In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — Fijiana XV focuses on finishing
2. RUGBY — 31 applicants for Flying Fijians head coach’s job
3. BOXING — Fiji boxers make Youth Olympics history
4. POWERLIFTING — Speight turns to powerlifting after prison release, to represent Fiji
5. RUGBY LEAGUE — PM’s 13 women named
6. RUGBY — Taka, Taumoepeau headline Australia U18 team for Schoolboys clash
7. FOOTBALL — PNG lead women’s MSG Cup ladder
8. FOOTBALL — Bula Boys focus on long-term goal
9. RUGBY — Michaela Leonard to become first Wallaroos player to 50 Test caps
10. RUGBY LEAGUE — Me-versus-me: why To’o is now the hunter at Penrith
11. RUGBY LEAGUE — V’landys sets sights on overseas moves in new NRL role
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 25 Sep 2026
Fijiana XV focuses on finishing
HONG KONG, 25 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FBC SPORTS) —Making the most of every opportunity has been a major focus for the Fijiana XV as they prepare for their final clash of the WXV Global Series.
Head coach Willie Walker says the team has shown it can create scoring opportunities, but converting those chances into points is an area they have been working hard to improve.
The Fijiana have also used the week to address other areas of their game, including running lines and set-pieces, as they look to sharpen their overall performance.
Walker believes that if the side can improve their finishing and capitalise on the opportunities they create, they have the potential to reach new heights.
“One of the best things of this team is their ability to create opportunities, on several occasions beat defenders, and create line breaks but we just need to be clinical in making use of these opportunities.”
The Fijiana XV will play their final Global Series match against the Netherlands at 4pm on Saturday…..PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 25 Sep 2026
31 applicants for Flying Fijians head coach’s job
SUVA, 25 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FIJI SUN)—The process to select a Flying Fijians head coach is now underway.
This was confirmed yesterday to SUNsports by Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer Koli Sewabu.
“A total of 31 applications were received by the Fiji Rugby Union for the position of Flying Fijians head coach,” he said.
“Shortlisting commences this week, followed by interviews. The announcement will follow after consultation with key stakeholders and the final approval will come from our board.”
The successful candidate will be contracted for 14 months, covering next year’s Rugby World Cup (RWC) in Australia, and will report to General Manager High Performance Nacani Cawanibuka.
Performance will be assessed based on results against Tier 1 nations, progress beyond the World Cup pool stage and improvement in Fiji’s World Rugby ranking in 2027.
The position was advertised on 22 August, following FRU’s decision to part ways with Mick Byrne on April 1. Senirusi Seruvakula subsequently took over as interim head coach.
Under Seruvakula’s watch the Flying Fijians lost to Tier One nations Wales, England and Scotland during the inaugural Nations Championship in the United Kingdom in July.
Then they beat Canada 45-29 in their Pacific Nations Cup semi-final in Osaka, Japan, before losing 25-20 to Japan in the final last Saturday night. This resulted in Fiji moving down from ninth to 10th in the latest World Rugby rankings.
For the past year, French Top 14 coaches Laurent Travers and Franck Azema have been linked to the Flying Fijians head coach’s job but nothing had eventuated.
Also, former Springboks head coach Heyneke Meyer had applied for Flying Fijians head coach’s post in 2023 where he was short-listed but the job was given to Byrne.
Recently, former England prop and forwards coach Graham Rowntree visited the Flying Fijians in Tokyo as he now coaches Japanese club Urayasu D-Rocks….PACNEWS
FIJI – BOXING: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 25 Sep 2026
Fiji boxers make Youth Olympics history
SUVA, 25 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FIJI SUN)—The Fiji amateur boxing team will make history when two upcoming boxers will compete at the Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, from 31 October to 13 November.
Team Fiji Youth Boxing head trainer Cam Todd said the team was excited to have Fiji represented at the Youth Olympics for the first time.
“This is the first time in history that Fiji has ever had boxers go to Youth Olympic Games, so it’s quite a big deal and I’m very impressed and honoured that we’ve got two boxers going,” Todd told SUNsports.
The team preparations are on track, with Merewalesi Kolitapa and Norman Amram recently competing at an Oceania invitation event in Samoa.
“Team preparation is going really well. We’ve just come back from Samoa from the Oceania invitation event where both of our boxers competed and they performed very well,” he said.
“This is the first time in history that Fiji has ever had boxers go to Youth Olympic Games, so it’s quite a big deal and I’m very impressed and honoured that we’ve got two boxers going.
