In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY LEAGUE — Bostock hat-trick inspires Kangaroos to thrilling 24-22 win over Kiwis in World Cup opener
2. RUGBY LEAGUE — TNRL rejects claims it is blocking Tonga from using ‘Mate Ma’a Tonga’ name
3. RUGBY LEAGUE — Taking centre-stage: Stephen Crichton ready to star in familiar role for Samoa
4. RUGBY LEAGUE — Bati, Bulikula name World Cup line-ups
5. RUGBY — Australia Sevens welcome rare homecoming for NZ, Fiji matches as skippers re-sign with Olympic goal
6. BOXING — Aussie heavyweight fast-tracks for proper Kiwi test
7. FOOTBALL — OFC U-15 Boys Development Tournament highlights progress in youth football across Oceania
8. FOOTBALL — No longer newcomers, Samoa embrace another FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup challenge
9. YOUTH OLYMPICS — Vosadora to captain Fiji at Youth Olympic Games
10. RUGBY LEAGUE — England eye World Cup redemption as Tonga clash looms
11. SPORTS FUNDING — Government Funding Support Youth Olympic Games & Samoa Deaf Sports Association
12. RUGBY — Something I never dreamed of’: Salakaia-Loto out to inspire in milestone Test
13. RUGBY — All Blacks make three changes for second Wallabies Test
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 16 Oct 2026
Bostock hat-trick inspires Kangaroos to thrilling 24-22 win over Kiwis in World Cup opener
SYDNEY, 16 OCTOBER 2026 (NRL)—A dazzling debut hat-trick from Jack Bostock helped the Kangaroos to a 24-22 win over arch-rivals New Zealand in an epic World Cup opener at Allianz Stadium.
With flashy fullbacks Reece Walsh (206 run metres, 9 tackle breaks) and Kalyn Ponga (253 run metres) producing incredible highlights and three tries between them, the record crowd of 41,255 was royally entertained.
Ponga’s second try in the 60th minute looked to have the Kiwis on track for a memorable victory but he was forced from the field 10 minutes later with a suspected broken arm in a huge blow for the Kiwis.
Dolphins flyer Bostock ran for 231 metres to go with his hat-trick and capped his night by collecting the man of the match award. He is the first Kangaroo to score three tries on debut since Campbell Graham against Scotland at the 2022 World Cup.
The Kiwis struck first in the fourth minute when Jahrome Hughes went to the air and the ball came down off Ronaldo Mulitalo to Isaiah Papali’i who offloaded for Casey McLean to set sail for the corner.
McLean did a remarkable job to get the ball down with his whole body over the sideline and Mitch Moses desperately trying to deny him.
The conversion from touch by Jamayne Isaako gave the Kiwis the early 6-0 advantage and they threatened again five minutes later when Mulitalo again chased a Hughes bomb and the ball spilled into the in-goal where the Kiwi winger grounded it but replays showed he had knocked on in the contest.
The Kiwis continued to hold sway until the 20-minute mark when Bostock intercepted a Hughes pass and raced 88 metres to score the Kangaroos’ opening try of the tournament. Reece Walsh’s conversion attempt hit the upright to leave the scoreline at 6-4.
Come the 26-minute mark and Isaako extended the margin to four after Walsh put a line dropout out on the full and the Kiwis received a penalty right in front.
With the Kiwis mounting more pressure on the left edge in the 31st minute it was Tom Trbojevic picking off a McLean pass and sprinting 85 metres to put Australia in front despite having just 41 per cent of possession in the opening half-hour.
Five minutes before the break the sold-out crowd was brought to its feet when Ponga exploded into space and took on Walsh but the Kangaroos No.1 came up with a superb cover tackle to take him into touch.
The Kangaroos went down a man just before half-time when Kotoni Staggs was sin binned for a professional foul after dragging back Kodi Nikorima as he chased a Hughes grubber. Isaako banged over the penalty goal and the Trans-Tasman rivals went to the break all locked up at 10-10.
A blow for Australia in the 42nd minute with Moses hobbling from the field with a calf injury and replaced by Tom Dearden.
With Staggs just moments away from returning from the bin the Kiwis cashed in on the left edge when Papali’i delivered the final pass for Ponga to score in his maiden Test in New Zealand colours. Isaako nailed the conversion to take the Kiwis out to 16-10 with 32 minutes to play.
