In this bulletin:
1. BOXING — Sāmoa wins historic gold at World Boxing Future Cup in Bangkok
2. RUGBY LEAGUE — Johnston sees lure of more history as a PNG Chief
3. RUGBY — ‘It’s massive change’: Tanner Vili backs major reset for Sāmoan rugby
4. RUGBY — Super Rugby CEO explains heat protocol decision on Fijian Drua’s ‘iBole’
5. RUGBY — Hong Kong next for Fiji 7s
6. FOOTBALL — First FIFA Arena Mini Pitch in Oceania opens in Ba
7. TAEKWONDO — Fiji Taekwondo Team ready to kick for glory at Oceania Games
8. FOOTBALL — Vanuatu newspaper faces ban over its coverage of women’s football controversy
9. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG PM Marape, Australian PM hail NRL try-scoring record
10. RUGBY LEAGUE — Calls for new Johnston honour as record-breaker prepares for PNG return
11. FOOTBALL — CIFA farewells Varman, welcomes Savage to the role
12. RUGBY LEAGUE — Connection to home’: Mato set for switch to Kiwi Ferns at RLWC2026
PAC – BOXING: PMN PACNEWS: Tue 17 Mar 2026
Sāmoa wins historic gold at World Boxing Future Cup in Bangkok
BANGKOK, 17 MARCH 2026 (PMN)—Sāmoa has made history at the World Boxing Future Cup Championships 2026 in Thailand, winning its first-ever gold medal at the tournament thanks to Kealey Perez.
Perez, 15, secured the gold in the women’s 80kg division after defeating Tuvalu’s Francis Taafaki in an all-Oceania final on Saturday.
Her victory was backed by a bronze medal from team-mate Anthony Pati in the men’s 90kg division.
Fellow Sāmoan fighter Johnsal Semi narrowly missed advancing after a split decision.
Team Sāmoa head coach Vitale Perez, Kealey’s father, said the results reflected months of hard work and strong team unity.
Speaking on Pacific Huddle ahead of the finals, Perez said he was grateful for the opportunity to lead the Sāmoan team at the international tournament.
“I’m pleased to have this opportunity. I’m really glad that I had a friend back in New Zealand reach out to see if I could help out.”
Peerz said the opportunity came through Sāmoa Boxing leadership.
“Mike, the president from Sāmoa, gifted me with this role and I’m just having a good time and trying to get the goal for our country.”
Perez previously coached in New Zealand and runs a boxing gym in the central North Island town of Taumarunui, where he has worked with young fighters for more than a decade.
He has also been involved with New Zealand boxing development programmes and travelled internationally with youth teams.
Perez said one highlight came two years ago when he travelled with the New Zealand Under-19 team to the world championships in Colorado.
“We came back with three bronze medals and that’s the best New Zealand’s ever done,” he said.
One of those medals was won by his daughter, Kealy, who would go on to create history for Sāmoa in Thailand.
Perez said he arrived at the tournament well prepared for the level of competition.
“I knew what we were coming up against. I’d done my study and I’ve been in this realm for quite a few years,” he said.
He said building a strong connection within the team before travelling to Thailand was important and praised the wider coaching and management staff supporting the fighters.
“The coaching and management we’ve got here is top-notch,” he said.
He highlighted support from team managers Benji Tupuola and Faigali Vaughn from Brisbane, assistant coach Junior Pati from New Zealand, and officials from Sāmoa Boxing.
“We’re all here for our kids and we’re all on the same level.”
Perez said his journey into coaching came from being a fighter and practising martial arts.
“Just having father figures in kickboxing, karate and boxing — people that cared for you,” he said. “I guess I’m just giving back. Those people kept me off the streets.”
He also credited several mentors who helped shape him as a coach, including Martin Stirling from Petone and Australian-based boxing coach Alani Moala.
Perez said international tournaments like the Future Cup are important for developing young fighters and proving Sāmoa can compete against stronger boxing nations.
