In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — ‘We can do this’: Rejected Super Rugby bidder says it can keep Moana Pasifika going
2. RUGBY — Veteran players driving Fijian Drua momentum
3. ATHLETICS — PNG and Japan athletes for Fiji Finals
4. FOOTBALL — Papua New Guinea power past American Samoa in dominant 8-2 victory
5. FOOTBALL — South Melbourne FC send Leaders Group warning with big win
6. FOOTBALL — Auckland FC claim derby honours for second time this season
7. ATHLETICS — PNG athlete Isila Apkup shines in Gunnison sprint events
8. RUGBY — ‘Size matters’: why Genia wants Kerevi for World Cup
9. RUGBY — Dolphins extend former Broncos star until 2027
10. RUGBY — ACT Brumbies announce Super W Signing Ivania Wong
11. RUGBY LEAGUE — Records set to tumble across emotional Anzac Round
PAC – RUGBY: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS: Wed 22 Apr 2026
‘We can do this’: Rejected Super Rugby bidder says it can keep Moana Pasifika going
AUCKLAND, 22 APRIL 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) –The founder of a Māori and Pacific-led professional rugby club says they have the finances, plan and people to keep the Moana Pasifika franchise afloat despite being rejected in their attempts to buy the license last year.
Tracy Atiga is the CEO of Kanaloa Rugby, a consortium made up of former professional rugby players and administrators of Pacific heritage.
Atiga told Pacific Waves she was devastated when she learned that Moana Pasifika will be disbanded at the end of the Super Rugby Pacific 2026 season.
Despite telling Pacific Waves in February that Moana Pasifika was “here to stay”, the franchise’s CEO Debbie Sorensen confirmed last week that they made the difficult decision to disband due to financial pressures and structural challenges.
In an interview with RNZ’s Morning Report, Sorensen said they are hopeful someone could step in and save the club, explaining that they had gone out to market for investors that didn’t “bear any fruit”.
However, Atiga said Kanaloa Rugby had put forward their proposal to buy Moana Pasifika last year in October, but received a response from Deloitte in December informing them that Moana’s owners, the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA), would not proceed with Kanaloa’s bid.
Pointing to Sorensen’s media interviews, Atiga said she does not appreciate the narrative of the “poor cousin” talk.
“It’s been many years, actually 30 years, basically the history of Super Rugby, where our leaders keep saying stuff like, you know, ‘we just don’t have the money and we need more money’.
“”We don’t really agree with that narrative and I think it needs to change for Pasifika people, so that we know we don’t have to be that way. We don’t have to have our hand out all the time. We can do this ourselves.”
Atiga said Deloitte’s outcome was delivered as a phone call, letting them know “they couldn’t move on from past events”, but when Atiga queried what those events were, there was no response.
Kanaloa Rugby previously proposed to establish a Pacific team in 2020 for the new-look Super Rugby competition that launched in 2022, but were unsuccessful.
This kicked off a legal battle after Atiga claimed New Zealand Rugby breached its own rules by choosing the Moana Pasifika bid that had the backing of Sir Michael Jones and Sir Bryan Williams, even though the group had not taken part in the formal tender process.
Subsequently, Kanaloa Rugby was also looking into establishing Hawaii’s first professionl rugby union team to join America’s Major League Rugby competition but nothing came of it when after Hawaiian state senator Glenn Wakai questioned its plans.
Atiga said recent talks with New Zealand Rugby has been positive and that they have engaged with Chris Lendrum, who will conclude his role at NZR by the end of May.
“We had some pretty frank discussions around what might have happened in the past that they didn’t agree with, but equally, I was able to share with New Zealand Rugby, the frustrations that we had at the time around transparency and honesty, and building trust with the Pasifika communities,” she said.
She said the demise of Moana Pasifika should prompt honest conversations, particularly how it was set up and the development of the franchise’s business model that came from Deloitte in partnership with New Zealand Rugby Players Association and New Zealand Rugby.
“I think everybody’s responsible for the model that was developed, it was a grant-based model and it was set up on a trust initially, and then it moved to a limited liability company a year after.
“There’s a lot of key players who were involved and still are involved now that do have responsibility for how it was set up and potentially now why it failed.