The Kiwis looked to have gone further ahead in the 56th minute when Trbojevic made a meal of cleaning up a kick, McLean pounced and sent the ball on to Mulitalo who streaked away to score but replays showed Papali’i was offside on the chase and came inside the 10 metres.
Just a minute later the Kangaroos hit back when Bostock made it a double on debut when he came up with a trademark leap off a pinpoint Cameron Munster kick. Walsh nailed the conversion to lock us up again at 16-16.
Cometh the hour mark cometh the man as Ponga came up with a solo special after leaving Munster in his wake on the 40-metre line and then putting a sizzling step on Walsh to dot down next to the posts.
In the battle of the gun No.1s it was Walsh who struck next with an 80-metre special after taking a superb offload from Bostock and beating three defenders on a charge to the line. Latrell Mitchell stepped up to take the conversion from wide out but couldn’t guide it home.
With the Kiwis clinging to a 22-20 lead, Bostock produced another magical moment as he out-jumped Isaako and brought the ball down to complete his hat-trick with four minutes to play.
From there the world champions hung on to open their title defence in style as they racked up a 19th successive victory at World Cups.
The Kangaroos head to Brisbane in Round 2 to face Fiji at Suncorp Stadium while the Kiwis will lick their wounds and head home to Christchurch to take on Cook Islands.
There were plenty of positives for the Kiwis despite the defeat with Hughes’ kicking game superb throughout the night and forwards Naufahu Whyte and James Fisher-Harris racking up 302 run metres between them…..PACNEWS
TONGA – RUGBY LEAGUE: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 16 Oct 2026
TNRL rejects claims it is blocking Tonga from using ‘Mate Ma’a Tonga’ name
NUKU’ALOFA, 16 OCTOBER 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC)—The Tonga National Rugby League (TNRL), the trademark owners of the Mate Ma’a Tonga (MMT) brand, has clarified it is not acting as a barrier to the country’s much-loved men’s national rugby team from using the name.
It comes after the Tonga Rugby League 13 (TRL 13) said that Tonga would not be using the MMT name at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup due to differences between the TNRL and the International Rugby League-recognised national federation in the kingdom.
In a statement to RNZ Pacific on Thursday, the TNRL board of directors said claims by the TRL 13 chairman and Tonga’s Prime Minister Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua that it was demanding royalties for the use of MMT name were “misleading”.
“TNRL has never intended to charge the national team or its players simply for competing under the Mate Ma’a Tonga name or displaying the name and logo as part of the team’s sporting identity,” the TNRL statement read.
The TNRL said that its correspondence to the prime minister only referred to a “modest form of compensation”.
“This was intended to relate to the commercial production and sale of merchandise bearing the Mate Ma’a Tonga name and logo, not to the national team’s use of the name on the field.”
Lord Fakafanua told RNZ Pacific that although the TNRL had offered the use of the MMT name, the demand for royalty payments was not workable as the name belonged to the rugby league team.
The prime minister questioned why the government, players or the legally-recognised national federation needed to pay royalties to TNRL for a “national treasure that was bestowed to the national team by the King?”
However, the TNRL board of directors said they had emailed Lord Fakafanua and TRL 13 secretary in early July this year offering support for the national team returning to the MMT name and “proposed a meeting to discuss a positive way forward”.
“That correspondence made no request for royalties, licensing fees or financial payments,” the statement said.
“It is therefore misleading to suggest that TNRL was demanding payment from the government or players simply for the national team to continue using its traditional name.”
According to the TNRL, it had received confirmation from the IRL that Tonga could use the MMT brand.
But Lord Fakafanua said the IRL could not decide the use of the MMT brand as that was registered by the TNRL.
The statement said the TNRL was not holding the country to ransom, as was being suggested by Lord Fakafanua.
“TNRL’s intention has never been to prevent Tonga’s national team from using the name by which it has been known for four decades.”
The TNRL also clarified its legal status, stating it was registered as an incorporated organisation in Tonga rather than an entity belongning to three individuals.
“Although TNRL is no longer the internationally recognised national federation, it remains an incorporated organisation and continues to operate domestic rugby league competitions and support grassroots development in Tonga.
“It’s registered trademark rights are separate from the question of international federation recognition,” the statement said.
The TNRL added that its objective has been to protect an asset belonging to the organisation while supporting a practical arrangement that recognises the history of Mate Ma’a Tonga and benefits Tongan rugby league….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 16 Oct 2026
Taking centre-stage: Stephen Crichton ready to star in familiar role for Samoa
SYDNEY, 16 OCTOBER 2026 (NRL)—Stephen Crichton has declared his stint in the halves has made him a better player as he prepares to return to the centres for Samoa’s IRL Rugby League World Cup campaign.
