In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — ‘Pasifika Rugby can’t be ignored’: Cook Islands and Tonga make case for Kanaloa takeover
2. RUGBY — Moana Pasifika rescue must be more than a bailout, says academic
3. RUGBY — ‘They’ll lose a lot of money’: Former NZR head on whether Moana Pasifika can be saved
4. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG Chiefs recruits set to join Hunters if London miss Super League spot
5. RUGBY — Drua farewell eight players at awards night
6. RUGBY LEAGUE — England prop Matty Lees signs with PNG Chiefs
7. RUGBY LEAGUE — Watson joins Chiefs as PNG add untested English prop
8. FOOTBALL — PNG soccer boss wants fair treat across codes
9. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG Chiefs; nation-building project
10. SPORTS AWARDS — PNG Sports awards recognition to outstanding achievers
11. FOOTBALL — Historic milestone for Tessa Nicol and women’s goalkeeping in Oceania
12. SWIMMING — Khelan eyes Olympic Games
13. FOOTBALL — OFC launches OFC Pro League Club Licensing Regulations
14. FOOTBALL — New Zealand begin final countdown to FIFA World Cup 2026
15. FOOTBALL — FIFA World Cup 2026™ squads confirmed: 1,248 dreams, 48 teams and a truly global cast of players
PAC – RUGBY: PMN PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 03 Jun 2026
‘Pasifika Rugby can’t be ignored’: Cook Islands and Tonga make case for Kanaloa takeover
AUCKLAND, 03 JUNE 2026 (PMN)—The leaders of Tonga and Cook Islands rugby have broken their silence on Kanaloa Rugby’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing that the future of Pacific rugby must be shaped by Pacific voices.
With Moana Pasifika set to leave Super Rugby Pacific after the 2026 season because of financial pressures, support for the Kanaloa consortium’s proposed takeover continues to grow across the region.
Kanaloa is one of a number of groups understood to be interested in taking over the licence, with New Zealand Rugby expected to assess competing proposals before making a decision on the club’s future.
PMN’s Pacific Mornings first revealed last week that the rugby unions of Sāmoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, and Niue had formally backed Kanaloa’s bid, with chief executive Tracy Atiga confirming the support during an interview on the programme.
While the Pacific unions do not decide who ultimately takes over Moana Pasifika’s licence, their backing carries significance because the franchise was created to represent Pacific communities and provide professional pathways for players across the region.
The endorsements also increase pressure on New Zealand Rugby, which last week declined to say whether it recognised the support Kanaloa has received from Pacific unions.
NZ Rugby told PMN News that any bidder would need to present a “long-term, sustainable business plan” as it considers several options for Moana Pasifika’s future beyond 2026.
Tonga Rugby Union chief executive Aisea Aholelei said the issue goes beyond the future of a single team.
“Pasifika Rugby cannot be ignored,” Aholelei told PMN’s Pacific Huddle.
“I mean, the stats there, the numbers are there, the visuals are there. Everywhere you look in professional rugby, international rugby, everywhere around the world, Pasifika is represented by our players.”
Aholelei said having a professional team based closer to home would strengthen Pacific national teams and give unions greater opportunities to monitor and develop players.
“It is very, very important that they are here at home playing in a professional setup.”
He said professional rugby was about more than developing players.
“You’re leaving the development side of it and everybody else behind, especially in the local development and the rugby itself on island,” Aholelei said.
“But if we all go hand in hand with the players, the coaches and management, the setup and working in a professional environment, it’ll be fantastic.”
Aholelei also revealed on Friday that the Tonga Rugby had not been approached by New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters following recent comments suggesting positive developments could be on the horizon for Moana Pasifika.
“We haven’t heard anything from a union perspective,” Aholelei said. “But it sounds positive. Any support that helps move Moana Pasifika forward would be welcomed.”
New Zealand is urgently exploring ways to secure Moana Pasifika’s future with Peters telling Pacific leaders in Apia that officials have been directed to work with NZ Rugby and other stakeholders on a financially sustainable plan.
Peters, who was in Sāmoa over the weekend, said it would be a major loss for the Pacific if Moana Pasifika were to disappear from Super Rugby, and he reaffirmed New Zealand’s support for keeping the franchise alive.
Cook Islands Rugby Union president Simiona Teiotu said Kanaloa earned the union’s support by approaching them directly with plans for grassroots rugby and player development.
“They are the ones who initially reached out to us,” Teiotu told PMN. “They gave us a proposal in terms of grassroots rugby.”
While backing Kanaloa, Teiotu acknowledged the long-standing support his union has received from World Rugby and New Zealand Rugby, particularly in coaching, development and community programmes.
But he said Pacific rugby nations continue to face challenges including population decline as young people move overseas for work and opportunities.
“A lot of our players have left the country,” he said.
Despite those challenges, Teiotu said grassroots rugby remains strong and continues to play an important role in keeping young people active and connected to their communities.
Both leaders pointed to the wider value of professional rugby pathways for Pacific nations, saying they help create opportunities not only for players but also coaches, administrators, referees and support staff.
Their comments add further momentum to Kanaloa’s campaign as New Zealand Rugby considers the future of professional Pacific rugby beyond 2026.
Aholelei says the message to rugby’s decision-makers is straightforward: “Kanaloa is stepping up to the plate to help Pasifika Rugby and it must be supported.”