“Our team can beat these people. They’ve just got to put their skills and ability together on the day.”
The historic gold marks a major milestone for Sāmoa boxing and adds to growing Pacific success in international combat sports…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS: Tue 17 Mar 2026
Johnston sees lure of more history as a PNG Chief
SYDNEY, 17 MARCH 2026 (AAP)—Alex Johnston has given the strongest indication yet he could finish his career at the PNG Chiefs, with South Sydney unlikely to stand in the way of the record-breaking tryscorer.
Fresh off breaking Ken Irvine’s mark on Friday night, Johnston on Monday had a statue of him unveiled at Rabbitohs headquarters.
Made in Thailand three years ago with the financial backing of Souths supporter Danny Taibel, the life-sized monument has sat in storage ever since.
Johnston admitted on Monday breaking Irvine’s mark of 212 tries had been on his mind since the end of 2022, before an achilles injury in 2024 threatened his shot.
The 31-year-old gave the statue the tick of approval, while joking he would now become a victim of bird faeces outside Heffron Park.
“The majority of my footy career has been overwhelmingly positive, but along the way a few fans have shit on me,” Johnston quipped.
“There have been a few coaches who have shit on me, the media has shit on me – now the pigeons can shit on me.”
Johnston’s feat also attracted a letter from Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape, along with celebrations across the country.
Of Torres Strait Islander and PNG descent, Johnston has played 12 Tests for the Kumuls since 2019.
The winger is off contract next year, and will likely be a priority target for the Chiefs when they enter in 2028.
“They just love rugby league so much over there, the Chiefs, every week they’ll get massive support,” Johnston said.
“It’s something I probably want to be a part of.
“Obviously, I’d love to stay at Souths. But the footy over there, I think everyone needs to experience it. I fall in love with the game of footy going over there.”
Asked how much he had to weigh up over the coming year, Johnston admitted there were emotional lures both ways.
“It’d be cool to be the first signature over there, but I bleed red and green. I’ve still got this year and next year at the club,” he said.
“If I’m still kicking and still got some miles on these legs, I’ll go from there and see where I end up.
“I love this club. I’ve always wanted to be a one-club player, and I’m in this position now. Things could go either way.”
Souths inserted a clause into Johnston’s current contract that allows him to join the Chiefs at any time and become their first signature.
CEO Blake Solly also confirmed on Monday the Rabbitohs would not make life hard and fight to keep Johnston if he wanted to leave.
“We understand how strong AJ’s connection is with Papua New Guinea,” Solly said.
“In many ways, it would be such a great moment for the game if he was their inaugural player signed.”
Solly, meanwhile backed calls for the NRL’s leading tryscorer award to be renamed the Johnston-Irvine medal, as an evolution from the Ken Irvine Medal, which Johnston has won four times.
“The medal is named after Ken because he had the record and his contribution to the game. Now that AJ’s got the record it’s absolutely right that AJ’s there,” Solly said.
“We should never forget all of the great things Ken did for the game and it’s fitting that it will be named the Johnston-Irvine medal,” he said……PACNEWS
SAMOA – RUGBY: PMN PACNEWS: Tue 17 Mar 2026
‘It’s massive change’: Tanner Vili backs major reset for Sāmoan rugby
APIA/AUCKLAND, 17 MARCH 2026 (PMN)—Former Manu Sāmoa international Tanner Vili says the turmoil gripping Sāmoan rugby could be the reset the sport desperately needs.
Speaking on Pacific Huddle, Vili said the recent resignation of long-serving Lakapi Sāmoa chairman and former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi may open the door to a fresh chapter for the sport.
Lakapi Sāmoa president Namulauulu Sami Leota is the interim chairman, the union said in a statement.
“It’s a massive change,” Vili told Tuilagi. “Tuilaepa’s heart’s in the right place, but it’s always good to have a change.
“I’m always excited when there’s change, so we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.”