“Especially when you had us at the table saying that ‘this isn’t going to work under that type of model’ and you need this type of model to be sustainable.”
Atiga said they are “ready to go” and have been for five years but that it is up to New Zealand Rugby, and the owners of Moana Pasifika, on how they want to proceed with the franchise’s license.
Moana Pasifika CEO Debbie Sorensen has been approached for comment to Atiga’s claims but has declined to provide a response.
Moana Pasifika’s outgoing coach says the club’s likely exit from Super Rugby could have consequences for the game in the region.
Fa’alogo Tana Umaga told the Sydney Morning Herald Moana had been a vital pathway for young Tongans and Samoans.
“The gap between where we are currently in terms of Samoa and Tonga internationally to where we need to get to is very big,” Fa’alogo told the outlet.
“In the last four years, Samoa just scraped into the World Cup. The previous cycle before that was Tonga [just making it]. And if we keep going the way we’re going, we don’t want it to happen, but the possibility is that Samoa or Tonga might not make the next cycle of the World Cup.”
Fa’alogo said to make rugby stronger, there needs to be pathways and opportunities for players to learn how to be better professionals.
“If there’s nothing to compete against, then I’m sure that [league taking over] is probably something that we’ve got to be thinking about. That’s the real risk.
“It’s fine if we’re not there, but then what for Samoa and Tonga? Rugby league’s got a great product at the moment, and it’s very popular.”
Tonga and Samoa are set to receive a big funding boost from the Australian government……PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS: Wed 22 Apr 2026
Veteran players driving Fijian Drua momentum
NADI, 22 APRIL 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson is pleased with how senior players have stepped up to guide younger squad members in recent matches.
Jackson says the leadership and encouragement from experienced players were evident in their historic victory over the Brumbies during Round 10 of Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific.
He notes that the growing chemistry between senior and younger talent has played a significant role in the team’s improved performances.
Jackson says players such as captain Temo Mayanavanua, Virimi Vakatawa, and Issac Fines-Leleiwasa have been highly influential.
Even though Jackson is set to leave the club at the end of the season, he believes the side is in good hands given the team’s wealth of experience and raw talent.
“And it’s important; we’ve got guys like Virimi, who’s played overseas and has massive experience, including Issack and guys that are foundation members that are now playing 50.”
The Drua face the Chiefs this Sunday at 4:30 pm…..PACNEWS
PNG – ATHLETICS: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS: Wed 22 Apr 2026
PNG and Japan athletes for Fiji Finals
SUVA, 22 APRIL 2026 (FBC NEWS)—The 2026 Fiji Finals next week may have athletes from Papua New Guinea and Japan taking part for the first time.
This is according to Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Association secretary, Biu Colati.
He said at the moment PNG has confirmed seven athletes and one from Japan.
Colati said both countries have not withdrawn their interests.
These overseas athletes will not be part of any qualifying tournament as there are two remaining:,the eastern and central qualifiers.
Colati also says they’ll contact the PNG and Japan managements regarding their registrations for the Coca-Cola Games.
Meanwhile, athletes who have yet to qualify for the Games still have two chances, first at the eastern qualifiers tomorrow at Tailevu North College and central on Saturday at the HFC Stadium in Suva.
The Coca-Cola Games will be held next Thursday, Friday, and Saturday….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS: Wed 22 Apr 2026
Papua New Guinea power past American Samoa in dominant 8-2 victory
PORT MORESBY, 22 APRIL 2026 (OFC)—A dominant attacking display from Papua New Guinea has secured a 8-2 victory over American Samoa at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2026 – Qualifying in Port Moresby.
Papua New Guinea asserted control from the outset, dominating possession and creating a wave of early chances. Chriszanne Sifas was involved immediately, delivering a dangerous ball across goal that set up Oscalina Gunemba, who struck the post.
Gunemba remained a constant threat, forcing a save from American Samoa goalkeeper Lauagaua Konelio Semi, while Emiliah Kahnna rattled the crossbar in the ninth minute. Despite their early intensity, the hosts were initially unable to find the breakthrough.
