In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — World Rugby, UK bodies lose bid to throw out concussion lawsuits
2. RUGBY — Craig Bellamy ‘honoured’ to have coached Kamikamica
3. FOOTBALL — Fourteenth OFC Men’s Champions League Crown for Auckland City
4. FOOTBALL — Papua New Guinea learn FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ Playoff Tournament fate
5. FOOTBALL — New Zealand U-19 Men’s Squad Named for OFC U-19 Championship in Samoa
6. RUGBY — FRU advertises Flying Fijians head coach’s job
7. RUGBY — Lakapi Samoa CEO warns World Rugby sanctions could end Manu Samoa
8. RUGBY — Seven new caps named in Flying Fijians PNC squad
9. RUGBY — Richie Mo’unga to play for All Blacks for first time since 2023 World Cup
10. RUGBY — Sharks star on mission to put Cook Islands ‘on the map’
11. RUGBY LEAGUE — The Man with the Golden Boot: Manu becomes PNG Chiefs signing #007
12. FOOTBALL — PNGFA assured of players’ outstanding allowances
PAC – RUGBY: REUTERS PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 24 Aug 2026
World Rugby, UK bodies lose bid to throw out concussion lawsuits
LONDON, 24 AUGUST 2026 (REUTERS) — World Rugby and four British governing bodies lost an attempt on Friday to end concussion lawsuits involving more than 500 former rugby union and league players, after London’s High Court ruled the cases could continue.
The wider litigation includes England’s 2003 World Cup winners Steve Thompson and Phil Vickery among almost 800 former rugby union players suing over neurological injuries they say were caused by repeated blows to the head. More than 300 former rugby league players are also taking legal action.
The governing bodies asked for a ruling which would end the cases of more than 500 former professional and amateur players over both codes.
World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union, plus the Rugby Football League and the British Amateur Rugby League Association, argued the claimants’ former lawyers had repeatedly failed to provide medical records.
But lawyers representing the claimants argued they had provided the vast majority of the documents required and stressed the litigation’s wider importance for contact sports in the UK.
Judge Jeremy Cook said in a written ruling that the cases could continue subject to the production of the missing documents, adding that the “individual claimants are blameless”.
In a joint statement, World Rugby, the RFU and the WRU said they hoped that the litigation could now move forward “in the best interests of the players and the sport.”
KP Law, the claimants’ new legal representatives, described the ruling as “a significant step” for the former players.
“Our priority is to support our clients with the care and sensitivity these issues demand, and this outcome reinforces our determination to hold the defendants to account,” KP Law said in a statement.
The case began in 2022 but has been dogged by delays over disclosure, as has a parallel action by ex-rugby league players.
The ex-players say repeated concussive and sub-concussive blows left them with serious neurological conditions and allege the governing bodies breached their duty of care by failing to protect them from those risks.
The governing bodies, however, dispute that there is, or was, any such duty of care that extended to include the long-term risk of serious neurological conditions, and World Rugby argued in its written defence that injuries are an “inherent risk” in rugby…. PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 24 Aug 2026
Craig Bellamy ‘honoured’ to have coached Kamikamica
CANBERRA, 24 AUGUST 2026 (AAP) — Craig Bellamy has labelled Tui Kamikamica one of the best clubmen he has ever known after the Melbourne prop retired in the wake of his medical episode.
Kamikamica officially hung the boots up on Thursday, around five months after a stroke that required heart and brain surgery and threw his playing future into doubt.
The 32-year-old was all smiles as he farewelled the Melbourne home crowd prior to Thursday night’s 22-14 loss to Penrith, waving from the field with his young child in his arms.
Born on the Fijian island of Taveuna, the towering Kamikamica became a fan favourite playing 142 NRL games with the Storm between 2017 and 2026.
Long-time Storm coach Bellamy will remember Kamikamica fondly for his leadership and loyalty off the field.
Bellamy, who coached Cameron Smith and Billy Slater and played alongside Ricky Stuart and Mal Meninga, said few brought more heart to a footy club than Kamikamica.
