In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — Former England international Nathan Hughes makes Fiji return against France
2. RUGBY — Fiji Rugby launches Fijian Latui Programme, Names 37-Member Squad for European tour
3. RUGBY LEAGUE — Former Kiwis captain ready to take down NZ in Cup semi
4. RUGBY LEAGUE — Jillaroos wary of fast-starting Fijians in historic showdown
5. RUGBY LEAGUE — Kiwis hatch plan for Ponga’s early return against Tonga
6. RUGBY LEAGUE — ‘I pick, I stick’: Asofa-Solomona explains Samoa
7. POWER LIFTING — Iron Lady’ still winning gold at 73
8. RUGBY LEAGUE — ‘Ego-free’ Kangaroos raring for rowdy Samoan semi-final
9. RUGBY LEAGUE — We’re a happy group: Perth Bears get house in order
10. RUGBY — Queensland Reds coach Vern Cotter ‘privileged’ to blood exciting talent ahead of international tour of Japan and Italy
FRANCE – RUGBY: PACNEWS PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 06 Nov 2026
Former England international Nathan Hughes makes Fiji return against France
LYON, 06 NOVEMBER 2026 (PACNEWS) — Former England international Nathan Hughes will make his return to international rugby in Fiji’s Nations Championship clash against France in Lyon on Saturday after being named in the starting XV by new head coach Jake White.
The 35-year-old Fiji-born number eight, who earned 22 caps for England between 2016 and 2019, is eligible to represent Fiji under revised World Rugby Regulation 8, which allows players to switch international allegiance after a three-year stand-down period, provided they meet the birthright eligibility requirements.
Hughes will start at number eight alongside Pita-Gus Sowakula and Kitione Salawa in the back row, with Mesake Vocevoce and Isoa Nasilasila named in the second row.
Eroni Mawi and Luke Tagi will start at prop, with captain Tevita Ikanivere at hooker.
In the backline, Simione Kuruvoli will partner Isikeli Rabitu at halfback and flyhalf, while Vinaya Habosi and Iosefo Masi form the midfield combination.
Jiuta Wainiqolo and Selestino Ravutaumada will start on the wings, with Salesi Rayasi at fullback.
Hughes’ selection is a major addition to Fiji’s forward pack as White prepares for his second match in charge of the Flying Fijians.
Fiji will also face Ireland in Dublin on 14 November before taking on Italy in Udine a week later.
FIJI STARTING XV
15 Salesi Rayasi, 14 Selestino Ravutaumada, 13 Iosefo Masi, 12 Vinaya Habosi, 11 Jiuta Wainiqolo, 10 Isikeli Rabitu, 9 Simione Kuruvoli, 8 Nathan Hughes, 7 Kitione Salawa, 6 Pita-Gus Sowakula, 5 Isoa Nasilasila, 4 Mesake Vocevoce, 3 Luke Tagi, 2 Tevita Ikanivere (captain), 1 Eroni Mawi.
Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Peni Ravai, Inoke Ravuiwasa, Peceli Yato, Elia Canakaivata, Frank Lomani, Ben Volavola and Sireli Maqala….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FRU PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 06 Nov 2026
Fiji Rugby launches Fijian Latui Programme, Names 37-Member Squad for European tour
SUVA, 06 NOVEMBER 2026 (FRU)—Fiji Rugby has officially launched the Fijian Latui Programme, marking a significant step towards strengthening player development pathways, expanding international opportunities and building Fiji’s presence in European rugby.
The programme was unveiled in Suva, alongside the announcement of a 37-member squad, comprising players from Fiji’s domestic competitions and overseas-based professional clubs.
Fiji Rugby Chief Executive Officer Koli Sewabu said the initiative represents more than establishing another Fijian rugby team in Europe. It is part of the organisation’s wider strategy to develop players, coaches and management personnel while creating opportunities that will ultimately benefit rugby in Fiji.
“For us, this is about much more than putting another Fijian rugby team on the field in Europe,” Sewabu said.
“It’s about giving our players and coaches more opportunities, building stronger relationships overseas and making sure Fiji Rugby is in a better position to benefit from the opportunities available in the international game.”
The Fijian Latui Programme forms part of Fiji Rugby’s commitment to Performance Excellence, with a focus on preparing emerging talent for the demands of professional and international rugby.
