In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY LEAGUE — Pacific pride on the line as Tonga 13 and Toa Sāmoa clash in Sunday Sydney blockbuster
2. RUGBY LEAGUE — Navale emerges from pain eyeing ultimate Bati statement
3. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG Kumuls stay focused on battle in Wollongong
4. RUGBY — Murray ban bites Flying Fijians campaign
5. RUGBY — NZ open to player movement in Super Rugby Pacific
6. RUGBY LEAGUE — Samoa ready to make history with English conquest
7. RUGBY LEAGUE — Cook Islands star set for Broncos pre-season tilt
8. RUGBY LEAGUE — Dad jets to see Samoan Storm star play for first time
9. FOOTBALL — Solomon Islands and Tahiti win big heading into weekend final
10. RUGBY LEAGUE — Yeo wants Kangaroos forwards to shut the front door
11. RUGBY — Lomax lands Wallabies audition for World Cup spot
12.RUGBY LEAGUE — Toowoomba local targets expansion franchises
13. RUGBY— World Rugby Nations Cup 2026 set to resume with USA and Georgia leading the way
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: PMN PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 30 Oct 2026
Pacific pride on the line as Tonga 13 and Toa Sāmoa clash in Sunday Sydney blockbuster
SYDNEY,30 OCTOBER 2026 (PMN)–A sold-out CommBank Stadium in Parramatta is providing the stage on Sunday for what’s being described as the most anticipated clash of the Rugby League World Cup, with Tonga 13 taking on Toa Sāmoa.
Red and blue flags are flying from car aerials and bonnets across Auckland and Sydney, with the fierce Pacific rivalry captivating communities well beyond the touchline.
Joe Vagana, the former Auckland Warriors and New Zealand prop, says the excitement across the Pacific diaspora reflects a cultural pride that eclipses typical sporting rivalries.
“I live out West Auckland in Te Atatū and I didn’t realise [there were so] many Pacific Islanders. Then they started with the flags coming out in the cars, man, it’s amazing.”
He says the match resonates across the globe, with relatives and supporters in the United States and England eagerly following the build-up.
Meanwhile, Monty Betham, the commentator and former New Zealand Warriors captain, says the deep-seated rivalry and the calibre of talent make this weekend’s encounter an extraordinary spectacle.
“When you see them combine to play alongside some of these Pasifika weapons from other teams, playing for a culture and playing for a supporter base, [it] really hits on the heart strings and the emotion and that passion to win.
“It just all makes for a wicked game.”
Betham points out that players are committing to their ancestral nations over tier-one teams, which demonstrates how international rugby league ought to function.
“How we’ve got players from both Tonga and Samoa that are picking these nations over the Kiwis and Australia, that just shows you the way it should be.
“Just playing for who you want to play for the right reasons. And I know Australia, they’re getting $40,000 (US$28,000) for the tournament, yet every other team is getting $150(US$105) per game. But it’s not about the money. It’s about representing and feeling good about it.”
Both former internationals credit pioneers such as Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita for igniting the movement when they chose Tonga over New Zealand and Australia.
Vagana highlights that modern Pacific players are prioritising family roots and cultural heritage ahead of the higher match fees.
“They’re choosing that over the money side of things. These days money’s good to have but our guys are choosing to go for their passion and represent heritage, which is a beautiful thing.”
Jason Taumalolo, the Captain of Tonga 13, affirms that pulling on the red jersey connects directly to his identity.
“Heritage is a massive part of who I am. Putting on the red jersey, in my eyes, is what home means to me. Playing for Tonga and its people is what matters most to me.”
The upcoming CommBank Stadium encounter follows Toa Sāmoa’s 34-6 win over Tonga at Suncorp Stadium during the Pacific Championships in 2025 in front of nearly 45,000 spectators.
Isaiya Katoa, the halfback for Tonga 13, says his team carries the sting of that defeat into Sunday.
“We always look forward to playing Sāmoa. They are like our brothers; whenever you’re going up against your brother, you always want to get one up on them.
“We were really disappointed in how we performed last year. We are hoping to improve on last year’s performance.”
Toa Sāmoa take on Tonga 13 at 10:05pm NZT on Sunday, 1 November, at CommBank Stadium…..PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 30 Oct 2026
Navale emerges from pain eyeing ultimate Bati statement
BRISBANE, 30 0CTOBER 2026 (NRL)—Defying the odds comes naturally for Caleb Navale, so he holds no fear as his Bati brothers prepare to shake up the World Cup with a semi-final berth on the line against the Kiwis on Saturday.
Coming much closer to the Kangaroos than many thought in Brisbane last Sunday has given the squad an added boost of confidence, with the 23-year-old lock stepping forward as an emerging leader of his pack.
Taking inspiration from his family and the guiding light of iconic Fiji big man Daniel Saifiti, Navale has led the metres and tackle count for his side for an average of more than 70 minutes per game in the opening two matches.