The leadership shake-up comes amid a wider governance dispute surrounding Lakapi Sāmoa that has drawn in the government and delayed progress on a proposed regional rugby development partnership involving Australia and other Pacific island nations.
Tuilaepa resigned in early March 2026 with the change taking effect around 6 March.
“It was a ridiculous political decision to withhold funds just because I have been chairman of Rugby Sāmoa for the last 26 years,” Tuilaepa told RNZ Pacific. “If I step down, it’s because of my own personal decision.
Sāmoa’s Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt (La’auli) has previously said governance reforms are needed before any new funding agreement is signed.
Sāmoa’s current Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has called for transparency and governance reforms in Lakapi Sāmoa before signing any new regional rugby funding agreements. Photo/Sāmoa govt
He stressed the importance of transparency and proper management of rugby development funds. “Where is the level of our rugby now? … No more politics in this sport,” he told a news conference in Apia.
Lakapi Sāmoa officials say the organisation is now working through the process of selecting a new chairman following Tuilaepa’s departure.
The union’s chief executive, Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun, told the ABC the decision came as a surprise but that discussions around regional rugby partnerships remain ongoing.
Vili says the leadership change presents a chance for the sport to regroup and rebuild confidence.
“It’s a good chance to start fresh, come up with a new game plan and spread that net far and wide to get some quality management back in there,” he told Tuilagi. “I see it as a positive thing and an exciting thing.”
But the former Manu Sāmoa centre said the challenges facing the national side go well beyond leadership.
Limited funding and resources continue to place Sāmoa at a disadvantage compared with wealthier rugby nations.
“The challenges of money and resources are always there,” Vili said. “We don’t have the budgets like the tier one teams.”
He also pointed to the reality that many Sāmoan players are based across clubs in Europe, Japan, and the southern hemisphere, making it difficult to bring the national squad together for extended preparation.
“They fly the men all over the world,” he told Tuilagi. “They don’t have much time to gel as a team. They’re expected to play test match rugby after just meeting each other for a few days.”
Recent results have also highlighted the pressure on the national programme.
Sāmoa suffered a shock defeat to Chile in a Rugby World Cup qualifying series last year, leaving the team needing to go through a final qualification tournament to keep their hopes of reaching the 2027 World Cup alive.
Vili said the leadership change could even influence some overseas-based players to reconsider representing Manu Sāmoa.
“Maybe players who weren’t going to make themselves available might now consider coming back,” he said.
He also acknowledged the tension surrounding the dispute but praised those involved for standing firm.
“When two big chiefs like that are involved, it’s really tough,” he said. “I give credit to the people putting the pressure on, and also to Tuilaepa for standing his ground but then stepping down. That’s a massive call.”
Vili believes the future of Sāmoan rugby must start with rebuilding from the grassroots level.
“Like everywhere, even New Zealand, you have to focus on grassroots because that’s where all the players come from,” he said.
But he warned the ongoing governance issues may have slowed the country’s rugby development.
“With what’s been happening, we might have put ourselves back five or even 10 years,” he said.
Even so, Vili urged supporters across Sāmoa and the wider Pacific to keep backing the team as it rebuilds.
“Sāmoans have massive expectations,” he said. “But when it comes to Manu Sāmoa, we’re right up there. And people still believe in that.”….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS: Tue 17 Mar 2026
Super Rugby CEO explains heat protocol decision on Fijian Drua’s ‘iBole’
SUVA, 17 MARCH 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley responded to FBC Sports, clarifying that the Fijian Drua were approved pre-season to perform the ‘iBole’ cultural challenge at home games.
Questions have been raised by many Fijians over why the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua were unable to perform their traditional ‘iBole’ cultural challenge before kickoff in their historic Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash in Ba, where they hosted and defeated the Brumbies for the first time.
Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley responded to FBC Sports, clarifying that the Fijian Drua were approved pre-season to perform the ‘iBole’ cultural challenge at home games.