“What he’s done for our club in the time he’s been here, that would be very, very hard to repeat. Everyone loves him,” Bellamy said.
“That’s not just me, it’s everyone in the club. They all love him because he’s such a genuine guy and a real decent guy.
“He’s been one of the best clubmen that I’ve ever seen, coaching and playing. I couldn’t give him a bigger rap than that.”
On the park, Kamikamica added valuable size to the Storm pack at a time in the club’s history when bigger bodies have been at a premium.
“Every time he laced his boots on and went out and played, he’d give it his all,” Bellamy said.
“I’m just honoured to have been his coach for a little while and got to know Tui as a footy player but got to know him as a man as well.
“I haven’t worked with too many better people in the game than Tui.”
Bellamy lamented a slow start on Thursday night, when the Storm’s already remote finals hopes were officially dashed by the visiting Panthers.
Brian To’o scored three tries as Penrith took a 22-0 lead before the Storm’s late fightback.
“We started slowly and didn’t really get into the game,” Bellamy said.
“The second half obviously was much better from our point of view but if you get 22 points behind Penrith … we were probably never really going to be coming back.”…. PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 24 Aug 2026
Fourteenth OFC Men’s Champions League Crown for Auckland City
AUCKLAND, 24 AUGUST 2026 (OFC) — Second half goals from Ryan De Vries and Matt Ellis ensured Auckland City a fifth successive OFC Men’s Champions League title, and a fourteenth in their illustrious and trophy-laden history, as the defending champions defeated Central Coast FC 2-0 in the Final played at 4R Govind Park in Ba, Fiji.
Central Coast FC fired the first shot in anger of the Final, a Barrie Limoki shot from range being comfortably dealt with by Matthew Foord, but it was Auckland City who dictated the early pace and were unfortunate to see an Ellis strike ruled out for a marginal offside decision.
The Solomon Islanders, only the third team from their country to play in an OFC Men’s Champions League Final, settled into their stride with the livewire Rafa Lea’i, scorer of a semi-final hat-trick, beginning to cause problems for the New Zealanders defence.
Lea’i’s electric acceleration and superb close control proved to be a nightmare for the Auckland City defensive unit, but City had stars of their own with prolific forward De Vries denied by a smart block at his near post by Central Coast FC goalkeeper Erick Wanega.
Despite the wealth of talent on the pitch, clear cut opportunities were at a premium, with the sporadic set-piece most likely to be the cause of breaking the deadlock inside an evenly matched opening forty-five minutes of the contest.
The pattern of the second half was akin to the first, neither team able to wrestle control of the fixture. Indeed, it took until the hour mark for anything much of note, Michal Doudera going down inside the penalty area to vociferous appeals from the Auckland City contingent, the officials deeming the challenge fair.
Central Coast FC’s attacking trio of Lea’i, Limoki, and Bobby Leslie continued to work hard, their industrious running stretching the Auckland City defence, while Ellis was impressive in fashioning City’s best openings, one jinking run leading to a corner from which centre-back Nathan Rostron headed over.
Auckland City finally made the breakthrough with a little over twenty minutes remaining. The architect was midfielder Michael De Heijer who won a loose ball in midfield and found Doudera at the top right of the penalty area. His fierce low drive proved too hot to handle for Wanega, who could only parry into the path of De Vries who tapped home.
City almost added a second shortly afterwards, Christian Gray heading over from close range after captain Mario Ilich had nodded a corner back into the danger area, but the crucial second goal would duly arrive only nine minutes after the first.
The substitute, Ryan Watson, played a pivotal role, bursting away down the right flank and cutting infield along the by-line before picking out a perfect ball across the top of the six-yard box, that took out goalkeeper Wanega, allowing Ellis to slide it into the gaping goal for 2-0.
Central Coast FC’s hopes of a comeback were dealt a further blow in the 83rd minute when Prince Tahunipue was shown a straight red card for his part in a confrontation close to the halfway line, and with him went any real chance of reeling in the perennial OFC Men’s Champions League winners who claimed yet another title.