Any change in ownership would still require approval from New Zealand Rugby and other key rugby stakeholders, with no timeline yet announced for a final decision.
As New Zealand Rugby weighs competing proposals for Moana Pasifika’s future, the message from Tonga and the Cook Islands is clear: Pacific nations want a greater voice in shaping the professional game and the pathways that support the next generation of players…..PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: PMN PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 03 Jun 2026
Moana Pasifika rescue must be more than a bailout, says academic
AUCKLAND, 03 JUNE 2026 (PMN)—The future of Moana Pasifika should be built on Pacific ownership and long-term regional partnerships and not short-term financial support, according to one of the region’s leading academics.
Professor Steven Ratuva’s comments come as debate intensifies over who should step in to save the Super Rugby Pacific franchise after it was placed into liquidation last week, casting doubt over its place in next year’s competition.
With the New Zealand Government now signalling it wants to help find a path forward, questions are also being raised about what role rugby can play in strengthening Aotearoa’s relationship with the Pacific.
Speaking on Pacific Mornings, Ratuva said New Zealand’s efforts to help save the troubled franchise could become a powerful form of soft diplomacy between Aotearoa and the Pacific.
His comments come after Foreign Affairs Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters revealed he had discussed Moana Pasifika’s future with the leaders of Sāmoa and Tonga during meetings in Apia over the weekend.
Peters said New Zealand officials had been instructed to work urgently with NZ Rugby and other stakeholders to explore “all possible options” for a financially sustainable future for the club.
But Ratuva said the conversation should go beyond simply finding another source of funding.
“In fact, what really needs to be done is to think outside the box a little bit into the area of bilateral or multilateral soft diplomacy between New Zealand and the Pacific Islands,” he told PMN.
He pointed to Australia’s investment in Pacific sports including rugby league pathways in Papua New Guinea and Fiji, and said New Zealand could adopt a similar approach.
Ratuva believes Sāmoa and Tonga’s governments and rugby unions should have a direct stake in any future ownership model, similar to the Fijian Drua structure, which is jointly owned by the Fiji Government and Fiji Rugby.
Ratuva said any long-term solution needed stronger government involvement and regional cooperation with Sāmoa and Tonga’s governments and rugby unions playing a central role in shaping the franchise’s future.
“Tonga and Sāmoa governments can come in together with the rugby unions and reclaim the stake,” he said.
Rugby Players Association chief executive Rob Nichol made a similar point during an interview with Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking last week, saying Moana Pasifika’s future depended on getting several key foundations right.
Nichol also suggested Moana’s struggles were not just financial, saying from a players’ perspective the franchise had not been fully set up for success.
He added that the team’s future depended on being ‘owned by Pacific people, for Pacific people” while making better use of its unique commercial opportunities.
Ratuva also argued New Zealand has strong reasons to support the franchise, given the contribution Pacific players and communities have made to rugby in this country.
“It’s part of the way in which New Zealand can actually enrich its relationship with the Pacific region….a significant part of whom are based in New Zealand or live in New Zealand.’
Peters has made clear that Moana Pasifika’s future is important to Sāmoa, Tonga, and Pacific communities in New Zealand.
“It would be seriously regrettable if Moana Pasifika were unable to take part in future Super Rugby seasons and we want to make sure every option is explored to try to find a sound business proposition and sustainable economic footing for the team,” Peters said in a statement.
The club was placed into liquidation last week and finished what could be its final season with a 21-19 win over the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday. Moana also carries significant debt including a $2.75 million (US$1.63 million) government loan.
While discussions appear to be taking place at government level, Tonga Rugby Union chief executive Aisea Aholelei said last Friday that the union had not been approached directly.
“We haven’t heard anything from a union perspective,” Aholelei told PMN’s Pacific Huddle.
“But it sounds positive. Any support that helps move Moana Pasifika forward would be welcomed.”
The latest developments come as Kanaloa Rugby continues its push to take over the franchise. The bid has already received backing from four Pacific rugby unions – Tonga, Sāmoa, Cook Islands and Niue.
A new bid to rescue Moana Pasifika has emerged, with a consortium led by a Los Angeles-based tech multimillionaire reportedly exploring a proposal to relocate the Super Rugby franchise to Hawai’i.
RNZ reported the Hawai’i-based plan is understood to be separate from the Kanaloa Rugby bid and is one of several options now being considered as stakeholders work to secure the club’s future following its entry into liquidation.
Sources say feasibility work is underway, with the proposal still facing major hurdles around travel logistics and commercial viability as discussions continue over the franchise’s next steps.
Supporters have argued that the club’s future should remain firmly in Pacific hands.
Ratuva says that principle is crucial. “I think rugby owes the Pacific so much in terms of what it’s given,” he told PMN
“And I think it’s very important that all of us should look for ways and means to make sure that it’s sustainable and continues in the future.”
The final whistle may have blown on Moana Pasifika’s season but the contest over the franchise’s future is only just beginning….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: NEWSTALK ZB PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 03 Jun 2026
‘They’ll lose a lot of money’: Former NZR head on whether Moana Pasifika can be saved
AUCKLAND, 03 JUNE 2026 (NEWSTALK ZB)—Moana Pasifika wrapped up their last Super Rugby match with an upset win over the Brumbies.