The squad brings together players competing in France, other overseas competitions and Fiji’s domestic rugby system, providing an opportunity for local talent to gain valuable exposure in a European rugby environment.
Of the 37 players named, 12 will travel from Fiji, including 10 representatives from the Skipper Cup competition, Fijian Drua prop Mesake Doge and New Zealand-based Samuela Tawake.
The Skipper Cup representatives include players from Naitasiri, Nadi, Nadroga, Suva, Ba and Kadavu, highlighting the continued importance of provincial rugby in developing Fiji’s next generation of international players.
Sewabu emphasised that the Latui Programme is designed to complement, rather than replace, Fiji’s existing domestic competitions and national development structures.
“The intention is to strengthen those existing pathways and, over time, give our national selectors a wider pool of players who are better prepared for international rugby,” he said.
The Fiji Rugby High-Performance Unit is working towards the squad’s planned assembly in France on 11 November 2026.
The programme will also provide professional development opportunities for Fijian coaches through direct exposure to European coaching systems and high-performance environments.
Former Flying Fijians Head Coach Patrice Lagisquet has been named Head Coach and Rugby Director of the Fijian Latui, supported by a coaching and management group comprising locally and internationally based personnel.
Three coaches travelling from Fiji, Senirusi Seruvakula, Kele Leawere and Cohen Politini, will work alongside Lagisquet and the Europe-based coaching staff as part of Fiji Rugby’s strategic coaching development initiatives.
The attachments are intended to strengthen coaching capabilities and contribute to improved performance across Fiji Rugby’s development and national programmes.
Sewabu said investing in coaching and management expertise is equally important to producing international-quality players.
“And that is important because we cannot focus only on developing players. We also need to develop the people who coach, manage and support them,” he said.
The Fiji Rugby Players Association (FRPA) has welcomed the launch, highlighting the importance of protecting players’ interests as they pursue professional opportunities overseas.
Speaking on behalf of the Association, Wame Lewaravu emphasised that the success of international player pathways must be measured not only through performances and contracts, but also through the wellbeing and long-term development of players.
“The proper channel is not a barrier. It is a safeguard,” the Association’s address stated.
The Association stressed the importance of ensuring that schools, provincial unions, Fiji Rugby and families remain involved in decisions concerning players moving into overseas professional rugby.
It also highlighted the challenges players can face when adapting to unfamiliar environments, including separation from family, cultural differences and the expectations that come with professional contracts.
“A player is first a person, a son or daughter, a member of a community. Their wellbeing, on and off the field, must be our first responsibility and never an afterthought.”
The Association reaffirmed its commitment to working with Fiji Rugby, schools, provincial unions and international partners to prepare players for overseas careers, strengthen welfare support and promote education and life beyond rugby.
Lewaravu has also been named in the Fijian Latui management structure in a player welfare role.
Beyond high-performance development, Fiji Rugby sees the Latui Programme as an opportunity to strengthen its relationships with international clubs, rugby organisations and commercial partners.
Sewabu said Fiji’s global rugby reputation provides a strong foundation for exploring new partnerships and revenue opportunities that can support the long-term sustainability of the game.
“We cannot continue to rely only on our traditional sources of funding. We need to explore new partnerships, new markets and new ways of generating revenue,” he said.
Fiji Rugby also acknowledged Axellerate Fiji for its offer of merchandise sponsorship support, which remains subject to the necessary commercial clearances.
Sewabu stressed that any commercial success generated through the programme must translate into meaningful investment in Fiji’s players, competitions and rugby development structures.
The launch of the Fijian Latui Programme represents another step in Fiji Rugby’s efforts to create a stronger connection between domestic development and the international professional game.
With 37 players selected and a coaching and management structure established, the programme aims to provide valuable experience, strengthen professional pathways and create opportunities for the next generation of Fijian rugby talent.
For Sewabu, the ultimate measure of the programme’s success will be its contribution to the future of rugby in Fiji.
“At the end of the day, our responsibility is to make Fiji Rugby stronger, not just for the players representing us today, but for those who will wear the white jersey in the years to come.”
The team will play their opening match on 14 November, followed by their second match against Ireland A on 20 November. Both matches will take place in Cork, Ireland.