“I was just trying to follow his lead. Last week he was just hitting people (smacks hands together) with his shoulders and I felt like that was something I could improve on instead of just catching (attackers),” Navale said.
“I was just trying to be aggressive more than anything and Saf’s laying a good platform for the boys.
“I think the biggest thing I’m learning from him is he keeps it so simple, it’s just aggression. The game is so simple to him, but that’s why he’s one of the best forwards in the game.”
One could say Navale, who is without an NRL deal for 2028, is simply making the most of an opportunity that could have easily eluded him due to injury.
In February, the Sea Eagles middle suffered a ruptured ACL but worked overtime to fulfil his desire to represent the Bati, returning to NRL in just over six months so he could prove he was worthy.
“When I was walking out it was a packed stadium… 40,000 just hit me. It was a bit of a pinch-me moment and I just had to take it in for a second,” Navale said.
“I looked around, I couldn’t believe it. I thought about how I started the year and just to get here was a bit of a full-circle moment.
“Especially after going up against Australia, I think I’ll take a lot of confidence out of that and hopefully next week too, going up against New Zealand.
“Those are the two best countries in the world and the fact we’re going toe-to-toe, I can take that into next season and I feel like if I’m matching it with them, I can match it with anyone.”
Navale is now daring to dream of the impact the Bati could have on the people of Fiji should they qualify for the semi-finals, particularly where his parents were raised.
His father Eparama, who played in the 2000 World Cup, hails from Biausevu in the southwest of main island Viti Levu, while mums roots are in the village of Mokani in the southeast.
“They’re big supporters and they were in the crowd [at Suncorp] waving their flags and that, so it was good seeing them,” Navale said.
“I don’t think anyone’s really given us a chance coming into this pool, like they’re saying ‘pool of death’ and what-not and I think we showed we can go toe-to-toe with the best and if we can do it against New Zealand, that would be incredible.”…PACNEWS
PAC- RUGBY: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 30 Oct 2026
PNG Kumuls stay focused on battle in Wollongong
WOLLONGONG, 30 0CTOBER 2026 (THE NATIONAL) —Papua New Guinea Kumuls captain Rhyse Martin is looking forward to a special challenge when the Kumuls face England tonight at the WIN Stadium in Wollongong, Australia.
The match, scheduled for 7:05pm kick-off (PNG time), will see Martin come up against several familiar faces from his seven years playing in the English Super League competition.
While excited, Martin stressed that the Kumuls must first recover from their last match before turning their attention to England.
He admitted that while the team was reeling over the physical effects of last Saturday’s game, they remained focused on preparing well for tonight’s important contest.
“We’ve just got to move on from the weekend result, recover, get down to Wollongong and get into preparation,” Martin said.
Having spent seven years playing against many of England’s leading players in the Super League, Martin knows the quality and experience they will bring to the contest. And he was looking forward to testing himself against these players.
He also revealed that friendly banter had already started among players at training, especially those with connections to Hull, since the World Cup draw was announced.
That rivalry has added extra excitement ahead of Friday showdown, where the real challenge would be settled on the field.Road to being No.1, says skipper.
The immediate release of Papua New Guinea Kumuls centre Nene Macdonald from his St Helens contract in the Super League has not hampered his World Cup preparation to take on England at the WIN Stadium in Wollongong, Australia.
The two sides will meet in the final round of the pool stages before the semi-finals kick in next week.
Macdonald was among a host of lineup changes for the Kumuls announced by coach Jason Demetriou on Tuesday. He would partner Josh Feledy in the backline, adding weight to the wing combination of Robert Derby and Dudley Dotoi.
During his stint with the Saints from last December, 22-time Kumuls international Macdonald spend most of his time in the bench due to injuries that limited him to making only 13 appearances for the club.
According to the English Love Rugby League website, St Helens have confirmed the release of Macdonald with immediate effect with a “mutual agreement” reached. The PNG veteran joined Leigh in 2022 and, on record, featured 96 times across all competitions in the British game.
Macdonald also represented Leeds Rhinos, Salford and Oldham prior to joining Saints.
In the NRL, he has made 98 appearances for the Roosters, Titans, Dragons, Cowboys and Sharks.
In his first appearance against Lebanon this month, Macdonald ran over 200m from centre, picked up four tackle breaks and a line break in a dominant win over Lebanon. Due to injuries, he did not take the field against Toa Samoa last Saturday but is set to run alongside his Kumuls countrymen tomorrow in Wollongong.
Among notable changes to the Kumuls pack is the return of their halves combination in playmaker Gairo Voro at five-eighth and Bailey Biondo-Odo. Zac Laybutt takes over the fullback role with Morea Morea pushed to the reserve bench.