The franchise has been placed into liquidation and there’s no solid rescue deal for the team in sight, despite a rumoured bid from an American multi-millionaire.
Former NZ Rugby chief executive David Moffett says this prospective buyer needs to do their due diligence when it comes to the team.
“There’s only one outcome for somebody funding a team to be in Hawaii, and that is that they will lose a lot of money. And if they’re prepared to lose a lot of money and they’ve got it to lose, then that’s okay. There’s no money to be made in this,” he said….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 03 Jun 2026
Drua farewell eight players at awards night
SUVA, 03 JUNE 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—Fijian Drua bid farewell to eight players and three staff members during the 2026 McDonald’s Fiji Drua Presentation Night last night.
Players Inia Tabuavou, Ponipate Loganimasi, Etonia Waqa, Elia Canakaivata, Joseva Tamani, Ilaisa Droasese, Simione Kuruvoli and Isoa Nasilasila were recognised during a special farewell segment at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa on Denarau.
They were joined by departing staff members Tim Sampson, Qio Vucago and Head Coach Glen Jackson.
The annual awards night brought together players, staff, sponsors, families and supporters to reflect on the 2026 campaign and acknowledge the contributions of those who have helped shape the club both on and off the field.
Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer Jeff Miller thanked the Drua’s sponsors, partners, families and loyal fans for their unwavering support throughout the season.
Miller says the club’s success would not be possible without the commitment of the wider Drua vuvale, whose support continues to drive the organisation forward.
The evening also celebrated the achievements of players and staff while recognising the important role the Drua family plays in the continued growth of professional rugby in Fiji….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 03 Jun 2026
PNG Chiefs recruits set to join Hunters if London miss Super League spot
PORT MORESBY, 03 JUNE 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—PNG Chiefs do not want their London signings staying in Britain next year unless the Broncos are in Super League.
Chiefs general manager Michael Chammas jetted out of London on Sunday having met officials of the Rugby Football League, Rugby League Commercial, clubs, player agents and the newly-Australian-owned Broncos during a two week stay.
London’s leadership of Darren Locker and Grant Wechsel even hosted Chammas and Chiefs recruitment manager Liam Ayoub along with players and staff at a Richmond dinner, having earlier said they’d encourage the PNG stars to return home in 2028.
But Chammas said: “We’ve been quite honest with the London Broncos boys because we don’t believe the Championship is an ideal launching pad into an NRL career.
“So if they’re going to be in the NRL system, we’d like them playing Super League next year or coming back home to play in the Queensland Cup for the Hunters.
“We’ve been quite clear on that: we don’t think Championship is the right preparation for them to go into an NRL pre-season so let’s see how the next few months pan out.
”With the London Broncos, we’d love to see them in the Super League, we’d have no qualms about them staying here for another year.”
London Broncos players in the Chiefs sights include fullback Morea Morea, five-eighth Gairo Voro, centres Robert Mathias and Alex Max, hooker Finley Glare, prop Epel Kapinias and lock Jeremiah Simbiken.
Those players already contracted to the Broncos for next season could remain in London regardless of what competition the team is in, but Chammas wants the others either playing Super League or for the Hunters if they were to sign with the Chiefs.
Chammas has also struck down widespread speculation linking Leigh’s Edwin Ipape to the Chiefs.
“Everyone keeps asking us about Edwin Ipape – the reality is Edwin Ipape signed a six-year deal to stay at Leigh,” Chammas said. “And as far as has been reported, there is no NRL get-out for him, so we’ve got to respect his position there.
“Lachlan Lam’s contracted for another year at Leigh as well. Just like the NRL – we know the rules we’re playing by and if things pop up we’ll deal with them.
“But at the moment there are some rules around certain players that limit what we can do.”….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 03 Jun 2026
England prop Matty Lees signs with PNG Chiefs
LONDON, 03 JUNE 2026 (NRL)–England prop Matty Lees has been confirmed as the first Super League player to sign with the PNG Chiefs for their entry to the NRL in 2028.
Lees, who has played 12 Tests for England – including last year’s Ashes series against the Kangaroos – and 199 matches for St Helens, will move to Papua New Guinea at the end of the 2027 season.
The 28-year-old is a graduate of the Saints Academy system, joining the club as a 16-year-old and progressing through the ranks to make his Super League debut in 2017, aged just 18.
A stalwart of the England team, Lees was named St Helens captain ahead of the 2026 season until suffering a knee injury that may rule him out of the World Cup.
He said the opportunity to play for the Chiefs under the coaching of Hull KR’s Super League premiership winning mentor Willie Peters and alongside marquee signings Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston and Connor Watson was too good to turn down.
“Sometimes in life, when an opportunity comes, you have to take it on,” Lees said in St Helens media release.
“Playing in the NRL has been a dream of mine for a very long time, and the opportunity that has been presented to my family and me is one that I could not turn away from.
“The last 10 years playing for this club have meant absolutely everything to me. This club is family. It has seen me grow from a young lad coming through the Academy, making my way into the first team, to having the honour of being named captain.
“Together, we’ve shared some incredible memories and achieved things I could only have dreamed of when I first pulled on the shirt.
“Winning Super League titles, the Challenge Cup, the World Club Challenge, and creating lifelong memories with teammates, staff and supporters. Those are moments I’ll cherish forever.
