In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY LEAGUE — Melbourne Storm prop Tui Kamikamica announces retirement
2. RUGBY — Fiji Rugby Players Association urges review of overseas offers before signing
3. FOOTBALL — Auckland City FC and Central Coast FC to meet in OFC Men’s Champions League 2026 fina
4. WEIGHTLIFTING — Oceania Powerlifting back after 20 years
5. RUGBY LEAGUE — NRL boss praises Kaiviti Silktails training facility
6. RUGBY LEAGUE — Coverage of PNG Chiefs widens, Media praised
7. RUGBY LEAGUE — Tongan tearaway Halasima happy being at the centre of the action
8. RUGBY LEAGUE — Push on for ex-Dragons half Tongan Talatau Amone to come back in World Cup
9. RUGBY LEAGUE — The man, the mural, the mullet: Welcome to Papalii’s House
10. RUGBY — ‘Natural footballer’: sevens ace up for Wallaroos debut
11. RUGBY — Wallabies feeling pressure as Kiss cooks up Cup ‘pie’
12. RUGBY — Sevens heaven: Ballymore upgrade 20 years in making
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: MELBOURNE STORM PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 21 Aug 2026
Melbourne Storm prop Tui Kamikamica announces retirement
MELBOURNE, 21 AUGUST 2026 (MELBOURNE STORM)—Melbourne Storm has confirmed the retirement of long-serving prop and Fijian captain Tui Kamikamica, effective immediately on medical grounds.
Kamikamica finishes his rugby league career with 142 NRL appearances for Melbourne Storm and 23 Test matches for the Fiji Bati.
Storm Player #181, Kamikamica has been a mainstay of Craig Bellamy’s squad since making his NRL debut in Round 5, 2017. He became a member of the Club’s Leadership Group in 2025 and was inducted as Storm Life Member #44 on Monday night, recognising a decade of outstanding service and contribution to the Club.
The 32-year-old arrived in Australia from Fiji in 2013, initially joining Parramatta’s U20s before a brief stint in rugby union. He joined Melbourne in 2016 from Sunshine Coast Falcons and went on to become a powerful and consistent member of Storm’s forward pack.
Throughout his time at the Club, Kamikamica played 15 NRL Finals games for Storm, including the 2024 and 2025 NRL Grand Finals, and was valued squad member during the Club’s 2017 and 2020 NRL Premiership-winning seasons.
A respected leader on and off the field, Kamikamica leaves an enduring legacy with Fiji Bati, having captained his country since 2023, with 23 International appearances to his name.
Reflecting on his career, Kamikamica said he was proud to finish his playing journey as a Melbourne Storm player and Fijian Captain.
“I’m incredibly proud of everything I’ve been able to achieve in the game, representing Storm and captaining my country.
“Melbourne Storm has been a huge part of my life for the past 10 years. I’m so grateful to the Club, my teammates, coaches, staff and everyone who has supported me and my family throughout my rugby league career.
“To play for Storm and captain Fiji are memories I’ll cherish forever. I want to thank everyone at Storm for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to play at the highest level. Melbourne will always be a special place for me and my family and I’m looking forward to my next chapter in life.”
Storm Football Director Frank Ponissi said Kamikamica would be remembered as much for his character and leadership as his achievements on the field.
“Tui has been a fantastic player for us, but more importantly, he’s been a fantastic person,” Ponissi said.
“He came into our system as a young man and developed into an important member of our team, a leader and someone his teammates could always rely on.
“To play 142 games for this Club and captain Fiji is a terrific achievement and something Tui should be incredibly proud of. We’re going to miss having him around the team, but he can look back on his career knowing he gave everything he had to his Club, teammates and country.”
Storm CEO Justin Rodski paid tribute to Kamikamica’s outstanding contribution to the Club.
“Tui has given an enormous amount to Melbourne Storm over the past decade and leaves the Club with the respect and admiration of everyone who has had the privilege of working alongside him,” Rodski said.
“He has been an outstanding player, teammate and leader, but above all else, Tui is a wonderful person who has always put his teammates and the Club first.