Another notable omission for the Kumuls is Jack De Belin who is reportedly nursing a broken rib, making way for Jacob Taulani into the interchange bench alongside Finley Glare, Robert Mathias, Sanny Wabo and Zev John.
Rhyse Martin will again captain the pack with hooker Edwin Ipape guiding the halves while Epel Kapinias, Luca Moretti, Nixon Putt and Liam Horne will join their skipper in the middle. Robert Derby is at No.2 to complete the Kumuls’ first 13 today…..PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 30 Oct 2026
Murray ban bites Flying Fijians campaign
LYON, 30 OCTOBER 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—The Flying Fijians have climbed into the world’s top nine, but their rise comes with a costly setback, with forward Motikiai Murray suspended following his red card against Japan last Saturday.
Fiji’s 34-28 victory over Japan in Tokyo lifted the side above Wales to ninth in the latest World Rugby rankings. However, while the win strengthened Fiji’s standing on the international stage, Murray’s suspension has handed head coach Jake White another challenge ahead of three demanding November Tests.
Murray was initially shown a yellow card during the match after a dangerous tackle on Japan’s number eight, Faulua Makisi.
However, following a review by the Foul Play Review Officer, the offence was upgraded to a red card under Law 9.13, which prohibits dangerous tackling.
As a result, Murray will miss Fiji’s following matches against France, Ireland and Italy, leaving the coaching staff to consider their options as they prepare for the challenging international campaign.
Meanwhile, the Flying Fijians are currently in Lyon, France, where White and his coaching staff are conducting a three-day camp to assess player performances, combinations and readiness for the opening Test.
The final squad is yet to be confirmed, with the official announcement expected tomorrow.
These three Tests will give Fiji an opportunity to build on their victory over Japan and demonstrate that their rise in the rankings is no one-off achievement.
Although breaking into ninth place is a significant milestone, maintaining that position will require consistency against formidable opposition. Therefore, with Murray unavailable, the Flying Fijians must find the right combinations and depth in their squad to keep their momentum going.
Fiji face France next Sunday at 8.10am Fiji time before taking on Ireland on 15 November and Italy on 22 November…PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: REUTERS PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 30 Oct 2026
NZ open to player movement in Super Rugby Pacific
WELLINGTON, 30 0CTOBER 2026 (REUTERS)—New Zealand Rugby has signalled it could relax its strict policy of keeping Test players on home soil in an effort to turn the Super Rugby Pacific competition around.
New Zealand has long made All Blacks eligibility conditional upon players representing its professional teams in Super Rugby and the National Provincial Championship (NPC).
However, NZR chief Steve Lancaster has opened the door for Test players to represent Australian Super Rugby teams by saying the New Zealand-dominated competition needed more ambition and bold thinking to transform itself.
“We’re aligned with Rugby Australia and the Super Rugby clubs that we need people who wake up every day focused on engaging fans, growing revenue and working with broadcasters and the media,” he said in a statement on Thursday.
“We’re open to working on things like player movement, a competition-wide salary cap and centralising commercial assets across the key markets.
“Those are conversations we will now have with Rugby Australia, the Rugby Players Association and the Super Rugby clubs.”
Super Rugby teams on both sides of the Tasman Sea have had issues financially and highly reliant on funding from the national rugby unions.
The competition will field 10 teams next season, having lost two in three years. Auckland-based Moana Pasifika were disbanded at the end of the 2026 season, after the Melbourne Rebels folded in 2024.
No Australian team has won a Super Rugby championship since the NSW Waratahs in 2014, and none made the semi-finals this year.
NZR chief rugby officer Mike Collins said Super Rugby would become more independent from NZR’s day-to-day management, allowing the governing body to focus more on the NPC and developing the community game.
NZR also endorsed the 14-team NPC format, but said five teams would have their operations consolidated with the Super Rugby sides in their home cities to drive better outcomes, with implementation targeted for 2028 after a final board decision.
The measure forms part of NZR’s work to reduce costs by 5 per cent and create a $NZ20 million (AUD$15.9 million) annual improvement from 2028.
“While these changes will reduce duplication and cost, more importantly they simplify rugby operations and player pathways in our major cities and ensure we are operating as one team from community rugby through to the All Blacks,” Collins said. …PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 30 Oct 2026
Samoa ready to make history with English conquest
SYDNEY, 30 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—The Samoan women’s rugby league team are on the verge of booking a historic World Cup semi-finals berth in what would be their greatest ever victory.
It has been 18 years since Samoa last contested a Women’s Rugby League World Cup, and now the proud Pacific nation will head to Wollongong on Friday night to take on England in a winner-takes-all clash.
Captain Annetta Nu’uausala is welcoming the chance to create history for her people.
“To be able to be those pioneers for our people back in Samoa would mean the world to our young ones,” Nu’uausala told AAP.
“Just us being part of the World Cup is a big win for Samoa, so to be able to make semi-finals, it’s more than we could ever ask for.”
