBY LEAGUE— ‘Enormous’ win over France keeps England alive in Cup
6. RUGBY— Jake White’s brigade beat Japan 24 – 28 in Tokyo
7. FOOTBALL — Goals flow as Tahiti and Solomon Islands open with big wins
8. RUGBY — Fiji pitches pride over money in bid to lure Nawaqanitawase
9. RUGBY — World Rugby Executive Board requests extended trials of a lower tackle height in elite rugby
10. RUGBY — Australia A thump USA to open two – match series on high
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 26 Oct 2026
Turbo bags three as Roos outlast brave Fiji Bati in Brisbane
BRISBANE, 26 OCTOBER 2026 (NRL)—The Kangaroos have escaped with a 36-22 come-from-behind win over Fiji in an enthralling World Cup encounter in front of 41,108 fans in Brisbane on Sunday.
The match swayed through four lead changes as the Bati threw down the gauntlet to the reigning champions, arguably having the run of the game for the opening 60 minutes.
Fiji were upbeat in the opening throes, turning heads with a break from fullback Bayleigh Bentley-Hape in their opening set and showcasing their desperation and desire in defence to keep Australia off the scoresheet.
Repeat errors eventually caught up with the Bati when Kangaroos fullback James Tedesco put Kotoni Staggs through a hole to give him a try at his home ground.
Whatever momentum they had accrued ended with a Tom Trbojevic error in his own half, starting a period of Fiji dominance of possession on Australia’s line.
Semi Valemei put his side on the board in the 17th minute after a stunning long cutout from Kurt Donoghoe landed in his lap, and eight minutes later the Bati were in front after a Brandon Wakeham grubber to open space for Taane Milne.
As Fiji’s forward were dominant through the middle, it would take a piece of Tedesco brilliance to turn the tide back to the Kangaroos just six minutes from half-time.
On last tackle on halfway, the skipper took advantage of a quick play-the-ball and ran it from dummy half, weaving his way through behind the ruck before offloading to Sam Walker in support and his one-two with Tom Trbojevic had the halfback crashing over.
Walker’s conversion had the Kangaroos taking a 12-10 lead at the break.
The Bati found another gear after the break, forcing an early mistake and returning to the lead three minutes into the second half after another sublime Donoghoe cut-out escaped the outstretched hand of Kangaroos winger Trbojevic to hand Valemei his second.
It looked as if the lead had been extended in their next set when Solomone Saukuru crossed the stripe, but it was called back for obstruction, before Australia marched the ball up the other end levelled the scores through Trbojevic, despite some question over obstruction.
Australia took the lead through a Walker penalty goal when Blayke Brailey was flattened after passing, and they soon had an eight-point buffer when a deflected grubber fell in the path of Trbojevic to score his second and the halfback nailed the conversion from the sideline.
Trbojevic completed a genuine hat-trick a few minutes later, but Fiji just kept coming and Valemei scored his third off another diamond of a pass from Donoghue, with the Fiji five-eighth ultimately awarded player of the match.
Jacob Preston notched his first try in the green-and-gold to seal a result and book their spot in the semi-finals, to be played at Allianz Stadium on November 8.
The Kangaroos will prepare for their clash with a game against Cook Islands in Townsville, while Fiji will look to upset New Zealand on the Gold Coast on Saturday……PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 26 Oct 2026
Fiji claim record win with World Cup thrashing of PNG
PORT MORESBY, 26 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—Fiji are on the cusp of claiming a Women’s Rugby League World Cup semi-final berth in their first-ever tournament appearance after trouncing Papua New Guinea 40-4.
In sapping conditions in Port Moresby on Saturday, the Bulikula defied a vocal home crowd at Santos National Football Stadium to race out to a 30-4 halftime lead.
The Fijians piled on a further two second-half tries as winger Tahlia Marshall brought up a hat-trick to record the biggest win in the team’s history.