Auckland City: 2 (Ryan DE VRIES 69′, Matt ELLIS 78′)
Central Coast FC: 0
HT: 0-0…. PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 24 Aug 2026
Papua New Guinea learn FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ Playoff Tournament fate
PORT MORESBY, 24 AUGUST 2026 (OFC) — Papua New Guinea’s dream of a first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup™ has become clearer, following the draw for the preliminary phase of the Playoff Tournament.
After their final 1-0 defeat to New Zealand in Auckland earlier this year, the Bilums will now face Uzbekistan, Chinese Taipei and Ghana, as they look to advance to the final phase next year.
Two teams will advance from the preliminary phase, to be joined by four other nations to determine the final three teams to qualify for the 2027 tournament in Brazil.
The preliminary phase will take place at a centralised venue in November and December of this year. The host and match schedule will be confirmed by FIFA in due course.
Full draw
Match Day 1
Uzbekistan v Papua New Guinea
Chinese Taipei v South Africa
Ghana v Ecuador
Match Day 2
Uzbekistan v Ghana
South Africa v Ecuador
Papua New Guinea v Chinese Taipei
Match Day 3
South Africa v Uzbekistan
Papua New Guinea v Ghana
Chinese Taipei v Ecuador…. PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: NZ FOOTBALL PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 24 Aug 2026
New Zealand U-19 Men’s Squad Named for OFC U-19 Championship in Samoa
WELLINGTON, 24 AUGUST 2026 (NZ FOOTBALL) — New Zealand U-19 Men’s Head Coach José Figueira has named a 21-player squad for the OFC U-19 Championship, set to take place in Apia, Samoa, from 1-14 September 2026.
The 2026 OFC U-19 Men’s Championship serves as the Oceania qualification tournament for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup, to be hosted in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.
The top two teams earning qualification as the region’s representatives.
Drawn in Group B, New Zealand will face Tahiti, Fiji, and Vanuatu in the group stage in Apia. The Kiwis open their campaign against Tahiti on 2 September, before taking on Fiji on 5 September and Vanuatu on 8 September.
The top side in Group B will advance to the knockout stage, with New Zealand aiming to build momentum through the pool phase as it targets both regional success and qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
The squad features predominately players from clubs in New Zealand with Auckland FC providing the largest contingent with 9 players selected, while Wellington Phoenix FC contributes three players.
The squad includes players developing in Australia’s professional and semi-professional systems, with representatives from Western Sydney Wanderers FC and Sydney Olympic FC.
Alex Lienard’s inclusion from Sunderland AFC gives the squad a connection to a high-level English football academy environment.
New Zealand squad for OFC U-19 Championship:
Victor Barbosa (Unattached)
Aaron Cartwright (Auckland FC)
Bailey Ferguson (Unattached)
Van Fitzharris (Auckland FC)
Ricky Fransen (Western Sydney Wanderers FC)
George Green (Western Suburbs FC)
Oliver Grosso (Christchurch United)
Waisea Henry (Christchurch United)
Harley Hill (Auckland FC)
Anton Isaako (Sydney Olympic FC)
Eli Jones (Auckland FC)
Damion Kim (Auckland FC)
Alex Lienard (Sunderland AFC)
Nathan Martin (Auckland FC)
Eamonn McCarron (Wellington Phoenix FC)
Dejaun Naidoo (Auckland FC)
Daniel Nelson (Wellington Phoenix FC)
Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues (Unattached)
Jayden Smith (Wellington Phoenix FC)
Luka Vicelich (Auckland FC)
Michael Wong (Auckland FC)
Among those to return from the previous U-20 cycle are Eamonn McCarron, Jayden Smith and Gab Sloane-Rodrigues.
There are also eight players who’ve progressed from the New Zealand men’s U-17 cycle (Aaron Cartwright, Van Fitzharris, Damion Kim, Alex Lienard, Nathan Martin, Daniel Nelson, Luka Vicelich, Michael Wong).