Nu’uausala and coach Frank Pritchard agreed that a win over England would be the biggest ever for the women’s team.
They said victory would be transformational for the sport’s development in the Pacific Islands, but more must be done to grow the women’s game and create more pathways for Pacific stars to shine in the NRLW.
“Getting results on the big stage for the national teams goes a long way to growing the game,” said Nu’uausala, Samo’as most-capped women’s representative.
“It would be good to have people from the NRL or whoever runs these programs to head over to Samoa, there’s so much interest there.”’
Over Pritchard’s 15-year NRL career, the forward contributed to the rise of Pasifika talent, but thinks the semi-professional nature of the women’s game and lack of international experience makes it harder for emerging players.
“The game needs to become full-time for our ladies,” Pritchard told AAP.
“It’s easy for the men to transition, they’re all full-time and obviously money plays a big factor.
“We need more Test matches … we can’t wait to the end of the year to play these sort of games.’
Nu’uausala hopes there will be more women following her lead and choosing to represent their heritage, copying the trend from the men’s game.
“I had my first two World Cups with the Kiwi Ferns and now I’ve got my third with Samoa,” the Warriors prop said.
“It was an easy decision for me. I’m not considered one of the young ones anymore in this sport, so I’d love to finish off with these colours.”
England and Samoa have had similar journeys through the tournament, losing big to Australia and then thumping Wales.
It all comes down to Friday night’s final group game between the two sides, with the result deciding who goes through to the knockout stage.
The match is the first between these nations’ women’s teams, but Samoa will take inspiration from the country’s men’s side, who pulled off an almighty upset against the hosts in a semi-final at the last World Cup in England.
“What the men did, they built a good foundation for Samoa, so it’s good for us to come into this World Cup and be able to build on that,” Nu’uausala said.
“We’ve got some really good male counterparts who really support and show so much love to the women’s game.” …. PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 30 Oct 2026
Cook Islands star set for Broncos pre-season tilt
SYDNEY, 30 OCTOBER 2-26 (AAP)—Cook Islands hat-trick hero Asom Ioka is set to have a train and trial pre-season with Brisbane and his coach Karmichael Hunt insists he has the ability to make it count.
Ioka, 23, scored his three tries against New Zealand in Christchurch on Sunday in the World Cup to give the Aitu a 16-12 lead before they were overpowered 82-16 by the Kiwis.
He tore a calf while scoring his third try and will miss the clash with Australia in Townsville on Saturday night.
Hunt, who also coaches Broncos affiliate club Souths-Logan in the Queensland Cup, said a big future awaited Ioka.
“Esom had a very good year at Brisbane Tigers and at this stage he is going to be joining us at Souths-Logan for next season,” Hunt told AAP.
“We are going to send him in for a train and trial opportunity with the Broncos in the New Year and if nothing else (NRL contract wise) happens before then and he gets a good pre-season in with the Broncos, who knows what could happen.
“He is certainly capable of playing NRL. Esom is instinctual, very athletic, has great hands and good height for an outside back. I think his best position is on the wing.”
Dual-international Hunt, who won the 2006 NRL title at the Broncos, said the modest Ioka did not realise “how good he can be” in the game.
“When he understands how hard you can train and how hard you need to train he will get so much more out of what he is currently doing,” he said.
“The future is only bright for him.”
Ioka had a breakout season at the Tigers where he scored 22 tries in 21 games in the Queensland Cup on the wing. He has also played fullback and centre previously at Western Clydesdales and Northern Pride.
Ioka said he wanted to follow in the footsteps of Cronulla and Cook Islands centre KL Iro and play in the NRL after going close previously.
“I had a pre-season at the Cowboys at the end of 2024 but did a syndesmosis injury at the end of it,” Ioka told AAP.
“I would love to play NRL if the opportunity came.
“I look up to our captain KL Iro. He is a big inspiration for me for what he does for the Kukis.”
Despite getting injured, Ioka said his display against the Kiwis was a career highlight in his ninth Test for the Aitu.
“I was really proud to score three tries and I am always proud to put on the Cook Islands jersey,” he said.
“Those tries, it was just about being in the right place at the right time. It was an awesome experience and unreal to do it in front of my family who were all there watching.
“Unfortunately I tore my calf and will be out for a few weeks now.”
The Auckland-born Ioka, whose father is Samoan, said his passion for the Cook Islands stemmed from his grandfather Manu Nikoia and late grandmother Judy.
“They played a massive part in my upbringing and whenever I play for Cook Islands I am always thinking of them,” he said…PACNEWS.
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 30 Oct 2026
Dad jets to see Samoan Storm star play for first time
SYDNEY, 30 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—The enormity of a World Cup clash with Pacific rivals Tonga is not lost on Melbourne fullback Sua Fa’alogo, whose father will travel from Samoa to watch his son play live for the first time.