Todd said the focus in Dakar would be on performance rather than medals.
“The team’s main goal is just to perform to the best of their abilities. Youth Olympics is a very hard event.
“It only happens every four years and it’s the world’s best youth boxers, so it’ll be some very strong competition there,” he said.
“We have one male and one female boxer.
“I’m looking forward to them performing on the big stage at the Youth Olympics.”
Todd urged the Fiji community to support the young boxers as they make their historic debut.
“We’d love the Fiji community to get behind our young boxers making history going to Youth Olympics,” he said……PACNEWS
FIJI – POWERLIFTING: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 25 Sep 2026
Speight turns to powerlifting after prison release, to represent Fiji
SUVA, 25 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FIJI SUN)—Former coup frontman George Speight, who was pardoned after 24 years in prison, has moved on to represent Fiji in powerlifting.
Speight will compete in the Masters IV 93kg category at the Oceania Regional Powerlifting and Bench Press Championships, which will be held at Suva’s National Gymnasium from 02 – 06 November.
He is among 50 Team Fiji powerlifters selected for the championships, which return to Suva after 20 years.
Speaking to SUNsports, Fiji Powerlifting coaching staff member Muzammil Ali said preparations were in their final stages, both on and off the platform.
“At this stage we are really getting into the final stretch,” he said.
“There is a lot involved in hosting an international powerlifting championship—it is not just what happens on the platform.”
Preparations include accommodation, transportation, competition equipment, technical officials, volunteers, spotters and loaders, athlete logistics, sponsorship and media.
Ali said 50 athletes had been selected to represent Fiji, making it one of the country’s largest powerlifting contingents.
The championship will feature full power and bench press events.
“Team Fiji will aim to perform at their best on home soil and I’m urging fans to support the lifters in November,” he added.
Team Fiji
Classic Powerlifting Women/Bench Press:Emelia Wood, Vani Lewatu, Riya Rinky, Melisa Sanehi, Neha Ali, Natasha Singh, Bethnilza Kumar, Faith Nute, Mereadani Lomaloma, Kadia Lutubula and Senimili Turner.
Bench Press Men:Vivaan Patel, Rodney Yagomate, Radhikesh Kumarm, Shuaid Khan, Aarav Kumar, Adrian Kumar, Abhishay Sharma, Loyola Young, Prashant Narayan, Henry Cheung, Albert Vasu, Aiyaz Ali, Pranay Sharma, Shifran Ali, Vinesh Chand, Daniel Patel, Muzammil Ali, Devit Chand, Norman Ravai, Gardiner Whiteside, Kurt Wise, Rafaele Kasibulu, Simione Bale, Luke Vuidreketi, Tevita Bola, Peni Lutubula, Samisoni Speight, John Susau, Seru Soderberg, Eliesa Sitifana Irava and George Speight.
Coaching team:Gardiner Whiteside (head coach), Muzammil Ali (coach), Norman Ravai (coach), Samisami Speight (coach), Simione Bale (coach) and Vinesh Chand (coach)…..PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 25 Sep 2026
PM’s 13 women named
PORT MORESBY, 25 SEPTEMBER 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—The Papua New Guinea Prime Minister’s XIII women’s squad for the Oct 3 tournament against Australia has been named, with Cathy Neap of the Central Dabaris appointed head coach.
The match will be played at the Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby.
Neap this year guided Dabaris to a back-to-back Santos Cup premierships (2025 and 2026). She has been coaching the Central franchise since the Santos Cup was introduced in 2024. This will be her first challenge as PNG’s women coach. “I want the girls to believe in themselves, play for one another and show the commitment and determination they have demonstrated throughout their careers,” Neap said.
“We are grateful to PNGRFL for giving us this opportunity and for continuing to invest in the growth of women’s rugby league in Papua New Guinea.”
