In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — Ikanivere calls for balance in Fiji’s attack
2. RUGBY — Ireland ‘won’t get into arm wrestle’ with Fiji
3. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG Chiefs sign Laybutt on two-year deal
4. RUGBY LEAGUE — Great pickup’: Storm signing Cooper Bai says ‘bye bye’ to Titans
5. FOOTBALL — Farewells, fresh starts and rivalries headline November international window
6. RUGBY LEAGUE — ‘Our pack is No.1’: Aussie prop to make Cup statement
7. RUGBY— South African sevens star joins Mike Friday Selects
8. RUGBY LEAGUE— No egos here: Roos forwards stand united as Kiwis loom large
9. RUGBY LEAGUE — Dual Olympic gold medallist on cusp of World Cup glory
10.RUGBY—- World Rugby Women’s Health webinar series to tackle concussion
11. GOLF — Defending champ surges at PGA Professionals Championship
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 12 Nov 2026
Ikanivere calls for balance in Fiji’s attack
DUBLIN, 12 NOVEMBER 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—Flying Fijians captain Tevita Ikanivere says Fiji is looking to strike the right balance between its trademark attacking flair and a more structured approach as the team continues its Nations Championship campaign.
Following the defeat to France, questions have been raised about whether Fiji should lean more heavily on its traditional free-flowing style, but Ikanivere believes success lies in knowing when to use each approach.
“I think we’re looking for a balance between both, knowing where to do what.”
The skipper says Fiji’s natural attacking instincts remain an important part of its identity, but modern Test rugby also requires discipline, structure and smart decision-making.
Ikanivere believes finding the right mix between creativity and control will be crucial as the Flying Fijians prepare to face Ireland this weekend.
The clash presents another major challenge for Fiji against one of the world’s leading rugby nations, with the visitors aiming to produce an improved performance after their opening loss to France.
Fiji will take on Ireland this Sunday….PACNEWS
IRELAND – RUGBY: BBC SPORT PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 12 Nov 2026
Ireland ‘won’t get into arm wrestle’ with Fiji
DUBLIN, 12 NOVEMBER 2026 (BBC SPORT)–Ireland centre Stuart McCloskey says Andy Farrell’s side will try “not to get into too much of an arm wrestle” with Fiji when the sides meet in the Nations Championship in Dublin on Saturday.
Ireland have won three of their four fixtures to date, including a 42-12 victory over Argentina at the Aviva Stadium on Friday, to sit third in the northern hemisphere table of the competition.
Fiji have yet to pick up a point from four outings, losing 54-17 to France in Paris last weekend, but Ulster back McCloskey is expecting a physical contest against Jake White’s side.
“When they get it right they can be incredibly physical, they can get the ball moving, depends how the weather is, hopefully there’s a bit of rain so they don’t offload as much,” said McCloskey.
“We’ll go after them in different ways and will hopefully be a bit more structured than they are.
“It’s good once or twice a year to have a game this physical. Hopefully we won’t get too much into an arm wrestle with them, we’ll try to let our shape do the work, give us one-on-ones instead of running into brick walls.”
The 34-year-old insists there will be no complacency in the Ireland camp.
“They [Fiji] obviously had a great result against Japan in the summer, winning over there.
“I don’t think they’ll be too happy with the weekend, away in France, but it’s happened to the best of us, we saw what happened to us going there in the Six Nations on a Thursday night and we got ‘hockeyed’ a bit as well.
“That can happen to anybody against a good French team.”
McCloskey’s stellar form was rewarded with a nomination for the 2026 Six Nations Player of the Championship – and he is happy that he has carried that positivity into the new campaign.
“A very positive year last year all round, the start of this season my form for Ulster has been pretty good,” he reflected.
“At the weekend there I was happy enough with how it went.”
McCloskey was partnered with Robbie Henshaw in midfield against the Pumas, more than a decade since they last linked up in the green shirt.
“I don’t think Robbie has ever let Ireland down in any shape or form and I thought we connected well at the weekend.
“I think it was 10 and a half years since we played together at Twickenham in my first cap.
“So we had a lot of time together, a lot of training sessions together, and it’s pretty seamless I think when any of the centres jump into the group of us.”
He continued: “It always works pretty well. I thought we both went solidly, if not spectacular.