“His contribution to our two Premiership teams in 2017 and 2020, his leadership within our playing group and his commitment to representing Fiji are all testament to the character of the man.
‘While we are disappointed to see Tui’s playing career come to an end, we thank him for everything he has given to Melbourne Storm and wish Tui and his family all the very best for the next chapter of his life.”
Tui Kamikamica – Storm Player #181
*142 Melbourne Storm games
*Melbourne Storm Life Member #44 (Inducted 2026)
*23 Test appearances for Fiji Bati
*Fiji Bati Captain (Appointed 2023)
*Member of 2017 Premiership winning squad
*Member of 2020 Premiership winning squad
*2024 NRL Grand Finalist
*2025 NRL Grand Finalist
* Storm Most Improved Player of the Year (2019)….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 21 Aug 2026
Fiji Rugby Players Association urges review of overseas offers before signing
SUVA, 21 AUGUST 2026 (FBC SPORTS) —Fiji Rugby Players Association (FRPA) director, Wame Lewaravu, is urging players and parents to bring overseas offers forward for review before anything is signed or finalized.
He made these comments ahead of the Super Deans and Raluve finals in Suva this weekend.
Lewaravu says their purpose is not to stand between a player and an opportunity; however, their responsibility is to help ensure the player understands exactly what he or she is agreeing to and that their welfare is properly protected.
The former Flying Fijians lock and Deans winner for Suva Grammar School adds parents naturally want the best for their children, but overseas contracts can contain complex provisions relating to injury, payments, accommodation, insurance, termination and other important matters.
Lewaravu says proper advice before signing can make an enormous difference.
In a statement, the Fiji Rakavi Football Union and FRPA advise all players, parents, guardians, teachers, school administrators, rugby agents, clubs, companies and other individuals regarding the mandatory protocols governing approaches to players, contract negotiations, scholarship offers, player representation, marketing and overseas transfers.
The FRFU and FRPA make it clear that agents are not permitted to directly approach or engage rugby players aged 19 years and below, or their parents or guardians, for recruitment, representation, contracts or overseas placement.
Any agent, representative, club, company or individual seeking to engage with a school player must first approach the Head of School.
The Head of School must then advise the FRU of the approach, and the matter will be referred through the appropriate process involving the FRPA before any engagement with the player or the player’s family proceeds.
Any agent seeking to recruit, represent or facilitate opportunities for Fijian rugby players must first present their credentials and relevant documentation to the FRU.
FRU chief executive, Koli Sewabu, says they’ve seen cases where players are injured, and clubs stop payments because they are no longer playing.
He says too many players can find themselves suffering abroad because of loopholes or weaknesses in contracts that were not properly reviewed before they were signed.
The Deans and Raluve finals will be held in Suva on Saturday….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 21 Aug 2026
Auckland City FC and Central Coast FC to meet in OFC Men’s Champions League 2026 fina
BA, 21 AUGUST 2026 (OFC)—Ten days after meeting in a thrilling opening group stage match at Churchill Park in Lautoka, it is fitting that Auckland City FC and Central Coast FC should renew acquaintances with the trophy at stake in the OFC Men’s Champions League 2026 final.
The two clubs will contest the final of the 24th edition of the competition at 4R Stadium Govind Park in Ba at 3pm on Saturday. (Fiji time)
Looking to add a record-extending 14th title to their distinguished resume, Auckland City were forced to come from behind in that group stage match on the first day of action in Group A with Gerard Garriga and Ryan De Vries scoring two late goals within the space of two minutes to secure a hard-fought 2-1 win.
Central Coast have since rebounded to win three consecutive matches though, and are the first club from the Solomon Islands to reach the final of the competition in 17 years, since Koloale FC lost over two legs to Auckland City in 2009.
Whilst the prize of qualifying for FIFA competition is now unavailable for the winners, this year’s competition has shown that the opportunity to lift Oceania’s oldest continental club football trophy remains coveted by the amateur clubs of the region.
Ahead of Saturday’s final, the coaches and captains of both Auckland City and Central Coast gathered to give their thoughts at the Hilton Resort hotel in Denarau.