Fa’alogo’s father Eti, who lives in a village called Si’umu, has never watched his electrifying son, who debuted for the Storm in 2023, play a professional game.
“My old man, he is coming straight from Samoa, so I think he’s going to come to my game for the first time. I’m very excited, I can’t wait,” Fa’alogo said.
“It means a lot because he has done so much for me, and everything he’s done for me to bring me over (to Australia) and try to give me the opportunity of a better life, I’m very grateful for him and my mum.”
Born in the island nation, Fa’alogo is one of the few homegrown players in the Samoan squad, who face Tonga at a sold-out CommBank Stadium on Sunday.
Fa’alogo – the youngest of nine children – relocated to Melbourne as a child before his parents moved back to Samoa.
The fullback, who is the leading try-scorer at the World Cup with six in Samoa’s opening two games against France and Papua New Guinea, has never played against Tonga but was part of the parades celebrating his team’s run to the final of the 2022 tournament.
His form at the World Cup would be encouraging for the Storm, who are facing uncertainty about the long-term commitment of Australian five-eighth Cameron Munster and hooker Harry Grant.
“Hopefully the boys get to stay, I learn so much from those guys,” Fa’alogo said.
“It would mean a lot if they stayed, all I’ve had to do is listen to them.
“To be honest, it was a pretty tough position to fill when Paps (Ryan Papenhuyzen) left, they were pretty big shoes to fill and without those guys giving the confidence to go out there every week to perform, I wouldn’t be the player that I am,” he said…PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 30 Oct 2026
Solomon Islands and Tahiti win big heading into weekend final
PAPE’ETE, 30 OCTOBER 2026 (OFC)—Solomon Islands picked up their second win at the OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup 2026 and booked their place in the final against Tahiti this weekend.
The four-time champions didn’t have it all their own way however, falling behind to a spirited Vanuatu side, before coming back to secure a 7-2 victory in Papeete.
Just four minutes were on the clock when Batis Alick gave Vanuatu a shock lead – finishing from close range to open the scoring.
It took Solomon Islands time to assert themselves and recover from the early setback, but when they did, they never looked back. Max Fa’ari equalised with a scrambled finish before Roy Mafane arrowed a fantastic effort into the top corner to complete the turnaround – giving Solomon Islands the lead after the first period.
Albert Bobby made it three with a direct free-kick that gave Vanuatu goalkeeper Sterry Tor no chance, with Apolos Ahua finding the net with a wonderfully neat finish five minutes later to make it 4-1.
Player of the Match Charlie Otainao made it five with a direct free-kick that flashed low into the corner, only for Alick to score his and Vanuatu’s second almost immediately from the kick-off to reduce the arrears.
Any hopes of a comeback however were duly snuffed out, when Remsy Melo grabbed a quickfire double, scoring twice in two minutes to re-establish Solomon Islands’ dominance and ensure they came away with the three points.
They can now look forward to the final this weekend, with hosts Tahiti their opponents. The two sides jointly hold the record for most title wins with four – adding even more excitement to their much anticipated clash.
Vanuatu: 2 (Batis ALICK 4′, 24′)
Solomon Islands: 7 (Max FA’ARI 8′, Roy MAFANE 9′, Albert BOBBY 15′, Apolos AHUA 20′, Charlie OTAINAO 24′, Remsy MELO 31′, 32′)
Tahiti flexed their muscles with a dominant win over New Caledonia in the day’s second match, as they prepare for a final showdown with Solomon Islands.
The defending champions – who like their final opponents are aiming for a record fifth crown – were outstanding throughout, with Heirauarii Salem and Ro’onui Tinirauarii scoring four and three each, respectively.
Salem’s goals were particularly noteworthy, as it took the Tahitian ahead of James Naka as the all-time leading goal scorer in OFC beach soccer history.
Two minutes were on the clock when Heimanu Taiarui gave the hosts the lead, to which Salem quickly added his first.
Daniel Tagawa pulled one back for New Caledonia, to keep their slim final hopes alive. Though just a minute later Ro’onui Tinirauarii opened his account with a smart volley having been set up by Raimana Li Fung Kuee.
Salem grabbed his second shortly after the first interval to take himself level with James Naka’s all-time goal scoring record. Tearii Labaste then added a fifth for Tahiti as they began to pull clear.
Gervais Chan Kat’s effort was deflected in for an unfortunate own goal before Salem completed his hat-trick to make history – slamming his penalty home to take himself above Naka as the outright OFC beach soccer leader in goals.
Rainui Tze-Yu scored his first of the campaign, with Labaste forcing another own goal immediately following the restart.
Renaldo Teiva Nonmeu pulled back a consolation strike for New Caledonia as they continued to work hard, but Tahiti were proving too much.
Ro’onui Tinirauarii scored his second and then completed his hat-trick a couple of minutes later to match Salem’s tally at that point.