“I will forever be grateful to the club, the fans, my teammates and everyone who has supported me throughout this journey.”
Beyond his achievements on the field, Lees is widely respected for the standards he sets every day. His professionalism, resilience, humility and team-first mentality are qualities the Chiefs believe will play an important role in shaping the culture and identity of the club.
Following the announcements of Luai, Johnston and Watson, the signing of Lees represents another important milestone as the PNG Chiefs continue building towards their historic NRL debut in 2028.
PNG Chiefs General Manager Football Michael Chammas said securing a player of Lees’ calibre was another important step for the club.
“Matty Lees is one of the toughest and most respected forwards in rugby league. He’s built his career through hard work, consistency and an uncompromising approach to the game,” Chammas said.
“Those qualities are exactly what we’re looking for as we build our roster and culture for 2028.
“We’re delighted to secure Matty as Player 004 and look forward to seeing the impact he’ll have both on and off the field.”
PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson welcomed the latest signing and said Lees embodies the values and standards the club is seeking to establish from day one.
“As we continue building the PNG Chiefs, we’re focused on bringing in quality people as much as quality players.
“Matty has earned enormous respect throughout his career through his professionalism, humility and commitment to his team.
“As Player 004, he becomes part of the foundation group that will help establish the standards and identity of our club for years to come.
Highly regarded by teammates for his industrious work rate and fearless attitude, Lees has been a key figure in St Helens’ Super League title-winning years from 2019 to 2022.
He has also earned three League Leaders’ Shields, the 2021 Challenge Cup, and the 2023 World Club Challenge, among other honours.
An established England international, Lees has 12 caps to his name so far, featuring in the 2022 Rugby League World Cup, series victories over Tonga and Samoa, and most recently starting in the front row against Australia in the Ashes series.
Saints have already moved quickly to strengthen the club’s front-row options following Lees’ injury, securing the signing of Daniel Suluka-Fifita, who arrives in the UK this week from the Bulldogs.
St Helens Chairman Eamonn McManus said: “Matty’s commitment to the St Helens’ first team and its successes has been immense over the last decade.
“He has won every honour with us and will go down as a legend of the Club. I’m sure that he will carry on in that vein when he recovers from injury and that he will be giving absolutely everything, as only he knows how to, in the 2027 season.
“Matty has had an ambition to play in the NRL for some time, and we respect that, particularly after so many years of putting his body on the line for us.
“He had an NRL break clause in his existing contract for 2028 and, therefore, in turn, he has shown respect to us by honouring his contractual obligations to the full.
“We will wish him and his family every success in his new adventure in Papua New Guinea when the time comes, but that is clearly some time away yet.
“There is much, much more for Matty to achieve with the Saints before then, and I’m confident that he will.
“Finally, we would like to put on record our appreciation of the professionalism and cooperation exhibited by the senior management of the PNG Chiefs in their dealings on this matter with our club.”….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 03 Jun 2026
Watson joins Chiefs as PNG add untested English prop
SYDNEY, 03 JUNE 2026 (AAP)—The PNG Chiefs’s roster is beginning to take shape, with former NSW State of Origin utility Connor Watson and English Test prop Matty Lees joining the NRL’s newest club.
Watson confirmed on Tuesday he would leave the Sydney Roosters at the end of this season, signing a one-year deal with St George Illawarra for 2027 before linking up with the Chiefs for their maiden campaign in 2028.
Wests Tigers five-eighth Jarome Luai was the Chiefs’ first signing, with the start-up outfit since adding the signature of the greatest tryscorer in the history of Australian rugby league, South Sydney winger Alex Johnston.
Watson, who can play lock, hooker and has previously played in the halves, has signed a two-year deal after recently travelling to Port Moresby.
“Connor is the type of player every club wants. He is selfless, tough, professional and incredibly respected across the game,” said PNG Chiefs general manager Michael Chammas.
“His versatility and experience will be invaluable for us as we continue building our squad towards 2028.
“Every signing matters for a new club, but there is something exciting about seeing the roster continue to build piece by piece.
“Connor becoming ‘Signing 003’ is another important moment in the journey of the PNG Chiefs.
‘We also want to thank the Sydney Roosters for their professionalism, patience and understanding throughout this process.”
Lees, who has never played in the NRL, will become one of Watson’s teammates after his English club St Helens confirmed his pending move to the Chiefs.
The 28-year-old is a four-time Super League winner with Saints and has won 12 Test caps for England.
Lees – who played in Saints’ 2023 World Club Challenge win over Penrith – will remain in the UK in 2027 before moving to Port Moresby the following year.
“Sometimes in life, when an opportunity comes, you have to take it on,” Lees said in a statement.
“Playing in the NRL has been a dream of mine for a very long time, and the opportunity that has been presented to my family and me is one that I could not turn away from.”
The addition of Lees comes after Chiefs powerbrokers flew to England to meet with PNG players plying their trade in the Super League and Championship.
Chiefs staff also met with head coach Willie Peters, whose Hull KR side were defeated by Wigan in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley….PACNEWS
PNG – FOOTBALL: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 03 Jun 2026
PNG soccer boss wants fair treat across codes
PORT MORESBY, 03 JUNE 2026 (THE NATIONAL)–While rugby league is enjoying major National Government attention and investment funding through the PNG Chiefs project, Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) president John Kapi Natto says other sports also deserve similar provision.
