In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — Women’s Rugby Impact Beyond Pasifika Summit unites Oceania rugby leaders to grow women’s and girls’ game
2. RUGBY LEAGUE — Weight and see as Opetaia enters fight mode for Wilder
3. RUGBY LEAGUE — Why Pacific flags are everywhere right now
4. RUGBY LEAGUE — ‘Redemption’: Katoa’s drive to keep firing for Tonga
5. RUGBY LEAGUE — Potter says Fiji Bati are ready for top teams at RLWC
6. RUGBY LEAGUE — Fab four debut for Australia against Fiji in World Cup
7. RUGBY LEAGUE — ‘Toughest man alive’ leads PNG towards World Cup dream
8. RUGBY LEAGUE — Kangaroos team to take on Fiji in second RLWC 2026 clash
9. RUGBY LEAGUE — Big test looms for Bulikula
10. RUGBY — White backed to lift Fiji to next level
11. FOOTBALL — Samoa face tough opening test on FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup return
12. FOOTBALL — Cook Islands heads to inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival
13. RUGBY — Moleka happy to rekindle Ellis Blacktown partnership in new centre life
PAC – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 21 Oct 2026
Women’s Rugby Impact Beyond Pasifika Summit unites Oceania rugby leaders to grow women’s and girls’ game
SYDNEY, 21 OCTOBER 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—Women’s rugby leaders from across Oceania gathered in Sydney for the Impact Beyond Pasifika Women & Girls’ Rugby Summit, a three-day event focused on strengthening collaboration, developing leadership and creating lasting opportunities for women and girls across the region.
Delivered by World Rugby in partnership with Oceania Rugby and supported by the Australian Government through its PacificAus Sports programme, the summit took place at New South Wales Rugby Union, bringing together 33 representatives from 15 World Rugby and Oceania Rugby member unions.
The summit also welcomed representatives from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Government Office for Sport.
The event marked the fifth summit in World Rugby’s Impact Beyond series, following gatherings in Africa, Asia, Europe and South America, providing a platform for unions to share experiences and explore practical ways to grow the women’s and girls’ game within the Pacific context.
Over two days of interactive workshops, participants explored key priorities including maximising visibility opportunities, measuring impact, content creation, creating sustainable player pathways, and building meaningful partnerships.
Sessions also examined the role of Get Into Rugby Plus and other Sport-for-Development initiatives in creating opportunities for women and girls on and off the field. The event culminated with a formal reception where Summit attendees reflected on the impact of the week, before a keynote address by Dame Farah Palmer, World Rugby Hall of Fame and Council Member and former Black Ferns captain.
The group then attended the WXV Global Series fixture between the Wallaroos and Scotland Women at Accor Stadium.
A key outcome was the development of union-specific priorities and action plans to help translate discussions into meaningful progress across the region.
World Rugby Chief of Women’s Rugby Sally Horrox said: “The Pacific has enormous potential to drive the growth of women’s and girls’ rugby, and bringing unions together to share experiences, strengthen partnerships and identify opportunities for collaboration is an important part of realising that potential.
“With Rugby World Cups coming to Australia in 2027 and 2029, we have a unique opportunity to build a lasting legacy for the game, and initiatives like Impact Beyond Pasifika are helping turn that ambition into meaningful action across the region.”
Empowering the next generation of women leaders
The Summit formed part of a wider super week of activity, alongside other World Rugby and Oceania Rugby initiatives to support women in the sport. Participants from Oceania Rugby programmes, the CAMP media and journalism programme, and the Whistles and Whiteboards coaching and refereeing initiative, attended the event alongside Union representatives.
The summit also provided an opportunity to officially welcome the latest cohort of World Rugby’s Impact Champions, a regional leadership initiative designed to empower women to drive meaningful change within their unions and communities.
Building on the inaugural programme launched in Africa in 2025, this year’s initiative extends its reach to Oceania, offering participants professional development, mentoring and seed funding to deliver projects focused on growing women’s and girls’ rugby.
The summit and its supporting events took place ahead of a quadruple-header of international rugby at Sydney’s Accor Stadium, including the WXV Global Series clash between Australia’s Wallaroos and Scotland and Australia’s Women’s Sevens taking on New Zealand, offering participants the opportunity to experience elite women’s rugby on the international stage.