Ménié Gope-Iwate claimed New Caledonia’s final goal of the match to give their fans some late cheer, but it was fittingly Salem that would have the final say – scoring his fourth and Tahiti’s 12th, to send them to the final in fine form.
Tahiti: 12 (Heimanu TAIARUI 2′, Heirauarii SALEM 7′, 15′, 20′ (P), 35, Ro’onui TINIRAUARII 10′, 26′, 29′ (P), Tearii LABASTE 18′, Own Goal 20′, 25′, Rainui TZE-YU 23′)
New Caledonia: 3 (Daniel TAGAWA 9′, Renaldo Teiva NONMEU 25′, Ménié GOPE-IWATE 35’) …PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 30 Oct 2026
Yeo wants Kangaroos forwards to shut the front door
SYDNEY, 30 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—Australia’s forward pack is yet to dominate an opponent in this World Cup and captain Isaah Yeo has revealed that is an area of key focus as the finals approach.
Australia have done well in the 24-22 win over New Zealand and 36-22 victory over Fiji to find an extra gear when behind on the scoreboard but the Kangaroos don’t want to find themselves in those situations.
The clash with Cook Islands in Townsville on Saturday night, where Yeo returns at lock and skipper, is an opportunity to iron out glitches ahead of their semi-final at Allianz Stadium on 08 November.
“I’d rather be learning lessons while we win,” Yeo said.
“So as much as there has been speculation about how we have played it still feels like our best footy is in front of us … which is exciting and what you’d hope for at this stage of the tournament.
“You don’t want to feel like teams can attack your front door so that is an area (to improve) … just making sure our contact is a little bit better and our ruck control. If we get that right it will hold us in good stead.”
Australia boasts the best players in the world. Yeo wants them to be more clinical overall but perfection will always prove elusive.
“There is an expectation for the Australian side that you are performing at a 10 out of 10 each game, but that is not the reality,” he said.
“We understand that we need to be better but I am happy we have two wins in the bank.
The Kangaroos spine has been in flux with Reece Walsh, Cameron Munster, Mitchell Moses and Harry Grant starting in the win over New Zealand in the opening round. Tom Dearden came on the field to replace Moses when he injured his calf.
In game two James Tedesco, Dearden, Sam Walker and Blayke Brailey started against Fiji.
Walsh returns against Cook Islands to join the Munster/Dearden halves combination and reigning Golden Boot winner Grant.
“This team (against Cook Islands) is something we feel like we can take forward and continue to grow,” Yeo said when asked about the changeable spine.
“It is a real blessing this Australia has so much depth and that gives players opportunities but once you approach the knockout (rounds) you want to be settled.”
With regard to the spine, Yeo said they were “all elite players” who brought different strengths.
“We just want to walk off the field on Saturday night happy with our performance,” Yeo said.
“I feel like we have in some parts in the first two games. You want to be taking steps forward and getting confidence from your performances and we are going to need that going into knockout footy,” he said…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 30 Oct 2026
Lomax lands Wallabies audition for World Cup spot
NEW JERSEY, 30 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—Zac Lomax has made his tentative first steps towards securing a World Cup spot with the Wallabies after earning a call-up into the Australia A team.
After a strong start to life as a rugby union player with the Western Force, former NRL star Lomax will debut on the international stage when Australia A take on the USA in New Jersey on Saturday morning (AEDT).
He will partner with Kadin Prichard at outside centre in his latest audition to join Les Kiss’s Wallabies team for next year’s 2027 home World Cup.
The 27-year-old is out to become the seventh dual international winger alongside the likes of Joseph-Aukuso Sualii and Israel Folau, before he returns to the NRL in 2028 with the PNG Chiefs.
Kiss had already signalled his readiness to keep an open mind, despite the former St George Illawarra, Parramatta and NSW Origin talent’s return to rugby league.
Lomax’s imminent Australia A debut comes a day after his veteran Force teammate Kurtley Beale received a surprise recall for the Wallabies’ spring tour of the UK.
Beale, 37, has not played for the Wallabies since 2021, but answered an SOS call from Kiss after midfielder Hunter Paisami withdrew for personal reasons.
James Ramm and Kalani Thomas were also named to join the touring group for next month’s three Tests against England, Scotland and Wales, before the inaugural Nations Championship finals in the UK from November 21-23.
Ramm – who will join Beale and Lomax at the Force next year – returns to the Wallabies after an impressive four-season English Premiership stint at Northampton.
The 27-year-old received his maiden Wallabies call-up in 2020 from Dave Rennie, but couldn’t break into the side before moving to England in 2022.
Ramm had a “little stopover” in the New Zealand NPC competition playing for Northland, before signing with the Force on a two-year deal starting next season.
“The pull of a home World Cup is every player’s dream. That definitely played a big part,” Ramm said on Thursday.