Route to the final
After leaving it late for victory in all three of their group stage fixtures, head coach Rudy Mozr was delighted with the way Auckland City FC cruised through their semi-final, scoring two first half goals in a 3-1 win over Rewa FC.
The Navy Blues topped Group A with nine points and have won all four of their matches en-route to the final, extending their unbeaten streak at the OFC Men’s Champions League to 31 matches.
Central Coast FC have taken the slightly longer path, having to play an extra thirty minutes in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Galaxy FC in the last four. Rafa Lea’i scored all three goals, including the late winner in the 117th minute.
They finished second behind Auckland City in Group A with two wins from their three matches and have won six of their 11 matches at the competition overall dating back to their inaugural campaign in 2022.
Tale of the Tape
As well as their group stage clash earlier in the tournament, Auckland City FC were also 2-0 victors when they hosted Central Coast on home soil in the semi-finals of the competition four years ago in 2022. Adam Mitchell and Dylan Manickum scored the goals on that occasion, the latter of which is with the squad here in Fiji.
Perhaps the most glaring stat though, is the fact that Auckland City FC have won all 13 OFC Men’s Champions finals they’ve played in, winning each of the last four tournaments dating back to 2022.
The record book is certainly against Central Coast, but records can be broken, and as they proved ten days ago, they can make life hard for the Navy Blues.
Key Players
Gerard Garriga (Auckland City FC)
The heart of Auckland City FC’s midfield engine, Gerard Garriga will be playing in his fifth consecutive OFC Men’s Champions League final, starting in all previous four, and scoring in a 3-0 win over AS Vénus in the final in 2022.
Garriga has again played an influential part in City’s campaign in 2026, scoring twice, including once in the semi-final. His ability to control both possession, and the tempo of the contest, in tandem with Mario Ilich is a huge weapon.
Rafa Lea’i (Central Coast FC)
The poster boy of Solomon Islands football, Rafa Lea’i was the hero of Central Coast’s semi-final triumph, completing his hat-trick late in extra-time to win it, and celebrating with acrobatics in front of his fans at 4R Stadium Govind Park.
The 22-year-old forward is playing in only his second OFC Men’s Champions League, but is in a confident mood, and in a front three with Bobby Leslie and Barrie Limoki, will look to exploit Auckland City with his pace in-behind.
Auckland City FC head coach Rudy Mozr said :”After the first match, I said I wouldn’t be surpised if we met Central Coast again in the final. They are a very good team and I have a lot of respect for Jacob Moli and his players. It’s a short competition, and thay way they secured that win in the semi-final is dangerous for us.”
“The club has done extremely well in the past, and that’s put the responsibility on us to carry on that record. I want to make it 14 titles in this competition, and we’re really looking forward to this final.”
Central Coast FC head coach Jacob Moli said: “Everyone was excited after the win in the semi-final and we had to work really hard for it. Our match fitness has slowly improved over the tournament. We’ll continue to work and put together a gameplan that we think can halt Auckland City in the final.”
“It’s anybody’s game. If we do things right, we have a chance. Our finishing is something we’ve really worked on. I’ve told the boys that in big games like this, we have to make our chances count.”
Auckland City FC v Central Coast FC on Saturday 22nd August at 4R Stadium Govind Park, Ba 3pm local time ….PACNEWS
FIJI – WEIGHTLIFTING: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 21 Aug 2026
Oceania Powerlifting back after 20 years
SUVA, 21 AUGUST 2026 (FIJI SUN)—Powerlifting Fiji is preparing to host the Oceania Powerlifting Regional Championships for the first time in 20 years.
The championship will be from 2-6 November.
Speaking to SUNsports during the Turner Classic Nationals at the Rabuka Gym, last Saturday, Powerlifting Fiji committee member Neha Ali said the national team would be selected after the competition.
“After this Turner Classic Nationals, we will select our team for the Regional Powerlifting Championships, which we are hosting in Fiji this year,” Ali said.
“After a lapse of 20 years, it has come back to Fiji and we will be hosting countries like Australia, New Zealand and all our Pacific families.”