The 20-player squad:
1. Alice Alois – Port Moresby Vipers
2. Anika Butler – Maitland Pickers
3. Belinda Gwasamun – Mt Hagen Eagles
4. Cynthia Peters – ENB Gurias
5. Doreen William – Lae Tigers
6. Gemma Schnaubelt – Western Clydesdales
7. Gian Kaupa – Lae Tigers
8. Jafinda Sap – Central Dabaris
9. Ivania Wong – ACT Brumbies
10. Jacinta Gerry – Mt Hagen Eagles
11. Jenny David – Brisbane Tigers
12. Josephine Howard – Central Dabaris
13. Joyce Hobert – Port Moresby Vipers
14. Lila Malabag – Port Moresby Vipers
15. Mala Mark – Central Dabaris
16. Ruth Gende – Port Moresby Vipers
17. Sareka Mooka – Northern Pride
18. Ua Ravu – South Sydney
19. Sherinda Philip – Central Dabaris
20. Mya Muller – Penrith Panthers….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 25 Sep 2026
Taka, Taumoepeau headline Australia U18 team for Schoolboys clash
SYDNEY, 25 SEPTEMBER 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU0—NSW Waratahs back-rower Justice Taumoepeau and Australia U20 standout Taione Taka have been named in the Australia U18 leadership group as they prepare for Friday’s clash with the Australian Schooboys.
Coach Dale Roberson has named Taumoepeau skipper, with Taka set to deputise, as they finalise preparations for next week’s tour of New Zealand.
Taumoepeau is fresh off featuring for the Waratahs in Super Rugby AUS, starting in their opening round win over the ACT Brumbies.
The son of former Waratahs assistant Pauli also helped Easts regain the Shute Shield title, coming off the bench in the victory over Warringah.
He starts in the back-row with Tahj Smith, who also returns after last year’s successful campaign, and Randwick’s Charlie Tanner.
As for Taka, the versatile back started four games in the Junior World Championship and has been named in the midfield.
Australia U16 graduates Izak Holmes and Wilson Ruthven get the nod in the halves, with Queenslander James Smith joining Taka in the centres.
Robertson has backed the Riverview combination of Taj Scarr and Jack Palmondon out wide, with ACT’s Aidan Wunsch completing the backline.
In the forwards, Newington duo Iliyaz Viliamu and Isaiah Sheck will start at loosehead and tighthead prop, respectively, with The King’s School’s Oliver Smith at hooker.
New addition Jack Burton comes into the second-row alongside fellow Queenslander Harrison Asi.
Burton, along with Flynn Farrell and Cooper Murray, have been drafted into the squad after Harper Enasio, Harry Whitaker and Joel Stovold were ruled out for the match and the subsequent tour of New Zealand.
“We’ve had a great first week in camp here in Sydney, with the group creating connections on and off the field” Roberson said.
“We’re looking forward to sharpening our skills ahead of the tour to New Zealand and excited for the challenge of facing a tough Australian Schools team on Friday where we will look to put in a strong performance.”
Australia U18 v Australian Schools Rugby Union
Friday 25 September: Knox Grammar School, Sydney, at 2.05pm (AEST).
1. Iliyaz Viliamu
2. Oliver Smith
3. Isaiah Sheck
4. Harrison Asi
5. Jack Burton
6. Tahj Smith
7. Charlie Tanner
8. Justice Taumoepeau (c)
9. Izak Holmes
10. Wilson Ruthven
11. Taj Scarr
12. James Smith
13. Taione Taka (vc)
14. Aidan Wunsch
15. Jack Plamondon
Substitutes
16. Aiden Luke
17. Mark Falaniko-Peterson
18. James Hannaford
19. Hasani Bloomfield
20. Jack Calleja
21. Flynn Farrell
22. Cooper Murray
23. Faf Krueger
24. Finn Hannon
25. Hunter Reich
26. Bareek Kleine-Deters Ausage
AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLBOYS TEAM LIST
1.Angus Littler
2. Archie Hill
3. Owen Heathwood
4. Fraser Boakes
5. Josh Arundel
6. Zeki Langi
7. Lane Edmonds
8. Selestino Mainakavika
9. Jeremy Rath
10. Isaiah Cornforth
11. Ben Wright
12. Tomas Jensen
13. Flynn Killman
14. Lucas Pavic
15. Noah Jury
Substitutes
16. Patrick Donnan
17. Tyler Riddell
18. Gabe Cornillon Elliott
19. Liam Sidwell
20. Soane Ta’ai
21. Hamish Ward
22. Rokko Walker
23. Davi Nemer Rodrigues
24. Isaac Perkins
25. Will Taylor
26. Tristan Auelua
27. Malaki Lemalu….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 25 Sep 2026
PNG lead women’s MSG Cup ladder
SUVA, 25 SEPTEMBER 2-26 (THE NATIONAL)—The Papua New Guinea national women’s soccer team, PNG Bilums, have established themselves as current favourites for the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup title after recording two wins against Fiji, 4-0, in the tournament opener and an emphatic 4-1 victory on match-day two against New Caledonia.