Kapi Natto acknowledged that rugby league remains the country’s most popular sport and understands why government and corporate sponsors are heavily backing the code.
“Rugby league is the number one game in our country,” Kapi Natto said. “Fans support it everywhere and the Government sees value in putting its money into rugby league.
“I cannot go against the Government or the sponsors because they see the PNG Chiefs project as something very important for the country.”
However, Natto said the focus should not be limited to one sport alone.
He stressed that football, known globally as soccer, is played in more than 200 nations around the world, and PNG is part of that international football family.
“Football is a global game. There are 211 nations playing football and PNG is part of that,” he said.
Natto highlighted the recent growth of football in the country, noting that the national competition now provides an important pathway for identifying and developing talented players.
“With our professional league and the 12 clubs taking part, we now have a platform to select the best players to represent PNG in future competitions,” he said.
The PNGFA president believes the Government should spread its support across all sporting codes, not only rugby league.
“We are not asking for billions of kina,” Kapi Natto said. “But the Government should also put some support into football, basketball, volleyball and other sports in this country.”
He pointed out that athletes from various sporting codes proudly represent the country at major international events, including the Pacific Games and Commonwealth Games, where they compete for medals and national pride.
“When it comes to the Pacific Games or the Commonwealth Games, the country expects our athletes to perform and win medals for Papua New Guinea,” he said. “So why not support them before they go and represent the nation?”
Kapi Natto concluded that all sports deserve the opportunity to grow and develop, especially when their athletes continue to carry the country’s flag on the international stage.
“For me, every sporting code should be given support. The Government must step in and help develop all sports because they all play an important role in representing Papua New Guinea,” he added….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 03 Jun 2026
PNG Chiefs; nation-building project
PORT MORESBY, 03 JUNE 2026 (THE NATIONAL)–A AUD$600-million (about K1.88 billion) boost.
More than 5,000 jobs. A shot at the global stage.
The PNG Chiefs are shaping up as far more than a football team – they could become one of Papua New Guinea’s biggest nation-building projects.
Papua New Guinea is on the verge of unlocking a new economic engine – and it runs through rugby league.
The PNG Chiefs, the nation’s first NRL franchise, are projected to add between A$553 million and A$651 million (about K1.734 billion and K2.042 billion) to the economy over the next 25 years.
That dwarfs PNG’s current arts, entertainment, and sports sector, which generates just A$15 million (about K47 million annually) a year.
The numbers come from an independent economic impact analysis – and they point in one direction: the Chiefs’ planned NRL entry in 2028 could become one of the biggest economic moments in modern PNG history.
Jobs are a huge part of the story. By 2028, the franchise is expected to create between 2,500 to 2,800 full-time equivalent roles according to the management.
Factor in PNG’s vast informal economy – estimated at up to 1.8 times the size of official measures – and the total impact could climb past 5,000 jobs.
The benefits would reach far beyond the stadium, spanning construction, hospitality, coaching, media, transport, and community development.
Tourism would be another major winner.
If Santos National Football Stadium (NFS) is expanded to 24,000 seating capacity and hits 90 per cent attendance, each match could deliver more than AUD$5 million (about K15.68 million) in attendee value annually – or AUD$38 million (about K119.2 million) in present-value terms over 30 years.
Every home game would puts Port Moresby on show, drawing Australian fans, Pacific supporters, corporate visitors, and international media.
The recreational services sector alone is forecast to gain AUD$517 million (about K1.622 billion) by 2049 – a 158 per cent surge.
The leadership team has serious weight behind it.
Chief executive officer Lorna McPherson brings more than 30 years of commercial and operational experience across the Pacific.
She helped turn Digicel PNG into a market leader and played a key role in its landmark sale to Telstra.
That kind of commercial firepower will be crucial if the Chiefs are to become a lasting success.
Then there is Michael Chammas – one of Australia’s most prominent rugby league journalists and insiders – now stepping into a senior role with the Chiefs.
His network across players, coaches, agents, clubs, and the commission gives the franchise more than profile.
In a competition built on relationships, it gives the Chiefs real strategic clout.
But this story goes well beyond sport. By 2049, the Chiefs are expected to generate $160 million (about K502 million) in extra professional services activity and deliver $52 million (about K163 million) in government revenue.
They could also deepen PNG’s ties with Australia, lift health outcomes through greater community participation in sport, and push gender progress through a parallel NRLW franchise.
Above all, they could give 11 million Papua New Guineans a powerful new symbol of national pride – broadcast every week across the Pacific and Australia.
Rugby league already unites PNG like few things can.
It cuts across more than 800 dialects and 1,000 tribes, and is followed by an estimated 80 per cent of the population.
The Chiefs could turn that national passion into an international force. PNG has waited decades for this moment. In 2028, history will finally arrive….PACNEWS
PNG – SPORTS AWARDS: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 03 Jun 2026
PNG Sports awards recognition to outstanding achievers
PORT MORESBY, 03 JUNE 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Papua New Guinea’s top athletes, sports officials, media personnel, and community sports leaders were recognised for their outstanding achievements during the prestigious 34th SP Sports Awards held on Saturday night in Port Moresby.
The annual awards night once again celebrated the dedication, hard work, and success of individuals and teams who have proudly represented Papua New Guinea on national and international stages.