“You’re going to have games like that at centre, especially if Sam [Prendergast] is playing pretty well and the back three are getting as much ball as they did,” he said…PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: NBC PNG SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 12 Nov 2026
PNG Chiefs sign Laybutt on two-year deal
PORT MORESBY, 12 NOVEMBER 2026 (NBC PNG SPORTS)—The PNG Chiefs have signed Papua New Guinea international Zac Laybutt on a two-year deal starting in 2028.
Laybutt will become PNG Chiefs Player #008 at the conclusion of his deal with the Cowboys next season, where he has played 42 NRL games since his debut in 2023.
Having played both wing and centre, Laybutt offers further depth and talent to the club’s outside backs as it continues to build a strong squad for its maiden campaign.
An athletic back who has also kicked goals at club and international level, Laybutt is a proud Kumul with five test appearances following his debut in 2023, where he helped PNG clinch the Pacific Bowl championship over Fiji.
Laybutt has since gone on to play eight tests for the Kumuls, including recent appearances during the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
“We are delighted to have signed Zac, and his signing is particularly meaningful for us as we build a club that proudly represents PNG,” said PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson.
She said having Papua New Guinean players like Zac representing the PNG Chiefs will be incredibly important to the country’s identity.
“He can help inspire the next generation of rugby league talent in this country by showing what is possible to achieve in the NRL.
“Zac is a wonderful young man, and we are excited to see him take the next steps in his rugby league career with the PNG Chiefs in 2028 and beyond.” She said.
In addition to Finley Glare, Gairo Voro and Morea Morea – who have all been signed on development contracts for 2028 – Laybutt is the fifth Kumuls representative to sign with the club after Alex Johnston was announced as PNG Chiefs Player #002.
PNG Chiefs General Manager – Football Michael Chammas said, “Zac is a player who understands the significance of what we’re building as a club and the opportunity that lies ahead of him as a player here in PNG,”
Chammas said as a player, he has size, athleticism and versatility to excel in multiple positions, and he has shown already in his career that he can handle the demands and challenges of what it takes to be an NRL player.
PNG Chiefs Coach Willie Peters said he was looking forward to watching Laybutt develop and take the next steps in his rugby league journey with the club.
“Zac is a quality young man who brings a willingness to work hard for the team, and he will join our club with good NRL experience behind him and a bright future ahead of him,” Peters said.
“We believe he will only continue to improve as a player and we’re looking forward to watching him continue to develop with our team in the years ahead.” ….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 12 Nov 2026
Great pickup’: Storm signing Cooper Bai says ‘bye bye’ to Titans
GOLDCOAST, 12 NOVEMBER 2026 (AAP)—New Melbourne signing Cooper Bai will play for the club of his famous father in 2028 and talks between the Gold Coast and Storm will determine whether he is there next year.
Titans powerhouse Bai has signed a three-year deal with the Storm from 2028, but the Titans and Storm are open to him joining a year early if a palatable deal can be struck by both parties.
The Papua New Guinea international and son of legendary Storm winger Marcus Bai, who won the 1999 title with Melbourne, was offered a deal by the PNG Chiefs from 2028 but knocked them back.
The 20-year-old forward toured the Chiefs facilities last month in Port Moresby and has become the first player to do so and reject a deal with the 19th NRL franchise.
Bai was on the cusp of joining the Storm last year but he pulled out to ink a one-year extension at the Titans which included an option in his favour for 2028.
Bai, who made his debut for the Titans in 2025, has played 24 games for the club mostly off the bench.
Storm five-eighth Cameron Munster, who is yet to determine his future at the club beyond 2027, was a fan of Bai’s father and welcomed the signing.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to watch Marcus Bai play at the Storm when I was a kid,” Munster said.
“Obviously, Cooper’s a bit different to his dad, but his dad ran like a front-rower back in the day on the wing. He was obviously a Storm legend, Marcus Bai, and I like the way Cooper goes about his business.
“He’s a Queenslander as well, and it’s a great pickup for the Storm.”
Storm director of football Frank Ponissi said the club had acquired “an exciting young forward and a quality young man” and pointed to the symmetry of his arrival.
“He joins us in 2028, which marks the 30th anniversary of our club’s inaugural season in 1998 featuring Cooper’s father Marcus – making it even more significant,” Ponissi said…. PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 12 Nov 2026
Farewells, fresh starts and rivalries headline November international window
AUCKLAND/PAPE’ETE, 12 NOVEMBER 2026 (OFC)—A busy year of international action for OFC’s Member Associations wraps up this November, with four senior men’s national teams in action.