The Canterbury skipper shifted to five-eighth midway through a challenging NRL season as coach Cameron Ciraldo searched for answers to spark the Bulldogs struggling attack.
The move prompted an immediate response and Crichton played a key role in a late-season resurgence but Canterbury ultimately fell short of a finals finish.
The 26-year-old has taken plenty of lessons from the experience as he returns to the centres for Samoa’s World Cup opener against France on Friday night.
“It’s taken my game to another level now going back to centre,” Crichton said. “Not just in attack but defensively as well.
“What you’re thinking as a halfback and what I can do now as a centre to help that person, because I’ve been in that position and I know how hard it is to be tackling backrowers.
“Whoever I’m defending next to, I know what they’re thinking, what I need to do to help them and vice versa. If I was to go back to halfback, [I know] what the centre can do to help me as well. It’s elevated my game to the next level.”
Given the tournament structure, Friday’s clash at CommBank Stadium looms as a must-win for Samoa as they look to recreate their historic run to the final in 2022.
Crichton kicked an extra-time field goal to sink England in the semi-final for years ago, prompting jubilant scenes in Samoan communities around the world.
The rugby league players immediately became national heroes with Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson giving a shoutout on social media that reached millions of people online.
Crichton can already feel a groundswell of support leading into Friday’s match, with a handful of players travelling to Samoa for an official parade and more than a thousand supporters turning out for a fan day in last week.
Samoa’s week three clash with Tonga has already sold out, with Friday’s match the only other chance for supporters to watch their side play in Sydney during the tournament.
“Ever since I represented Samoa in the 2022 World Cup, we didn’t know how much support we had behind us until we started winning,” Crichton said. “That’s where the expectation comes from now.
“Being [in Australia], people can come and watch us live and everyone’s got that expectation that we have to make it again. Talking to the boys, it’s about staying present and taking it all in.
“The fans come out and pay money to watch us play so we’ll give that energy back to them especially at the fan days. It’s cool seeing all the videos and parades and the best way to celebrate is to win. That’s what we’re out to do.”
Samoa’s World Cup campaign has provided Crichton with a chance to reunite with former Penrith teammates Brian To’o, Spencer Leniu and Jarome Luai.
The quartet have won 15 NRL premierships between them and played a key role in the nation’s run to the 2022 final.
Leniu and Luai will link up at Parramatta next season before Luai and To’o join the PNG Chiefs for their inaugural campaign in 2028.
Samoa will travel to Papua New Guinea to take on the Kumuls next Saturday, with the pair expected to be treated like royalty by the rugby league mad nation.
Crichton watched his close friend Luai endure a challenging year on and off the field but has already noticed a change in the halfback’s mindset since coming into camp.
“I’m always keen to not just reconnect with [Luai] but Spenny and Bizza as well,” Crichton said. “This is the only time along with Origin where we can play together.
“Since coming into camp it’s been a special bond. I can see the fire in Romy’s eyes to prove a lot of people wrong. I’ll be right next to him proving them wrong too,” he said…. PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 16 Oct 2026
Bati, Bulikula name World Cup line-ups
SYDNEY, 16 OCTOBER 2026 (FIJI SUN)—The Fiji Bati (men) and Bulikula (women) have named their line-ups for Sunday’s Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) openers at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, Australia.
The Bulikula face New Zealand at 2.50pm, followed by the Bati’s clash against Cook Islands at 5.05pm.
Bati head coach Mick Potter has opted to keep a low profile to allow his young side to bond and take each game as it comes.
The Bati will be without experienced campaigners Viliame Kikau, Tui Kamikamica, Jahream Bula, Kevin Naiqama, Maika Siva, Daniel Saifiti and Marcelo Montoya, who are injured or have retired.
Leading the Bati campaign are Apisai Koroisau, Jacob Saifiti, Taane Milne, Sunia Turuva, Waqa Blake, Brandon Wakeham and Kurt Donoghoe.
Fiji line-ups
Bati
Bayleigh Bentley-Hape
Sunia Turuva
Waqa Blake
Solomon Saukuru
Semi Valemei
Kurt Donoghoe
Brandon Wakeham
Jacob Saifiti
Apisai Koroisau (Captain)
Mitchell Prest
Taane Milne
Kitione Kautoga
Caleb Navale
Interchange: Josese Lanyon (14), Emosi Ravosai (15), Elijah Keung (16), Ronald Philitoga (17), Apenisa Oriti (18), Jardin Leiu (19).