Ali said the Turner Classic Nationals was held to honour former Fiji powerlifter Sainimili Turner, known as the “Iron Lady of Fiji” in the powerlifting community.
“She’s the one who started it and opened the doors for females like me to come in, compete and take powerlifting to another level,” she said.
She said the outstanding female lifter based on International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) points would receive the Sainimili Turner Trophy.
“We’ll be doing a special presentation in her honour. It’s a good way to honour her legacy and keep it going with us,” she said.
A total of 55 lifters competed over two days, including masters, heavyweights, sub-juniors and women’s categories….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 21 Aug 2026
NRL boss praises Kaiviti Silktails training facility
LAUTOKA, 21 AUGUST 2026 (NRL)–NRL Commissioner Peter Beattie says the Kaiviti Silktails Training Academy in Lautoka should serve as a model for rugby league development across Fiji and the wider Pacific.
The training academy is currently under construction at Ground Three of Churchill Park, and is named the “Bobby Naidu High Performance Gym” in honour of Australian-based Lautoka businessman and Silktails sponsor Bobby Naidu.
Beattie is currently in Fiji as part of a delegation from the NRL and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, touring the Silktails’ developing rugby league training precincts.
“The NRL has just signed a historic agreement with the Fiji Government to support rugby league for the next 10 years. We want you all to know that we are here to support the Silktails during this time and I look forward to seeing the future talent here in Fiji emerge from this program.”
After being presented with a Silktails jersey, Beattie addressed the club and spoke about the NRL’s long-term commitment to supporting the growth and development of rugby league in Fiji.
He said the Silktails’ training academy could provide a blueprint for similar rugby league facilities and development programmes across Fiji and the Pacific….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 21 Aug 2026
Coverage of PNG Chiefs widens, Media praised
PORT MORESBY, 21 AUGUST 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—The Papua New Guinea media has been praised for broadening its coverage of the PNG Chiefs, not just signings and major announcements, as the 19th NRL franchise prepares to debut in 2028.
Chiefs general manager, communications and media, Dan Talintyre said local reporters have done a good job covering the different aspects of the new expansion side since its announcement.
Talintyre, who has followed the Chiefs’ development, said the coverage had grown beyond the traditional focus.
“One of the things the PNG media did really well in the last few months is reporting well on the different aspects of the Chiefs.
“Historically, we would just cover the major moment, or the win or loss and what happened during a Test match,” Talintyre said.
But, it has been difference since the announcement of PNG fielding an NRL team.
Building up to the launch date, Talintyre said there would be a lot of different stories to report on.
He pointed to the progress of the Chiefs Centre of Excellence, the development of its logo and jerseys, more player signings, commercial partnerships and the stories behind the new club’s identity.
He said these areas would become increasingly important over the next 12 months.
“There’s lots. We’ve just got to work hard together at finding it,” Talintyre said.
The Chiefs are also expected to announce major commercial partnerships as preparations continue towards the club’s brand launch.
Talintyre said these partnerships would provide more than just financial support, as they would also allow the club to tell stories about its wider impact on communities across Papua New Guinea.
He believes the biggest challenge for the Chiefs before their first NRL game will be building the club away from the football field.
He said the actual games would eventually become the easy part once the team begins playing.
According to Talintyre, more stories around infrastructure, players, partnerships, branding, community efforts and the club’s preparations would be revealed….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 21 Aug 2026
Tongan tearaway Halasima happy being at the centre of the action
SYDNEY, 21 AUGUST 2026 (NRL)—While he admits he “still has a lot to learn”, Leka Halasima is enjoying his new role in the centres – even putting his hand up to play there in the Rugby League World Cup.
While the Warriors flying at the moment, Halasima – who had been making a name for himself in the second row – was first picked in the centres this season in Round 3 due to a rising injury toll.
He then played 10 games back in his customary second row and two more off the bench, before coach Andrew Webster decided to shift him back out on the edge in the Round 22 a win over the Titans, where he scored a try.
Speaking after playing his part in the 40-6 win over Brisbane where he again crossed the try line, Halasima said he was enjoying his ‘new’ life on the outside.