The opening goal came in the 12th minute when Sifas made a determined run through the defence and calmly finished through the goalkeeper’s legs to give Papua New Guinea a deserved lead. American Samoa struggled to relieve the pressure, pinned deep in their half as Papua New Guinea continued to control the tempo.
The advantage doubled in the 20th minute through Gunemba, who finished clinically into the top corner after a well worked move led by captain Anjelika Raminai. Gunemba added her second in the 36th minute, racing from halfway and beating the defence with pace before finding the net.
Just three minutes later, Sifas capitalised on the goalkeeper being out of position to score her second, before Papua New Guinea extended their lead further in the 42nd minute through to Joylin Lisah. Sifas then completed her hat-trick on the stroke of halftime, cleverly chipping in a corner from Glenda Danny to cap off an outstanding first-half performance and hand her side a 6–0 lead at the break.
American Samoa returned for the second half with renewed energy and intent, showing a much stronger presence in attack and enjoying more time in the Papua New Guinea half. Their improvement was rewarded in the 48th minute when Abigail Lam Sam scored her team’s first goal of the tournament, her effort taking a deflection on its way into the net. The goal lifted their confidence, as they continued to press forward and challenge the hosts more effectively than in the opening period.
Salvation Taula was able to pull back another for American Samoa, but a late own goal restored Papua New Guinea’s five-goal lead to quash any hopes of a comeback.
Delma Duadak would have the final say for Papua New Guinea, adding their eighth, when breaking through on goal and smuggling the ball past the ‘keeper.
The result eliminates American Samoa from contention and sets up a winner-takes-all encounter between Papua New Guinea and American Samoa later this week
Papua New Guinea: 8 (Chriszanne SIFAS 12′, 39′, 44′, Oscalina GUNEMBA 20′, 36′, Joylin LISAH 42′, Own Goal 70′, Delma DUADAK 89′)
American Samoa: 2 (Abigail LAM SAM 48′, Salvation TAULA 66′)
HT: 6-0…PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS: Wed 22 Apr 2026
South Melbourne FC send Leaders Group warning with big win
BA, 22 APRIL 2026 (OFC)—South Melbourne FC have delivered a statement performance on the eve of the Leaders Group with a dominant 8-1 victory over Tahiti United at 4R Electrical Govind Park.
One of two rescheduled matches from Round 3, the former Oceania Club of the Century closed out the first phase of the competition with the largest winning margin of any club so far.
Much of the attention was on Tahiti United heading into the fixture, who knew a win would seem them leapfrog South Island United and secure their spot in the top four. A horror start quickly saw their hopes evaporate though, conceding twice inside the first 15 minutes as South Melbourne galloped out of sight.
The first came inside the first four minutes, James Lackay bursting into space down the right and scoring against the angle with an excellent finish into the top of the net – celebrating his second goal of the campaign with a trademark backflip.
Jordan Swibel followed with his first goal since Round 3 in Melbourne in the 14th minute too – tucking the ball home after Teave Teamotuitau failed to deal with the rebound from a Jordan Lampard long shot.
It got worse for Tahiti United when they had a goal disallowed moments later. Joseph Athale saw his initial shot parry off the right post, before Manuarii Shan scored on the rebound, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
It proved a sucker punch that Tahiti United couldn’t recover from, and they lost control as the floodgates opened for their opponents.
Lackay’s driven cross found Aaron Cocks at the back post to add the third in the 26th minute, before Tommy Giannakopoulos scored the fourth in the 34th with a header from a delicate Lampard set-piece delivery.
Andrew Mesourouni got in on the action too, stealing the ball off Roonui Tehau, and dancing through the Tahiti United defence to score a wonderful individual goal, whilst Cocks got his second before the half-time break, as South Melbourne FC took a dominant six-goal lead to the sheds.
Desperately in need of some stability to stem the flow of goals, Tahiti United coach Samuel Garcia made three changes at the break.
It appeared to work momentarily, keeping their opponents scoreless for just over 20 minutes of the second half, whilst scoring a goal of their own. One of those substitutes, Germain Haewegene, adding a consolation in the 62nd minute.
The resistance proved brief though, Ishveer Singh coming off the bench to add South Melbourne’s seventh after latching onto a simple direct ball into the penalty box from Andrew Mesourouni.