Head Coach José Figueira says this squad highlights the success of the New Zealand Football pathways system, with so many players progressing from previous age groups.
“We’ve selected a group that combines players excelling in domestic environments with others gaining experience overseas. The players have worked hard to reach this point, and we’re looking forward to the challenge ahead in Samoa.
“The OFC U-19 Championship is a fantastic opportunity for our players to test themselves in a competitive international environment. We know what’s at stake with a place at the FIFA U-20 World Cup on the line, but our focus is on continuing the development of this group, playing our football with confidence, and representing New Zealand with pride.
“Tournaments like this are about embracing the challenge. Every team in Oceania will arrive in Samoa with ambition and belief, and we have great respect for our opponents. For us, success will come from staying true to our identity, working hard for each other, and being ready to perform when the key moments arrive.
“Qualifying for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup is the objective for this team, but we know nothing will be given to us. We are excited for the challenge ahead, and now it’s about bringing energy, discipline, and consistency to every match throughout the tournament.”
2026 OFC U-19 Men’s Championship – Group B:
2 September: New Zealand vs Tahiti, 2:00pm NZT
5 September: New Zealand vs Fiji, 2:00pm NZT
8 September: New Zealand vs Vanuatu, 2:00pm NZT
All matches will be played at FFS Football Stadium (Field 2) in Apia, Samoa…. PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 24 Aug 2026
FRU advertises Flying Fijians head coach’s job
SUVA, 24 AUGUST 2026 (FIJI SUN) — The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU)has advertised the Flying Fijians head coach’s job. FRU and Mick Byrne parted ways on 01 April 2026 before Senirusi Seruvakula took over as interim head coach.
The successful candidate will be contracted for 14 months, covering next year’s Rugby World Cup (RWC) in Australia, and will report to the General Manager High Performance Nacani Cawanibuka.
Performance will be judged on results against Tier 1 nations, progress beyond the World Cup pool stage and improvement in Fiji’s World Rugby ranking in 2027.
Other benchmarks include annual international results, squad depth and the number of emerging players established at Test level. Development of Fiji-based coaches and performance staff will also be assessed.
The appointee will lead a world-class high performance programme and work closely with Fiji Rugby’s High-Performance Unit, Fijian Drua, pathway programmes, provincial unions and overseas partners.
Key responsibilities include setting the national team strategy, delivering campaign plans, managing selection and succession planning, and conducting performance reviews.
The role also involves leading an integrated coaching and support team while maintaining standards across analysis, strength and conditioning, sports science, medicine, nutrition and player welfare.
The coach must build a culture driven by excellence, accountability, discipline, in novation and continuous improvement.
They will be expected to identify and develop emerging talent, strengthen squad depth, mentor local coaches and contribute to Fiji Rugby’s coaching systems and frameworks. Strong engagement with the Fijian Drua, provincial unions, domestic stakeholders and overseas clubs will be required. The role also includes representing Fiji Rugby internationally and working with World Rugby, regional bodies and strategic partners.
Essential criteria
Applicants must have proven success at international level or in Super Rugby Pacific, United Rugby Championship (URC), Premiership, Top 14 or equivalent elite competitions.
Experience leading high-performance teams, preparing for major tournaments and developing coaching staff is required.
Strong leadership, communication and people-management skills are essential, along with the ability to align players and staff around a shared vision.
Cultural awareness and the ability to operate in diverse environments are also required.
Technical requirements
Candidates must have strong knowledge of rugby performance, strategy and game development, along with expertise in talent identification and succession planning.
Experience using performance tools such as Opta, GPS and athlete management systems is required. The role also demands close collaboration with medical and performance staff on player welfare and output, and the ability to sustain a high-performance environment.
RWC coaching experience and exposure to emerging rugby nations or multicultural settings are an advantage.
Applications must be submitted by email. Hard copies will not be accepted.