“Oh, not going to lie, it is pretty tough, I’ve still got things to learn,” Halasima told NRL.com.
“I think this is probably like my third game in the centres? I’m still learning.”
When asked what he was enjoying about it, his tongue was firmly planted in his cheek.
“Probably just all the rests and everything! You didn’t have to make any tackles.”
However, Halasima did admit not having to tackle as much of the defensive load had given him the impetus to provide the team more spark in attack.
“It gives me a lot of energy, especially like playing in centres … (I like) helping the boys out, getting to where we need to get, especially having all the energy,” Halasima said.
“It’s not like in the middle where you’re like you’re blowing or you’re on the edge, so you have to come in and carry.”
Halasima will line up in the number 4. jersey again this week when the side travel to Sydney to take on the Rabbitohs.
Although a new position for him in the NRL, it probably comes as no surprise the move to the backs is not so new overall. His background in the role also meant he had no issues with taking it on board when approached by his coach.
“I was originally a centre … (so some parts of) transferring from backrow to centre was pretty easy, I have kind of got the speed and everything, it’s just the defending that I still need to learn,” Halasima said.
“But I will get there soon.
“To be honest, I wasn’t double thinking or anything like that (when Webster made the move).
“I was just team first. Whatever Webby wants, and then we go with it.
“I did a couple of reps in the centres at the start of the year, just in case of any backs go down then I’m another option for them …
“I will be happy wherever the coaches want me, even though if it’s in the middle, on the bench, I wouldn’t mind.”
That is the same mindset he is looking to take into the Rugby League World Cup, hoping that he gets another call up for Tonga after making his international debut at the Pacific Championships last year.
“Wherever he puts me, I wouldn’t mind,” Halasima said.
“I just want to be part of the World Cup to be part of the team, represent my family and my culture and where I come from.
“As long as I’m on the field, then I’m happy.”
Tonga’s first match of the tournament will be against England at Perth’s HBF Park…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 21 Aug 2026
Push on for ex-Dragons half Tongan Talatau Amone to come back in World Cup
SYDNEY, 21 AUGUST 2026 (AAP)—Talatau Amone could be given the chance to press his case for an NRL return on the World Cup stage, with talks under way to see if the former St George Illawarra half can be cleared to play for Tonga.
AAP understands International Rugby League officials have reached out to the NRL to query Amone’s availability, following his impressive return in the Queensland Cup.
Tonga have also made inquiries and are monitoring the situation closely, with the 24-year-old every chance of being part of their plans if cleared.
Amone last played NRL for St George Illawarra in 2023, before being deregistered following a conviction for an assault involving a hammer.
He was ordered to serve an intensive correction order in the community, bringing a halt to his 51-game NRL career.
But Amone has now scored three tries and set up eight in five games for Wynnum-Manly in the Queensland Cup.
That form has prompted one NRL club official to privately declare Amone would walk straight into a No.6 jersey, after he set up four tries and six line-breaks in his first game alone.
Tonga have also watched his form closely, after the former Dragon was part of their most recent World Cup squad in 2022.
The Queensland Rugby League liaised with the NRL’s integrity unit before clearing his Wynnum-Manly return, with Amone allowed to play in State Cup competitions.
But AAP understands Amone remains precluded from holding an NRL contract until at least February, when a community corrections order for a separate matter ends.
The half is also working through programs with Wynnum-Manly, as he attempts to get his career back on track.
The ARL Commission is effectively organising this year’s World Cup, prompting IRL chair Troy Grant to reach out to ARLC counterpart Peter V’landys to seek clarity on Amone’s status.
Legal advice is being sought on the matter, with an outcome expected shortly. All parties are working towards Amone playing in the tournament.
Players need not hold an NRL contract to play in the event, but Amone’s current restrictions have created a grey area.
Tonga coach Kristian Woolf used a makeshift five-eighth in Isaiah Iongi next to Dolphins star Isaiya Katoa in last year’s Pacific Cup.
Former Warriors and Wests Tigers livewire Tuimoala Lolohea is another option from the Super League, having last played for Tonga in 2024.