Fijian Latui – November 2026 Squad
FORWARDS
Emosi Tumania – Bayonne
Sylvester Vakauliafa – Vannes
Sesoni Tamani – Castre
Ratu Osea Dasalusalu – Naitasiri
Joseva Baleiloa – Kadavu
Johnny Muller – Naitasiri
Mesake Doge – Fijian Drua
Samuela Tawake – New Zealand
Kaliova Bulai – Angoulême
Peni Naruma – Nadi
Petero Mailulu – Stade Français Espoir/Fiji U20
Watisoni Waqanisaravi – La Rochelle
Ratu Meli Turagaca – Chambéry
Isaia Lotawa – Ba
Francis Peters – Bordeaux
Apisalome Kuruisaqila – Béziers
Mosese Tabuakoto – Stade Français Espoir/Fiji U20
Isoa Koronawai – Suva
Joshua Thomson – Grenoble
Veresa Ramototabua – Castre Olympique
BACKS
Camron Kelemeti – Doncaster/MLR
Leone Nawai – Nadi
Iliesa Baravilala – Vannes
Joeli Baleilevuka – Nadroga
Wame Naituvi – Racing
Apete Narogo – Toulon
Sireli Masiwini – Provence Rugby
Jope Naseara – Dax
Alipate Waidilo – Naitasiri
Mosese Naura – Nadi
Peniasi Dakuwaqa – Stade Français
Semi Lagivala – La Rochelle
Kaminieli Rasaku – Angoulême
Avakuki Niusalelekitoga – Angoulême
Josaia Ralulu – Racing Espoir
Rupeni Junior Caucaunibuca – Montpellier
Setareki Tuicuvu – Toulon
Coaching and Management
Arnaud Dubois – General Manager
Patrice Lagisquet – Head Coach/Rugby Director
Wame Lewaravu – Player Welfare
Senirusi Seruvakula – Technical Coach
Cohen Politini – Coaching Professional Development Attachment
Chico Fernandes – Scrum Coach
Sunia Koto – Forwards Coach
Kele Leawere – Coaching Professional Development Attachment
Daniele Baleinadogo – Backs Coach
Noa Naikataci – Attack Coach
John Callard – Kicking Coach
Olivier Rieg – Strength and Conditioning Coach
Diego Carradona – Physiotherapist
Mathieu Marcellin – Performance Analyst
Sefanaia Vulakoro – Manager
Sefo Taofifenua – Logistics/Operations….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS 2: Fri 06 Nov 2026
Former Kiwis captain ready to take down NZ in Cup semi
SYDNEY, 06 NOVEMBER 2026 (AAP)—Dallin Watene-Zelezniak proudly followed in the footsteps of his great-grandfather to captain New Zealand’s rugby league side, but is now hoping to do his Tongan roots proud and beat the Kiwis in their World Cup semi-final.
Born in Hamilton, he idolised his great-grandfather Steve Watene, the first Maori man to captain the Kiwis and the only former NRL player to serve in New Zealand parliament.
Watene-Zelezniak is incredibly proud he continued that family legacy with his 13 caps for the Kiwis, including five as captain.
However, the winger has traded a black jersey for red at this Rugby League World Cup, and will now face off against his former side for a spot in the final.
“My great-grandfather got to captain the Kiwis as well, so that was pretty special to be able to put his name back where it once was,” Watene-Zelezniak said.
“It was always a goal of mine to represent New Zealand, but at the same time it was always a goal to represent Tonga for my grandma and my father.
“I’ve been able play for both countries now, so I feel quite blessed.”
The 31-year-old says he decided to switch allegiances now so he could be in peak condition wearing a Tongan jersey.
“I didn’t want to go to Tonga when I was old and couldn’t really do anything,” said Watene-Zelezniak, who plays for the Warriors in the NRL.
“I actually wanted to come to Tonga to make an impact.
“I felt it would be disrespectful if I just came to Tonga if I couldn’t make the Kiwis team.”
In 2019, he captained New Zealand to a loss against Tonga, just the second time the Polynesian nation has won against the Kiwis.
Eight years later, Watene-Zelezniak will be hoping that result repeats itself, but this time with him contributing to the victory.
Winning Saturday’s semi-final in Newcastle would be one of the greatest results in Tongan sporting history, with the island country never having made a World Cup final in any sport.
Ahead of the semi-final, his family has divided allegiances.
“My family is going to be split down the middle on the weekend,” Watene-Zelezniak said at an event to promote the return to Australia of the “Light the World Giving Machines’”, vending machines that give to those in need.