Building a lasting legacy for Pacific rugby
With Australia set to host Men’s Rugby World Cup in 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2029, the summit forms part of wider efforts to build a lasting rugby legacy across the Pacific, strengthening regional partnerships, investing in leadership and supporting unions to create sustainable opportunities for women and girls.
This activity is funded by the Australian Government through PacificAus Sports as part of Impact Beyond Pasifika, building a lasting Pacific rugby legacy from the Rugby World Cups in Australia in 2027 and 2029….PACNEWS
AUST – BOXING: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 21 Oct 2026
Weight and see as Opetaia enters fight mode for Wilder
GOLDCOAST, 21 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—Jai Opetaia has launched into a fight camp ahead of a potential heavyweight move to face Deontay Wilder on the biggest night in European boxing history.
The unbeaten Australian cruiserweight champion (31-0) is in talks with the former WBC heavyweight champion ahead of a potential clash on December’s Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua card at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
AAP understands it is not a done deal, with Opetaia one of several options on the table for Wilder.
The bout is forecast to rake in more than US$50 million in gate takings and shatter pay-per-view and streaming records to become the most lucrative ever staged on the continent and fourth-highest of all time.
Australian knock-out artist Opetaia is preparing as if he’ll be there, entering fight camp this week at his Gold Coast base.
The Ring champion remains in a US court dispute with the IBF, who stripped him of their belt after he debuted and won Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing rebel league’s maiden world title strap.
He then beat WBC champion Noel Mikaelian in September in Las Vegas, Mikaelian also surrendering that belt for the chance to fight the Australian.
Opetaia and David Benavidez, who will fight Michal Cieslak in a three-belt unification match in September, then verbally agreed to a much-anticipated duel in May next year.
But the Australian is keen to stay busy and boost his profile against Wilder, who even at 40 poses a great risk with his height and punching power.
“I don’t want Jai to fight Wilder,” Benavidez told Last Stand Podcast.
“Wilder, he has that right hand. And it’s fast. Opetaia surprised me in his last fight, because he got hurt like four times. And Mikaelian is super slow.
“You can say whatever you want about Wilder, but he still has that cannon.”
Meanwhile, Opetaia’s rising Tasman Fighters stablemate Max McIntyre has secured his next tussle, with the super middleweight to face Francis Waitai in New Zealand on 04 December.
McIntyre (11-0) will put his IBF Pan Pacific and WBC Australasian titles on the line in the trans-Tasman clash against New Zealand’s No.1 in the division……PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 21 Oct 2026
Why Pacific flags are everywhere right now
AUCKLAND, 21 OCTOBER 2026 (UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND) —As Pacific flags flutter from car windows across New Zealand, the Rugby League World Cup is becoming a powerful public celebration of Pacific identity.
Across Auckland, Pacific flags are flying everywhere, from cars and houses to entire neighbourhoods. The Rugby League World Cup has brought another wave of Pacific pride to the streets of Aotearoa.
University of Auckland Pacific Studies senior lecturer Dr Caleb Panapa Marsters (Cook Islands Māori) says the display of Pacific pride is one of the things he loves most about international rugby league.
“I love seeing the flags and jerseys and hearing the sirens. It’s such a fun and joyful time for our communities. You’ve got friends and families getting together, houses, cars, even fire trucks and trees covered in flags, with people proudly wearing their colours.”
The passion has extended beyond the World Cup teams themselves.
“I’ve seen Niue flags at the parades, Tokelau flags, Tino Rangatiratanga flags. I even saw a Mexican flag. There’s so much excitement around the competition, and it’s about much more than rugby league.”
Marsters says these celebrations are a reminder of the strong transnational connections Pacific communities continue to maintain with their homelands, particularly within the diaspora.
“What’s really interesting is that the teams representing Sāmoa, Tonga, Fiji and the Cook Islands are largely made up of players born here in Aotearoa or Australia,” he says. “Only a handful of players were actually born in the nations they’re representing.
“The pride they hold for their homelands and the jersey is unmatched.
‘These are young men who have spent most of their lives growing up in Auckland, Sydney, Brisbane or elsewhere across Australia and Aotearoa. Yet their connection, pride and sense of responsibility to their homelands remains incredibly strong. I think that says something really beautiful about our cultures and collective values.”
He says Pacific identities have never been confined by national borders.
“We carry our homelands and ancestors with us in so many ways. You may have been born and raised in Auckland or Sydney but still have a really strong sense of belonging to Sāmoa, Tonga, Fiji or the Cook Islands.”