However, the approval came with the directive that if the Heat Stress Index (HSI) reached the Very High category or above on match day, limiting player exposure to heat would be critical.
Mesley says the organisation recognises the ‘iBole’ is an important cultural tradition for the team and their fans, and it is something they want to support as much as possible.
However, he says when heat protocols are triggered under World Rugby player welfare guidelines, the priority must be the health and safety of players and match officials.
Mesley adds that while players will still compete for 80 minutes, the Super Rugby Pacific heat policy is designed to minimise additional time spent in extreme heat before kick-off and ensure the match can proceed safely with appropriate cooling measures in place.
In a social media post, the Drua said because they could not present the Vanua of Ba with their iBole, the players performed it in the changing room before running out to a sold-out crowd.
They also did not perform the ‘iBole’ in Round 1 of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific when they hosted Moana Pasifika in Lautoka.
Questions surrounding this have also been sent to the Drua, but the club has yet to comment.
The Drua return to Lautoka this Saturday to face the Reds at 3.30pm…..PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS: Tue 17 Mar 2026
Hong Kong next for Fiji 7s
NEW YORK, 17 MARCH 2026 (FBC SPORTS) —After falling short in New York Monday, the Fiji 7s team turns their attention to the Championship in Hong Kong next month.
South Africa men’s team beat Fiji 10-7 to seal the gold medal in New York and clinch the overall HSBC SVNS Series title, while New Zealand’s all-conquering women lifted another title with a hugely dramatic final win over Australia.
World Rugby chief executive, ]Alan Gilpin, hailed the success of the weekend in the Big Apple as New York staged its first-ever Sevens tournament.
Gilpin says it’s been amazing and what’s not to love with sevens rugby in one of the best cities in the world.
He also says that it’s been brilliant and just shows what’s possible for rugby in the U.S.
The World Rugby boss adds the players have been excited to be in New York because it’s an iconic city.
Meanwhile, the Fijiana 7s finished fourth in New York after going down to hosts USA in the third place playoff….PACNEWS
FIJI – FOOTBALL: FBC PORTS PACNEWS: Tue 17 Mar 2026
First FIFA Arena Mini Pitch in Oceania opens in Ba
BA, 17 MARCH 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—The FIFA Arena Mini Football Pitch at AD Patel College in Ba has been opened.
It also marks a historic milestone as the first FIFA Arena facility in the Oceania region.
FIFA Regional Director for Asia and Oceania Sanjeevan Balasingam congratulated all stakeholders who contributed towards delivering the project.
“It is a great privilege to be here with you to inaugurate this FIFA Arena mini pitch, the first of its kind in Oceania. Congratulations to everyone who has contributed their time, effort, resources and commitment in making this possible. Projects like this do not happen without the dedication of many people. Like on the pitch, it is a team sport and a team effort.”
He also acknowledges that Suva Muslim College has completed its own FIFA Arena pitch, making the two facilities the first in the Oceania region.
Balasingam highlighted the strong strategic direction of the Fiji FA, noting that the federation’s ‘Totolo Futupolo’ framework has established a clear football development pathway for the country…. PACNEWS
FIJI – TAEKWONDO: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS: Tue 17 Mar 2026
Fiji Taekwondo Team ready to kick for glory at Oceania Games
SUVA, 17 MARCH 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—Team Fiji is gearing up for an exciting challenge as they prepare to compete at the 2026 Oceania Taekwondo Games in Australia later this month.
The two-day tournament will be held on March 28 and 29 at the Whitlam Leisure Centre, where Fiji’s fighters will test their skills against some of the best athletes from across the Oceania region.
Leading the charge for Fiji are experienced campaigners Olympian Lolohea Naitasi, Nipesh Prakash, and Aanvi Kumar, who bring valuable international experience and leadership into the squad as they aim to guide the team to strong performances.