“It’s going to be a win-win for my family, no matter who wins the game,” he said …. PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 06 Nov 2026
Jillaroos wary of fast-starting Fijians in historic showdown
SYDNEY, 06 NOVEMBER 2026 (NRL)—Jillaroos hooker Olivia Higgins knows her side will need to be on their toes from the get-go when they take on Fiji in their historic semi-final.
While the Jillaroos have conceded just one try across their three pool games and amassed 242 points, Higgins said Australia would not be taking Fiji lightly.
The Bulikula have impressed in their debut IRL Rugby League World Cup, pushing the Kiwi Ferns to the limit in their opening match before securing strong wins over France and PNG.
“We’ve spoken as a team about that, their fast starts, they scored within the first 10 minutes of their last two games,” Higgins said.
“So we know what to expect… we’ll be ready.”
Higgins, who returns this week after serving as 18th player against Wales, said the “pressure” to perform from outside was seen as a privilege, but internally the goal remained to claim a fourth straight World Cup.
“Semi-final footy is different though and I think Fiji’s had a really good campaign so far, so we’re not taking them lightly at all… and obviously we want to win the World Cup, but we’re just focusing on the game ahead,” she said.
“I know it’s a bit cliche, but pressure is privilege.
“We train (hard), we’ve played all year, we’ve had pressured moments in our club, so I don’t think we’re really thinking too much (about outside expectations).
“Our theme for this week is excellence, and there’s so many things that we can do within our playing group to be better.
“Everybody knows that individually and as a team, so for us, we’ll be striving to get those ‘one-percenters’ and really make a mark again this weekend.
“I think we all trust what our coaching staff are doing here and we have a really great team, but like I said, if we can all lift that little bit extra, I think we’ll have a really good run to the final.”
The Australian Jillaroos will face off for a place in the World Cup against Fiji on Sunday at Allianz, with the match followed by the Kangaroos taking on Samoa….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 06 Nov 2026
Kiwis hatch plan for Ponga’s early return against Tonga
SYDNEY, 06 NOVEMBER 2026 (AAP)—Fullback Kalyn Ponga is in line for a miraculous comeback for the Kiwis just three weeks after breaking his arm in the IRL Rugby League World Cup opener against Australia.
Listed in the reserves when the team to take on Tonga was named on Tuesday, coach Stacey Jones said he would figure out Ponga’s role only after he was 100 per cent cleared to play.
Ponga’s battle with opposing fullback Reece Walsh was a highlight of the opening game, which the Kangaroos won 20-18, but he has missed their following two pool game wins over Cook Islands and Fiji.
“Let’s firstly make sure he’s right to play, that’s the first thing,” Jones said.
“He’s got to feel right in himself to do that.
“At the moment he’s doing everything right… the main thing is making sure that he’s ready.
“We’re not going to play him if he’s not ready.
“He knows himself. He knows his body. He’s an experienced player. He’s very professional. So, again, we’ll wait and see.
“We’ll get through captain’s run and then go from there.
“He’s done all the right things so far … (if) he does tick those boxes … I’ve got a plan and you’ll see on Saturday.”
Kiwis halfback Jahrome Hughes has his own experience in coming back from a similar injury and said he had to feel the confidence within himself that he was fully right to take to the field.
“It was a little while ago that I did mine… but to be honest (what I have told him is) just get his feeling on it,” Hughes said.
“He’s got to have confidence in his arm and feel right.
“You don’t want him going out there and having to worry about his arm the whole game because, that’ll take away from his game.
“So just get confidence in it… and he’s trained really well this week.
“We had another good session today.
“So that’s another step, closer to playing.
“(In terms of recovery) there’s a lot of moving parts to it, obviously a lot of physio, a lot of rehab movements that you’ve got to get through to get the arm going again and the wrist as well because it gets stiffened up after surgery and he’s been doing that.
“He’s spent a lot of time with our physios the last couple of weeks.
“They’re doing a great job with our medical team and he trained really well (today) and taking some good steps forward (today).”
Ponga wasn’t the only star Kiwi looking to make an appearance this week, with Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland also named in the reserves after serving his suspension for a hip drop tackle on Nathan Cleary in the preliminary final against Penrith.
Jeremy Marshall-King has been named to start in the hooking role, but said having Crossland in the squad, as well as utility Te Maire Martin, was only pushing everyone to be better.