Reserves: Joseph Litidamu, Zion Johnson, Kylan Mafoa.
Bulikula
Cassie Staples
Maria Paseka
Isabella Waterman
Taina Navidi
Sienna Laing
Luisa Yaranamua
Losana Lutu
Leilani Ah Sam
Sereana Naitokatoka (Captain)
Latish Smythe
Elizabeth Naleba
Tamika Jones
Talei Holmes
Interchange: Tahlia Marshall (14), Lorren Ieli (15), Teaghan Hartigan (16), Nanise Vakacavu (17).
Reserves: Naomi Tegu, Aliti Namoce, Ema Masi, Rory Muller, Abigayle Sekitoga….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 16 Oct 2026
Australia Sevens welcome rare homecoming for NZ, Fiji matches as skippers re-sign with Olympic goal
SYDNEY, 16 OCTOBER 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU) — Having travelled the world, the Australia Sevens teams are motivated to put on a show at their rare homecoming this weekend.
The Men’s and Women’s sides will play Fiji and New Zealand across three matches on Friday and Saturday, with Saturday’s matches part of a monster quad-header with the Wallabies and Wallaroos.
The “Kick On Sevens” on Friday will see the teams play their rivals twice at Easts Rugby Club, fast-tracking their preparations before next month’s World Series opener.
The teams will also head to New Zealand later this month in order to start fast in a season that includes Olympic qualification linked to the SVNS World Championship.
But for Men’s skipper Henry Hutchison, a Randwick junior, playing in front of friends and family was a perfect chance to impress after their title win in Valladolid.
“We want to play as much as we can. It’s been a big year with the Ultimate Sevens and the Indian Sevens supplementing the World Series so the boys are getting more rugby, but not necessarily getting rugby at home,” he said.
“To get more rugby at home, to be in front of commercial brands, to showcase our skills, it’s important on so many levels to get new engagement into the game and also new investments.
‘We’re chomping at the bit to play and super keen to have our own games on Friday and then also keen to play out at Accor [Stadium] before the Wallabies boys on Saturday.”
Women’s captain Bella Nasser shares the sentiment as the two teams resume their rivalry in New Zealand, playing at every leg of the SVNS World Series before the Aussies claimed the World Championship in Bordeaux.
“We very rarely get to play in Sydney, which is where we are based and is very accessible to our friends and family,” she explained.
“It’s where most of us live, so to play in front of our home crowd, have their support and show them what we’ve been working on, particularly against New Zealand, it’ll be awesome.”
The event comes as both skippers sign new deals until the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, looking for their first medals after Paris ‘heartbreakers.’
“I feel really honoured to have the opportunity to sign a two-year deal to put my foot forward for selection for the ’28 Olympics and continue to build with the team we’ve got at the moment,” Nasser said.
“…The hunger probably hasn’t really left us since Paris. We have immediately looked forward to the next four years and building and growing as a team each year and tournament.”
“Paris is heartbreaking in the sense that we got so close and I thought we were good enough to medal,” Hutchison adds, gunning to be a four-time Olympian.
“We were consistently sitting around that fourth or third position. We were there or thereabouts so to fall short is definitely a motivation,” she said….PACNEWS
AUST – BOXING: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 16 Oct 2026
Aussie heavyweight fast-tracks for proper Kiwi test
GOLDCOAST, 16 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—Keen to prove he’s the real deal, Teremoana Teremoana has fast-tracked his rise by locking in a date with a seasoned New Zealander tipped to finally take him beyond the second round.
The popular Paris Olympian is a perfect 12-0 as a professional and boasts nine first-round knockouts and a dozen stoppages before the third round.
Next, the Australian heavyweight menace will headline a Matchroom Boxing card in Melbourne on 18 November against Kiwi Hemi Ahio (25-1).
Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn said Teremoana had been slated to fight Ahio next year but there was a need to provide his man with a sterner test sooner.
“We seriously have a superstar on our hands in Teremoana and he must close out this year with another big statement,” he said.
“I honestly believe he has the tools to become a future world champion.”
It comes with unbeaten cruiserweight world champion Jai Opetaia on the cusp of his own heavyweight debut in a blockbuster clash with former world champion Deontay Wilder in Wales.
Opetaia’s team remain in talks with the 40-year-old’s camp to stage the fight on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s clash with Anthony Joshua at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on 11 December.
