In this bulletin:
1. COMMONWEALTH GAMES — Sport must drive development across Commonwealth, Secretary General tells Ministers
2. RUGBY — From awe to confidence as the Fijian Drua back themselves in women’s rugby final showdown
3. FOOTBALL — Fiji win penalty shoot-out to qualify for World Cup and advance to U-16 Men’s Final
4. FOOTBALL — Second half surge sends New Zealand to World Cup and OFC U-16 Men’s Championship final
5. RUGBY — FRU chairman: Pay must be pegged to performance
6. RUGBY — FRU expected to net $7 million surplus from UK-hosted Nations Championship Tests
7. HANDBALL — Fiji’s young handball pioneers set for historic World Championship debut
8. COMMONWEALTH GAMES — Australia sends largest athletics team to Glasgow Commonwealth Games
9. RUGBY LEAGUE — Fainu, Fifita suspended; Doueihi free to play
10. RUGBY — End game: Cowboys primed to kill off Broncos’ title defence
UK – COMMONWEALTH GAMES: PACNEWS PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 23 Jul 2026
Sport must drive development across Commonwealth, Secretary General tells Ministers
GLASGOW, 23 JULY 2026 (PACNEWS)— Commonwealth Secretary General, Shirley Botchwey has called on member countries to recognise sport as a strategic investment in development, saying it can help address health, inequality, economic and social challenges across the Commonwealth.
Opening the 12th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting in Glasgow, Botchwey said the gathering came at an important time as the city prepares to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
“Your presence reflects the importance we collectively attach to sport – not simply as competition or entertainment, but as a powerful force for development, resilience and prosperity, she told Ministers.
She said the Commonwealth Games represented more than sporting competition.
“They are, of course, a celebration of extraordinary athletic achievement.
“But they are also something more enduring: a celebration of friendship, respect and the values that unite our family of nations.”
“The Commonwealth Games are unique. They bring together nations large and small, from every region of our Commonwealth, not simply to compete, but to belong,” she said.
Botchwey said ministers also had a responsibility to examine how sport could improve the lives of people across the Commonwealth.
“Yet before the first race is run or the first medal is awarded, we have an equally important responsibility. To ask how sport can improve the lives of the 2.7 billion people of the Commonwealth. That is the purpose of this meeting.”
She said this year’s theme, “Reimagining the Power of Sport towards Healthier, Fairer and Equitable Commonwealth Communities,” reflected the challenges facing member countries.
“Public health systems are under pressure. Inequality persists. Economic uncertainty affects livelihoods. Climate change is disrupting communities. And the aspirations of our predominantly young population continue to grow.
“These challenges demand practical solutions. Sport is one of them,” she said.
Botchwey said governments should view sport as an investment that delivers broad social and economic benefits.
“When we invest in sport, we are not investing only in medals or major events. We are investing in healthier populations. In more confident young people. In safer and more inclusive communities. In stronger local economies.
“That is why sport should never be viewed as the responsibility of one ministry alone. It is a strategic national investment that contributes to health, education, economic development, youth empowerment, gender equality, social cohesion and international cooperation,” Botchwey said.
She said ministers would discuss governance, athlete safeguarding, opportunities for women and girls, the economic potential of sport, cooperation through the Commonwealth Advisory Body on Sport and the future of the Commonwealth Games.
Botchwey also highlighted the signing of the International Working Group on Women and Sport Declaration during the meeting.
“That spirit of collaboration is reflected in today’s programme, including the signing of the International Working Group on Women and Sport Declaration, reaffirming our shared commitment to advancing gender equality across the sporting landscape. It is another example of the Commonwealth turning shared values into practical action,” she said.
Botchwey said more than 60 percent of Commonwealth citizens were under the age of 30, making sport an important pathway for young people.
“For many young people, sport is their first experience of leadership. Their first experience of teamwork. Their first opportunity to discover confidence, resilience and purpose.
“When we widen access to sport, we widen access to opportunity itself. We strengthen the ties that bind our communities. That is an investment whose returns last a lifetime,” she said.
Botchwey said the outcomes of the meeting would also help shape discussions ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda later this year.