Marsters points to the work of Cook Islands scholar Dr Emma Powell and the Cook Islands concept of ‘akapapa’anga (ancestry), which is not only about where we come from, but also how our ancestors continue to live through us.
“Our ancestors live through us, through our names, stories, relationships, responsibilities and the way we live our lives.
“I think you can see that in these players. When they pull on those jerseys, they’re not just representing themselves or a country on a map. They bring their families, loved ones and the generations who came before them onto that field. In doing so, they’re inspiring the next generation to carry that legacy forward, hopefully for generations to come.
“And it’s the same for our communities supporting these teams. When people are flying their flags, wearing their colours, singing their songs and dancing, they’re celebrating those connections. I love that it’s often our young people who are the loudest and proudest.”
It’s a story that extends beyond the Pacific teams themselves.
“The Kiwis and Kangaroos are full of Pacific talent too. You’ve got players with Sāmoan, Tongan and Cook Islands heritage playing for the Kiwis, and Pacific players representing Australia. And of course, our Māori whanaunga have their own rich history in rugby league, while many of our Pacific players have both Māori and Pacific ancestry.”
Connections across the region
“That’s what I love about it. These identities don’t necessarily compete with one another. You can play for the Kiwis and be proud of your Sāmoan heritage. You can play for the Kangaroos and still be a proud Tongan.
“It’s important that we don’t make our young people feel like they have to squeeze themselves into just one box when many of us come from multiple places and hold responsibilities to many different people, communities and connections.”
Papua New Guinea is a nation where rugby league occupies a special place in the country’s sporting and cultural life.
“I also want to give a shout-out to PNG. PNG is just something else when it comes to rugby league. The passion over there is unreal. Their recent game against Lebanon in Port Moresby, and the noise, energy and excitement of the crowd, was on another level.
“What’s interesting too is that most of their players were actually born in PNG. So, you’re seeing that enormous pride from people living in their homeland alongside the pride we’re seeing among Pacific communities in the diaspora. They’re different experiences, but they come from that same love for their people and country.”
Women’s Rugby League in the spotlight
Marsters is also excited about the Women’s Rugby League World Cup, where Pacific teams are continuing to make their mark.
“It’s awesome seeing the Pacific teams competing alongside the Kiwi Ferns and Australia. Our Pacific women deserve that same spotlight and have contributed so much to the game, both on and off the field.
“And we’ve also got the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup happening, which is another exciting part of the tournament. I’d love to see our Pacific nations competing there in future World Cups too. Imagine having Sāmoa, Tonga, Fiji, PNG and the Cook Islands represented across all three competitions.
“Hopefully that’s something we can work towards by investing more in Pacific women’s sport and Pacific disability sport pathways, so we can support our communities and the institutions that could help make that happen.”
Marsters says the real joy of the World Cup lies in seeing families and communities come together, celebrate their cultures and create memories that will last long after the tournament.
“Honestly, just enjoy it. Fly your flag or flags, wear your jerseys, banter in the group chats, get the family together and have some fun with it.
“We all know the challenges of everyday life right now, so I love seeing our people having fun and celebrating their teams regardless. Win or lose, our kids are going to remember these moments, the flags, the parades, the noise and all the good times together.
“And even if we don’t win a single game, it’ll always be Cook Islands to the world! Unlike my son, who has already switched allegiances to his mum’s Sāmoan side,” says Marsters with a bombastic side eye…..PACNEWS
TONGA – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 21 Oct 2026
‘Redemption’: Katoa’s drive to keep firing for Tonga
SYDNEY, 21 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—Isaiya Katoa has revealed it felt like “redemption” for Tonga to knock off England, as the island nation puts its hand up for consideration as a true heavyweight of the World Cup.
The halfback admits last year’s Pacific Championships were not up to standard, as the Tongans were beaten handily by both New Zealand and Samoa.
But firing into the World Cup arena with a 30-12 monster win over the English has given the playmaker a chance to atone for past failings.
“I felt like my last couple performances in the Tongan jersey was pretty poor … so for me it was a bit of redemption,” Katoa said.
“Nothing personal to England, I just want to have a better performance to make our nation proud.”
The win may have surprised outsiders, but those inside camp always believed in their potential.
“Within our four walls, we had that belief already,” the 22-year-old said.
“We understand the potential of this group and I think internally we’ve just got a bit of a quiet confidence about us.”