The Bulikula will head into this Saturday’s meeting with minnows France on the Gold Coast, knowing a win will secure their place in the knockout stages.
After narrowly losing to New Zealand last week, Fiji proved they would be no pushovers and it took just four minutes for the Bulikula to take the lead through Sienna Laing.
And while crafty Orchids hooker Ua Ravu quickly hit back for PNG, the floodgates soon opened for the Fijians.
Five-eighth Luisa Yaranamua barged her way through some exhausted defenders and then the 20th-minute introduction of barnstorming bench forward Lorren Ieli put Fiji on track for victory.
Ieli ripped through the PNG middle in 15 minutes leading up to halftime with Taina Naividi, Losana Lutu and Marshall all crossing to heap more misery on the Orchids.
Marshall added two more after halftime as Fiji kept the Orchids scoreless in the second half.
The result leaves PNG needing a minor miracle against the Kiwi Ferns on the Gold Coast next week to stand any hope of making it out of the group stage.
New Zealand have never lost to the Orchids and, even if they did, the heavy loss to Fiji and the impact on for and against would scupper PNG’s hopes of making it to the knockout stages for a second successive tournament…. PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 26 Oct 2026
Tonga outclass Lebanon to set up Samoa showdown
SYDNEY, 26 OCTOBER 2026 (NRL)—Tonga will take an undefeated record into this week’s showdown with Samoa after claiming a 36-point victory over Lebanon on Friday night.
The 36-0 win provided the perfect tuneup for next Sunday’s sold-out blockbuster as Tonga eye revenge following last year’s 28-point defeat in Brisbane.
While Kristian Woolf’s focus will now shift to Samoa, the coach was determined to ensure his side was not upset by the Cedars at CommBank Stadium.
Tonga were forced to work hard for the victory against a willing Lebanon side but their class ultimately proved too great.
Backrower Haumole Olakau’atu showed his growing stature within the squad by leading the Sipi Tau before producing a physical showing in both attack and defence.
With Isaiya Katoa sidelined with an ankle injury, Tui Lolohea stepped up at halfback as Tonga ran in seven tries to zero in front of 25,065 fans at CommBank Stadium.
Katoa is expected to return for next Sunday’s clash with Samoa as Tonga look to book their place in the final four.
Tonga built last week’s victory over England on a defensive foundation and it was a similar story on Friday night.
The first half was a brutal battle, with Lebanon throwing plenty at their opponents but they could not crack the red wall.
In perhaps the most pleasing sign for Woolf, Tonga’s scramble defence was exceptional throughout a gruelling opening 40 minutes.
Woolf’s men then made the most of limited opportunities, with Sione Katoa latching on to a sublime Lehi Hopoate pass to open the scoring in the 13th minute.
Paul Alamoti then made it 10-0 in the 21st minute before Tolu Koula produced a match-turning play on the stroke of half-time.
Lebanon spent the first 40 minutes sending bombs towards towering winger Jason Saab. While Jojo Fifita largely held his own, Saab was first to an Alex Conti kick in the 37th minute.
The winger tapped the ball back infield, only for Koula to pluck it out of the air and race 90 metres to extend his side’s lead to 14 at the break.
The centre was in the thick of the action again shortly after half-time, laying on the final pass for Jojo Fifita’s 44th minute try as Tonga took control of the contest.
The next 20 minutes were then punctuated by a series of big hits, with Kulikefu Finefeuiaki levelling Conti, who impressed amid heavy pressure from the Tongan pack.
While the Cedars bravely defended their line for extended periods, Lolohea eventually sent Leka Halasima over for a try that sealed the result with 11 minutes to play.
Fifita crossed for his second moments later before Katoa put an exclamation mark on the win with a try in the final minute of the match. …. PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 26 Oct 2026
Leniu inspires Samoa to dominant win over PNG
PORT MORESBY, 26 OCTOBER 2026 (NRL)—Spencer Leniu has recreated his grand final heroics to inspire Samoa to a comprehensive victory over Papua New Guinea.