“As Glasgow prepares to welcome the Commonwealth once again, let us ensure these Games leave more than unforgettable sporting moments. Let them also leave a renewed determination to harness the extraordinary power of sport to build healthier, fairer and more prosperous Commonwealth communities,” she said…. PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: PMN PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 23 Jul 2026
From awe to confidence as the Fijian Drua back themselves in women’s rugby final showdown
NADI, 23 JULY 2026 (PMN)—The Fijian Drua believe the biggest change since their opening-round loss to the New South Wales (NSW) Waratahs in the 2026 Super Rugby Women’s competition is not tactics or fitness: it’s belief.
Head coach Mike Legge says the players who were once intimidated by some of Australia’s biggest names now see this Saturday’s grand final as simply “another game”.
He says this is giving the Drua confidence that they can turn the tables on the defending champions.
Both sides met in June when the Waratahs handed the Drua a double-digit defeat.
Legge admitted afterwards that some of his younger players had been in awe of the quality and experience across the park.
Several rounds later, that mindset has changed.
“We knew exactly where we went wrong, and building from that game, it’s areas where we feel we’ve rectified, but can get better,” Legge told a press conference.
“With our players, even our young ones that played against the Wallaroos at the beginning of the year, in previous times… the girls would have been in awe of the opposition, but now for them it’s just another game.
“It’s whoever’s in front of them, and they’ll attack it how they see it.”
Legge still describes the Waratahs as the competition’s benchmark, but says his squad has grown with every match and believes the team selected is capable of winning the title.
With several Wallaroos expected to feature again for the Waratahs, he said the match-day 23 had earned their place. The selection that’s going to win us the competition.”
The Drua’s rise this season has been driven by a blend of experienced internationals and a new generation of players making an immediate impact.
More than 10 debutants have featured this season, with 11 players preparing to experience a Super Rugby Women’s final for the first time.
Veteran hooker Bitila Tawake said the mix had created a squad eager to learn from each other.
“Pressure is definitely a privilege,” she tells PMN News. “They’re adding value to us, we’re adding value to them.
“The best thing about this is… when we get to learn things from them as well, it’s really refreshing… the style of rugby that’s going on right now, it’s just really fast paced, and that’s something they offer to us too in trainings as well.”
Tawake, 27, is one of the remaining players from the Drua’s inaugural 2022 squad.
She believes the team’s growth has prepared them for another shot at the competition’s most successful side.
“I know it is not going to be an easy 80 minutes of rugby, it’s going to be a really hard one, a challenging one because we know we’re going up against a quality opposition.
“But… to lift that trophy on Saturday, it’s really back to us. It’s focusing on the little things this week and keeping the basics right.
“It’s up to us, how bad do you want it this weekend.”
While the Drua believe they have improved since their first meeting with the Waratahs, they know another advantage awaits them on Saturday.
Legge expects a packed crowd to create an atmosphere unlike any other in the competition.
“I think a packed-out Ba is going to make it really uncomfortable for the Waratahs, and that’s what we want,” he said.
“We want our fans to come out in numbers, to come out in force and just continue to lift and uplift the girls, especially during those down times during games.
“The crowd plays a massive part in actually bringing them back up to the level we need them.”
Tawake said opposition teams had already noticed the unique support for women’s rugby in Fiji.
She pointed to comments from Queensland Reds captain Jemma Bemrose after last week’s semi-final.
“She said it in her interview last week, like she’s never seen a crowd support women’s rugby ever like this, even in Australia in the Super Cup.
“Fiji has one of the best fans in Super Rugby. So with that, we have that now in the women’s space and I hope that it keeps continuing.”
For the Drua, Saturday’s final is no longer about proving they belong alongside the competition’s best. They believe they do.
Now they have one more chance to show it.