Injuries could pose a barrier to Tongan success, but the team rallied and overcame the loss of five-eighth Latu Fainu just 17 minutes into their opening game.
Initial fears pointed to a potential pectoral tear, but the injury to the Wests Tigers half is now considered far less severe.
Fainu was back training on Tuesday in Sydney and is hopeful of playing Friday against Lebanon.
Katoa on the other hand was preparing separately from his teammates after picking up an injury in the Dolphins’ finals loss to the Sydney Roosters.
After another knock to the same ankle, Tonga are being cautious with their star playmaker.
‘It was more just precautionary,” Katoa said of training alone.
“I kind of bumped it again on the weekend, very early stages in game so it’s more so just to manage my load.”
After leaving the preliminary final in a moon boot there were grave fears he would miss the entire World Cup, but the Dolphins’ medical team worked tirelessly to make sure he was available.
“I snuck off in a moon boot … and I was in a fair bit of pain after the (Roosters) game,” Katoa said.
“I can’t thank our Dolphins medical team enough.
“It was our two weeks off, it was their break as well, but a lot of them were coming in on their days off,” he said…. PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 21 Oct 2026
Potter says Fiji Bati are ready for top teams at RLWC
SYDNEY, 21 OCTOBER 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—Fiji Bati coach Mick Potter says his side has what it takes to challenge the elite teams at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup but insists they must lift their standards if they are to turn that ambition into reality.
The Bati made an impressive start to their campaign with a 40-12 victory over the Cook Islands on Sunday, racing to a 28-0 lead before losing some of their attacking rhythm in the second half.
While Potter was pleased with the result, he wants his players to use the win as a stepping-stone towards stronger performances, particularly with Australia and New Zealand waiting to test their credentials.
“The coach is never happy really. The second half we probably weren’t great and at least we’ve got a lot of things to work on,” Potter said.
However, the coach’s message was not about dwelling on the shortcomings but recognising the opportunity Fiji have to improve and measure themselves against the tournament’s best.
With only a week to prepare for the World Cup, Potter acknowledged the challenge ahead while backing his players to make the most of their potential. He also credited the Cook Islands for their effort and said Fiji would need greater consistency against stronger opposition.
“There’s a chance to be able to upset them and I’m sure they’ve got a plan as well,” Potter said of Australia and New Zealand.
Meanwhile, captain Apisai Koroisau found plenty of positives in the opening performance, particularly the way the team kept its approach simple and executed its game plan in the first half.
“We tried to simplify everything and just keep the game to its fundamentals pretty much,” Koroisau said.
“I think the boys executed pretty well, to be fair, in that first half.”
Koroisau was also encouraged by the contribution of the younger players and those experiencing their first World Cup, saying it was pleasing to see them embrace the occasion and put their best foot forward.
Potter also highlighted Solomone Saukuru as a player with a promising future for both the Wests Tigers and Fiji, underlining the talent the Bati can continue to develop.
The challenge now is to turn that promise into a complete performance over 80 minutes against a highly formidable team such as the Aussies.
For Potter, the victory over the Cook Islands is a positive beginning, but Fiji must continue to improve if they are to achieve their goal of competing with the World Cup’s elite.
The Bati face Australia this Sunday at 9.05pm in Brisbane….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 21 Oct 2026
Fab four debut for Australia against Fiji in World Cup
SYDNEY, 21 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—The revival of the career of prodigious talent David Fifita has taken giant leap forward with the South Sydney second rower to make his Australia debut against Fiji.
Fifita, who captained the Australia Prime Minister’s XIII earlier this month to a 60-10 victory over their PNG counterparts, joins halfback Sam Walker, hooker Blayke Brailey and centre Bradman Best for Kangaroos debuts in Sunday’s World Cup clash against the Bati at Suncorp Stadium.
The 26-year-old Fifita previously played four Tests for Tonga at the 2022 World Cup. His career had stalled at the Gold Coast Titans but his move to the Rabbitohs this year under former Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett led to him finding his best in the NRL this season.
He will start in the back-row alongside North Queensland co-captain Reuben Cotter.
Walker gains his first start in an Australian jersey after a year including a premiership with Sydney Roosters and a stellar State of Origin series debut for Queensland.
The leg injury that ruled Mitchell Moses out of this year’s World Cup, sustained in the 24-22 win over New Zealand last week, has opened the door for Walker to make a claim on the No.7 jersey for the rest of the tournament.