The event highlighted the importance of teamwork and collaboration between athletes, coaches, administrators, officials, sponsors, and the media in helping PNG sport continue to grow and succeed.
The SP Sports Awards remain the country’s highest sporting recognition and continue to honour those who have made significant contributions to sports development and performance throughout the year.
The successful staging of the awards was made possible through the continued support of SP Brewery, the PNG Olympics Committee, PNG Sports Foundation, and other valued partners who remain committed to recognising excellence in Papua New Guinea sport.
Padio and Wisil claim top individual honours
Football star Ramona Padio was named the 2026 Female Athlete of the Year, following another outstanding year representing both club and country. Padio edged weightlifting veteran Dika Toua and athletics star Adrian Monagi to claim the prestigious award.
In the men’s category, athletics champion Pais Wisil secured the Male Athlete of the Year title after an impressive season on the track. Fellow athlete Timothy Tuna finished as first runner-up, while weightlifter Morea Baru claimed second runner-up honours.
PNG Lewas crowned team of the year
The national women’s cricket team, the PNG Lewas, continued their remarkable rise by winning the Team of the Year Award.
The Lewas have enjoyed one of their most successful periods in recent years, producing strong performances internationally and becoming role models for young female athletes across the country.
The PNG Bilums soccer team finished as first runner-up, while national volleyball side PNG Amoa secured second runner-up.
Sparrows Netball Club recognised for National Performance
The National Performance of the Year Award went to Sparrows Netball Club, recognising their outstanding achievements and impact during the season.
Tribes Touch Footy Club finished as first runner-up, while Gulf Komara FC claimed second runner-up honours.
Young stars shine bright
Weightlifting talent Lawrence Oala was named Junior Male Athlete of the Year, ahead of volleyball player Leo Aisi and tennis prospect River-Jordan Hakena.
In the female category, rising weightlifting star Ani Geua Gavera secured the Junior Female Athlete of the Year Award, with swimmer Jhaynali Tokome-Garap and squash player Timonaliz Kriebisch finishing as runners-up.
Para-sport champion honoured
Respected athlete and advocate Dorna Longbut received the Para-Athlete of the Year Award, recognising both her sporting achievements and her commitment to promoting para-sports in Papua New Guinea.
Shot put athlete Morea Mararos finished as first runner-up, while athletics representative Jarome Bunge claimed second runner-up.
Community sports programmes rewarded
The awards also recognised organisations making a difference at grassroots level.
The Jonah Kautu Academy won the Community Sports Initiative Award for its efforts in developing young athletes and creating opportunities through sport.
AFL development programme Pilai Long Senis was named first runner-up, while Sugu Peace Basketball finished second runner-up.
Media and officials receive recognition
The role of sports media and officials in promoting and developing sport was also acknowledged.
Simon Keslep of the Post-Courier won the Sports Photo of the Year Award for capturing one of the year’s most memorable sporting moments.
The photograph “Gairo Voro & Mum” by Gima Ila was named first runner-up, while “Boys” by Michael Pais secured second runner-up.
In the media category, Terry Longbut of TVWan was awarded Sports Media of the Year for his contribution to sports reporting and coverage throughout the year.
Freelance journalist Jamie Haro finished as first runner-up, while NBC’s Issac Liri was second runner-up.
Meanwhile, Willie Tamasi was recognised as Sports Official of the Year for his dedication and service to weightlifting and sports administration.
Boxing official Mark Keto and multi-sport administrator Nelson Stone were named first and second runners-up respectively.
The 34th SP Sports Awards once again showcased the depth of talent that exists across Papua New Guinea’s sporting landscape. The annual event remains an important platform for recognising excellence and encouraging future success across all sporting codes….PACNEWS
FIJI – SWIMMING: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 03 Jun 2026
Khelan eyes Olympic Games
SUVA, 03 JUNE 2026 (FIJI SUN)—Jai Narayan College’s star swimmer Grace Elizabeth Khelan has set her goal to participate at the Olympic Games in future.
The 14-year-old set four new records at the National Schools Age Group Championship last weekend in Suva.
Khelan broke the record in the women’s (13-14 year olds) 50m freestyle, 50m butterfly, 100m freestyle and 100m butterfly.
She set a new time of 30.40s and 1:08.62 in the women’s 14-year-olds 50m and 100m butterfly event, respectively. The previous 100m buttlerfy record was set by Courtney Pene in 2008.
She clocked a new time of 59.98 in the 100m freestyle; Rosemarie Rova held the previous record of 1:00.82 in 2017. Her record time in the 50m freestyle was 26.91s to surpass Yolani Blake’s time of 28.36s set in 2014.
Khelan started swimming seven years ago with the Babale swim club before moving to Orca.
“It’s a pleasure to swim for JNC. It would be an eye-opener for other students who would like to swim,” the Year 9 student said.
“My aim was to put my name down in the record books.
“My end goal is to represent Fiji at the Olympic Games.”
“I’d like to thank my parents for helping me especially my mother for always waking me up every morning and bringing me to the pool.”
She also credited her grandparents and cousins for their support.
Khelan hails from Taveuni and shares maternal links to Visama, Nakelo, Tailevu.