Che Gorr Burchmore rounded out the scoring in the 71st minute with South Melbourne’s eighth, as they coasted to a confident victory.
Following today’s two rescheduled Round 3 fixtures, the league splits in two for the Leaders and Challengers Group, to be played in Auckland in May.
South Melbourne FC should arrive in the Leaders Group in confident mood, whilst this result has the potential to be a damaging one for Tahiti United through the rest off their campaign in the Challengers Group.
South Melbourne FC: 8 (James LACKAY 4′, Jordan SWIBEL 14′, Aaron COCKS 26′, 45+4′ Tommy GIANNAKOPOULOS 34′, Andrew MESOUROUNI 36′, Ishveer SINGH 69′, Che GORR BURCHMORE 71′)
Tahiti United: 1 (Germain Haewegene 62′)
HT: 6-0 …PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS: Wed 22 Apr 2026
Auckland FC claim derby honours for second time this season
BA, 22 APRIL 2026 (OFC)—Auckland FC have claimed local bragging rights again with a 3-1 victory over South Island United in the second North v South Island New Zealand derby of the season, at 4R Electrical Govind Park in Ba.
One of two fixtures rescheduled due to inclement weather in Melbourne during Round 3, Auckland FC matched their win from the opening day of the Pro League season, twice making their opponents pay for poor defensive lapses – and bouncing back from just their second defeat of the season to Bula FC three days earlier.
For South Island United, it’s a defeat that leaves the door ajar for them to drop outside of a Leaders Group spot, should Tahiti United defeat South Melbourne FC in the second game of the day in Ba.
Needing at least a point to make sure of their position in the top four, South Island United created the better chances through the early exchanges in a high-octane start.
Twice Oscar Mason in the Auckland goal was forced into action, first getting down to parry a direct free kick effort from Jaylen Rodwell, before pulling off an incredible one-hand stop to deny Ry McLeod from close range.
Some neat interplay through midfield created another chance for Oskar Van Hattum down the right-hand side of the box soon after, but he pulled his effort straight into the side netting on his right foot from the angle.
They were made to rue those misses when the league leaders took advantage of a South Island mistake at the back. Three defenders failed to deal with a routine long ball, allowing Oscar Faulds to capitalise and convert past Steven Van Dijk in goal from a one-on-one position in the 28th minute.
Auckland FC almost had a second before the break too, Matt Ellis forcing Van Dijk into a save from long range, and the keeper pouncing on the rebound, to keep it to just a one-goal advantage at the break.
Instead, the second goal came just moments before the hour mark, Liam Gillion cutting inside off the left wing and letting fly with a low right-footed effort that struck the left post and ricocheted off the back of the unfortunate Van Dijk and into the net.
Missing their top goal-scorer Ryan Feutz up front, South Island United’s chances of fighting back into the game seemed remote. Even more so with the form of Mason in goal, who pulled off two more great stops to deny Van Hattum and Haris Zeb.
Their toil was eventually rewarded in the 76th minute however, with David Yoo turning the ball into the net from a corner for his fourth Pro League goal of the season.
Just as South Island United appeared to be back in the contest though, another defensive lapse let them down. Captain Christian Gray was caught with possession inside his own half and punished by Isa Prins – who burst through on goal and beat the keeper with a delicate chip for Auckland FC’s third in the 81st minute.
Kian Donkers came close to adding his name to the scoresheet in second half stoppage-time, forcing a save from Van Dijk from close range in a one-on-one position.
South Island United will now sit back and wait to see if the slip-up proves costly, whilst Auckland FC head back home with an extra spring in their step as the pointy end of the season nears.
South Island United: 1 (David YOO 76′)
Auckland FC: 3 (Oscar FAULDS 28′, Own Goal 59′, Isa PRINS 81′)
HT: 0-1 …. PACNEWS
USA – ATHLETICS: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS: Wed 22 Apr 2026
PNG athlete Isila Apkup shines in Gunnison sprint events
GUNNISON, 22 APRIL 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Rising collegiate sprinter Isila Apkup delivered a standout performance over the weekend, matching her personal best in the 100 metres and setting a new season’s best in the 200 metres at a meet in Gunnison, Colorado, United States.