The option poses a risk to Opetaia’s slated cruiserweight unification battle with David Benavidez for May next year, but is viewed as a profile-boosting solution to stay busy in the meantime.
Signed to Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, Opetaia remains in a legal battle with the IBF after the organisation stripped him of their title on the eve of his Zuffa debut.
That court action has caused a chain reaction in the cruiserweight ranks.
No.2 contender and European champion Viddal Riley accepted a fight against unbeaten Frenchman Seydi Coupe instead of waiting to face New Zealand’s Queensland-based No.1 contender David Nyika in a potential title fight.
And fellow Zuffa boxer and former bantamweight world champion Jason Moloney is eyeing a fight return in Saudi Arabia next month, although that event remains in doubt following the weekend’s deadly Riyadh airport strikes…..PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 16 Oct 2026
OFC U-15 Boys Development Tournament highlights progress in youth football across Oceania
AUCKLAND, 16 OCTOBER 2026 (OFC)—Just under 100 boys from six nations across Oceania took their initial steps on the international stage at last week’s OFC U-15 Boys Development Tournament 2026.
The competition saw Fiji, New Caledonia, Tahiti, Samoa, and Tonga, play five matches at OFC’s Home of Football, Te Kahu o Kiwa in Auckland, held in collaboration with the support of UEFA through the UEFA Together programme.
“It was a really successful tournament,” says OFC’s Head of High Performance and Education, Owain Prosser. “For a lot of them it was the first time they’d represented their country, and you could see how much that meant to them.”
Samoa captain Eliahs Hazelman Siona echoed that sentiment. “I’m very happy to represent my country, my family, and my villages,” said Siona. “It fills me with a lot of pride and it’s been very special.”
Tahiti claimed the tournament title after going unbeaten across their five matches, but the success of the competition extended far beyond the results on the pitch.
“What impressed me most was how the players approached the tournament, both on and off the field,” said Prosser. “They were fully committed to the tournament, applied themselves, and were open to always learning.”
In collaboration with UEFA Together, 2026 was the first time that both the Girls and Boys U-15 Development tournaments have been held in the same year. It was also the third edition of the Boys U-15 tournament since its inception in 2023.
The UEFA Together Programme is an initiative that strengthens football development outside Europe by providing financial support, expertise and resources to UEFA’s sister confederations, including OFC, to support the growth of the game at all levels.
“We couldn’t deliver this tournament without UEFA Together. Our collaboration has enabled us to offer this tournament over the past four years and give young players, coaches and referees, an international experience they wouldn’t otherwise get.”
“A big thank you to UEFA Together. We’re grateful for the partnership and look forward to keeping it going.”
OFC’s partnership with AUT and Playmaker was another exciting part of the tournament and built on recent research projects at previous OFC tournaments. The project at OFC U-15 Boys Development Tournament 2026 focused on two main components – video analysis and research into physical and technical areas of youth football.
“Not only will this support the team taking part at the tournament, but research will also inform player and coach development programmes across the region.”
Reflecting on both the Boy’s and Girl’s tournaments in 2026, Prosser believes progress is being made across the board.
“Players arrive better prepared, Member Associations include the tournament as part of their programmes, and more coaches and referees are coming through with international experience,” says Prosser.
Around 70 percent of the players who participate the OFC U-15 Boys Development Tournament are expected to go on and represent their nations at OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2027, for which they will be better prepared for.
“Member Associations whose young players are training and playing regularly are performing to a good level. Those taking a long-term approach to player development are starting to see it pay off here.”
“That means making the game fun, getting children involved early, running youth leagues, and creating national academies. We’ll keep supporting Member Associations to put those foundations in place, because that’s where real progress comes from.”
While the tournament may have concluded, the opportunities it has created for young players, coaches and referees will continue to shape football development across the region for years to come….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 16 Oct 2026
No longer newcomers, Samoa embrace another FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup challenge
SALE, 16 OCTOBER 2026 (OFC)—Twelve months after becoming the first team from Samoa to play at a FIFA tournament, the U-17 women’s national team return to Morocco this month to test themselves against the worlds best once more.
Under the guidance of head coach Juan Chang Urrea, they made history on their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™ debut last year, not just for being there, but also for becoming the first OFC representatives other than New Zealand to score a goal at the tournament, in a 2-4 defeat to France in their very-first match.
Their inaugural campaign may have ended with three consecutive defeats, but exposure to such a stage, and the best young female players in the world, has given them lessons and experience they’ll be able to better apply this time around.