TEAMS
Drua: Karalaini Naisewa, Keleni Marawa, Tiana Robanakadavu, Mereoni Nakesa, Carletta Yee, Nunia Daunimoala, Salaseini Railumu, Sulita Waisega, Kolora Lomani (c), Varanisese Qoro, Aqela Raitubu, Josivini Naihamu, Merewairita Neivosa, Atelaite Buna, Litiana Vueti. Reserves: Bitila Tawake, Zipporah Sorokacika, Keri Lawavou, Karavaki Lutumaibau, Alfreda Fisher, Evivi Senikarivi, Repeka Tove, Verenaisi Ditavutu
Waratahs: Brianna Hoy, Brittany Merlo, Faliki Pohiva, Leilani Nathan, Kaitlan Leaney, Ruby Anderson, Emily Chancellor (c), Piper Duck, Tia Hinds, Waiaria Ellis, Desiree Miller, Rosie Ferguson, Pleuni Kievit, Maya Stewart, Caitlyn Halse. Reserves: Nancy Volkman, Emily Robinson, Bridie O’Gorman, Grace Gillies, Nicole Nathan, Taj Heald, Piper Simons, Amelia Whitaker….PACNEWS
FIJI – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 23 Jul 2026
Fiji win penalty shoot-out to qualify for World Cup and advance to U-16 Men’s Final
PORT MORESBY, 23 JULY 2026 (OFC)—Fiji have defeated the Solomon Islands in a penalty shoot-out to qualify for FIFA U-17 World Cup 2027 and book their tickets to the final of OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2026.
The first semi-final at the PNG Football Stadium was decided by the lottery of penalties after a goalless 90 minutes, where Fijian goalkeeper Kirikiti Biu kept his cool to make two decisive stops to win the contest.
It’s the third year in a row that Fiji have qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, and just the third time they have reached the final of the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship, where they will face either New Zealand or Papua New Guinea in Saturday’s final.
Fiji had topped Group A in convincing fashion but were immediately given more problems by an energetic Solomon Islands front three here. Spearheaded by young sensation George Lea’i on the left wing, the Solomon Islands pressed high and created three good chances with the speed of their transition through the first 45 minutes.
Right winger Barry Waletofea had the two best opportunities, hitting the side-netting, and then striking the bottom of the right post, both from shooting positions created by Lea’i. Striker Jayer Makarani also pulled an effort inches wide of the bottom-right corner in a goalless first half where Henry Fa’arodo’s side came closest to scoring.
Goalkeeper Kirikiti Biu made a fingertip save to deny Gregy Gau from long range shortly after the break, but Fiji managed to weather the storm and slowly warmed into the contest as the energy levels of their opponents began to dissipate.
Ryan Swami was their most persistent threat down the flank, pulling the ball back for striker Isoa Baselala to pull wide of the bottom-left corner from close range. He should have settled the match himself before it went to a penalty shoot-out too, lashing a close-range effort over the crossbar after being left unmarked inside the penalty box.
Both sides had created chances, but neither had found the back of the net after 90 minutes, and the semi-final headed straight to a penalty shoot-out.
Fiji lost to New Caledonia in a shootout at the semi-final stage in 2025, but made amends on this occasion. Goalkeeper Biu made two crucial stops, before striker Baselala struck the decisive penalty to win the shoot-out 4-2.
Fiji will play either New Zealand or Papua New Guinea in Saturday’s final, whilst Solomon Islands still have one last chance to qualify for FIFA U-17 World Cup 2027 should they win the third place play-off.
Fiji: 0
Solomon Islands: 0
Fiji win 4-2 on penalties
HT: 0-0…PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 23 Jul 2026
Second half surge sends New Zealand to World Cup and OFC U-16 Men’s Championship final
PORT MORESBY, 23 JULY 2026 (OFC)—New Zealand have qualified for a 13th FIFA U-17 World Cup and secured progression to the final of OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2026 with a 3-0 win over Papua New Guinea at the PNG Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
They move on to face Fiji in Saturday’s title-decider at the same venue, overcoming a spirited display from the tournament hosts with three second half goals and a starring display from Cruz Pietersen.
Papua New Guinea had the gloves of goalkeeper Luther Rodney to thank for keeping New Zealand frustrated through the first 45 minutes. Twice he denied opposing captain Ben Trenberth, first from a one-one-position, and then from a header at the back post.
Both of New Zealand’s goals in their 2-0 win over Papua New Guinea at this same stage of the competition last year came in the second half, and this one followed a similar script. The Junior All Whites let loose after the break.
Davi Valle Dos Santos provided the breakthrough in the 50th minute, squaring the ball to the back post, where Peitersen’s effort deflected off defender Bomecge Basanuc and into the bottom-left corner of the net.
Pietersen got his goal ten minutes later instead, meeting a cross into the box from Jack Clegg that he calmly tucked into the opposite corner.
It wsn’t all one-way traffic though, and Will Martin’s teammates were congratulating him when the New Zealand goalkeeper got up acrobatically to tip away a deflected shot from Papua New Guinea substitute Klivet Ronald.