Adding excitement to the lineup are five young athletes set to make their debut at a World Ranking event – Nirav Prakash, Aarush Kumar, Immanuel Krishna, Vivaan Singh, and Bhavish Nand.
For the rising talents, the competition represents a major step in their careers as they step onto the international stage for the first time.
Preparations are already underway, with Team One, made up of the junior athletes and national coach Neelu Nand, departing Fiji early to attend the Oceania World Taekwondo Olympic Solidarity Camp in New South Wales from March 17 to 26.
The training camp is expected to sharpen their skills and provide valuable exposure ahead of the Games.
The rest of the squad will join the team in Australia on March 26, while New Zealand-based fighter Nipesh Prakash will link up with the group a day later as the team completes its build-up to the regional showdown.
The Oceania Taekwondo Games is a key event on the World Taekwondo ranking calendar, giving athletes the opportunity to earn crucial international ranking points while battling the region’s finest competitors.
With a powerful blend of experience and youthful determination, Team Fiji will be looking to make their presence felt and proudly raise the nation’s flag on the Oceania stage….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: PMN/RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS: Tue 17 Mar 2026
Vanuatu newspaper faces ban over its coverage of women’s football controversy
PORT VILA, 17 MARCH 2026 (PMN/RNZ PACIFIC)—Vanuatu’s only daily newspaper, the Vanuatu Daily Post, is facing a ban on covering future football league matches after publishing an article with the headline: “Former women’s coach says lesbianism is a reason Vanuatu women’s squad keeps losing”.
The outlet ran a story on 6 March featuring an interview with a former women’s team coach, Emmanuel Vatu, that criticised in-team relationships as an occasional distraction.
While Vatu had not been quoted directly, the Vanuatu Daily Post ran the story with a social media caption that blamed “lesbianism” for poor results by the women’s national team, who lost all three group games in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Oceania Qualifiers held in Fiji.
“Sexual relationships with teammates would lead to distraction during matches” the newspaper reported.
“He witnessed his players at the time, more focused on their personal relationships off the field, rather than developing their skills on the field.”
In response, Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF) released a statement, saying that the comments were “defamatory” and denigrating to female players.
“They have every right to pursue the necessary means to address these negative and harmful comments,” a statement read.
“We will not allow such rhetoric to diminish the achievements and contributions of our women’s team. We remain committed to promoting equality and ensuring football is a welcoming environment for all.”
On 09 March, the Vanuatu Daily Post reported that VFF president Lambert Matlock, who is also the president of the Oceania Football Confederation, had threatened to ban their journalists from their games via email.
Mavuku Tokona says the Vanuatu Daily Post stands by its coverage as the newspaper risks being banned from covering league matches after publishing an article that drew criticism from the Vanuatu Football Federation. Photo/Vanuatu Daily Post
Lead reporter Mavuku Tokona told RNZ Pacific they are unapologetic.
“In his interview [Vatu] actually emphasised the fact on how many women that are involved [in] sexual relations on the field,” Tokona said.
“He said it’s explosive, or something along those lines.”
Tokona said the term “lesbian” was used as a catch-all term because there is no word for it in Bislama.
“In order to encapsulate all of that, we had to phrase it that way.”
He said the ban has effectively begun, with his reporters missing out on invites as of Wednesday last week.
Tokona said the “lesbian” comments were just an excuse for years of mistreatment by the VFF.
He believes the Vanuatu Daily Post has been given the cold shoulder by sports bodies because they ask tough questions, saying he often relied on his competitors to stay in the loop.
“There was a strategic launch of the National Women’s Team, and they decided not to invite us,” he said.
He said when a “small female” reporter from the newspaper headed along despite not receiving an invitation, she faced “verbal abuse”.
“They usually heckle her while she’s walking in, threaten her, intimidate her … I usually force her to go anyway” Tokona said.