But Tonga have kept a close watch on Amone’s strong early form for Wynnum-Manly, and he is believed to be in consideration.
A recognised five-eighth would serve Tonga well in the tournament, given they possess one of the game’s most damaging forward packs, can strike out wide and the ever-improving Katoa at halfback.
Selection would also act as a massive boost for Amone, who is keen to return to the NRL after not playing on the big stage for more than three years.
Amone last played Tests for Tonga as a 20-year-old in the 2022 World Cup, where an inexperienced Katoa and Lolohea played in the halves…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 21 Aug 2026
The man, the mural, the mullet: Welcome to Papalii’s House
CANBERRA, 21 AUGUST 2026 (NRL)—“He will go down as one of the greatest players we have ever had.”
With those 14 words, Raiders CEO Don Furner summed up the impact Josh Papalii has had on the Green Machine over a glittering career that began in 2011.
Already the Raiders’ most capped player with 340 games, the 34-year-old has announced he will hang up the boots at the end of the season.
To honour their respected forward leader, the Raiders will rename their stadium ‘Papa’s House’ for Friday’s clash against the Broncos and on Monday unveiled a mural depicting Papalii’s 2019 preliminary final try that catapulted the club into its first grand final in 25 years.
As Telstra marks 25 years as the NRL’s major sponsor, murals are being unveiled across all clubs as part of Together Round, a celebration of the moments, memories and connections that have brought us together through footy.
As part of Friday night’s celebrations at Papa’s House there will be mullet competition and the return of the famous ‘Papa’ burger as the club honours Raider #300.
“I still remember my favourite moment at this ground, is Josh scoring that try down that corner, got us into the grand final, I’ll never forget it,” Furner said.
“Amongst the many memories you’ve given us, that to me is my favourite memory here at GIO Stadium.”
The mural captures the excitement and exhilaration Papalii has brought to the Canberra Raiders throughout his career, as well as the enormous impact he has had on the club.
Papalii was overcome with emotion when the mural was revealed, fighting back tears as he reflected on his career and his decision to call time after the Round 27 clash with the Cowboys in Townsville – unless they can produce a miracle and sneak into the eight.
“This career has been a reality because of the boys I have been with week-in, week-out. I just knew it was time for me,” Papalii said.
“Everything has a perfect time for its conclusion and I think this is mine.”
While Friday will mark Papalii’s final home game at GIO Stadium, the legacy he has created will live on long after he hangs up his boots.
“It’s my last home game but we still want to win as a club,” he said.
“I’m still going out there to represent me and my family and I want to put my best foot forward.
“I just remember every time I put on that jersey I’ve always wanted to leave it in a better place than when I received it.
“This club means a lot to me,” he said…. PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 21 Aug 2026
‘Natural footballer’: sevens ace up for Wallaroos debut
SYDNEY, 21 AUGUST 2026 (AAP)—The Wallaroos are backing sevens superstar Maddison Levi to make a dazzling Test debut as they plot a hoodoo-busting victory over the mighty Black Ferns in Auckland.
Levi and history-chasing Western Force forward Pia Tapsell have been named on the bench for the Wallaroos’ landmark 100th Test on Saturday.
Levi’s inclusion in the match-day 23 comes after a much-anticipated selection in the Wallaroos’ extended squad last week, while Tapsell is in line to become the first female dual international for both Australia and New Zealand.
Melbourne-born Tapsell played six Tests for the Black Ferns in 2019 and 2020 before moving to the Force in 2024, and was recently given the green light to switch allegiances to Australia under World Rugby guidelines.
Levi is Australia’s leading sevens try-scorer and could follow the path of several of her teammates in becoming an international representative across both formats of the game.
Assistant coach Mike Ruthven has no doubt the 24-year-old is more than ready to make her global mark in the 15-a-side game.
“Look, first and foremost Maddi’s just a really natural footballer,” he said after Thursday’s team naming.
“I think we’ve done a really good job this week to create a space and create an environment where she feels really comfortable to be herself.