“The preparation for nationals was affected for two days due to the water outage. I missed two training days and I was upset that I did not achieve a personal best time in most of my events but I’m glad I broke the record.
“I’m encouraging everyone to find a club and come and enjoy swimming.”
Coach and mother Sereana Heritage was impressed with her daughter’s performance. She added Khelan has been a standout winning gold at the New Zealand Schools nationals competition.
“With consistency and perseverance, we know Grace has got a long way ahead of her,” Heritage said.
“Discipline is key, and she’s somebody that puts her hat into it, even though she’s still a child. But when it comes to competition, she puts on her mind and hard work to it.”
Despite only having a five-member team, the JNC swimmers were among the top five in the women’s medal tally.
The team scooped 8 gold, one silver and one bronze medal.
Heritage said she hopes to rope in more students in future school comeptitions.
“The Bigger dream is to hopefully have most of the parents get their children to swim. We have a roll of more than a thousand. It’s a work in progress, and hopefully next year we’ll come back with double the numbers or even triple,” he said…PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 03 Jun 2026
Historic milestone for Tessa Nicol and women’s goalkeeping in Oceania
AUCKLAND, 03 JUNE 2026 (OFC)—Tessa Nicol has made history as the first female coach in Oceania to achieve the OFC/NZF Goalkeeping B Licence, marking a significant milestone for women’s football and coach development across the region.
Having progressed through the New Zealand Football coaching pathway, Nicol first impressed on the OFC/NZF Goalkeeping C Licence before continuing her development and earning the advanced B Licence qualification.
“I feel really honoured to have been invested in by both New Zealand Football and OFC,” Nicol said.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have been mentored by some incredible people, and I’m really proud to say that their belief in me has gotten me to where I am with my coaching. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support.”
While proud of her achievement, Nicol also acknowledged the challenges of being the only woman on the course at times.
“While it has been bittersweet to have gone through my courses as the only woman on them, I know there are some awesome wāhine who have been on and are currently undergoing the goalkeeping courses both in New Zealand and internationally, which is exciting,” she said.
The OFC/NZF Goalkeeping B Licence is designed for coaches working in advanced youth and senior football environments, with a strong focus on evolving coaching practice and preparing coaches for high-performance settings.
“The best learning happens when training looks and feels like the game,” OFC/NZF Coach Educator Chris Marsh remarked.
A key component of the course challenges coaches to move beyond isolated drills and instead create realistic training environments that replicate the demands of match situations, including decision-making under pressure and integrating outfield players into sessions.
Coaching is deeply personal for Nicol. Drawing on her own experiences as a former New Zealand U-20 representative, she is passionate about supporting young goalkeepers both technically and mentally.
“I suffered a lot from performance anxiety, which massively impacted my playing ability, and I know a lot of goalkeepers struggle with the mental side of the game too,” Nicol explained.
“When I decided I wanted to coach, I became really passionate about helping goalkeepers develop resilience and creating environments where players feel safe to make mistakes, learn and grow. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a player achieve something they’ve worked so hard for.”
Marsh believes Nicol’s achievement sends a powerful message to aspiring female coaches throughout Oceania. One of Nicol’s greatest strengths as a coach is her ability to build strong relationships and foster positive learning environments, bringing both energy and personality to her sessions.
“Tessa’s journey shows that there is a genuine pathway for female coaches to progress and operate at the highest levels of the game,” he said.
“Investing in coach development is one of the most important ways we can strengthen football across the region.”
Looking ahead, Nicol hopes her achievement inspires more women to pursue advanced coaching opportunities, particularly within goalkeeping, whilst also hoping to one day see women only goalkeeping coaching courses established within the region.
“I want more women to understand that their football and life experiences are incredibly valuable,” she said.
“If more women give the advanced goalkeeping coaching pathway a go because they’ve seen another woman succeed in this space, then I think that serves a really important purpose. Healthy competition is important, and it can only be a positive thing to have more women coaching at the advanced level.
“We have so many top-level goalkeepers who could become incredible ambassadors in this space.
“I encourage all goalkeepers, whether they are still playing or moving into the next stage of football to start coaching when they can. It’s never too early or too late to begin, and we need more goalkeeper coaches.”…PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 03 Jun 2026
OFC launches OFC Pro League Club Licensing Regulations
AUCKLAND, 03 JUNE 2026 (OFC)—The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has launched Club Licensing Regulations for the OFC Professional League.
The 2027 edition of the OFC Pro league competition will not be extended to new clubs; however, if any of the clubs that participated in the 2026 edition of the OFC Pro League do not obtain a license for the 2027 edition, clubs holding the Pathway Certificate may be invited to participate in the licensing process.
The rules to submit an Expression of Interest (deadline 9 June 2026) and to participate in the Pathway Certificate granting process, as well as deadlines and restrictions, are set out in the OFC Club Licensing Regulations, in Annex 1. READ HERE
It must be clear that the granting of the Pathway Certificate does not, in any way, imply a license to participate in the OFC Pro League 2027, but it allows the club the possibility to be invited to participate in the application process to obtain a license in case of vacancy.
For more information regarding the rules, deadlines, and restrictions for participation in the Pathway Certificate process, please contact the respective Member Association…PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 03 Jun 2026
New Zealand begin final countdown to FIFA World Cup 2026
AUCKLAND, 03 JUNE 2026 (0FC)—Now just two weeks away from the start of their FIFA World Cup 2026™ campaign against Iran in Los Angeles on June 15, New Zealand’s 26-man squad has assembled at their training base in Florida and are set to ramp-up preparations with two friendly internationals in the space of four days.