“It’s an incredible feeling and a privilege to represent Samoa on the world stage for a second consecutive year,” says Urrea.
“Last year was a historic moment for our country and returning shows that this was not just a one-off achievement. We know the level required to compete at a World Cup, and we’re excited to take what we learned last year and challenge ourselves again.”
Samoa have been drawn into Group E in Morocco in 2026, alongside former finalists USA, China, and Kenya, where the top two, and the four-best third placed teams from the six groups will advance to the knockout stage.
They’ll begin their campaign against the USA on the 19th of October local time, before facing China on the 22nd of October, and concluding against Kenya on the 25th of October. All matches at the tournament are scheduled to be held at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé, Morocco, except for the semi-finals, play-off for third place, and the final in Rabat.
Pitted against nations with far richer football resources and women’s national team programmes, the challenge will again be steep, but unlike 2025, they now have the experience which has helped better shape their preparation.
“Last year’s tournament gave us a much clearer understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level. We learned a lot about the speed of the game, the quality of decision-making required, and how important it is to stay composed and trust ourselves under pressure,” Urrea said.
“Perhaps the biggest lesson though, was that we belong on this stage, and we cannot afford to be intimidated by the occasion.”
Urrea says Samoa’s preparations have been focused on raising standards within the group, improving tactical understanding, and building the belief and courage to compete against the best.
Of the 21-player squad selected to represent Samoa at this year’s tournament, six also played in Morocco last year. They are; Cali Willis, Taimane Devoux, Breanna Kitiona, Jayde Eldredge, Makeli Leonard, and Reyna Tufuga, all of whom will be counted upon to help guide the other 15 players making their FIFA tournament debuts.
With a population of approximately 220,000 people, Samoa are the smallest nation ever to compete at a FIFA women’s tournament, making back-to-back appearances at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup a remarkable achievement. They qualified after a second consecutive runners-up finish at OFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2025.
Urrea believes their qualification is helping to further grow women’s football in Samoa, despite being a nation that has traditionally favoured the oval ball over a round one.
“I think the greatest impact is what this team represents for the next generation. When young girls see players from Samoa competing at a FIFA World Cup, it helps them believe that they can achieve something similar. It gives women’s football greater visibility and creates something for our communities to rally behind.
“Ultimately, our goal is bigger than one tournament or one team. We want to inspire generations to come.”
Now as they prepare to write a second chapter in Samoa’s history on the global football stage, they hope to represent their nation with pride, and continue to pave the way for the future of women’s football in their part of the world.
Match Schedule (All dates and kick-off times in Samoan Time)
USA v Samoa
Tuesday 20th October, 7am Samoa Time
Mohammed VI Football Academy (Pitch 3), Salé, Morocco
China v Samoa
Friday 23rd October, 4am Samoa Time
Mohammed VI Football Academy (Pitch 1), Salé, Morocco
Samoa v Kenya
Monday 26th October, 7am Samoa Time
Mohammed VI Football Academy (Pitch 4), Salé, Morocco…PACNEWS
FIJI – YOUTH OLYMPICS: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 16 Oct 2026
Vosadora to captain Fiji at Youth Olympic Games
SUVA, 16 OCTOBER 2026 (FIJI SUN)—The Fiji Under-17 girls’ Futsal team is in the final phase of preparations for the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.
Head coach Jose Gerardo has finalised his 10-member squad for the Games, which will be held from October 31 to November 13.
“This camp is an important part of our preparations for the Youth Olympic Games,” he said.
“Our focus is on improving the players’ technical skills, fitness and understanding of how we want to play as a team.”
Gerardo named Salanieta Tausokula Vosadora as captain, with Teonila Levuiciva and Vilomena Lutumaitoga Batirerega serving as vice-captains.
“Representing Fiji on the Olympic stage is a special opportunity for these young girls,” Gerardo said.
“We want them to work hard, grow in confidence and be ready to give their best for the country.”
Fiji is in Pool A alongside hosts Senegal, Colombia and Ukraine.
The futsal matches will be played from November 1 to 12 at the Iba Mar Diop Complex, with the finals scheduled for Dakar Arena.