‘And I loved my time in the UK, but I was ready to come back and give this a real crack.
“He (Kiss) has been very excited the past couple of days … so I think he wants everyone to be themselves.
“We’ve talked a lot about the different styles of rugby I’ve been playing in and picking each other’s brains about what we think is different.”
His knowledge of former Northampton teammates such as England young gun Henry Pollock will no doubt prove valuable for the Wallabies, who have slipped to No.7 in the world rankings after losing the Bledisloe Cup for a 23rd straight year this month.
Ramm edged out regular starter Corey Toole, who will play alongside Lomax after falling out of favour under Kiss.
Thomas was also named in the Australia A team alongside Tom Lambert, with the pair to join the Wallabies in the UK following Saturday’s match.
AUSTRALIA A SQUAD: Tom Lambert, Matt Faessler (c), Zane Nonggorr, Nick Frost, Toby Macpherson, Will Harris, Luke Reimer, Joe Brial, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Lachie Anderson, Kadin Pritchard, Zac Lomax, Corey Toole, Mac Grealy. Substitutes: Lachlan Lonergan, Lington Ieli, Edwin Langi, Eamon Doyle, Rory Scott, Nathan Hastie, Tane Edmed, Tim Ryan….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 30 Oct 2026
Toowoomba local targets expansion franchises
BRISBANE, 30 OCTOBER 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Western Clydesdales wonder boy, Christopher Woodbridge, has put the PNG Chiefs and Perth Bears on notice, declaring he will jump at the opportunity to join either clubs as they prepare to enter the NRL.
The 25-year-old Toowoomba local has enjoyed a remarkable breakout season in the Hostplus Cup, establishing himself as one of the competition’s standout fullbacks and putting his name firmly in the frame for a potential move to the highest level.
Woodbridge’s outstanding campaign this year has been rewarded with a remarkable collection of individual honours, including Hostplus Cup Team of the Year at fullback, Rookie of the Year and the prestigious Petero Civoniceva Medal.
His dominance has also been reflected at club level, where he finished as the Clydesdales’ leading point-scorer with 161 points and top try-scorer with 21 tries. He also collected the Players’ Player Award and the club’s Player of the Year honour.
With the Chiefs and Bears assembling their inaugural NRL squads, Woodbridge admits the prospect of becoming part of either club’s historic journey is an opportunity he would find difficult to refuse.
“Definitely, it’s a yes from me,” Woodbridge told The National when asked about the possibility of joining the Chiefs or Bears. “To me, it would be like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“If the opportunity is there, definitely I’d take it with both hands.”
However, the emerging fullback has made it clear that any potential move would need to provide security for his young family, with his fiancée and two young children firmly at the centre of his decision.
“I’ve got a fiancée at home and I’ve got two little kids,” he said. “If it was the right opportunity and the right offer, I’d definitely take it.
“It doesn’t matter where it would be. We’d be happy to go anywhere.”
Woodbridge’s willingness to relocate could make him an intriguing prospect as the expansion clubs continue to shape their playing rosters and search for talent capable of making the transition to the NRL.
Despite the growing possibilities, he remains committed to the Western Clydesdales and believes the club could build something special next year.
“I’m pretty confident us, Western Clydesdales, will be rooting for something pretty special next year,” he said. “So, I’d love to stick around to be part of that.
“But, if anything happens and I get an opportunity at a higher level, I’d definitely take it with both hands.”…PACNEWS
USA – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 30 Oct 2026
World Rugby Nations Cup 2026 set to resume with USA and Georgia leading the way
DUBLIN, 30 OCTOBER 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—The second phase of the World Rugby Nations Cup 2026 will take place across Europe and in Hong Kong from 06-21 November as the tournament reaches a climax.
There are three more rounds of fixtures on successive weekends which will see all 12 teams competing in 18 fixtures, with two inaugural champions to be crowned.
The teams finishing top of the Americas and Pacific pool and Europe, Asia and Africa pool will earn that title and the action kicks off on 6 November when Romania host Tonga in Bucharest with another five games over the course of the weekend.
Where we stand
USA and Georgia currently top their respective pools on 14 points apiece and are the only unbeaten teams so far after both sides posted three successive wins in July.
The USA Eagles averaged 30 points per game and showed their title pedigree by edging out Portugal 30-29 at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, Denver, Colorado in their opener.
They backed that up in impressive fashion with a 31-15 win over Zimbabwe at American Legion Memorial Stadium in North Carolina before rounding off their July campaign with a 29-22 success over Spain at Wake Med Soccer Park in Raleigh, North Carolina’s capital city.
USA now top the Americas and Pacific pool heading into the November fixtures, with Chile in second on 10 points and Samoa, Tonga, Canada and Uruguay are all currently level on seven points.
Georgia, meanwhile, showed why they are rated as a coming force in world rugby by topping the Europe, Asia and Africa pool with three wins from three on the road.