Pietersen added the third goal in the dying moments of second half stoppage-time, getting in-behind the Papua New Guinea defence to round out a comfortable win for the Junior All Whites.
New Zealand will be chasing an 11th consecutive OFC U-16 Men’s Championship title when they take to the field on Saturday, whilst Papua New Guinea will have one final chance to qualify for a first FIFA U-17 World Cup when they take on the Solomon Islands in the third place play-off….PACNEWS
New Zealand: 3 (Own Goal 50′, Cruz PIETERSEN 60′, 90+5′)
Papua New Guinea: 0…PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 23 Jul 2026
FRU chairman: Pay must be pegged to performance
SUVA, 23 JULY 2026 (FIJI SUN)—The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) board of directors is looking at carrying out an independent internal review once they receive the tour report.
This was confirmed to SUNsports by FRU board chairman John Sanday, who indicated that several names have been put forward, but management would work on it and make a decision.
Speaking from London, the former Flying Fijians No. 8 said the last three weeks had enabled them to have a close-up view of the challenges and gaps.
“It is until you take the boat out into the open sea that you notice the leaks that require patching,” Sanday said.
“So it was with what we experienced in the last three weeks, we now have a good handle on the gaps.”
One of the challenges faced was when players asked for an increase in their allowance.
“I won’t call it a revolt, but a request was made for player allowance to be increased to $1000 per day,” he said.
“When I was briefed, I was quite shocked as that was equivalent to a month’s pay for an ordinary worker in Fiji, which they wanted to be paid for each day they were in camp.
“In the end, a negotiated amount was agreed to, a slight increase from the $500 per day amount.”
Sanday alluded that during the jersey presentation before the Wales Test match, he had made it clear to the players that they would reward them if they performed and qualified for the play-offs.
“We are a business and we have to run as a business. What company or corporation pays their employees first before they deliver the results?” Sanday said.
The team revolt during the Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2023 and, again, with this request, Sanday said, showed that a sense of entitlement may be existing in the team culture.
“We have to start pegging payment to performance and productivity gains. In line with this, we have an ageing team of players. When we compare this to the opposing teams we are playing, we notice that they have a much younger average age profile, which probably explains the energy gap between the two teams. So we have to have a holistic review. We are Tier 1 now and we need to benchmark ourselves against the top Tier 1 teams,” he added…..PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 23 Jul 2026
FRU expected to net $7 million surplus from UK-hosted Nations Championship Tests
SUVA, 23 JULY 2026 (FIJI SUN)—Risk taken by the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) board of directors to host the Flying Fijians three Test matches of the inaugural Nations Championship in the United Kingdom (UK) has paid off.
Speaking to SUNsports FRU board chairman John Sanday said based on current projections of the initial business case prepared for the three home match project in the UK, they are on track to overperform and surpass their projected return on investment (ROI).
“Now that we have completed the three games, we are looking at a total revenue of just over $10 million(US$5 million),” Sanday said.
“To deliver all these three games plus the entertainment package around it, we had to invest or outlay around $3m(US$1.5 million). That gives us a projected cash surplus of around $7m(US$3.5 million). This has been an outstanding success from a commercial point of view. For an investment of $3m we have returned a surplus of $7m(US$3.5 million), that is very, very healthy ROI.”
He highlighted that they would present the detailed accounts, which may vary a little on the upside from the general numbers he had presented.
Sanday said their finance team under the very capable and astute leadership its director Anare Manulevu, have performed very admirably under the tough circumstances and tight cash flow environment they had to work with.
He expressed his gratitude to the team at Rugby House- chief executive officer, senior managers, trustees and the board- for their stewardship and strength of character throughout the lead-up period.
“It was very tough and we had to stay up late on most nights to work through the various issues and challenges. Our biggest accolade must go to director Lailanie Burnes and her small team of volunteers. They had to endure six months ofliving in a campervan under a shoestring budget to deliver three world class games that the rugby world is still raving about,” Sanday added…..PACNEWS
FIJI – HANDBALL: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 23 Jul 2026
Fiji’s young handball pioneers set for historic World Championship debut
SUVA, 23 JULY 2026 (FIJI SUN)—A team of young Fijian women are poised to make history as the first Pacific Island nation to compete at the International Handball Federation (IHF) Women’s Under-18 World Championship.