New Zealand say goodbye to their departing head coach as they play their first home matches since returning from their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, whilst Tahiti and the Cook Islands renew acquaintances in their second consecutive two-match series, and Tonga return for the first time in two years with a development tour of Auckland, New Zealand.
We’ve taken a closer look at all four national teams in action and the storylines to watch out for.
All Whites return home for Bazeley’s final bow
New Zealand Head Coach Darren Bazeley will bid farewell after four years in charge when the All Whites host India in two matches this month.
Having taken charge on an interim basis in March 2023 before being permanently appointed that July, Bazeley has overseen a memorable period for New Zealand football, including the All Whites’ return to the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and their OFC Men’s Nations Cup 2024 triumph. He has also previously coached the nation’s U-17, U-20 and U-23 sides, becoming the first head coach in history to lead teams at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, FIFA U-20 World Cup, Men’s Olympic Football Tournament and FIFA World Cup.
The fixtures will serve as New Zealand’s first on home soil since the World Cup, with the first match to be played at Go Media Stadium in Auckland, and the second at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch.
The All Whites’ return to Christchurch will mark their first appearance in the city since October 2012, when they defeated Tahiti 3-0 in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match, and their first match anywhere in the South Island since a dramatic 2-1 victory over New Caledonia in Dunedin in March 2013.
New Zealand are coming off an encouraging September-October international window, where they reached the final of the Kirin Cup in Japan, and recorded a convincing 3-0 win over China. Bazeley’s squad is significantly different this time around though, with the Wellington Phoenix trio of Corban Piper, Nathan Walker and Matthew Sheridan set to make their senior national team debuts.
Nevertheless, the All Whites will start as favourites to win both matches against India, who are ranked exactly 50 places below them in the FIFA World Rankings, in a window that promises to be emotional for various reasons.
Match Schedule
New Zealand v India (Match 1)
Thursday 12th November, 7pm local time
Go Media Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
New Zealand v India (Match 2)
Sunday 15th November, 4pm local time
One NZ Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand
Tahiti and Cook Islands renew rivalry following historic upset
Six weeks after locking horns in a two-match series in Rarotonga, the roles reverse this month when Tahiti welcome the Cook Islands for two more international friendly meetings.
The Cook Islands produced one of their nation’s greatest results at senior men’s national team level with a famous 3-2 victory over Tahiti in the second of the two matches on home soil last time out, and will be eager to prove that that breakthrough was no fluke.
In his second international window in charge, Rhys Ruka will be without influential captain and defender Ben Mata, who scored twice in the historic victory but is absent from the Cook Islands’ latest 18-man squad.
In contrast, Tahiti will be seeking redemption in front of their home fans, in what will be their first set of home international fixtures in over three years.
New coach Joël Fréchet is also in just his second window in charge of the side and is currently overseeing a rebuilding process, integrating younger talent and developing a new identity as Tahiti prepare to host the Pacific Games next year.
Tahiti holds a commanding historical advantage, having won 11 of the 12 meetings between the two nations, but the Cook Islands’ recent breakthrough has certainly added further intrigue to their November rematch.
Match Schedule
Tahiti v Cook Islands (Match 1)
Friday 13th November, 6pm local time
Tahiti, French Polynesia
Tahiti v Cook Islands (Match 2)
Monday 16th November, 6pm local time
Tahiti, French Polynesia
Tonga return after lengthy absence
More than two years after their last international fixture against Samoa during FIFA World Cup 2026™ qualifying, the Tongan men’s national team return this month with a tour of New Zealand to play four Auckland-based club sides.
Whilst none of their matches will be considered full internationals that apply to their FIFA ranking points, the tour will provide valuable experience as Tonga prepare for competitive action during OFC Men’s Nations Cup 2028 – Qualifying in the Cook Islands and the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti next year.
The Tu’ulalupe will be coached by Timote Moleni, who returns for a second stint in charge of the national team after previously leading them for eight years between 2015 and 2023.
Moleni’s squad features 26 players, including six who play their club football domestically in Auckland, presenting an opportunity to develop combinations and identify regular national team players for future campaigns.
Their tour started with a difficult 0-11 defeat to Northern League club East Coast Bays AFC, but they still have three matches to gain valuable experience, build confidence and test themselves against quality New Zealand club opposition.