Cronulla hooker Brailey and Newcastle centre Best were key figures in NSW’s 2-1 series win in this year’s Origin series, where they made a name for themselves as big game performers.
Sydney Roosters skipper James Tedesco will play his first match for Australia in three years as starting fullback, with Reece Walsh listed at No.18 on an extended bench. Tedesco will also captain the side with regular skipper Isaah Yeo being rested.
The Kangaroos have revamped their starting pack with Keaon Koloamatangi and Lindsay Smith in the front row and Cameron Murray moving up to No.13 after coming off the bench against the Kiwis.
Tonga can wrap up a semi-final spot with a win over Lebanon on Friday night in Sydney, where Dolphins second-rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has his first game of the World Cup. Outside backs Sione Katoa and Paul Alamoti also get their first starts.
Sua Fa’alogo, Samoa’s four-try hero from the 78-4 win over France, moves from the bench to start on the wing against Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby on Saturday with winger Deine Mariner (hamstring) out of the 19.
England have stuck with the same 19 that lost 30-12 to Tonga for their match against France in Perth, also on Saturday. The Brian McDermott-coached side needs a huge win to keep their remote semi-finals hopes alive.
Gold Coast pocket rocket Keano Kini starts in place of the injured Kalyn Ponga at fullback for the Kiwis’ must-win showdown with Cook Islands in Christchurch on Sunday.
Warriors forwards Tanner Stowers-Smith and Jacob Laban make their Test debuts for New Zealand off the bench.
The Aitu welcome back star fullback Valentine Holmes, who missed the loss to Fiji with an ankle injury….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 21 Oct 2026
‘Toughest man alive’ leads PNG towards World Cup dream
PORT MORESBY, 21 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—When injured Papua New Guinea international Cooper Bai was asked which current Kumul would have the biggest influence on the World Cup the answer was on the tip of his tongue.
“That’s easy … Edwin Ipape,” Bai told AAP.
‘Edwin is next level and the toughest man alive. He will run it straight at you and tackle anyone that moves but he is also very smart with everything that he does. He represents the country so well and is the player everyone wants to play with.””
Ipape, the PNG hooker, had a brilliant start to the World Cup with two try assists and slick dummy-half service in the 42-18 win over Lebanon in Port Moresby.
The Kumuls host Samoa on Saturday and will be underdogs but the World Cup is crying out for an upset and a win would likely qualify the Jason Demetriou-coached side for the semi-finals.
Ipape, who plays in the Super League for Leigh Leopards, is one of Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape’s favourite players with both hailing from Hela province.
AAP was told that Marape contacted Ipape to determine his contract situation ahead of the PNG Chiefs joining the NRL in 2028.
Ipape inked a seven-year deal with the Leopards through to 2031 with no NRL release options in the deal but at just 27 there is still time for him to be a Chief down the track.
In the meantime, playing for the Kumuls on the international stage is his time to shine.
He already has two major man of the match awards in Test football. He starred in the 2023 Pacific Bowl final 32-12 win over Fiji and was voted the best in last year’s 50-18 win over the same opponents to win the title.
A shining display off the bench in a famous 28-10 victory over Great Britain in 2019 announced Ipape as a rare talent.
He has also made his mark in the Super League, a with a Challenge Cup final win with Leigh in 2023 a highlight.
YouTube is littered with clips of Ipape’s big hits where he drives opponents backwards with incredible strength.
Add that to his magic from No.9 with ball in hand and it is no wonder the Mount Hagen-born powerhouse is called “King of Leigh’.
While a World Cup trophy win appears to be a way off for PNG it is a goal that Bai said the Kumuls had within their hearts.
‘With the squad that we have the goal is to push PNG further and get us close to hopefully winning the World Cup in the future,” Bai said.
“Setting high goals is the best thing that we can do and I feel like we will be able to do that, whether it is now or later. I am fairly confident that one day Papua New Guinea will come through with a win.
“It would be absolute next level and everyone would go bonkers in Papua New Guinea if we were able to win one.”
Gold Coast forward Bai, who injured a hamstring preparing for the World Cup, said hosting two World Cup games against Lebanon and Samoa was a major milestone.
“It is massive, not only for the boys playing but for the whole country,” he said…. PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 21 Oct 2026
Kangaroos team to take on Fiji in second RLWC 2026 clash
SYDNEY, 21 OCTOBER 2206 (NRL)—Australian Kangaroos Coach Kevin Walters has named his team to play Fiji in the Rugby League World Cup 2026 Pool A clash at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Sunday (7:05pm AEST).