Fiji Under-17 girls’ Futsal squad: Salanieta Tausokula Vosadora (captain), Teonila Levuiciva (vice-captain), Tarusila Qerawaqa Maivunidawa, Kinisimere Botesulu, Akanisi Katonitabua, Melania Diraitabe Keresoni, Nauseeba Azharia, Seini Tadulala Kaliseiwaqa, Vilomena Lutumaitoga Batirerega (vice-captain) and Beatrice Hariet Beverly Qaniuci….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 16 Oct 2026
England eye World Cup redemption as Tonga clash looms
SYDNEY, 16 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—His dad tried to talk him into joining the Perth Bears, but England captain George Williams is content with his decision to become a Dolphin as he eyes World Cup redemption over the coming weeks.
England’s campaign for glory begins on Saturday night when the world No.3 outfit face tournament dark horses Tonga in a much-anticipated clash at HBF Park.
The loser of that match will face an uphill battle to make the semi-finals, given only two of the six nations across Pools B and C will progress to the final four.
England face world No.11 France and world No.6 Papua New Guinea in their two other Pool games.
But it’s their opening match against world No.5 Tonga, who are fourth favourites to win the tournament behind Australia, NZ and Samoa, that looms as the make-or-break clash for England.
England, who start the tournament as fifth favourites, have some unfinished business following their heartbreak at the 2022 World Cup they hosted.
They beat Samoa 60-6 in their tournament opener, but were stunned by the same opponent in the semi-finals, with Samoa winning 27-26 via a Stephen Crichton golden point field goal.
“That was probably the worst loss of my career,” Williams told AAP after training on Thursday.
“It was so heartbreaking in the fashion that we lost. That was really hurtful, but hopefully the lads that experienced that can grow from it and go a bit better this year.
“Sometimes that’s when you learn the most about yourself as a team and as a person – in the tough times – and that was definitely one of those.”
Williams’ dad Peter lives in Mandurah, a coastal city just 70km south of the Perth CBD.
And when George Williams announced he was leaving Super League outfit Warrington Wolves earlier this year to rejoin the NRL, there was hope the incoming Perth Bears could nab the star playmaker ahead of their 2027 debut.
“My dad was saying the same thing. He was hoping I was going over this way,” Williams said.
“Obviously, when Perth got announced, he was saying, ‘how good would that be?’ But it was only a bit of small talk, he was only joking.”
Williams, who previously played for the Canberra Raiders, ended up joining the Dolphins on a two-year deal.
“I was really happy to sign with the Dolphins and excited to get back in the NRL and back to Australia,” he said.
Ironically, Williams’ new coach at the Dolphins – Kristian Woolf – will be aiming to bring about the 31-year-old’s downfall this Saturday, given he is also coach of Tonga.
“Tonga are stacked, NRL stars glittered throughout, so we know what’s upon us,” Williams said.
“But we also have a lot of belief within the group. We’ve got a lot of NRL players, some youth – we’ve got a bit of everything,” he said…. PACNEWS
SAMOA – SPORTS FUNDING: TALAMUA MEDIA PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 16 Oct 2026
Government Funding Support Youth Olympic Games & Samoa Deaf Sports Association
APIA, 16 OCTOBER 2026 (TALAMUA MEDIA)— The Government has approved $184,400(US$66,309) in funding to support of Team Samoa’s preparations for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
The funding will go to the Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (SASNOC) to help prepare the country’s athletes for the international sporting event.
Samoa will send a 15-member team to compete in five sports at the Olympic Games, which will run from 31 October to 13 November 2026 in Dakar, Senegal, Africa.
The Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Tonga have confirmed their participation in the event.
Samoa will compete in athletics, swimming, handball, 3×3 basketball and boxing.
The 2026 event is Samoa’s fourth appearance at the Youth Olympic Games having first competed in the competition in 2010.
Cabinet has also approved a $50,000 (US$17, 979) for the Samoa Deaf Sports Association to support preparations for Samoa’s participation in the World Deaf Rugby Sevens Tournament, to be held in Japan from 30 October to 3 November 2026.
The Samoa delegation will comprise 14 players and four management staff….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 16 Oct 2026
Something I never dreamed of’: Salakaia-Loto out to inspire in milestone Test
SYDNEY, 16 OCTOBER 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—Wallabies lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto wants to show there’s a pathway for all as he reflects on reaching 50 Test caps.
Salakaia-Loto will bring up the half century on Saturday against the All Blacks in his home city of Sydney.
It’s a special moment for the Queensland Reds lock, who migrated from Auckland at a young age
Growing up in Liverpool, Salakaia-Loto started playing rugby league before switching to rugby union at 17 after catching scouts’ eyes.