The vacancy opens today and closes on 21 September…. PACNEWS
SAMOA – RUGBY: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 24 Aug 2026
Lakapi Samoa CEO warns World Rugby sanctions could end Manu Samoa
APIA, 24 AUGUST 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) — There will be “no more Manu Samoa” if the government does not accept a proposed World Rugby review of Lakapi Samoa (Samoa Rugby Union) and the country is subsequently sanctioned.
That is the warning from Lakapi Samoa CEO Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun.
“If we get to that point, then there will be no point [in] rugby in Samoa because once we get sanctioned, then there will be no more Manu Samoa, no funding, and that [would be] a great loss to us,” Seumanu told RNZ Pacific.
He said if the Samoan government does not accept the review or the review recommendations, sanctions from the sport’s global governing body would be inevitable.
Seumanu’s warning comes as the Samoan government and Lakapi Samoa remain at loggerheads over the future of the country’s national rugby administration, with the government having withdrawn its recognition and financial support for Lakapi Samoa on 30 July.
The government said the decision followed months of consultations and time given to resolve internal issues and divisions within the union. It has since launched a rival union, the Samoa Rugby Football Union.
Seumanu said World Rugby was waiting on the government to formally accept the review.
“Last I heard, they will review the Lakapi Samoa and I am waiting on the government to give their official correspondence to accept the review,” he said.
“So up to today (Friday), I have not been informed of any updates about the review.”
He said the proposed review would examine Lakapi Samoa’s office operations before recommendations were given to the government and World Rugby.
The initial plan was for the review to run until November 2026, but World Rugby has proposed extending the process until December 2026.
Seumanu said the government’s acceptance was required over both the timeframe and the way the review would be carried out.
Review support
He said World Rugby was also concerned the government might not accept the recommendations once the review was completed.
Seumanu believed the government should approve the review because of the scale of the investigation.
“It will investigate all our office operations and answer some of the questions and all the misinformed allegations towards members of our board saying they are greedy and thievish.”
“We will know [from the review] whether someone is stealing from the union or not.”
Seumanu said Lakapi Samoa was confident in proceeding with the review and saw it as the way to resolve the allegations surrounding the union.
“We are confident in going ahead with the review. That is the only way to solve all these issues being raised against us.
“We have to rely on this review to clear our names and clear our reputations as well because all our reputations are on the line with all the negative vibes that people have been saying about us.”
“That’s why we supported the review to go ahead so we can easily clear our names as well.”
Repercussions
However, he warned of the consequences if the government does not allow the review to proceed, including a sanction from rugby.
Seumanu said the potential consequences would extend beyond the current administration.
“It is very concerning, because if that happens, then we might get banned for up to four years and the criteria to get back in will be great and need to be met by the new union or us (Lakapi Samoa) if we end up operating it again.”
He said the effect on young players could be particularly severe and it will be a “great challenge because for a kid [who is] 19 years old now, he would not be able to play again until he is 24 years old if that happens”.
Seumanu also warned that Samoa could miss two World Cups if such a sanction occurred.
“What is also even more saddening is that we will miss two world cup tournaments if this happens because if we get banned then we will miss the World Cup in 2027 and the one in the [United] States.”
“That’s the biggest concern for us.”
The future of Lakapi Samoa’s executives also remains part of the dispute.
Asked whether the executives would resign following the government’s request, Seumanu said they would not resign.
He said the review remained the only way for the board to address the allegations and clear its reputation.
Questions have been sent to government, through the Prime Minister’s Office and the new Samoa Rugby Football Union, seeking their response to World Rugby’s proposal.
World Rugby has also been contacted for an update. In its latest update, issued two weeks ago, World Rugby said it was still in discussions with stakeholders and working towards a solution…. PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 24 Aug 2026
Seven new caps named in Flying Fijians PNC squad
SUVA, 24 AUGUST 2026 (FBC SPORTS) — The Flying Fijians have unveiled a 31-member squad for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup, with seven players in line to make their international debut.
Among the uncapped players selected are Penaia Cakobau, Vilikesa Nairau, Inoke Ravuiwasa, Isoa Tuwai, Terio Tamani, Maleli Nauvasi and Isaac Ratuimatavuki-Kneepkens, highlighting Fiji Rugby’s continued investment in emerging talent.