The VFF have been approached for comment….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS: Tue 17 Mar 2026
PNG PM Marape, Australian PM hail NRL try-scoring record
PORT MORESBY, 17 MARCH 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, have congratulated Papua New Guinea Kumuls international Alex Johnston on becoming the highest try-scorer in National Rugby league history.
“On behalf of the government and people of PNG, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Kumul No.294 Alex Johnston for this remarkable and historic achievement,” he said.
“Breaking a record that has stood for more than 50 years is no small feat.
“Alex Johnston has demonstrated extraordinary skill, dedication, and consistency throughout his career, and PNG is immensely proud of his success.”
Marape recognised Johnston’s Papua New Guinean heritage and connection to the country through his grandmother, from West Sepik’s Lumi.
Johnston has represented PNG in 12 tests and Australia at representative level.
Marape noted that Johnston’s achievement represented not only a personal milestone but also a moment of pride for many Papua New Guineans who passionately followed rugby league as the nation’s most beloved sport.
“Rugby league is part of the heartbeat of our nation,” he said.
“When a player with Papua New Guinean heritage rises to such height in the sport’s premier competition, it inspires millions of boys and girls across our country who dream of achieving greatness in rugby league.”
Johnston, from Lumi and Australia’s Saibai Island in the Torres Strait, said: “I just want to thank everyone back home (PNG) for the support.
“Every time I go over, I feel the love and I can’t wait to go back over.”
He reached 213 career tries on Friday night in his South Sydney Rabbitohs’ match against the Sydney Roosters at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney, surpassing the record held by Ken Irvine since 1973.
Australia Prime Minister Albanese said: “I congratulate Johnston on breaking the all-time try-scoring record, an achievement that has stood for more than half a century.
“AJ has become an all-time legend.
“With years left in his playing career, his record may never be broken.
“As a Souths tragic, I’m so happy he wears the cardinal and myrtle.
“But the entire rugby league community can be proud of his contribution to the game.
“He is also an absolute gentleman off the field who cares about his community.”
Marape said Johnston’s record was symbolic of the growing presence and influence of players of Pacific Island and Papua New Guinean heritage in international rugby league.
“Johnston’s achievement shows the extraordinary talent that exists across the Pacific,” he said.
“His success reminds us that with discipline, faith, and perseverance, our young people can compete and excel on the world stage.”
Marape added that as PNG worked on expanding its presence in professional rugby league, with the PNG Chiefs to enter the NRL competition from 2028, “role models like Johnston play an important part in inspiring the next generation of players from our country”……PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS: Tue 17 Mar 2026
Calls for new Johnston honour as record-breaker prepares for PNG return
SYDNEY, 17 MARCH 2026 (NRL)—Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly will lead a push to rename the Ken Irvine Medal to celebrate Alex Johnston as the NRL’s new all-time leading try-scorer prepares for a hero’s welcome in his looming return to Papua New Guinea.
The winger surpassed Irvine when he scored his 213th try in the 41st minute of Friday’s clash with the Roosters at a sold-out Allianz Stadium.
The Rabbitohs honoured the occasion by unveiling a statue of Johnston at their Heffron headquarters on Monday morning and the focus quickly turned to how to ensure the Kumuls star is remembered long after his career comes to an end.
The Irvine Medal is currently presented to the NRL’s top try scorer for each season and Solly said renaming it the Irvine-Johnston Medal would be a fitting way to honour both men.
“The medal is named after Ken because of a) he had the record and b) his contribution to the game,” Solly said. “Now AJ’s got the record it’s absolutely right that AJ’s there but we should never forget all of the great things Ken did for our game. It’s fitting that it would be named the Johnston-Irvine Medal.
“One of the great things about this is the support AJ’s had from the Irvine family all the way through and the respect AJ has for Ken and everything he achieved in the game.
“It isn’t like you’re trying to put two players who didn’t have great respect for each other, this is a perfect fit.”
Johnston will return to the field on Saturday night when South Sydney take on the Wests Tigers in a Multicultural Round clash at Polytec Stadium in Gosford.