“I think for myself, just being at the best I can and the hooker position is always up for grabs,” Marshall-King said.
“We challenge each other in training and Phoenix has been played really well this year for Newcastle and he’s pretty unlucky this year to miss the final.
“I think he’s got player of the year as well and we’ve seen what a player he is, he’s a competitor, as a person and as a player as well and it’s good to have him in the squad.”…PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 06 Nov 2026
‘I pick, I stick’: Asofa-Solomona explains Samoa
SYDNEY, 06 NOVEMBER 2026 (NRL)—He has at least two significant Samoan designs inked on his super-sized body but NRL star-turned boxer Nelson Asofa-Solomona says he never seriously considered representing the Pacific Islanders.
As Samoa prepare to tackle Australia in the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals, Asofa-Solomona has a huge fight of his own in Sydney on Friday night against fellow former NRL premiership winner Paul Gallen.
But the two-metre-tall powerhouse may have disappointed Samoan fans with his surprise snubbing of the tiny nation where both his parents were born before moving the family to New Zealand.
Asked by AAP who was going to reach the final of the global showpiece, the two-time premiership-winning Melbourne Storm enforcer didn’t even offer a tip for the Samoa game before pledging his 100 per cent allegiance to the Kiwis.
“I’d love New Zealand to be in there, obviously,” said the 16-Test former Kiwi international.
“I’ve played for them and we’ve been through the trials and tribulations for the last two World Cups and I know how hard it’s been for them and I would love for a bit of a success story for those boys to raise that trophy for New Zealand.”
The 30-year-old said “of course” he’d been asked to play for Samoa.
“Probably a couple of years ago,” he said.
“Actually, probably like halfway through my career, throughout the duration of my career, I’ve been asked.
“But, no, I wanted to stick solid to New Zealand. I didn’t want move away from my decision. Once I pick, I stick.”
Asofa-Solomona’s fierce loyalty to New Zealand comes after a swathe of fellow Pasifika-eligible players, including Samoan stars Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Payne Haas, jumped ship from Australia or the Kiwis to represent their family’s heritage.
Showing a surprising soft side, despite his rival on Thursday branding the former Cronulla and NSW State of Origin captain “selfish”, Gallen declined to throw any more flak at Asofa-Solomona after a bitter build-up to Friday night’s heavyweight grudge match.
“Mate, he’s doing his best for himself and that’s all we ever do in life, so I’m not trying to talk him down,” Gallen said.
“But the facts are the facts. He’s had three or four fights now and as a pay-per-view number.
‘Why have they got me back ? I don’t really care to be honest. I’m just worried about tomorrow night.
“That all that matters to me. He can do what he wants in the future. I’ve got no animosity towards him doing that.
“I wish him all the best, but I’m here to destroy him tomorrow night. I’m here to finish him tomorrow night,” he said…. PACNEWS
FIJI – POWERLIFTING: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 06 Nov 2026
Iron Lady’ still winning gold at 73
SUVA, 06 NOVEMBBER 2026 (FIJI SUN)—At 73, two-time Pacific Games powerlifting gold medallist Sainimili Turner is proving that age is no barrier to sporting achievement, winning gold in the women’s Masters 4, 80kg-plus category.
Turner claimed gold on Monday with a 35kg lift at the Oceania Regional Powerlifting and Bench Press Championship at Suva’s National Gymnasium.
Speaking to SUNsports, Turner said powerlifting was growing in Fiji, particularly among young people.
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“I believe the sport could help keep youths active and stay away from drugs,” she said.
“It’s a massive growth in the sport of powerlifting in our country, especially among our youths, who are interested in taking part.”
Turner has been dubbed the ‘Iron Lady’ and ‘Super Mum’ for her achievements in powerlifting over the years.
“Before, in my time, there were only a few (powerlifters), but now I’m surprised that our youths are taking up the sport.
“It’s good to participate in this sport; it keeps you healthy and active. I’m currently 73 years old but still going strong.”
Turner said returning to competition after 20 years had made her latest gold medal even more special.
“I’m excited that I won gold on Monday. I’m a two-time Pacific Games gold medallist. Despite my age, it does not stop me from achieving my dreams.
“After 20 years, now I’m back participating in the sport that I love.”
Turner encouraged young athletes not to give up on their goals, saying she had prepared for several months ahead of the competition.
“Do not give up easily and don’t retreat and no surrender. I had a few months of preparations and still trying my best,” she said.