“On top of that, she’s a really intelligent footballer. She’s picked things up really quickly. She’s been really confident in her communication.
‘So yeah, absolutely no doubt that Maddi’s ready for this challenge.”
After losing all 30 previous Tests against New Zealand, including a last-up Anzac Day battle 40-5 on the Sunshine Coast, the Wallaroos will need Levi to fire and offer an X-factor to compete with the Black Ferns.
Ruthven, though, insists his side isn’t merely chasing a pass mark to show the Wallaroos are bridging the gap ahead of the 2028 women’s World Cup on Australian soil.
The Wallaroos have lost their past eight trans-Tasman Tests by an average of close to 40 points, yet Ruthven maintains an elusive breakthrough is within Australia’s capabilities.
“We’ve come here with the mindset that we can win the game,” he said.
“That’s certainly how we’re prepared. That’s certainly been the messaging to the group this week.
“We’ve focused really hard on certain aspects of the game that are going to position us to go out and perform.”
The starting backline includes Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea, who will play her first Test match for the Wallaroos since 2019, while Tia Hinds has been named to start at scrumhalf, with Samantha Wood shifting to the bench.
Waiaria Ellis partners Hinds in the halves for her first start in the Wallaroos No.10 jersey after a strong Super Rugby Women’s campaign, with Faitala Moleka named at fullback.
The forward pack includes recalled Wallaroos prop Allana Sikimeti, who returns to the side after two years, with Siokapesi Palu Sekona to lead the team and Kaitlan Leaney given the vice-captaincy.
The Wallaroos have played 99 Test matches since 1994, with Saturday’s 100th a significant milestone on the eve of the WXV Global Series in September.
The Wallaroos will travel to Manchester to meet World Cup champions England, before away Tests against France in Marseille and Scotland in Edinburgh.
WALLAROOS: Brianna Hoy, Tania Naden, Eva Karpani, Kaitlan Leaney, Michaela Leonard, Siokapesi Palu Sekona (capt), Lily Bone, Piper Duck, Tia Hinds, Waiaria Ellis, Desiree Miller, Cecilia Smith, Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea, Maya Stewart, Faitala Moleka. Res: Brittany Merlo, Allana Sikimeti, Bridie O’Gorman, Pia Tapsell, Emily Chancellor, Samantha Wood, Bienne Terita, Maddison Levi…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 21 Aug 2026
Wallabies feeling pressure as Kiss cooks up Cup ‘pie’
SYDNEY, 21 AUGUST 2026 (AAP)—Fraser McReight has detailed the Wallabies’ selection heat and desire to frank their form in Argentina as players try to fit into Les Kiss’s World Cup “pie”.
The Wallabies are 2-0 under Kiss and have won their last three Tests, twice scoring more than 50 points after thumping Italy and then toppling Japan in back-to-back weeks.
They head to Argentina on Sunday ahead of games in San Salvador de Jujuy and Mendoza before returning to Perth to face South Africa, and attempting to win the Bledisloe Cup for the first time since 2002.
Kiss made the most of the match-up with Eddie Jones’s side who had sunk from No.10 to No.12 in the world rankings, challenging contenders in the pack and midfield to stake their claims for next year’s home World Cup.
It meant McReight, arguably the world’s best No.7, came off the bench in last week’s Townsville win while star backrowers Rob Valetini and Tom Hooper were left out altogether.
Charlie Cale, Harry Wilson and Carlo Tizzano started in that game, with McReight and Tizzano combining as a pilfering pair for the final 15 minutes of the clash.
Isaac Henry’s impressive starting debut at No.13 also raised eyebrows, given regular midfield pair Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii were both missing from that clash but will be available in Argentina.
“There’s a lot of depth and competition drives performance; it’s not even just at the back row,” McReight said.
“Kissy’s doing a good job of keeping it all together.
“He’s just come in and he understands that his job is to win a World Cup, and he has a short runway.
“So he has to figure out who is the best 32, 34, players are. You’ve got to figure out who fits in that pie.”
McReight thinks his partnership with Tizzano, coined McZzano, can work but admits Kiss has kept his cards close to his chest since replacing former coach Joe Schmidt.