The 12-member Fiji Women’s Under-18 Handball Team presented their traditional iTatau to the Minister for Local Government and Housing and Acting Minister for Youth and Sports, Maciu Nalumisa, ahead of their departure for Romania, where the tournament will be held from 29 July to 09 August.
Handball was introduced in Fiji in 2017, making the team’s qualification to the world championship a significant milestone for the sport and the country.
Nalumisa congratulated the players and team management on their historic achievement and urged them to wear the Fiji jersey with pride, remain disciplined, respect their coaches and represent the country with distinction on and off the court.
Fiji will make its World Championship debut in Group A against France, Croatia and Egypt.
Meanwhile, Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru is attending the Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting in Glasgow, Scotland.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports wished the Fiji Women’s Under-18 Handball Team every success and a safe journey as they prepare to represent Fiji on the world stage…..PACNEWS
AUST – COMMONWEALTH GAMES: TEAM AUSTRALIA PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 23 Jul 2026
Australia sends largest athletics team to Glasgow Commonwealth Games
GLASGOW, 23 JULY 2026 (TEAM AUSTRALIA)—- Australia’s world class athletics team is set for success at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, in what promises to be an unforgettable six days of action in Scotland’s largest city.
The Athletics section of the 2026 Australian Commonwealth Games Team has the most athletes of any sport wearing the green and gold.
Australia’s 86 Team Members (63 able-bodied and 23 Para-athletes) make it the largest of all nations (and sports).
As well as fielding the largest team possible (maximum quotas allocated) the class of this team is unquestionable.
It includes defending Commonwealth Games Champions, World Champions, Olympic Champions, Paralympic Champions and medallists from all these major championships.
Australians will contest 50 of the 59 Athletics events across the 12 sessions of competition at Scotstoun Stadium, from Monday 27 July to Saturday 01 August.
The Opening Ceremony is on Thursday 23 July and the Games close on 02 Sunday August.
The Australian Athletics team members are set to write a new chapter of history and break records in Glasgow. See below for Team Facts and links to key resources and information.
Australian Athletics General Manager of High Performance, Andrew Faichney said : “The Commonwealth Games is an important competition for Australian Athletics.
“We have had so many of our athletes who have been able to break through at the Commonwealth Games.
“For us it’s that opportunity for our athletes to go into a major championship as one of the favourites and must deal with that pressure that comes with that.
“It’s a great learning curve for our athletes.
“It’s also something that the Australian sporting public gets behind.
“It’s a fantastic multi-sport event that includes the Para events, and its great Commonwealth Games Australia and the Commonwealth Games are so supportive as well.”
Australian Athletics CEO, Simon Hollingsworth said: “The team is packed full of both proven world, Olympic and Paralympic champions and medallists and our next crop of junior talent.
“There is amazing depth in the team.
“There is a real history with Australian athletics and the Commonwealth Games, and the team wants to continue that history.
“We can’t wait to see what happens in Glasgow,” he said…. PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 23 Jul 2026
Fainu, Fifita suspended; Doueihi free to play
SYDNEY, 23 JULY 2026 (NRL)—Mixed fortunes for Wests Tigers at the judiciary on Tuesday night with young playmaker Latu Fainu banned for three games while Adam Doueihi was successful in having his charge downgraded and is free to face the Raiders.
Fainu was charged with Grade 3 Dangerous Contact for his tackle that flipped Leo Thompson over on his head in the 64th minute of the match at Accor Stadium on Saturday night.
The emerging talent pleaded not guilty to the charge but was found guilty at the panel and has now been banned for three games.
Fainu will miss games against the Raiders, Eels and Dragons before being eligible to return in Round 25. The Tigers have a bye in Round 23.
Doueihi was charged with a Grade 2 Careless High Tackle for his shot on Harry Hayes and pleaded guilty but was successful in having the charge downgraded. He has been fined $1000(US$699).
Rabbitohs forward David Fifita was unsuccessful in his bid to have a Grade 2 Dangerous Contact charge downgraded and he will now miss two matches.
Raiders hooker Owen Pattie has pleaded guilty to a Grade 2 Dangerous Contact and been suspended for one game, ruling him out of the Round 21 clash against Wests Tigers.
Titans winger Dean Ieremia has been fined $750 (US$524). after pleading guilty to a Dangerous Contact charge for a hip drop tackle on Manly’s Tolu Koula.