Sydney Roosters Premiership-winning skipper and Clive Churchill Medallist James Tedesco has continued his remarkable 2026 season by being named to captain Australia for the first time since 2023 in a new-look Kangaroos team.
The Kangaroos’ second fixture at the World Cup will see a number of players earn their first opportunity for the tournament, with Walters keen to assess his squad following a dramatic first-up 24-22 victory over New Zealand in Sydney.
Four new Kangaroos debutants have been named for the clash with Newcastle Knights centre Bradman Best, Sydney Roosters half Sam Walker, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks hooker Blayke Brailey and South Sydney Rabbitohs second rower David Fifita all listed in the starting lineup.
Best and Brailey both toured with the Kangaroos to England last year, but this Sunday night brings about their first opportunity to represent their nation on the international stage. Fifita didn’t take the field in Sydney last week after being named on the six-man bench for the clash with the Kiwis but is now set to make his Test debut wearing the No.11 jersey.
North Queensland Cowboys co-captain Reuben Cotter will also make his first start of the tournament in the second row, while Cameron Murray takes over at lock with regular skipper Isaah Yeo being rested. Yeo’s Penrith Panthers teammate Lindsay Smith has been named in the front row alongside St George Illawarra Dragons-bound Keaon Koloamatangi.
“Fiji have shown what they are capable of with a good performance in their opening game and we know they’ll come out hard and fast on Sunday. We’re expecting another physical contest, and we’ll be prepared to meet that challenge,” said Walters.
“We’re very keen to see what some of the new faces in the team can bring. Each of them has earned the opportunity to pull on the Kangaroos jersey and they have a chance to put their best foot forward for the remainder of the tournament with a strong performance on Sunday.”
Tickets for all RLWC 2026 matches are available at rlwc2026.com.
All matches are being broadcast live and exclusive in Australia on Seven and 7plus, on Sky Sport in New Zealand and Digicel in Papua New Guinea.
Kangaroos team to play Fiji Bati
James Tedesco
Jack Bostock
Kotoni Staggs
Bradman Best
Tom Trbojevic
Tom Dearden
Sam Walker
Keaon Koloamatangi
Blayke Brailey
Lindsay Smith
David Fifita
Reuben Cotter
Cameron Murray
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
Jacob Preston
Patrick Carrigan
Cameron Munster
Reece Walsh
Latrell Mitchell
Liam Martin
Harry Grant
Isaah Yeo
Ethan Strange
Kangaroos debut numbers: Bradman Best #865, Blayke Brailey #866, David Fifita #867, Sam Walker #868 ….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 21 Oct 2026
Big test looms for Bulikula
PORT MORESBY, 21 OCTOBER 2026 (FIJI SUN)—Papua New Guinea Orchids captain Elisie Albert has indicated she is available for their second Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) match against Fiji Bulikula on Saturday.
Albert was injured and rested for last Saturday’s RLWC opener against France, which the Orchids won convincingly 58-4 in Port Moresby.
“I should play against Fiji and they’re a good side,” the Parramatta Eels prop in the NRLW told NRL.com.
“For us, the focus is on ourselves and what we can do. We’ve got to fix what we can fix before playing Fiji.”
Orchids head coach Craig Sandercock said the players had trained hard since arriving in camp.
“Training is going really well. The girls are really training hard and are picking up a lot of new things,” Sandercock said.
He said crowd support and the scorching heat at Santos National Football Stadium had played a significant role in their success.
Albert has urged the people of Papua New Guinea to get behind the team as they look to make a statement on the global stage.
“I’d say just come out and support. I think we need all the support we can get. The support we’ve been getting is overwhelming,” Albert said.
“There’s still going to be people out there who are going to be throwing shades and stuff, but you come on the field and you see us play; and then you can throw shades after.”
The Bulikula arrived in Port Moresby Tuesday.
The Jone Wesele-coached side suffered an 18-12 loss to former three-time RLWC champions New Zealand last Sunday.
Former Fijian and Australian international Lote Tuqiri, who was at the game in a commentary role for RLWC26 host broadcaster Channel Seven, believed the Bulikula should have won.
“It was an amazing effort,” Tuqiri told NRL.com.
“I didn’t even see that from them, to be honest. No-one did. And they probably should have won. It was a bit like the Kiwis and Kangaroos last Thursday night.