The squad features a blend of experienced internationals and exciting newcomers as Fiji prepares for its regional campaign.
The forwards named are Livai Natave, Peni Ravai, Meli Tuni, Tevita Ikanivere, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Penaia Cakobau, Mesake Doge, Samu Tawake, Vilikesa Nairau, Inoke Ravuiwasa, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua, Joseva Tamani, Kitione Salawa, Motikiai Murray, Isoa Tuwai and Elia Canakaivata.
The backs selected are Frank Lomani, Sam Wye, Philip Baselala, Terio Tamani, Caleb Muntz, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Kemu Valetini, Joji Nasova, Maleli Nauvasi, Manasa Mataele, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Virimi Vakatawa, Isaac Ratuimatavuki-Kneepkens and Isikeli Rabitu.
The inclusion of seven uncapped players signals a new wave of talent pushing for international honours, while experienced campaigners such as Frank Lomani, Tevita Ikanivere, Peni Ravai, Caleb Muntz, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula and Temo Mayanavanua are expected to provide leadership within the squad.
Fiji will be aiming for another strong Pacific Nations Cup campaign as it continues building depth ahead of future international competitions…. PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 24 Aug 2026
Richie Mo’unga to play for All Blacks for first time since 2023 World Cup
WELLINGTON, 24 AUGUST 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) — Richie Mo’unga is back in black.
The Canterbury first-five, who has recently returned from playing in Japan, has been named to start for the All Blacks against the Lions in Johannesburg on Wednesday morning.
Mo’unga last played for the All Blacks at the 2023 World Cup. He was initially ineligible to be selected for the tour of South Africa, but became eligible to be called in as an injury replacement after taking the field in the NPC.
When midfielder Billy Proctor was forced to head back to New Zealand with a shoulder injury, coach Dave Rennie called Mo’unga into the squad. Now he gets his first chance to impress for the All Blacks.
Rennie has made a raft of changes, as expected, for the Lions match from the team that beat the Springboks in the first test, though some players have to back up.
Uncapped prop Saula Ma’u will play his first game for the All Blacks after being named on the bench.
“Firstly, I want to congratulate Saula on making his All Blacks debut. It will be a special day for him and his family,” Rennie said.
“With the naming of this matchday 23, everyone currently in the squad will have played on tour, which is great for creating depth and competition for places in the test team.”
It’s a quick return to the All Blacks for injury cover players, 68-Test prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi and lock Jamie Hannah, who are in the reserves.
They only flew in to join the squad on Sunday following head injuries to prop Ethan de Groot and lock Josh Lord in the win over South Africa at Ellis Park.
Halfback Noah Hotham has been named to start in his first appearance for the All Blacks this year, while centurion Beauden Barrett is at fullback.
Rieko Ioane is in the midfield with Timoci Tavatavanawai and Emoni Narawa and Fehi Fineanganofo are on the wings.
Pasilio Tosi, Samisoni Taukei’aho and Siale Lauaki start in the front row.
Reserve halfback Kyle Preston starts off the bench to become the only player to have played every game so far on the tour.
Loose forward Peter Lakai and midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown, who played in the All Blacks victory over the Springboks, will also back up against the Lions.
The side will be captained by veteran lock Patrick Tuipulotu.
Rennie said it’s not easy playing two games so close to each other, but he’s happy with how the squad is placed.
“I’ve been impressed with the way that all players in our squad have responded to the quick turnaround between games. The Lions match comes just three days after the first test match but everyone has been involved in preparing this team to play.
“We know we will have to be at our very best again to prepare for what we know will be another physical match against a Lions side that has been lying in wait.”