It’s a fitting week to celebrate the occasion, given the veteran’s Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Papua New Guinean heritage.
PNG Prime Minister James Marape has joined Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in celebrating the achievement and plans to honour Johnston when he returns to the nation later this year.
There were jubilant scenes throughout PNG over the weekend as the country’s rugby league mad residents celebrated a moment that will be remembered forever.
Johnston has already expressed his desire to play for the PNG Chiefs during their inaugural season in the NRL in 2028 and said players can expect a similar response on a weekly basis when they enter the competition.
“It’s crazy the Prime Minister has written a letter congratulating me and seeing some of the footage of everyone going mad on the streets,” Johnston said. “I can’t wait to go home.
‘They love rugby league so much over there and the Chiefs will get massive support every week. It’s something I want to be a part of. I’d love to stay at Souths but the footy over there, everyone needs to experience it.
“I fall in love with the game of footy going over there. Every time I’m over there it’s one of the best experiences so it’s unreal to feel that.”
The Rabbitohs have long been aware of Johnson’s interest in joining the Chiefs and have given him permission to converse with the expansion club despite being under contract until the end of 2027.
While contract discussions happen in the background, South Sydney’s short-term focus is to continue a week of festivities honouring the 31-year-old.
The statue unveiled on Monday had been years in the making and was the brainchild of dedicated Rabbitohs fan Danny Taibel.
Solly was proud to support Taibel’s vision and said the statue is another example of rugby league’s power to unify diverse cultures.
“It’s wonderful being in Multicultural Round and there’s something to take away from that,” Solly said. “You’ve got an Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander man who has a deep connection with Papua New Guinea being celebrated with a sculpture that was the product of a donation from a member of the Jewish community in Sydney.
“That’s rugby league and it’s particularly the Rabbitohs that no matter what faith, what demographic you come from, we’ve got a club here that wants to include you and you can belong,” Solly said….PACNEWS
COOKS – FOOTBALL: COOK ISLANDS NEWS PACNEWS: Tue 17 Mar 2026
CIFA farewells Varman, welcomes Savage to the role
RAROTONGA, 17 MARCH 2026 (COOK ISLANDS NEWS)—The Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA) has bids farewell to Referee Development Officer Rakesh Varman after three years of dedicated service, while also welcoming local referee Robert Savage to the role.
During his time in the Cook Islands, Varman made significant contributions to the development of refereeing across the country. Over the past three years, he played a key role in strengthening recruitment and building the capacity of young referees, helping to create new pathways for officials both on Rarotonga and across the outer islands.
Reflecting on his time with CIFA, Varman shared heartfelt appreciation for the football community that supported him throughout his journey.
“These past three years have truly been among the most meaningful of my life,” he said. “They have been years of growth, learning, unity, and deep connection. The unwavering cooperation, respect, and support from the Cook Islands Football Association and the Oceania Football Confederation have been exceptional.”
He also highlighted the progress made in developing refereeing in the country.
“Professionally, we have achieved milestones that we can all be proud of. Together, we strengthened and developed a team of 43 active referees on the main island, established qualified male and female referee instructors, and ensured development pathways for both Rarotonga and the outer islands. Today, two of our female referees and three of our male referees proudly represent the Cook Islands on the OFC list — a reflection of your hard work and belief.”
CIFA extends its sincere gratitude to Varman for his commitment, leadership, and the lasting impact he has made on referee development in the Cook Islands.
Stepping into the role is respected local referee Robert Savage, who brings with him 26 years of experience in the game. Savage began his refereeing career in 2000 and has since become a highly experienced instructor and assessor.
He has served as a Member Association Referee Instructor and Assessor for the past 18 years, and for the last two years has also been an Instructor and Assessor with the Oceania Football Confederation.
Savage says his focus moving forward will be on continuing to improve refereeing standards while further developing local instructors throughout Rarotonga and the outer islands.