New Zealand face Haiti first in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday June 3rd NZT, before taking on global heavyweights England in Tampa on Sunday June 7th NZT.
“We’ve acclimatised to the hot weather well, and have had a good three days of training together,” head coach Darren Bazeley told media on the eve of the All Whites first warm-up fixture against Haiti.
New Zealand have never met Haiti before, and have won only one of their previous four international fixtures against Carribean opposition – a 2-1 victory over Curacao in a friendly in Manama in 2021.
They have played England twice before though, both at home in New Zealand in 1995, losing by tight margins in either fixture.
There are some injury concerns around the New Zealand midfield leading into both warm-up games and the start of their World Cup campaign – with both Ryan Thomas and Joe Bell managing knocks.
‘Ryan Thomas and Joe Bell won’t take part against Haiti, but apart from that, everyone is fully fit,” said Bazeley. “We’ve got some ideas of how many minutes we want to give to each player. It’s a great opportunity for everyone to get some gametime.”
“We want to do well and win the game [against Haiti], but when we look ahead, everything is building up to our first World Cup game on June 15 against Iran.”
New Zealand’s World Cup Warm-Up Schedule:
New Zealand v Haiti | Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA | Tuesday June 2, 8pm (Wednesday June 3, 12pm NZT)
New Zealand v England | Raymond James Sadium, Tampa, Florida, USA | Saturday June 6, 4pm (Sunday June 7, 8am NZT)
New Zealand’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule:
Iran vs New Zealand | Los Angeles Stadium, USA | Monday June 15, 6pm local time (June 16, 1pm NZT)
New Zealand vs Egypt | BC Place Vancouver, Canada |Sunday June 21, 6pm (Monday June 22, 1pm NZT)
New Zealand vs Belgium | BC Place Vancouver, Canada | Friday June 26, 8pm (Saturday June 27, 3pm NZ time)…PACNEWS
SWITZ – FOOTBALL: FIFA PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 03 Jun 2026
FIFA World Cup 2026™ squads confirmed: 1,248 dreams, 48 teams and a truly global cast of players
ZURICH, 03 JUNE 2026 (FIFA)—The final squad lists for the FIFA World Cup 2026 have been published by FIFA, representing one of the tournament’s most exciting milestones with just nine days to go until kick-off.
With 48 teams and 1,248 players made available to take to the pitch across 104 matches in Canada, Mexico and the United States, this edition represents a watershed moment for the global game, opening the door to more nations, players and their fans than ever before.
The confirmed squad lists underline the scale and enduring appeal of the tournament with 357 players returning after at least one previous FIFA World Cup™ squad inclusion. Some 891 players are set to experience the competition for the first time, highlighting both continuity and renewal across the global game.
The generational breadth is equally striking, with over 25 years separating the oldest player (Scotland’s Craig Gordon at 43 years and 162 days old) from the youngest (Mexico’s Gilberto Mora at 17 years and 240 days old). A total of 22 players under 20 years old and seven players aged 40 or above at the start of the tournament could feature, whilst 22 FIFA World Cup winners are returning to the global stage.
Combined with the return of established stars to football’s premier competition, this tournament also brings a new wave of players and nations into the spotlight. Cabo Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan are set to experience the FIFA World Cup for the first time, highlighting how the expanded format is making the competition more representative of the global game.
One of the standout stories is Uzbekistan’s historic first appearance on the world stage, with rising stars such as Manchester City’s Abdukodir Khusanov making dreams come true back home. Other highlights of the next generation of players include France’s Warren Zaïre-Emery, New Zealand’s Finn Surman and Morocco’s Bilal El Khannouss, among many others. Meanwhile, Argentina’s Lionel Messi, Portuguese talisman Cristiano Ronaldo and Mexico’s goalkeeping icon Guillermo Ochoa are set for record-breaking sixth FIFA World Cup campaigns.
The confirmed lists reflect the global nature of modern football, with 449 different clubs from 71 countries represented (14 from the AFC region, six from CAF, seven from Concacaf, eight from CONMEBOL, one from the OFC, and 35 from UEFA). The squad lists also highlight contrasting national profiles, ranging from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, whose teams are built almost entirely from domestically based players (25 out of 26 in both cases) to others, such as Cabo Verde, Congo DR, Côte d’Ivoire, Curaçao, Senegal and Uruguay, that draw their entire squads from overseas leagues.
When it comes to those masterminding the squad lists, Ghana’s Portuguese tactician Carlos Queiroz is coaching at his fifth consecutive FIFA World Cup, having previously led Portugal in 2010 and IR Iran in 2014, 2018 and 2022. He is only the second coach to appear at five straight tournaments, after Bora Milutinović (1986–2002).
The confirmed squad lists embody what makes the tournament truly unique — a celebration of excellence, diversity and global unity through football.
The full squad lists submitted by the 48 Participating Member Associations on Monday, 1 June.
In line with the Regulations for the FIFA World Cup 26, replacements are permitted only due to serious injury or illness up to 24 hours before the kick‑off of a team’s first match, unless otherwise approved by FIFA….PACNEWS