All Blacks match-day 23 (Test caps and non-Test games in brackets. * indicates new All Black):
1. Siale Lauaki (0, 2)
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho (44, 2)
3. Pasilio Tosi (17, 2)
4. Sam Darry (10, 2)
5. Patrick Tuipulotu (57, 4) – Captain
6. Wallace Sititi (21, 2)
7. Ethan Blackadder (14, 2)
8. Semisi Ta’eiloa (0, 1)
9. Noah Hotham (3, 0)
10. Richie Mo’unga (56, 1)
11. Emoni Narawa (4, 2)
12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (2, 2)
13. Rieko Ioane (88, 2)
14. Fehi Fineanganofo (1, 2)
15. Beauden Barrett (144, 3)
16. Bradley Slater (0, 1)
17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (68, 2)
18. Saula Ma’u *
19. Jamie Hannah (1, 0)
20. Peter Lakai (11, 2)
21. Kyle Preston (2, 3)
22. Josh Jacomb (0, 2)
23. Anton Lienert-Brown (91, 3)…. PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 24 Aug 2026
Sharks star on mission to put Cook Islands ‘on the map’
RAROTONGA, 24 AUGUST 2026 (AAP) — Cronulla centre KL Iro is on a mission to put his small Pacific nation of around 17,000 residents “on the map” at the Rugby League World Cup.
Iro is the highest-profile active player to have been raised in the Cook Islands, a self-governing associated state of New Zealand located between French Polynesia and American Samoa.
But many others have Cook Islander heritage, including Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Brisbane premiership winner Xavier Willison and retiring Canberra veteran Josh Papali’i.
Papali’i is contemplating a rugby league swan song at this year’s World Cup with either the Cook Islands, whom he has never represented, or Samoa – his team at the last two Cups.
As he prepares for the fifth-placed Sharks’ finals tilt, Iro will soon have an eye on reigniting his campaign to bring more players on side.
New Zealand-eligible Nicoll-Klokstad and Willison are both key targets for the confident Cook Islands captain in his recruitment drive.
“I’m just hoping they can come join us and help us have a good strong campaign,” Iro told AAP ahead of Sunday’s clash with Gold Coast.
“They’re probably still tossing up between if they make Kiwis or Cookies, but I think if the Kiwis opportunity doesn’t come up, they’ll come over to us for sure.”
Rugby league legend Kevin Iro bugged his son about recruiting more players for the Cook Islands while he was back in Rarotonga last year nursing a pectoral injury.
With nothing else on his plate – other than recovery and kicking back on island time – Iro got to work with an eye on the World Cup that begins this October.
“My dad was pestering me to pester everyone so that’s how it started. I was messaging all the boys and trying to get them over,” he said.
“I’ll probably try to do the same closer to camp. But I’ll try and focus in (on the Sharks) for now.”
St George Illawarra centre Val Holmes has already committed to playing for the Cook Islands, while Marata Niukore and Davvy Moale were among the NRL players who featured in their most recent international last year.
Cook Islands will need as much help as possible, drawn in the same pool as New Zealand and Australia.
Advancing to the knockout stage of the tournament for the first time will realistically mean beating at least one of the two tournament favourites.
“It’s a big challenge for us hey, but I think the boys are all excited,” Iro said.
“Obviously playing the best players in the world is a good opportunity for us to put our little nation on the map.”…. PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 24 Aug 2026
The Man with the Golden Boot: Manu becomes PNG Chiefs signing #007
PORT MORESBY, 24 AUGUST 2026 (NRL) — The PNG Chiefs are pleased to confirm the signing of two-time NRL Premiership winner and New Zealand international Joseph Manu on a two-year deal as the club continues to build a strong roster ahead of its inaugural season.
Currently playing for Racing 92 in French rugby union, Manu will become Chiefs Player #007 – joining Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson, Matty Lees, Zac Lomax and Brian To’o as players signed to the club for the 2028 season.
He will link up with the Chiefs on a two-year deal for the 2028 and 2029 seasons.
Born in New Zealand with Māori and Cook Island descent, Manu made his first-grade debut in 2016 after an impressive junior rugby league career which included appearances in the U/19 Commonwealth Games in 2014 and Junior Kiwis in 2015.