“That’s the benchmark now. I was really impressed by their scramble defence … and their kicking game was spot-on too — a lot better than the Kiwis — and that was unexpected.
“I’m really happy for them, and I’m looking forward to seeing how they progress from here.”
Before the team left for Port Moresby, they were visited by fans led by former Fiji Bati, Kangaroos and Newcastle Knights star winger Akuila Uate.
The match kicks off at 2.15pm….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 21 Oct 2026
White backed to lift Fiji to next level
SUVA, 21 OCTOBER 2026 (FIJI SUN) —Former colleagues of Fiji head coach Jake White at Loftus Versfeld believe he has the experience and leadership to take the national team to another level.
White, 62, was appointed last Tuesday from a field of 31 applicants, replacing interim coach Senirusi Seruvakula.
He served as director of rugby at the Bulls from 2020 to 2025. White’s former backline coach at the Bulls, Chris Rossouw, chief executive Edgar Rathbone and Blue Bulls Rugby Union president Willem Strauss shared their views on his appointment with Afrikaans publication Rapport.
“I saw up close how Jake made a group of players believe they could do something special,” Rossouw told Rapport.
“This is his greatest gift. He is going to put clear structures in place at Fiji, and together with the conviction he gives, it is going to bring their talent to the highest level.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re going to surprise people. I’m happy for him.”
Rathbone said White’s strengths included establishing high-performance structures, discipline and a clear playing identity.
“Jake’s greatest strengths are getting high-performance structures in place, good discipline and a clear identity about how his teams should play,” he said.
Strauss believes White can make an immediate impact with the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia approaching.
“I think Fiji needs its South African discipline,” he said.
“Everywhere he’s been, including the Bulls, he’s left a team in a better place than he found it. He is an excellent hire for them.”
White takes charge of a Fiji side ranked 10th in the world that has lost four of its five Tests this year.
His first match is against Japan on October 24, followed by Nations Championship matches against France, Ireland and Italy in November.
Fiji are in Pool C for the 2027 Rugby World Cup alongside Argentina, Canada and Spain.
The team will also face South Africa in a warm-up Test in Gosford on 18 September….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 21 Oct 2026
Samoa face tough opening test on FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup return
SALE, 21 OCTOBER 2026 (OFC)—Samoa have begun their second consecutive FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign with a heavy 0-17 defeat to the USA in their opening match in Group E at the Mohammed VI Academy in Salé, Morocco.
Twelve months after making history by representing Samoa at a FIFA tournament for the first time, they returned as one of OFC’s two representatives after finishing second at OFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2025 but struggled to stem the flow of goals as the USA scored nine in the first half, and a further eight in the second.
Maddie DiMaria opened the scoring inside the first 62 seconds and completed the first hat-trick of the tournament inside the first 20 minutes. She added three more, including two in the second half, to become the first player to score six goals in a single match in FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup history.
Loradana Paletta and Carolina Reyna were the only other two to score multiple goals for the USA, with seven other players also finding the back of the net.
Samoa must now turn their attention towards their remaining Group E fixtures against China PR and Kenya, with two more opportunities to test themselves on the world stage.
They next face China PR in their second match at 4am Samoa time on Friday the 23rd of October.
USA: 17 (Maddie DIMARIA 2′, 18′, 20′, 30′, 70′, 73′, Mia CORONA 12′, Loradana PALETTA 25′, 37′, Grace MURRAY 28′, Amari MANNING 45+4′, Deus STANISLAUS 57′, Carolina REYNA 64′, 78′, Ortiz ISA 75′, Meila BREWER 87′, Gianna HANF 90′)
Samoa: 0
HT: 9-0…PACNEWS
COOKS – FOOTBALL: COOK ISLANDS NEWS PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 21 Oct 2026
Cook Islands heads to inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival
RAROTONGA, 21 OCTOBER 2026 (COOK ISLANDS NEWS)—The Cook Islands Under-15 boys national football team has embarked on a historic journey, departing Rarotonga to begin their long-awaited trip to Baku, Azerbaijan, for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026.
The young Cook Islands representatives left our shores bound for Brisbane before continuing through Dubai and onward to Baku, Azerbaijan, where they will join youth footballers from around the world for a groundbreaking FIFA event designed to celebrate and develop the next generation of football talent.