Apkup clocked 11.86 seconds in the 100m, equaling her career mark, before storming to 24.81 seconds in the 200m, shaving time off her previous season record.
The double achievement underscores Apkup’s growing consistency and strength in sprint events.
Her times not only reflect peak fitness but also surpass her earlier performances at the RMAC Indoor Championships and the Western Colorado Open, where she had shown promise but not yet reached this level of sharpness.
Coaches and teammates praised her ability to maintain form across both races, a sign of her readiness to contend at higher levels of competition.
Apkup’s progression is particularly significant as the collegiate track season heads into its crucial stages. With conference and national meets looming, her ability to deliver personal and seasonal bests under pressure positions her as a serious contender in the sprinting field.
Analysts note that maintaining such consistency across multiple events is often the hallmark of athletes poised for breakthrough success.
For Apkup, the Gunnison meet may prove to be a turning point. By demonstrating both speed and resilience, she has firmly established herself as one of the athletes to watch in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and beyond. At just the right time, her sprinting career appears to be hitting full stride….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: AAP PACNEWS: Wed 22 Apr 2026
‘Size matters’: why Genia wants Kerevi for World Cup
SYDNEY, 22 APRIL 2026 (AAP)—Believing “size matters”, former Wallabies captain Will Genia would love to see Samu Kerevi form an explosive midfield pairing with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii at next year’s Rugby World Cup.
A shining light for D-Rocks in the Japan Rugby League One, Kerevi has featured in the past two global showpieces but not donned the Wallabies gold since starring in Australia’s 52-20 rout of Wales on the 2024 spring tour.
But Genia reckons Kerevi, still only 32, remains a world-class force who could be deadly for the tournament hosts in 2027.
“You can imagine having someone like him at 12 and at Suaalii at 13. You’ve got size, you’ve got power, you’ve got skill, finesse and ability all packaged in one centre pairing,” Genia told AAP from Japan.
“Because when I look at Test rugby, size matters. It’s done a bit of a cycle now where ball in play isn’t as high. The ball-in-play time, it’s shorter, sharper bursts, which lends itself to bigger athletes and more power athletes than it used to.”
An influential member of Australia’s 2015 World Cup final line-up and the Wallabies outfit that finished third in 2011, Genia believes it’s no coincidence South Africa and France are “probably the two best sides in the world right now”.
“They use their physicality and their presence in the game to be able to win collisions and play on top of teams,” he said.
“So you can imagine having a team with a backline like Kerevi, Joseph, ‘Marky’ Mark (Nawaqanitawase). The size they would offer them and the impact they would have. That’d be awesome to see.”
Genia’s only caveat for a Kerevi recall to the Test arena is that he’d need to return to Australia for a full pre-season and intense lead-up to a World Cup next year.
“He’s of that world-class calibre, but it’s important to be playing Super Rugby,” said Genia, who is serving as skills coach for the top-of-the-table Kintetsu Liners in Japan’s League One division two.
“And I’m not saying Japanese rugby isn’t quality rugby. It is. Just in terms of the intensity that you face week in, week out in Super Rugby is second to none.
“So you’d want him to have that intensity under his belt leading into a World Cup.”
Genia has also thrown his support behind NSW Waratahs veteran Jake Gordon to remain the Wallabies’ first-choice No.9 for the first World Cup in Australia since 2003, with Queensland pair Tate McDermott and Kalani Thomas to battle it out as Les Kiss’s second-half finishers.
“Jake because he has a very good all-round game,” said the 110-Test retired great.
“Your core roles for a halfback is passing, kicking, running and you’d say he’s a nine out of 10 on every single one of them.
“So that matters because the margin for errors at that Test level are very small but he stands out on top of that because he’s also got a point of difference, which is his ability to control the games where he’s kicking.
“And he’s been playing well consistently and been very good for the last couple of years.”
While he also rates Brumbies half Ryan Lonergan for his goalkicking and leadership, Genia prefers McDermott and Thomas as Gordon’s back-ups.