Samoa trailed 6-4 at a sold-out Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby when Leniu was injected into the contest midway through the first half, with a raucous crowd daring to dream of a Kumuls upset.
The prop, however, had other ideas and produced a match-turning stint reminiscent of his performance for the Roosters in the NRL grand final.
Leniu scored a try, nearly had a second, and ran for 166 metres with 10 tackle breaks in a 38-minute effort. By the time the 26-year-old left the field midway through the second half, Samoa had turned a two-point deficit into a 28-6 lead.
From there, Samoa added seven more tries to close out a 64-6 victory and continue the nation’s undefeated start to the IRL Rugby League World Cup.
Ben Gardiner’s side has now scored 142 points across the past two weeks and will carry plenty of momentum into next Sunday’s showdown with fierce rivals Tonga at a sold-out CommBank Stadium.
Both teams are unbeaten and will be out to secure a semi-final berth.
The Kumuls were outclassed but remain a chance of progressing to the knockout phase with a win over England next week if other results go their way.
It took Samoa just one minute to open the scoring on Saturday after Francis Manuleleua latched on to a short kick-off and raced 40 metres down field. The lock was eventually dragged down before Sua Fa’alogo crossed out wide a couple of plays later.
While Samoa nearly scored a second a couple of minutes later, it was Papua New Guinea who struck next through halfback Bailey Biondi-Odo.
The hosts looked set to extend their lead after a Dudley Dotoi break in the next set but Robert Derby was unable to latch on to a grubber in the in-goal.
The teams traded sets until Samoa coach Ben Gardiner turned to his bench and injected Leniu into the fray.
The prop crashed over for a try in the 30th minute to put his team in front. Leniu nearly had a second soon after but was denied by the Bunker after grounding the ball centimetres short of the line.
Samoa, however, had one last try left in them before the break when Brian To’o soared through the air to tap a cross-field kick back infield to former Penrith teammate Stephen Crichton. The centre juggled the ball but did enough to secure possession to hand his side a 14-6 lead at the break.
Leniu kept the momentum rolling after the break and it didn’t take long for Gardiner’s side to kick further clear.
Fa’alogo crossed for his second in the 44th minute before Manuleleua crashed over and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow got in on the action.
By the time Tabuai-Fidow scored his second in the 69th minute, the lead had blown out to 42 points and Samoa showed no signs of slowing down.
Six tries in the final 15 minutes took Gardiner’s men past 60 and they will now turn their focus to next week’s blockbuster against Tonga. …. PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 26 Oct 2026
‘Enormous’ win over France keeps England alive in Cup
SYDNEY, 26 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—England’s hopes of reaching the World Cup semi-finals are still alive after posting a crushing 82-0 win over France in Perth.
Dolphins star Herbie Farnworth scored a first-half hat-trick and Newcastle winger Dominic Young also scored three tries as England thumped France 14 tries to none.
World No.3 England entered Saturday’s match knowing they needed a win in the vicinity of 80-plus points to give their points differential enough of a boost to stay in the hunt for a last-four berth.
For England to progress, they must beat Papua New Guinea in their final group game in Wollongong on Friday and also rely on Tonga beating Samoa in Sydney two days later.
If those two events occur, it will come down to points differential between England and Samoa to progress to the final four.
Samoa beat France 78-4 last week before following it up with a 64-6 win over PNG, giving them a plus-132 points differential.
England, who lost to Tonga 30-12 in their opener, now have a plus-64 points differential.
Samoa are still in the box seat to progress even if they lose to Tonga, but England are at least a chance, although they will have to run riot against world No.6 PNG.
“What we’ve done today is enormous; given the context, I think it’s just enormous,” England coach Brian McDermott said.
“Knowing that we had to win big, we all had some candid conversations this week about what that actually means and what it would look like.
“Whatever the results are next week, we want to finish strong against PNG.