That is two wins from two matches, and a six-point lead on the competition table. The Bilums, who are the reigning champions, will play their next match on Sunday against Vanuatu before taking on the Solomon Islands next Wednesday before the finals.
PNG’s recent superiority in the fixture puts the Ericson Komeng-coached Bilums in an excellent early position to defend their title. They had arrived in Fiji with much of their established senior core, including Ramona Padio, Marie Kaipu, Meagan Gunemba, Betty Sam and Yvonne Gabong, alongside younger players being integrated into the national setup.
The tournament also serves an important purpose beyond the regional trophy for Papua New Guinea. The country remains alive in qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and will compete in the inter-confederation playoff tournament later this year, making competitive matches in Fiji another valuable part of their preparation.
Vanuatu, on the other hand, have claimed a crucial win over Fiji Kulas, 1-0, to strengthen their own push for the final while the hosts continue to search for their first points of the tournament.
In the day two match, the Bilums began strongly against New Caledonia and took the lead in the 12th minute through Keren Kalapai. The goal gave the PNG women control of the match, although New Caledonia remained competitive and limited the deficit to one goal at half-time.
The second half showed the difference in experience and efficiency.
PNG captain Padio doubled the advantage in the 57th minute before Nenny Elipas scored twice, in the 68th and 78th minutes, to turn the result into a convincing 4-0 lead.
New Caledonia did not give up and found a deserved late consolation through Carasesiane Eloane in the 90th minute. It was an important moment for a team making its first appearance in the women’s competition, but PNG’s quality across the match was clear.
After opening the tournament with a 4-0 victory over Fiji, PNG have now scored eight goals in two matches. Their attacking depth, leadership and ability to take control after half-time have made them the team to beat in Suva.
With the top two teams advancing to the final on Oct 3, match day two has already given the tournament a clear shape. PNG look formidable, Vanuatu have put themselves in a strong position, and the remaining teams now face little room for error. …PACNEWS
FIJI – FOOTBALL: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 25 Sep 2026
Bula Boys focus on long-term goal
SUVA, 25 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—For the Bula Boys, the MSG Cup is about more than just winning matches.
The tournament is being used to sharpen combinations and build momentum ahead of the next FIFA international window.
Coach Stephane Auvary says the focus is on developing a team capable of competing at the highest level.
He believes that if they stick to their current training structure and long-term plan, chances of Fiji qualifying for the World Cup is very high.
“If we do things right, if we’re patient enough and continue to build that culture that we’re building, and if we find all the talents that are willing to play for the national team, because we have talent but some of them are not willing to play for the national team. If we do things in this order, we will be ready and God will decide who goes through.”
Meanwhile, the Bula Boys will play Papua New Guinea at 7pm on Sunday…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 25 Sep 2026
Michaela Leonard to become first Wallaroos player to 50 Test caps
EDINBURGH, 25 SEPTEMBER 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—Wallaroos lock Michaela Leonard is set to become the first player to reach 50 Test caps after being named to start against Scotland at Hive Stadium in Edinburgh on Sunday morning (1:10am AEST).
Leonard, who became the most-capped Australian Test player in April, will reach the historic milestone this weekend as the Wallaroos chase their first victory of the WXV Global Series.
The 31-year-old has featured in 49 out of the 102 Wallaroos Tests played since 1994 and has missed just two internationals since making her debut against Japan in 2019.
The Wallaroos have made five changes to the matchday 23 that were narrowly beaten by France last week in Marseille.
Brianna Hoy returns to the starting side while experienced prop Bridie O’Gorman has been added to the bench, along with back-rowers Emily Chancellor and Lily Bone.
Queensland Reds captain Jemma Bemrose is also back on deck while Martha Fua is in line to play her first Test of the tour after being included in the 23.
The backline is otherwise unchanged with Faitala Moleka and Georgina Friedrichs in the centres alongside Desiree Miller and Amelia Whitaker on the wings.
Miller is four points away from becoming the first player to reach 100 points for the Wallaroos.
Director of Women’s High Performance Tim Walsh said: “Statistically and objectively we have improved considerably throughout the last three Test matches and continuing on this tangent is our objective.
“In terms of milestones we will celebrate with Michaela Leonard as she runs out onto the field for her record-breaking 50th Test.”
The Wallaroos last played Scotland when they claimed the WXV 2 title in Cape Town in 2024.