“Thomas is quite an instinctive player, quite similar to Tate, and he’s had experience in that Wallaby environment now last year. He’s he’s got a great upside.
“So Kalani, his running game, his ability to be able to break the game open with his threats around the ruck.
‘Yeah, so those three – Jake, Tate, and Kalani, most likely,” he said…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: AAP PACNEWS: Wed 22 Apr 2026
Dolphins extend former Broncos star until 2027
BRISBANE, 22 APRIL 2026 (AAP)—Selwyn Cobbo has signed a one-year deal for the second season in a row after extending his stay at the Dolphins until the end of 2027.
The 23-year-old joined the Redcliffe-based club on a one-year deal in 2026 after previously playing 83 NRL matches for Brisbane.
Cobbo came to prominence when he scored 35 tries in two seasons for the Broncos in 2022 and 2023.
On his day, the Cherbourg Hornets product is a match winner – a trait that has led to him playing six State of Origin matches for Queensland and one Test for Australia.
This season he has averaged a career high 174m in six matches, while scoring two tries, setting up two and making five line breaks.
His statistics at the Dolphins measure up to his best ever but there have also been uneven performances, such as in last round’s 23-22 loss to Penrith when he made errors in a disappointing first half before shining in the second.
Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf became a fan of Cobbo’s soon after his arrival.
“Selwyn impressed me with the way he presented himself as a young man in the first conversation we had and with what he wants to do with his footy as well,” Woolf told AAP.
“He impressed me with the way he turned up fit, the way he trained and how he fitted into the group really seamlessly. The players respect him and love him.”
Cobbo’s one-year deal keeps him in the frame for a possible move to an expansion club such as PNG Chiefs, who enter the NRL in 2028.
The Dolphins, however, do not regard Cobbo as a short-term player at the club.
“We believe this contract extension is just the start of what will be a long career for Selwyn in the Dolphins’ jersey,” said Dolphins CEO Terry Reader.
“Selwyn has already made his presence felt at the Dolphins – on and off the field.
“What has been most impressive is how well he has melded into our playing group and the club in general. He has been a great fit for the Dolphins,” he said…. PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS: Wed 22 Apr 2026
ACT Brumbies announce Super W Signing Ivania Wong
CANBERRA, 22 APRIL 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—The ACT Brumbies are excited to announce the signing of Ivania Wong for the 2026 Swyftx Super Rugby Women’s season.
Wong joins the capital club from the Queensland Reds, after holding the distinction of playing in all 43 games since the Super Rugby Women’s competition kicked off in 2018 and becoming the Reds most capped Super W player. The signing represents a huge coup for the Brumbies Super W program, luring the Reds all-time leading try-scorer for the 2026 season.
Ivania moved from Rabaul in Papua New Guinea to Brisbane when she was just eight years old. After finding rugby, the dynamic winger quickly went from strength-to-strength. After a strong 2022 season, Wong was named 2022 Super Rugby Women’s Player of the Year and later that year made her Wallaroos debut against Fijiana, becoming Wallaroo number 183.
Collecting 8 test caps, the exciting outside back brings a wealth of high-level experience and a good dose of attacking power to a Brumbies side looking to improve this season. Wong’s dynamic skillset and winning mindset will be a significant asset to the Brumbies ahead of their 2026 Season.
On her move from the Reds, Ivania Wong stated, “I’ll always be a proud Queenslander and the great friendships I’ve made in the Reds jersey don’t change,”
“I’m very proud of that record as the most capped Reds player but the journey isn’t over. When you are in that many grand finals and fallen short, it definitely stays with you and makes you determined to win a championship.”
“I’m excited for this next opportunity, embracing change in a new environment and unlocking a bit more of me that I still feel is left to give to Super Rugby.
“Any jersey I put on I’ll rep to the full. I’m going to give this next opportunity everything I’ve got.”
Brumbies Super W Head Coach James Erwin said, “Ivania has had a massive impact on rugby, both with the Reds and Wallaroos, inspiring the next generation to pick up a footy. We know she will excite the Brumbies fans with the way she plays the game.”
“We’re really pleased to bring Ivania into the program. Her consistency at Super W level speaks for itself, and she’ll add real quality to our backline.