Wests Tigers lock Alex Twal was charged with a Grade 1 Contrary Conduct offence for striking Jaeman Salmon in the 70th minute at Accor Stadium and has been fined $1800(US$1,259) with an early guilty plea.
Raiders five-eighth Ethan Strange, Wests Tigers centre Heamasi Makasini and Bulldogs centre Enari Tuala have all been fined after pleading guilty to Grade 1 Careless High Tackle charges.
Roosters fullback Cody Ramsey (Dangerous Contact) and Storm duo Jack Howarth (Crusher Tackle) and Jack Hetherington (Careless High Tackle) have been fined after pleading guilty to their charges.
Knights forward Lachlan Crouch also entered an early guilty plea to a Grade 1 Dangerous Throw offence and was fined $1000(US$699).
Broncos forward Ben Talty and Panthers hooker Freddy Lussick were charged following Thursday night’s clash at CommBank Stadium.
Talty was charged with a Grade 1 Careless High Tackle on Penrith’s Scott Sorensen in the 42nd minute of the match and has been fined $1000(US$699).
Lussick pleaded guilty to a Grade 1 Dangerous Contact offence and has been fined $750(US$524).
Cowboys forward Heilum Luki was placed on report after making late contact with Dolphiin Brad Schneider following a kick in the 23rd minute at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday. As this is his second offence of this nature, Luki has been fined $1800(US$1,259) with an early guilty plea……PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 23 Jul 2026
End game: Cowboys primed to kill off Broncos’ title defence
BRISBANE, 23 JULY 2026 (NRL)–The fuse has been lit for another cracking Queensland derby with Cowboys forward Coen Hess saying his side would be looking to end Brisbane’s finals charge.
The Cowboys are currently clinging to eighth spot, with the 13th-placed Broncos still in with a mathematical chance to play finals and defend their title – but they need to win every game from here on in.
Even without the added intrigue of the race to the finals, the two well-supported Queensland clubs have had a strong rivalry, with the 2015 grand final often highlighted as one of the best deciders ever.
Cowboys coach Todd Payten lit the spark for another high-octane clash, telling reporters in the post-match press conference following his side’s loss to fellow Queensland rivals the Dolphins, that “everyone hates the Broncos”.
While he didn’t repeat the ‘h’ word uttered by his coach, Hess said the rivalry was as strong as ever and each team enjoyed taking their opposition down.
“It always is a huge game,” Hess said.
“We had a disappointing loss (against the Dolphins), so it’ll be about us bouncing back.
“The Broncos are in finals contention now as well, so they’ve got a bit of confidence and we’re fighting to stay in the top eight as well.
“Both teams have a lot to play for, so I’m looking forward to it.
“They need to win every game, so if we can end their season up there, that’d be outstanding.
“We’ll have the whole of Townsville, North Queensland behind us, and that’ll be everyone’s objective… but it’s a game that everyone gets up for, no matter how both teams are going.
“It always traditionally goes down to the wire and it’s a cracking contest.
“We beat them earlier on in the year, so I’m sure they’ll be reminded about that and all that good stuff, but you certainly don’t have to get yourself up for the game, that’s for sure.
“We just love beating each other so much and they’re the same as well.
“You certainly don’t need any extra motivation.”
While the Broncos come into the game full of confidence after knocking off ladder leaders Penrith, one positive for North Queensland’s loss against the Dolphins was the successful return from injury of co-captain and halfback Tom Dearden.
Missing since Round 10 with a syndesmosis injury, Dearden – nicknamed ‘Mud’ – was straight back into the action, scoring the first try of the game and setting up another early as the Cowboys got off to a promising start, before falling away.
Against a fired-up Broncos looking to save their season, Dearden will need to be on song against his former club to help guide the Cowboys to a win.
“We call it ‘Mud magic’, so when he does that little show and go, he’s waving the wand,” Hess said.
“That was nice to see early on, he got his try.
“But I’m sure the lungs would have been burned in the stages, so the more footy he can get into the legs, the better it’ll be for us and you can definitely feel him out there.
“He’s an amazing talker and directs us around the park really well and we love playing with him.”
This week, Jake Clifford has been recalled to partner Dearden in the halves, with another boost seeing prop Tom Mikaele’s return after missing a week due to concussion……PACNEWS