“If we go home next Sunday then that’ll be a big disappointment, but I don’t know what else we could’ve done.”
Things were looking bleak for England when they were held scoreless for the first 22 minutes by a determined French defence.
But Young’s opener at HBF Park sparked six tries in the space of 18 minutes – including three to Farnworth – as England went into halftime with a 36-0 lead.
Young continued to wreak havoc after the break, with his big body and long strides putting the French defence under all sorts of pressure.
England made the most of France’s tiring defence to extend their margin beyond 80 points, but they still face an uphill battle to make the semi-finals. …PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 26 Oct 2026
Jake White’s brigade beat Japan 34-28 in Tokyo
TOKYO, 26 OCTOBER 2026 (FIJI TIMES) —Flying Fijians avenged their Pacific Nations Cup final defeat to Japan with a hard-fought 34-28 victory at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Tokyo, denying the Brave Blossoms a historic win in their centenary celebrations.
Captain Tevita Ikanivere said the team was determined to make amends for their PNC final loss and spoil Japan’s anniversary celebrations.
“We talked about taking this away from them, so I’m just proud of the boys for the effort they put in today and getting this win,” he said.
Fiji’s dominance at the breakdown proved decisive, with Kitione Salawa and reserve prop Mesake Doge leading the charge against a Japanese side that fought relentlessly until the final whistle.
Doge’s breakdown penalties in the final quarter were particularly crucial, with his effort in the dying moments helping Fiji withstand Japan’s late pressure and preserve their six-point advantage.
The Flying Fijians’ work at the breakdown also caught the attention of Japan coach Eddie Jones, who was surprised by the visitors’ tenacity at the ruck.
Meanwhile, head coach Jake White praised his side’s game management as the side opted to kick for points in the last quarter of the game rather than going for tries.
“It’s not that we just won but how we won. I’m glad the boys understood that we needed good game management to win,” White said.
The victory provides a measure of redemption for Fiji after their PNC final disappointment and offers an encouraging platform as White continues to shape the side’s approach under his leadership…. PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 26 Oct 2026
Goals flow as Tahiti and Solomon Islands open with big wins
PAPE’ETE, 26 OCTOBER 2026 (OFC)—Tahiti have opened their OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup 2026 campaign with an emphatic 18-1 victory over Vanuatu on home sands at Aorai Tini Hau.
Three players scored hat-tricks, including 2024 Golden Boot winner Heirauarii Salem, as the Tiki Toa began their quest for a record fifth continental crown in style.
Tahiti scored eight goals in the first period, seven in the second and three in the third, finishing six goals short of the largest winning margin in tournament history.
The hosts wasted little time asserting themselves, with two goals from Ro’onui Tinirauarii and one from Roonui Lesca propelling them into a three-goal lead inside the opening four minutes.
Salem then took centre stage, completing his hat-trick in a four-minute spell during the first period, with two of his goals coming from overhead kicks.
Having scored 11 goals at the 2024 edition, he needed just one match to pass the halfway mark towards that tally this time around. He completed his double hat-trick with an early contender for goal of the tournament, firing a long-range overhead effort into the top-left corner for Tahiti’s 17th goal – which capped a player of the match performance.
Lesca completed his hat-trick early in the second period, whilst Tinirauarii added three more goals to his opening two strikes to finish with five.
Tearii Labaste, Matatia Paama and Gervais Chan Kat were also on the scoresheet for the Tiki Toa.
Vanuatu had won the first three tournament meetings between the nations in 2006, 2007 and 2009, but endured a difficult return to the competition after a seven-year absence. Their consolation came through Batis Alick, who scored their only goal in the 19th minute.
Vanuatu: 1 (Batis ALICK 19′)
Tahiti: 18 (Ro’onui TINIRUARII 3′, 3′, 21′, 24′, 25′, Roonui LESCA 4′, 5′, 13′, Heirauarii SALEM 6′, 8′, 9′, 22′, 23′, 31′, 32′, Tearii LABASTE 11′, Matatia PAAMA 15′, Gervais CHAN KAT 21′)
Earlier in the day, the Solomon Islands defeated New Caledonia 10-5 in the opening match of OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup 2026.