They outscored Uruguay at Estadio Charrúa in Montevideo in a thrilling 41-34 victory in round one before beating Samoa 33-12 at the Estadio Sausalito in Viña del Mar in Chile.
Georgia then showed their class again by dispatching hosts Chile 49-22 at CARR Mahuida in Santiago to sit at the top of their pool.
Portugal, meanwhile, are handily placed in second on 12 points – two points behind Georgia – with Spain and Romania level on nine points and Hong Kong China and Zimbabwe in fifth and sixth place respectively.
Recap of July highlights
The only place to start is the thrilling 42-42 draw between hosts Canada and Spain on the opening weekend of the tournament as history was made at Clarke Stadium in Edmonton.
Twelve tries and 84 points were split equally in a breathless affair on 4 July to set a new record as the highest-scoring draw in the history of test rugby.
Aerial battles, end-to-end attacks, non-stop line-breaks, and a scoreline fitting for the occasion; this was a game that had it all.
It whetted the appetite further for the upcoming Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 pool meeting between the nations next year.
So too did Tonga’s 36-26 win over Zimbabwe in Denver, Colorado on the same weekend, with the two nations set to face off at Australia 2027 in Townsville, Queensland next October.
Chile recorded an impressive 38-17 win over Hong Kong China in round two in a major boost to the South American side who have been paired with the same side in Pool A at RWC 2027.
There were plenty of other exhilarating games and close-fought encounters.
Highlights reels include Georgia’s 41-34 win over Uruguay, USA’s 30-29 victory against Portugal and a 36-36 draw between Uruguay and Romania.
Romania then edged out Samoa 38-37, Hong Kong China clinched a 42-40 win over Uruguay and Canada registered a 23-19 success over Zimbabwe.
Intriguingly, of the 18 matches played in July, nine were decided by seven points or less, illustrating the competitiveness of the tournament.
What lies ahead
The November series begins on Friday, 6 November in Bucharest when Romania welcome Tonga to the Stadionul National Arcul de Triumf for the opening match of round four.
A day later, Georgia will face Canada in Tbilisi, Portugal host Chile in Lisbon, Zimbabwe take on Samoa in Wakefield, England, and Spain welcome Uruguay to Madrid, before Hong Kong China host USA in Bourg-en-Bresse in France on Sunday, 8 November.
As part of the November schedule, Zimbabwe will stage their designated home matches in England and France, while Hong Kong China will play two of their three home fixtures in France before returning to Hong Kong to host Tonga at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground on 21 November.
The arrangements have been agreed with the respective unions for the 2026 edition, reflecting the wider European footprint of the November window, while maintaining important home-market moments where possible.
One match to keep an eye on is Uruguay’s visit to Lisbon to tackle Portugal on 21 November, a taste of what is to come in Newcastle | Awabakal-Worimi on 11 October where they meet at RWC 2027 when an historic place in the round of 16 could be on the line.
Players to watch
Uruguay hooker Joaquín Myszka enjoyed a remarkable impact during his side’s opening three fixtures against Georgia, Romania and Hong Kong China.
Although Los Teros did not win a match during July, Myszka’s influence was to be applauded. He scored in the opening 41-34 defeat to Georgia and then claimed back-to-back hat-tricks in the next two matches; a 36-36 draw with Romania and 42-40 reverse at the hands of Hong Kong China.
Zimbabwe winger Edward Sigauke certainly caught the eye during the July fixtures, scoring in the 36-26 opening defeat to Tonga. Sigauke, who made his international debut in 2024, was on target again the following week in the 31-15 loss to the USA in another ringing endorsement of his finishing prowess.
His performances for Zimbabwe in their first three Nations Cup matches attracted admiring glances from far and wide. In August, he earned a move to PREM Rugby outfit Harlequins and will hope to stays on the try-scoring trail in Zimbabwe’s upcoming Nations Cup matches against Samoa, Uruguay and Chile.
Another man to earn his stripes during the first three round of fixtures in July was talismanic Canada forward Mason Flesch. The 26-year-old – who can play in the second and back row – is noted for his assiduous work-rate and eye for a try.
He crossed the line twice in the historic 42-42 draw with Spain in the opening round and touched down again in the 23-19 victory over Zimbabwe in the final round of July fixtures.
Flesch’s star has been on the rise for some time now and earlier this month he joined PREM Rugby side Newcastle Red Bulls on a deal until the end of the 2026-27 season. During September, Flesch was a key figure for Stephen Meehan’s side as they clinched third place in the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026.
Other players who caught the eye during the first three Nations Cup fixtures were Georgia fly-half Luka Matkava, who is currently the tournament’s leading points scorer with 49 points.
Portugal winger Manuel Cardoso Pinto, meanwhile, has notched five tries with only the prolific Myszka of Uruguay ahead of him in the try-scoring charts….PACNEWS