“I don’t know what Les has planned. (Having extra pilferers on the park) takes a bit of the pressure off, but it means someone’s missing out,” he said.
“And it’s only going to get tougher, right?
“The goal is to win a World Cup and to win the Bledisloe and to do that you’re going to have to have depth.
“(Before becoming coach) you can be watching and understanding who Joe’s been playing and picking and using.
“But once you’re in it, that’s when you kind of figure out who people are, how they tick. He’s done a great job of that so far.”
Australia sit narrowly behind world No.7 Argentina in the world rankings and, since back-to-back draws in 2020 and three-straight Wallabies wins, have lost four of their last six encounters.
“All the work we’re doing is paying off, but if we’re honest look at the teams we did that against,” McReight said of the relieving three-game streak.
“We’re where we are in the world rankings for a reason and we have to start performing and beating those best sides,” he said…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 21 Aug 2026
Sevens heaven: Ballymore upgrade 20 years in making
BRISBANE, 21 AUGUST 2026 (AAP)—Australia’s rugby sevens programs have never had enough car park spaces, let alone their own field to train on.
That will change after Rugby Australia’s landmark decision to shift both the men’s and women’s programs, as well as the Wallaroos, from Sydney to Brisbane’s upgraded Ballymore precinct.
Queensland Rugby Union, Rugby Australia and the state government on Thursday confirmed the project, which will feature a new, lit training pitch, gym, team rooms and office space at the famed Brisbane venue.
Crucially, the derelict eastern stand will also be demolished to create a 2400-seat stand and complete the 8000-capacity multi-purpose arena.
The Wallabies will also call it home when they’re based in Queensland.
Demolition will begin late this year and construction is hoped to be completed in 2028, ahead of the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup in Australia and Brisbane’s 2032 Olympics.
For years Australia’s rugby sevens players have run the gauntlet with parking inspectors around their Moore Park facility, where there are only four spaces allotted per team.
It’s left players reaching into their own pockets for parking, copping fines or walking 20 minutes to reach a training field that was never their own.
Yet since 2016 they’ve still won four world titles and the inaugural Olympic gold medal.
“The biggest thing is having a designated field for our rugby teams, something we don’t have in Sydney,” captain and proud Brisbane product Isabella Nasser told AAP.
“A high-performance gym, recovery … the differences in competition are so small – everything you do to prepare matters to make us one percent better.”
The move marks the first instance of an Olympic sport moving its high-performance base to the Games city since Brisbane was confirmed as 2032 host.
Stakeholders were reluctant to disclose the price-tag of a project afforded by the $7.1 billion (US$5.1 billion) Games Legacy Fund, a joint Australian and Queensland government pot aimed at delivering long-term economic, social, and sporting benefits across the state.
It comes after the first, $31.5 million (US$22.40 million) stage of the Ballymore project’s 2023 completion, which resulted in the National Rugby Training Centre and Queensland Reds headquarters.
That was considered a triumph in itself, given a $25 million (US$17.78 million) John Howard project funding promise in 2017 disappeared when Kevin Rudd’s Labor won the federal election a year later.
Up to 90 Rugby Australia staff and players will relocate and there will be space for commercial tenancy in the new facility, plus approval for 4000 square metres of new buildings reserved for allied health, wellbeing and education facilities.
That should set up the Queensland Rugby Union, who in 2020 were coughing up more than $1 million (US$710,000) annually to maintain their dilapidated former Ballymore stadium, to build on what’s now six consecutive operational profits.
“Ballymore is back,” QRU boss David Hanham declared on Thursday.
“This is a day of huge significance for rugby in Queensland and Australia.
“We set out with a clear and ambitious vision to create a truly world-class high-performance and community sporting precinct.
“Today, we have realised that vision.
“This will be one of the best high-performance precincts in the world for rugby and it will stand proudly here in Queensland.”
RA boss Phil Waugh, the former Wallaby who played 136 times for the NSW Waratahs, called it a “historic moment for Australian rugby”.
“And the benefits from today’s announcement will be felt for generations,” he said…. PACNEWS