He quickly impressed and earned Australia U20 honours, debuting for the Wallabies against South Africa in 2017.
A large group of family will be watching and in the stands, with Salakaia-Loto embracing the full circle moment to play against his country of birth.
“It’s definitely something I never dreamed of as a little kid,” he told reporters.
“Growing up here in Australia, going to school and seeing the opportunities that this country has provided for myself and my family and now to my kids is really special. I love this country and to be able to represent them 50 times is something that’s not lost on me.
“To play the All Blacks in my 50th, where in Sydney, where I grew up and went to school and where I have a lot of family and supporters, I guess not many people probably get the opportunity to do so, so it’s a special occasion and one where we are keen to rip in.”
During Salakaia-Loto’s decade in the sport, his priorities have shifted after welcoming three young girls into the world.
In doing so, he hopes a new generation of talent from Western Sydney will be inspired to follow his lead and experience the game.
“I’m just trying to show to my kids that you can do anything you put your mind to and just sharing that experience with them,” Salakaia-Loto explained.
“I didn’t dream of doing this as a kid growing up and to find myself where I am now and to share that with my kids is really special.
“…I was born in New Zealand, migrated to Australia, and we grew up out west of Sydney, so for me there’s a lot of people that look like myself that look out there, they probably aren’t engaged with the game of rugby, and I think the more we can tap into that space and provide opportunity for those young boys and girls to experience our game and understand what our game has to offer, not only on the field, but off it, is huge.
“For them to see one of their own represent them or represent the country on the big stage is probably something that hopefully is inspiring for them.”
The lock’s motivation extends beyond the milestone game as they enforcer looks to lift the Wallabies from a disappointing defeat last start.
Coach Les Kiss has made several changes, including the inclusion of Declan Meredith as flyhalf after an upper leg injury for Ben Donaldson.
Salakaia-Loto said regardless of who is at flyhalf, the fowards need to step up their game to meet the might of the All Blacks.
“It’s important for the forward pack to lay the platform and for us as forwards, that’s something that we take huge pride in,” he added.
“We felt like we probably didn’t do the best job for our backs and for our tens last week, so for us, we’ve got to roll our sleeves up and go to work. We know the good things come off the back of the platform that we set…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: AFP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 16 Oct 2026
All Blacks make three changes for second Wallabies Test
SYDNEY, 16 OCTOBER 2026 (AFP)—New Zealand made three changes to its starting side Thursday for the second Bledisloe Cup Test with forwards Josh Lord and Ethan de Groot dropped as they eye a 13th straight victory over Australia.
Dave Rennie’s side toppled the Wallabies 50-19 at Eden Park last weekend to secure the trans-Tasman trophy for a 24th straight time.
With the silverware safe, Rennie has brought in Fabian Holland at lock to replace Lord while George Bower was preferred as loosehead prop to De Groot for the clash in Sydney on Saturday.
Josh Moorby got the nod at wing ahead of Rieko Ioane to replace Leroy Carter who faces a stint out after injuring his ankle while scoring a try in the victory at Auckland.
They are among eight changes to the match-day 23 with forwards Asafo Aumua and Anton Segner (both concussion) and Ethan Blackadder (calf) all out.
Hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho, prop Xavier Numia, loose forward Du’Plessis Kirifi, halfback Cortez Ratima and midfielder Timoci Tavatavanawai come into the squad as reserves.
They join prop Pasilio Tosi, loose forward Shannon Frizell and Ioane on the bench.
Veteran Beauden Barrett is again at fullback with Damian McKenzie retained at fly-half after being instrumental in helping orchestrate the win last week.
Cam Roigard once more has scrum-half duties with Rennie hoping his kicking game can again cause Australia major problems.
“Last week was a big week, with it being our first game back on New Zealand soil after a long tour away and the Bledisloe Cup on the line,” said Rennie.
“We put in a performance befitting the occasion. Now we need to back that performance up.
“The Wallabies are a proud side and they’ll be hurting after last week. It’s a great challenge for us to now face them in front of their home crowd in Sydney.”
New Zealand (15-1): Beauden Barrett; Will Jordan, Quinn Tupaea, Jordie Barrett, Josh Moorby; Damian McKenzie, Cam Roigard; Wallace Sititi, Peter Lakai, Tupou Vaa’i; Fabian Holland, Scott Barrett; Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor (capt), George Bower.
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Xavier Numia, Pasilio Tosi, Shannon Frizell, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Cortez Ratima, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Rieko Ioane…PACNEWS