Erick Wanega and Adrian Mara led the way with three goals each as the Solomon Islands secured a comfortable victory over a New Caledonian side returning to the tournament for the first time in seven years.
Nine of their ten goals came in the first two periods, providing the perfect start to their campaign as they bid to lift the trophy for the first time in 13 years in Tahiti.
New Caledonia had failed to score in either of their two previous meetings with the Solomon Islands at the tournament, but took the lead inside the opening four minutes through Jean-Pierre Ayawa, their only returning player from the 2019 campaign.
Their lead lasted only a matter of moments, however, as Wanega responded immediately from the restart. Mara, Roy Mafane and goalkeeper Roy Funusui also got on the scoresheet as the Solomon Islands took a 4-1 lead into the first break.
The second period proved their most productive, with Wanega scoring twice in 60 seconds to complete the tournament’s first hat-trick – a performance that would earn him the player of the match award.
The Bilikiki Boys added three more goals before the second break to establish a commanding 9-3 lead and put themselves firmly on course for all three points.
New Caledonia did well to stem the flow in the third period, conceding just once, and scoring four of the match’s final six goals to reduce the deficit. Gilles Xanatre finished with a brace, whilst Makaluë Xowi and Daniel Tagawa also found the net on their side’s return to the tournament.
Mara completed his hat-trick with the Solomon Islands’ only goal of the final period, taking their tally into double figures.
The Solomon Islands will face Tahiti in a potential dress rehearsal for the final, whilst New Caledonia take on Vanuatu when action resumes at Aorai Tini Hau on Monday.
New Caledonia: 5 (Jean-Pierre AYAWA 4′, Gilles XANATRE 20′, 23′, Makaluë XOWI 25′, Daniel TAGAWA 36′)
Solomon Islands: 10 (Erick WANEGA 4′, 14′, 14′, Adrian MARA 5′, 20′, 29′, Roy MAFANE 10′, Roy FUNUSUI 12′, Ramsy MELO 19′, Own Goal 20′) …PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 26 Oct 2026
Fiji pitches pride over money in bid to lure Nawaqanitawase
SUVA, 26 OCTOBER 2026 (FIJI TIMES) —Fiji has no chance of matching the financial rewards Australia can offer Mark Nawaqanitawase but the nation’s rugby union hopes the lure of representing his ancestral homeland will persuade the dual international to wear the Flying Fijians jersey at next year’s World Cup.
With Nawaqanitawase weighing up his international future, Fiji Rugby Union Chairman John Sanday made an emotional pitch to the former Wallabies winger in an interview with Reuters, stressing identity, belonging and the opportunity to inspire a small Pacific nation.
“We will never be able to offer the financial and the marketing rewards that playing for the Wallabies would offer Mark, but we would offer something that goes deeper,” Sanday said.
“It’s about identity. It’s about who we are, and we are Fijians.
“We come from a tiny little island, a speck in the vast Pacific Ocean, but we are punching above our weight in the global rugby hemisphere.”
Nawaqanitawase finished up his spell with the Sydney Roosters after his tries helped them to the National Rugby League title earlier this month and is returning to the 15-man game on a two-year deal with Japanese club Wild Knights.
Wallabies coach Les Kiss is keen to secure Nawaqanitawase for the World Cup but the winger declined to be part of the team’s squad for the Nations Championship tests and said he would not make a decision until next year.
The 26-year-old, who also has Italian heritage, told a podcast this week that the chance of success in his next endeavour was a bigger motivator than money.
“I still have more to prove. I don’t know where that’s going to be, but wherever I go, I feel like I have a lot to give the team,” he told ‘The Good, the Bad & the Rugby’ podcast.