Match Schedule
East Coast Bays AFC 11-0 Tonga
Tuesday 10th November, 6:15pm local time
Auckland, New Zealand
Mangere United v Tonga
Friday 13th November, 6:30pm local time
Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland City FC U-23 v Tonga
Monday 16th November, 7:30pm local time
Auckland, New Zealand
Western Springs AFC v Tonga
Wednesday 18th November, 7pm local time
Auckland, New Zealand….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 12 Nov 2026
‘Our pack is No.1’: Aussie prop to make Cup statement
SYDNEY, 12 NOVEMBER 2026 (AAP)—Australia prop Keaon Koloamatangi is ready for another late switch to start the World Cup final, but has kept New Zealand guessing about his role.
He also made a point about the pack he is a member of after external criticism, asserting that there is none better in world footy when they fire.
Koloamatangi was named on the bench for the 44-12 semi-final win over Samoa, but started the match with fire and brimstone, with Pat Carrigan moving to the bench where he provided maximum impact.
Carrigan has been named to start again in Sunday’s final at Suncorp Stadium, but coach Kevin Walters will keep the mind games bubbling along until close to kick-off.
“I’m not too sure yet,” Koloamatangi said when asked if he would start the decider.
“Last week I didn’t know until captain’s run, so it might be the same this week. We’re all great players and I think whoever starts or comes off the bench is going to do a great job.
“If (Walters) starts me, he starts me, and if I come off the bench, I’ll be ready. Whatever he needs. I prepare the same, like I’m going to play 80 minutes.”
The former Tonga prop said that Carrigan, Cameron Murray, Reuben Cotter and captain Isaiah Yeo had forged a close bond in camp and that starting or coming off the bench would not impact anyone’s effectiveness.
“On days off we always have a coffee together. I feel like with our camaraderie, that whoever’s on the field at the same time it pays off because we invest in each other off the field,” Koloamatangi said.
“There’s no secret that people have been saying we’re the weakest forward pack in the competition.
“But with the professionalism here it is something that we don’t read into. We all know that as individuals, if we bring our best game for the team, then our forward pack’s number one.”
Kangaroos fullback Reece Walsh backed his forwards recently, stating they did not deserve the “disrespect” of critics.
“I can only speak for myself. No, I didn’t feel disrespected. There are a lot of great players in the other teams and other countries,” Koloamatangi added.
“For me, it’s something that I don’t look into. Most of the time when I go on the field, I’m too tired in to think about that. I just worry about my job.”
Australia beat New Zealand 24-20 in the World Cup opener, but Koloamatangi said the Kangaroos pack had another gear.
“We got the win, but we weren’t happy with how we played,” he said.
“You want to be primed for the big games and I feel like we’ve reached a new level every single week. I think it’s leading in the right direction,” he said…PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 12 Nov 2026
South African sevens star joins Mike Friday Selects
SUVA, 12 NOVEMBER 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—The McDonald’s Mike Friday Select 7s has strengthened its squad for the 2027 McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s by signing South African Rugby Sevens standout Justin Geduld.
Geduld becomes the second international player confirmed for the invitational side, joining French sevens legend Terry Bouhraoua as the squad begins to take shape ahead of the tournament at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka from January 14 to 16.
A former member of South Africa’s renowned Blitzboks programme, Geduld brings a wealth of international experience and is widely regarded for his creativity, vision and ability to create scoring opportunities in the sevens format.
The latest addition signals Mike Friday’s intent to build a title-contending side after near misses in recent years. The Select 7s finished runners-up in 2025 before falling in the semi-finals in 2026, leaving the side determined to go one step further in 2027.
With Geduld and Bouhraoua already confirmed, tournament organisers expect to announce more international stars in the coming weeks as the Select 7s prepare for a third attempt to claim the Coral Coast crown.
The 2027 McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s will be held from January 14 to 16 at Lawaqa Park, with free entry available throughout the tournament….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 12 Nov 2026
No egos here: Roos forwards stand united as Kiwis loom large
SYDNEY, 12 NOVEMBER 2026 (NRL)—Call it disrespectful, motivating or just outside noise but the commentary around the Kangaroos forwards had clearly been discussed inside the camp and the response was fearsome.