Turner also acknowledged the Fiji National Sports Commission for its support and funding of the competition.
Her sporting journey began at the age of 36 and included judo with the late Viliame Takawa (Snr), karate, football and rugby.
Turner also welcomed the growing number of women taking up powerlifting, saying the sport was no longer dominated by men.
“There’s also a huge milestone for this sport because it was usually dominated by men. Now there are a lot of women competing in the sport,” she said….PACNEWS
SAMOA – RUGBY: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 06 Nov 2026
‘Ego-free’ Kangaroos raring for rowdy Samoan semi-final
SYDNEY, 06 NOVEMBER 2026 (AAP)—Reece Walsh is locked in as fullback for Australia’s World Cup semi-final, but refuses to accept he has truly beaten out two-time Dally M Medal winner James Tedesco for the Kangaroos’ No.1 jersey.
After coach Kevin Walters split the games between the two superstars in group play, Walsh has been given the nod to start Sunday’s semi-final against Samoa.
However, the 24-year-old rejects the notion that he’s nailed down the position, with Tedesco still waiting in the wings fresh off an NRL premiership with the Sydney Roosters.
“I wouldn’t say anyone’s cemented on a spot,” Walsh said.
‘There’s (six) on the bench now, so I could get hooked and replaced.”
Tedesco sported the No.1 jersey when the Kangaroos won the 2022 World Cup, beating Samoa 30-10 in the final, and the veteran is offering plenty of advice to the new first-choice fullback.
“Building the game early through the middle, and a lot of that push-support stuff,” Walsh told media when asked about Tedesco’s biggest tips for him.
“We’re two completely different players, but to be able to pick his brain about his strengths and what he brings to the team, I’m really grateful to have these opportunities to be around quality players like him.”
That camaraderie characterises the Kangaroos’ camp, with players willing to sacrifice their own playing minutes for the good of the team.
“I wouldn’t say it’s too much competing against each other, I feel like it’s trying to get the best out of the whole team,” the Brisbane Broncos superstar said.
“You worry about your own job, and focus on doing your role really well for the team.”
Latrell Mitchell is one player taking on a new role, the South Sydney star lining up on the bench for the must-win semi-final.
The centre admits he may be the “worst spectator ever” waiting impatiently on the sideline, but says there are no bruised egos for any of the Kangaroos not starting.
“I don’t think you have an ego in any team,’ Mitchell said.
‘We all play a part and a role, and we all have a set goal. We’re a collective really chasing something, and that’s the World Cup.”
The 29-year-old, who has played 10 Tests for Australia, is happy to offer any advice he can to Kotoni Staggs and Bradman Best, who will start in the centres.
“I love Kotoni, I love Bradman Best, and I just love seeing them play,” Mitchell said.
“They’re unbelievable athletes, and if I can add value or have a presence with them, I take a lot of pride in that, my role is to be a good teammate.,” he said…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 06 Nov 2026
We’re a happy group: Perth Bears get house in order
PERTH, 06 NOVEMBER 2206 (AAP)—New Perth Bears chief executive Tony Rea says he’s in it for the long haul and wants to get the “bongo drums” sounding in a bid to become a destination club.
The Bears, who will become the NRL’s 18th team in 2027, have been beset by rumours of infighting over the past year.
Former chief executive Anthony De Ceglie stepped down last month amid talk he had lost support of the club’s board.
De Ceglie’s departure came six months after the club’s general manager of football David Sharpe quit, after reportedly falling out with several key figures.
Rea, a former North Sydney captain, is viewed as somewhat of a saviour and voice of reason given his extensive rugby league experience and links to the Bears.
The 60-year-old made 120 appearances for the Bears between 1988 and 1994, before moving to England where he became a key figure at the London Broncos, serving roles as a player, coach and chief executive.
He also served as interim coach of Super Rugby Pacific outfit the ACT Brumbies in 2011.
Rea is keen to create a happy, fun environment at the Perth Bears, and already likes what he sees after meeting a number of staff.
“I’ve seen a really happy group. I’ve seen a really clear plan,” he said on Thursday.
Rea doesn’t want his stint in Perth to be a short one.
He pointed to his lengthy period at the London Broncos in various roles as proof that he likes to stick things out.
“When you’re a builder, which we’re all out here to do, I don’t think any of us want to walk away at any point,” Rea said.