“Whoever it’s for, I want to go and win it.”
Nawaqanitawase also spoke warmly of his Fijian upbringing, recalling a household buzzing with visiting Fijian relatives and annual school holiday trips to his ancestral village.
“I grew up in the village running around playing touch, whether it was with a coconut or a bottle, playing volleyball or just swimming in the river,” he said.
Sanday said those connections could prove decisive in his next move.
“He is one of us. He’s a Fijian. He has a village where his father is from. He has a tribe and a clan to where he belongs,” he said.
“Yes, he’s Australian. We respect that, and if he chooses to go for Australia, of course, we will always respect that. I’d say that we would like to see him come and just play a year for us, and then he can go back to the Aussies,” he said…. PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 26 Oct 2026
World Rugby Executive Board requests extended trials of a lower tackle height in elite rugby
DUBLIN, 26 OCTOBER 2026 (WORLD RUGBY) —Following the trial of a lower legal tackle height at the 2026 U20 Junior World Championship, the World Rugby Executive Board has determined that more data is needed before a definitive conclusion can be reached on any roll out into the wider elite game.
Speaking following the meeting, World Rugby Chairman Brett Robinson said: “The trials from earlier this year were really interesting, but the reality is we’re not yet able to come to a definitive conclusion on such an important issue in our game. The data from 40 games at this year’s Junior World Championship just isn’t enough to say how such a change would impact the men’s and women’s elite game.
“This is an area that our unions want to see trialed, and World Rugby will continue the trial at our own under 20 competitions, but the only way we’re ever really going to get the level of data we need is for an elite domestic level competition to adopt the trial.
“Player welfare is at the heart of everything we do and that goes for unintended consequences just as much as it does for those changes to the game we consciously make.”
The findings from the 2026 U20 World Championship trial will be discussed in detail at World Rugby’s Medical Commission Conference taking place on 27-28 October in Frankfurt, Germany. Registration for the key session starting at 1130 CET on Tuesday 27 October can be found here.
Tackling lower has seen an increase in “knee drop” tackles where players drop to their knees in a dangerous manner. World Rugby Executive Board issued a law clarification, reenforcing existing law, from the beginning of October in order to address this welfare issue with officials acting in clear and obvious circumstances only…. PACNEWS
USA – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 26 Oct 2026
Australia A thump USA to open two-match series on high
NASHVILLE, 26 OCTOBER 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU) —Australia A have eased past the USA, cruising to a 61-12 win in their opening match in Nashville.
A red card for centre David Feliuai couldn’t halt their momentum as Stephen Larkham’s side controlled the game for 80 minutes.
Winger Dylan Pietsch opened the scoring in the fourth minute, diving over from close range as he scored a double.
Feliuai then set up a surging Nick Frost for the second, with the lock one of several standouts in the win.
The Aussies were then forced to rally after the Brumbies midfielder was initially yellow carded for a high shot in the 15th minute, eventually upgraded to a red.
Feliuai was caught upright trying to make a tackle, collecting the Eagles attacker in the head, leaving no choice but the upgrade.
However, even with 14 players, the Australians were still in complete control of the match as they consistently made ground over the advantage line
Joe Brial delivered the spark, defying the numbers after backing up a bomb from Tane Edmed to trace clear.
America eventually got on the board via Michael Baska but the Aussies responded through their rolling maul and skipper Matt Faessler.
The USA crossed on half time via Mark O’Keeffe to leave the score at 26-12, however, the Aussie A team blew out the scoreline in the second half.
Scrumhalf Nathan Hastie and Kadin Pritchard scored within five minutes of each as the Aussies were in complete control.
Wallabies debutant Harry McLaughlin-Phillips got in on the action, celebrating his dream month with a five pointer.
Pietsch’s second brought up the half century as Tim Ryan sealed the win after latching onto a loose pass and running 50 metres for the try.
The two teams will head to New Jersey this weekend for the second match…. PACNEWS