Confronted by Junior Paulo, Spencer Leniu and in-form edge forwards Francis Manuleleua and Jermaine McEwen, the Australian forwards responded in brutal fashion in a 44-12 semi-final victory over Samoa to punch their ticket to the World Cup Final.
The outside backs were their usual high-octane selves scoring six of the seven tries, but the performance of Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Keaon Koloamatangi, Cameron Murray, Jacob Preston and Pat Carrigan well and truly went up a notch.
Carrigan had 17 runs for 163 metres from 43 minutes off the bench while Fa’asuamaleaui had 14 runs for 157 metres in 49 minutes – these two topped the Kangaroos for run metres.
Preston, Koloamatangi and Murray made 15 tackle-breaks between them.
It was enough to silence most critics about the potency of the Kangaroos pack, compared with the likes of Samoa and especially the Kiwis waiting for them next Sunday in Brisbane.
“As much as it gives you a little extra motivation we can’t lose sight of what the goal is,” Fa’asuamaleaui said.
“Easy for them (Kiwis) to say they won the battle back then (Round 1) but we’ve changed since then… it’s been a month so we’ve got to get our prep right and get ready for a massive game.
“I think a lot of people probably have disrespected us and overshadowed the fact that we did win that first game, and that’s OK.
“We’re not getting caught up in it because we have a lot of respect for the Kiwis as a team.
“We definitely discussed it but we won the game and initially we were proud of our effort and our scramble defence on making things happen.”
Entering the battle in the 23rd minute when Fa’asuamaleaui was given a break, Carrigan hurled himself at the blue wall with a ferocity befitting a do-or-die semi-final.
“Keaon and ‘T’ laid the foundation really early and I just came on with Cam and just tried to keep our line speed going,” he said.
“Those comments are always around but all the outside noise doesn’t affect us.
“If you get caught up in it, it becomes a distraction and that’s your ego talking.
“I’m really passionate and proud to play with these boys and play for our country. There are no egos here – whatever job you need to do you’ve just got to get it done.
“We’ve got great leaders like Yeoy who keep us calm and collected.”
For his part, skipper Isaah Yeo was full of praise for Carrigan and Murray who he said had made the most of getting more opportunity in the middle against Samoa.
“I thought Patty and Cam off the bench were outstanding for us, and particularly Keaon and Tino on how they started the game,” he said.
“There’s no stress or inner sort of pressure on the group that they need to go out and perform, or listen to the critics.
“We just want them to keep doing their job and I thought everyone did that,” he said…. PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 12 Nov 2026
Dual Olympic gold medallist on cusp of World Cup glory
SYDNEY, 12 NOVEMBER 2026 (AAP)—Very few achievements have evaded New Zealand centre Stacey Waaka, but on Sunday she will run out in a Rugby League World Cup final for the first time.
Triumph has followed the dual international her entire career.
Across both rugby codes, the three-time World Cup winner and dual Olympic gold medallist has represented New Zealand a combined 199 times.
The 31-year-old made the jump to league in 2024 with the Brisbane Broncos, with only injury preventing her from debuting for the Kiwi Ferns before this year’s World Cup.
“Winning the World Cup in rugby league is my final goal to tick off,” Waaka said.
“I am so grateful to be in this position, but I know it comes with a lot of effort.”
Waaka has enjoyed a stellar tournament, scoring nine tries, including a hat-trick in New Zealand’s 32-0 semi-final win over Samoa on Saturday.
“Stace is amazing. She’s an awesome character, an absolute competitor. With all the experience she brings, there’s so much wisdom and a whole heap of professionalism,” Kiwi Ferns skipper Georgia Hale said.
“She always has a smile on her face and does everything so passionately, which she’s been able to sprinkle and spread across our team. I’ve learnt so much from her and it’s great to see her out there shining. It encourages and motivates us.”
Waaka remains unperturbed by the might of Australia, with her focus firmly on New Zealand breaking their 13-year World Cup drought.
“We have been building over the weeks and it’s coming together really well,” she said.
“Our individual confidence continues to grow as we progress. It’s been a bit down with the errors we have made.
“We weren’t perfect against Samoa, so we’re going to have to be better in every single area to beat Australia,” he said …PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 12 Nov 2026
World Rugby Women’s Health webinar series to tackle concussion
DUBLIN, 12 NOVEMBER 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—The latest in the World Rugby Women’s Health webinar series will focus on the issue of concussion in women’s rugby. The webinar, which is free to attend will take place on 3 December.