Having won both the U/18’s (2014) and U/20’s (2016) competition with the Roosters, he won his first NRL Premiership with the Tricolours in 2018 – helping the club repeat their efforts the following year as they won the title again in 2019.
In addition to his 69 tries scored in 181 NRL games, Manu has also made 17 Test match appearances for New Zealand and was named the Golden Boot winner in 2022.
PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson said the star outside back was another significant signing for the club both on and off the field.
“Joey is another key signing for us and a further demonstration of the ambition we have for this club in making an impact for the people of Papua New Guinea. His connection to the Pacific, his character, experience and standing in the game will have a profound impact on our club.
“He understands the responsibility that comes with representing something bigger than himself, and we believe he can have a genuine impact on our young players and the next generation of Papua New Guineans – who we are proud to represent as a club.”
PNG Chiefs General Manager – Football Michael Chammas said Manu would offer a great attacking threat and experience to the Chiefs’ roster.
“We’re thrilled to add Joey to our squad moving forward,” Chammas said. “He is a world-class footballer with versatility across several positions and can change a game in a single moment with the skills he possesses.
“His experience and demonstrated success at the highest level will be a great benefit to our team and we can’t wait to see him have a significant impact in the Chiefs jersey.”…. PACNEWS
PNG – FOOTBALL: NBC PNG PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 24 Aug 2026
PNGFA assured of players’ outstanding allowances
PORT MORESBY, 24 AUGUST 2026 (NBC PNG) — The PNG Football Association has confirmed its participation in this year’s Melanesian Spearhead Group Prime Minister’s Cup, following an assurance from the Office of the Prime Minister that unresolved payments from previous tournaments will be settled.
Last week, PNGFA released a statement indicating it was considering pulling out of the tournament. General Secretary Armjad Tekwie said the statement was made in fairness to the players and their concerns.
“PNGFA did release a statement indicating that we were considering pulling out of the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup if certain commitments were not met,” Tekwie said.
“Since releasing the statement, we have had successful meetings with the Office of the Prime Minister. We have been assured that all requirements for the players will be met.”
Following the positive feedback from the Office of the Prime Minister, PNGFA is now assembling both the men’s and women’s teams for the fifth edition of the tournament.
“We have been advised to assemble both teams and commence preparations,” Tekwie added.
“I just want to clarify that our concerns were based on outstanding allowances for players from 2024 and 2025. We have provided all necessary documentation and have been assured that this is a priority and will be addressed. We are scheduled to depart on September 14,” he said.
“There were questions coming from all angles, so we felt compelled to declare our position.
“Of course we wanted to ensure that we participate in the MSG, but we also felt that we owed it to the players to ensure that, in fairness, whatever outstanding commitments made to them in good faith are satisfied before we commit to participating.”
As of Thursday, 20 August, this newsroom was told that payments totaling around K469,000 (US$105,778) are yet to be made.
“We were assured that payments will be made before the teams leave for Fiji, and so we are still waiting,” Tekwie said.
Tekwie recalled that since December 2025, they had been advised to liaise directly with the Host Organising Committee. However, after all attempts failed, they went directly to the Office of the Prime Minister.
“We managed to reach out to the Office of the Prime Minister and we successfully did so after the publication of the press statement,” he said.
With the long delay, PNG Football advocate and initiator of the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, Joseph Ealedona, has called for an audit and investigation into the issue, which he described as unfair to the players.
“Whatever is happening to the players is unfair and something needs to be done, and some people need to be held responsible,” Ealedona said.
As this newsroom continues to follow the issue, the men’s draw for the tournament has been released, with the women’s draw yet to be announced.
MSG PRIME MINISTER’S CUP 2026 DRAW: PNG MEN’S FIXTURES:
Thursday, 17 September
4:00pm: PNG vs Vanuatu
Wednesday, 23 September
7:00pm: PNG vs New Caledonia
Saturday, 26 September
7:00pm: PNG vs Fiji
Tuesday, 29 September
4:00pm: PNG vs Solomon Islands…. PACNEWS