Taking place from 22-30 October 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival will bring together 191 FIFA Member Associations from all six confederations. The competition will feature boys born in 2011 and 2012 competing in an exciting 8-a-side format on reduced-size pitches, providing young players with a unique opportunity to experience international football at the highest level.
For the Cook Islands, the tournament represents a significant milestone in the nation’s football history. It will be the first time a Cook Islands team at this age level has participated in a FIFA global event, providing invaluable exposure and experience for the country’s emerging young talent.
The Cook Islands have been drawn in Pool L alongside Italy, Benin, Hong Kong China, Qatar and Turkmenistan. The young Cook Islands players will have the chance to test themselves against some of the world’s most promising young footballers while proudly representing their nation on the international stage.
Cook Islands Football Association president Grover Harmon believes the tournament will be an unforgettable experience for the young squad.
“Our Cook Islands U-15 team is embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Azerbaijan to represent our nation on the world stage. The opportunity to compete against footballing nations such as Italy and test themselves against some of the world’s best young players is something truly special,” Harmon said.
“I wish our players, coaches and management all the very best for this exciting adventure. Play with pride, embrace every opportunity, and enjoy the experience. You are representing our beautiful Cook Islands, and the whole nation is behind you. Fly our flag high!”
Leading the team is head coach Tuka Tisam, supported by assistant coach Paavo Mustonen, team manager Danny Vakapora and goalkeeper coach/assistant coach Tyson Teku. The delegation is headed by Tuaine Fatiaki, while Vakaraici Mavoa will serve as team doctor throughout the tournament. The players selected to represent the Cook Islands at this historic event are Tearii Scheel, Zephania Aperau-Toa, Ngapoe Urirau, Taianu Williams, Kimiora Ngametua, Kamoeau Mataroa, Jayden Angene, Akatauira Tapena, Damaris Nga, Pou Mokotupu, Rohan Vano, Epa Manuela, Dalton Herman and Justice Simiona.
The team’s participation in the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival marks another proud chapter for football in the Cook Islands and serves as an inspiration for future generations of young players dreaming of representing their country on the world stage…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 21 Oct 2026
Moleka happy to rekindle Ellis Blacktown partnership in new centre life
SYDNEY, 21 OCTOBER 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—Wallaroos playmaker Faitala Moleka is drawing off the days playing Sevens with Waiaria Ellis in Western Sydney as the pair look to guide the team into the future.
Moleka has been a revelation since moving into the centres, and the pair have guided the Australians to back-to-back wins over Scotland ahead of Friday’s series finale in Canberra.
The two grew up playing Sevens together for Blacktown Scorpions and have taken that partnership to the world stage.
They put it on full display last Saturday when the two combined for a stellar try, Ellis putting Moleka through a hole with an inside ball and shifting it back to the flyhalf for the five-pointer.
“She was always the nippy one, the fast one, so I kind of just gave her the ball,” Moleka told the media about their history.
“I’m able to just be a bit more experienced in that 10 role, and having me right next to her at 12 allows me to give her that little guidance that she needs in terms of experience and seeing what’s in front of us.
“She’s a confident player and she knows what she’s looking for in those spaces, just being there gives her the confidence to do her own thing.”
“Fatala’s been like such a massive help with me, both on and off the field,” Ellis told Rugby.com.au last week. “We’re both from the area out west.
“Having her on the field and her confidence in me is huge and just also having her as another set of hands and a ball player. Knowing how much experience she has and what she brings to the team helps me and everyone around us as well.”
Moleka is getting used to her own position shift, having been thrust across the backline for the Brumbies and Australia.
But the 21-year-old has thrived most recently in the midfield, splitting open Scotland in Edinburgh with a brilliant crash ball to help guide the Aussies to victory.
“I think I’ve played every position except wing. I’m never going to get there; more likely to go forwards next,” Moleka joked.
“I’ve had such good learnings off Cee [Smith], who’s a very well-versed inside centre. I don’t think I have the kind of aggression that she brings to the game, but she’s teaching me everything she knows…She leads by example. Every Test Match Tuesday, which is our contact days, I get hit in the ribs every now and then just for her to remind me who’s boss.
“I’ve had to step up and I think that’s a good thing for me in terms of my own professional career. Having G-Fred [Georgina Friedrichs] alongside me as well, I’m learning so much off these girls. 12 is a new position for me and G-Fred is so experienced and I’ve been asking her those questions,” she said…PACNEWS