Scientific literature widely suggests that women may be more susceptible to concussion than men and that they experience symptoms in different ways. Reassuringly, evidence suggests that women in rugby are at no greater risk of concussion than men.
The webinar, led by Dr Lindsay Starling and Dr Ross Tucker will focus on key topics including:
*Concussion in the women’s game compared with the men’s game — a clear, simple overview of the similarities and differences.
*Myth-busting — addressing some common beliefs around concussion in women’s rugby; for example, the perception that women are primarily concussed through head contact with the ground.
*Useful resources and practical next steps —Participants will get guidance on where to find relevant return-to-play guidance, concussion-management courses for parents and other helpful resources.
The concussion webinar is the latest in a series of Women’s Health webinars, where previous topics included knee injuries, breast protection and keeping younger women in the sport. Those webinars can be viewed anytime online for free here.
Reducing concussion and minimizing exposure to head knocks of all kinds has been a long standing World Rugby policy which has led to a lower tackle height being introduced in community rugby earlier this year and smart mouthguards in the elite game.
World Rugby Science and Medical Manager Dr Lindsay Starling who will lead the webinar said “Concussion remains a concerning issue for players and parents but it is at the heart of world rugby player welfare efforts. We know that women experience concussion differently to men and it is important to recognise the differences as well as being aware of best practice in the unlikely event someone does get this type of injury.
“Player welfare is at the heart of everything that World Rugby does and we’ll never stand still in this vital area of work.” ….PACNEWS
AUST – GOLF: PGA AUSTRALIA PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 12 Nov 2026
Defending champ surges at PGA Professionals Championship
SYDNEY, 12 NOVEMBER 2026 (PGA AUSTRALIA)—Defending champion Mitchell Smith produced the low round of the day to draw level with Matt Jager and take a share of the lead into the final round of the PGA Professionals Championship National Final at Heritage Golf & Country Club.
Smith, a Teaching Professional at Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club on the Gold Coast who also runs and teaches out of his own golf simulator business, The Sim Range, shot 6-under 66 to tie Jager for the 36-hole lead at 8-under par.
Jager, whose career on Tour included top-20 finishes at the Australian PGA Championship and New Zealand Open, shot a second consecutive 4-under 68 in Wednesday’s second round, he and Smith to start Thursday’s final round with a one-shot advantage.
Smith, who represented the PGA of Australia at the Four Nations Cup 12 months ago, said his putting was the difference on Wednesday as his round gathered momentum.
“I just got the putter hot. I hit two really good shots where each gave me tap-ins and got the momentum going. After that, the putter just stayed warm,” Smith said.
A one-stroke winner last year, Smith also finished tied second in 2024 and will draw on those experiences as he looks to convert his position into a second straight title on Thursday.
“I’ve been in this position for the last couple of years, so I’ll try and learn my lessons from those two experiences and draw on that,” said Smith. “Just go about my business as I do and see what happens.”
Jager has been equally consistent through two rounds, following his opening 68 with another 4-under effort despite a double bogey at the sixth.
The Director of Golf at Mansfield Golf Club said the conditions made mistakes difficult to avoid, but he had been able to make the most of the opportunities that came his way.
“You’re not going to be mistake-free out here when it’s blowy,” said Jager.
“It’s a strong golf course, it doesn’t take too much to make mistakes and maybe drop a shot. You just have to rely on the fact that you’re going to have lots of opportunities as well, and I’ve been able to capitalise on those.”
Having played together over the past few days, including the Pro-Am, Jager and Smith will share the final round as they chase the title.
“We’ll go out tomorrow and enjoy each other’s company and try and put another couple of good rounds together like we did today. It should be good fun,” Jager said.
James Gordon and Robbie Minns are one shot behind the co-leaders at 7-under, with Jordan Rooke and Anthony Choat a further two shots back.
Danni Vasquez-Boyd remains the leading woman in outright fifth at 6-under after a 4-under-par 68 in Round 2.
The 88-player field returns to Heritage Golf & Country Club on Thursday, with the championship winner earning a place in the BMW Australian PGA Championship in two weeks’ time.
Alongside the individual championship, players are also competing for the Vicar’s Shield, awarded to the leading state or division. The team competition is decided by the best two aggregate scores from each state or division across the three rounds….PACNEWS