“Beyond her on-field ability, Ivania brings a strong character that aligns with who we are as Brumbies, and we’re confident she’ll add a real injection in to the way we want to play this season.”…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS: Wed 22 Apr 2026
Records set to tumble across emotional Anzac Round
SYDNEY, 22 APRIL 2026 (NRL)—The NRL’s round attendance record is under threat this weekend as fans prepare to turn out in force across a bumper Anzac weekend of football.
Big crowds are set to pack into stadiums on both sides of the Tasman, with the chance for eight sellouts in Round 8.
From Leichhardt Oval on Thursday night, to Suncorp Stadium, Wellington’s Hnry Stadium and eventually McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday afternoon, fans will turn out in force to support their teams.
The record for single round attendance was set across the Easter weekend last year when 218,833 spectators turned out.
The number could eclipse 230,000 this weekend should all eight stadiums reach capacity.
The round is also set to break the record for most attended Anzac weekend, which was set last year when 189,880 turned out to watch their teams.
The annual Anzac Day clash between the Dragons and Roosters will form the centrepiece of the round, with more than 40,000 fans expected to descend on Allianz Stadium for the match.
The game will feature a moving pre-game ceremony before the traditional rivals face off on the field.
Roosters captain James Tedesco said the atmosphere is like no other match on the rugby league calendar.
“The best day of the year for the regular season is playing on Anzac Day,” Tedesco said. “There’s a lot going on with the Dragons but over the years we’ve seen it doesn’t matter how each team’s going.
“Both teams get up for this game, especially given the occasion. The atmosphere and the energy around the whole day is super exciting.”
Fans have turned out in droves to start the season, beginning with a record-breaking double-header at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Already more than 1.2 million spectators have attended NRL games this year. It is the quickest season to crack 1 million attendees, reaching the milestone in Round 6.
It’s the most attended NRL season through the first seven rounds, with an average crowd of 22,300 fans representing an increase of 7 percent on last year.
Three rounds this year have already cracked 180,000 attendees this season, with Round 8 on track to be the fourth for the year. Total crowds reached that mark just three times across the entire 2025 season.
Only a handful of tickets remain for Thursday’s clash between the Wests Tigers and Canberra Raiders as Benji Marshall’s men look to bounce back from a tense one-point loss to Brisbane at a sold-out Campbelltown Sports Stadium last weekend.
The Cowboys will then host the Sharks in the early Friday night fixture before Canterbury travel north to face the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.
North Queensland are pushing hard for a big crowd, announcing two-for-one tickets for Defence and RSL service members.
Brisbane fans will also have to be quick to snap up tickets to watch their team play, with the full house sign expected to go up later this week.
Fans will pay their respects to current and former Defence Force personnel at three emotional fixtures on Anzac Day.
The annual match between the Dragons and Roosters will kick off proceedings before Wellington’s Hnry Stadium hosts a battle between the Warriors and Dolphins.
The match sold out earlier this month, with 34,500 fans expected for the first NRL game at the venue since 2023.
The likely attendance will make it the biggest crowd for a rugby league game in the New Zealand capital, surpassing the 30,112 that turned out for a clash between the Warriors and Bulldogs in 2013.
The Storm are also on track for their third-straight sell out when they host the Rabbitohs in the final game of Anzac Day.
The match has become a showpiece event on the Melbourne sporting calendar, AAMI Park descending into darkness for an emotional pre-game remembrance service.
The big crowds in Wellington and Victoria highlight the growing popularity of rugby league in new markets as the game continues to pursue an expansion strategy in Australia and abroad.
The focus will shift to NSW on Sunday with limited tickets remaining for two afternoon blockbusters in Newcastle and Manly.
McDonald Jones Stadium will host a showdown between the Knights and Panthers before the in-form Sea Eagles take on Parramatta at 4 Pines Park.
The Eels stunned Canterbury last weekend and are preparing for a hostile environment when they arrive on the Northern Beaches on Sunday.
“I’ve played a few games there now and it’s always a bit harsh going there,” emerging Parramatta hooker Tallyn Da Silva said.
“We’ll block it out, stick to our own game and stay connected with one another in our group,” he said……PACNEWS