And although the Bears are yet to sign a superstar player, Rea is confident word of mouth will spread over the coming years.
“We will do a wonderful job here, and then the further that goes, the more players will want to be here,” Rea said.
“The bongo drums from players will go out there, and they’ll go, ‘Hey, it’s pretty good’.”
Respect is also a big item on Rea’s agenda.
He experienced that first-hand as a player, helping North Sydney bounce back from a 15th-placed finish in 1989 to a preliminary final just two years later.
“When I took over the captaincy, it was a club that had a few jokes about it,” Rea said.
“When I left, it was a club that I think is the reason we’re standing here, because of what those guys did in the 1990s, and the high quality of play and high quality of people they produced.”
Rea is excited to work with Perth Bears coach Mal Meninga, who was part of the Canberra Raiders outfit that beat Rea’s Bears 30-14 in the 1991 preliminary final.
“I don’t think I could ever forgive him for that one,” Rea joked.
“I thought we had them at halftime, but they had a few too many guns in the second half, including Mal,” he said…. PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 06 Nov 2026
Queensland Reds coach Vern Cotter ‘privileged’ to blood exciting talent ahead of International tour of Japan and Italy
BRISBANE, 06 NOVEMBER 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU) —Newly-appointed Reds Head Coach Vern Cotter expressed excitement at the future of Queensland Rugby after naming his first squad for tours of Japan and Italy.
Young guns Nicholas Conway and Taione Taka are among the rising stars to play in the first match of the tour against Panasonic Wild Knight on 07 November.
Rugby Australia Men’s Rookie of the Year Treyvon Pritchard has also been named in the touring squad and is set to make his highly-anticipated return from an ankle injury sustained during World Rugby U20 Championships.
“Nick Conway has come back and I’ve been really impressed,” Cotter said. “You’ve got Treyvon Pritchard as well, you’ve got some really good players.
”Tai Taka is another talent that we are looking forward to seeing on the paddock against some experienced players.”
Lachlan Hooper, 22, is another member of the Reds’ youth brigade looking to impress on tour.
Hooper signed with Queensland in the off-season and could reunite with his brother, Wallaby No. 964 Tom Hooper, when the latter returns to Australia in 2028 to join the Reds.
Cotter believes Hooper’s recent stint in New Zealand’s NPC with Northland had provided valuable experience given “game time was reasonably tough, and he did well.”
The Reds coaching staff have given opportunities to a wider playing group for the tour of Japan and Italy with 12 top-line players currently on duty with the Wallabies at the Nations Championships.
In addition to the Reds’ youth brigade, Cotter has called in new recruits Izaia Perese and Cadeyrn Neville to provide valuable professional experience to the squad along with Wallabies Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Tom Lynagh and Aidan Ross.
“Cadeyrn is at the other end. These young guys are starting their career, he’s getting towards the end so his experience and passing on his knowledge and reassuring younger players in a foreign environment is really important.” Cotter remarked.
The Reds kick off their tour with two matches against Mark Nawaqanitawase’s Panasonic Wild Knights in Ota City on November 7 and Kumagaya on November 14.
Queensland will then venture to Italy to take on Italy XV and Benetton Rugby in Treviso on November 20 and 27.
Queensland Reds side to face Panasonic Wild Knights
1 George Blake – Bond University
2 Zac Hough – University of Queensland
3 Trevor King – Souths
4 Charlie Brosnan – Brothers
5 Cadeyrn Neville – TBC
6 Tom Robinson – University of Queensland
7 John Bryant (c) – Souths
8 Vaiuta Latu – Brothers
9 Cooper Stewart – University of Queensland
10 Tom Lynagh – University of Queensland
11 Nicholas Conway – Brothers
12 Dre Pakeho – Brothers
13 Izaia Perese – Easts
14 Taione Taka – Brothers
15 Coby Miln – TBC
Reserves
16 Matt Faessler – Brothers
17 Aidan Ross – Bond University
18 Nick Bloomfield – Easts
19 Zane Nonggorr – Bond University
20 Harrison Usher – Bond University
21 Will Ross – Brothers
22 Toby Brial – TBC
23 Joe Brial – University of Queensland
24 Mosiah Christian – Norths
25 Josh Takai – Brothers
26 Xavier Rubens – Souths
27 Lachie Anderson – University of Queensland
28 Tim Ryan – Brothers….PACNEWS