With his wealth of experience and strong connection to the local football community, CIFA looks forward to Savage leading the next phase of referee development in the Cook Islands….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS: Tue 17 Mar 2026
Connection to home’: Mato set for switch to Kiwi Ferns at RLWC2026
SYDNEY, 17 MARCH 2026 (NRL)—The birth of son Charnze-Pati has given Shannon Mato a deeper connection with New Zealand and led the star prop to put her hand up to play for the Kiwi Ferns at IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026.
Mato, who is regarded as one of the best forwards in the game, was born in Whangarei and lived in Upper Hutt before moving to Australia at the age of 13.
Until now she has chosen to play for the Jillaroos, making 10 Test appearances since 2022.
However, the IRL Board’s decision to scrap the tiering for Women’s nations has opened the door for Mato to represent New Zealand and since giving birth to Charnze-Pati last October she has felt the ties to her homeland pulling tighter.
“When I first came over here I didn’t know what rugby league was like so, for myself, Australia was the pinnacle,” Mato said.
“I always said I wanted to be the best, I wanted to be the best in the game in my position and I wanted to make Australia, because to be selected in that they pick from the best. Then when I made Australia I wanted to be consistent and keep playing for Australia.
“But ever since my bub was born, I have said to my brother, ‘I wonder what it would be like to wear the black-and-white jersey?’.”
The 27-year-old, who has signed with the Broncos after missing the 2025 NRLW season while pregnant, was previously unable to represent her native New Zealand after making her international debut for Australia at the last World Cup in England in 2022.
The decision to remove tiering from the Women’s game enables players from Australia, New Zealand and England, who are eligible for another of the three Tier 1 nations, to represent their heritage – or in Mato’s case, her homeland.
The move, which is set to ensure a competitive World Cup as dual eligible stars like Mato switch from the Jillaroos to the Kiwi Ferns or England, means players can now represent any nation for which they qualify through birth or if a parent or grandparent was born in that country.
The only restriction is that they cannot represent more than one country in a calendar year.
“I get a bit emotional because my son is half-Samoan, half-Māori and Kiwi, so I want him to represent both of those if he was to grow up and follow that pathway,” Mato said.
“That is why I want to showcase to him growing up – doing the haka and being part of the environment and knowing that I can do that.
“I have spoken about it with my brother, and I do feel that missing connection. I know that I do play All Stars but when I get there I am like ‘what’s next’. I feel like that is a missing piece to me, especially since my son was born. I think that has been a big purpose for myself.”
Mato has also spoken to Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner about her decision.
The 2024 Nellie Doherty Medal as State of Origin player of the series is among a group of big-name stars who represent their Māori heritage in All Stars but play for Australia, including Olivia Kernick, Kennedy Cherrington, Corban Baxter, Zahara Temera and Rima Butler.
Recent State of Origin eligibility changes also enable them to play for NSW or Queensland, if they qualify, while being able to represent New Zealand.
Mato believes the time is right and the change to the tiering system provide an opportunity to represent her Kiwi culture.
“I would like to represent the Kiwi Ferns in the World Cup this year if that was to arise,” she said.
“If I was given the opportunity I would take it in a heartbeat and I think that is because I am in a different part of my life now.
“I have loved my time in the Jillaroos jersey. It’s a high performance environment and the team is in very good hands under Jess Skinner.
“This decision has come from my heart though, and it is a feeling I can’t ignore.”
Mato said the decision to scrap the tiering was reflective of the many people with mixed backgrounds and would also lead to more competitive women’s matches at international level.
“I love Australia for what it has done for me and my family, but back then there wasn’t really a pathway to play for the Kiwi Ferns so that wasn’t really an option for me growing up here in Australia,” she said.
“Now that it has opened up, I think everyone is on their journey to feel a connection back to home.
“It’s also good for the footy, knowing that I could return home in a different way. I definitely would take the opportunity if that was on the table for myself.”…..PACNEWS
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