Previously the two nations have met on four occasions since 1998 for a 4-0 record in favour of the Wallaroos, however never played a Test in Scottish or Australian soil.
The Wallaroos will host Scotland next month in Sydney (October 17) and Canberra (October 23) to finish the international season.
Watch the Wallaroos during the 2026 WXV Global Series live and on-demand on Stan Sport.
WALLAROOS TEAM FOR WXV GLOBAL SERIES CLASH AGAINST SCOTLAND
1. Brianna Hoy – #203 (NSW Waratahs/Coffs Harbour Snappers) – 16 caps
2. Brittany Merlo – #230 (NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 6 caps
3. Faliki Pohiva – #219 (NSW Waratahs/Blacktown Scorpions) – 13 caps
4. Kaitlan Leaney – #179 (NSW Waratahs/SCU Marlins) – 42 caps
5. Michaela Leonard – #168 (Western Force/Tuggeranong Vikings) – 49 caps
6. Pia Tapsell – #236 (Western Force/North Shore Rugby Club) – 3 caps
7. Piper Duck – #185 (NSW Waratahs/Tumut Bullettes) – 29 caps
8. Siokapesi Palu Sekona (c) – #194 (ACT Brumbies/Rockdale Rangers) – 30 caps
9. Samantha Wood – #207 (Western Force/Kalamunda Rugby) – 18 caps
10. Waiaria Ellis – #225 (NSW Waratahs/Blacktown Scorpions) – 9 caps
11. Desiree Miller – #204 (NSW Waratahs/Eastern Suburbs) – 30 caps
12. Faitala Moleka – #199 (ACT Brumbies/Blacktown Scorpions) – 33 caps
13. Georgina Friedrichs – #178 (NSW Waratahs/Wests Bulldogs) – 44 caps
14. Amelia Whitaker – #237 (NSW Waratahs/Randwick) – 2 caps
15. Caitlyn Halse – #210 (NSW Waratahs/Camden Rams) – 17 caps
Reserves
16. Tania Naden – #197 (ACT Brumbies/Uni-North Owls) – 32 caps
17. Martha Fua – #223 (ACT Brumbies/Blacktown Scorpions) – 4 caps
18. Bridie O’Gorman – #180 (NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 42 caps
19. Jemma Bemrose – #238 (Queensland Reds/Palm Beach Currumbin Alligators) – 1 cap
20. Emily Chancellor – #158 (NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 39 caps
21. Lily Bone – #229 (ACT Brumbies/Orange City) – 5 caps
22. Tia Hinds – #222 (NSW Waratahs/Randwick) – 13 caps
23. Ava Wereta – #233 (Queensland Reds/Coomera Crushers) – 3 caps
WXV Global Series
September 13: England 48 defeated Wallaroos 15 at CorpAcq Stadium, Salford
September 20: France 29 defeated Wallaroos 26 at Stade Maurice David, Aix-en-Provence
September 27: Scotland v Wallaroos at Hive Stadium, Edinburgh – 1:10am AEST
October 17: Wallaroos v Scotland at Accor Stadium, Sydney – 1:00pm AEDT
October 23: Wallaroos v Scotland at GIO Stadium, Canberra – 7:30pm AEDT
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 25 Sep 2026
Me-versus-me: why To’o is now the hunter at Penrith
PENRITH, 25 SEPTEMBER 2026 (AAP)—For the first time in almost six years, Brian To’o is a hunter.
No longer an incumbent NSW State of Origin winger, and not a current premiership holder at Penrith.
The dominant winger of this decade, To’o’s run to Sunday’s preliminary final against Newcastle and a powerhouse showdown with Greg Marzhew has been a rollercoaster.
That is headlined by the emotional decision to sign with PNG for 2028, with the Samoan international admitting he grew teary making the call to soon leave Penrith.
There has also been a shock Origin axing, dropped by NSW for this year’s series decider after being mainstay for every other game since his debut in 2020.
“You’ve got to face a lot of adversity throughout your life span, and something like that’s either going to break you or make you stronger,” To’o told AAP.
“I was obviously disappointed, my first time ever not being in that side.
“But that’s definitely going to drive me to earn the right to be back in that team.”
To’o knows an Origin jersey is not won nine months out. But internally, there is a point he wants to prove to himself.
“Something I’ve got to prove is me-versus-me,” he said.
“I’ve got to prove to myself that I am worthy of earning that jersey back again. That I am worthy, that I know how I can play and who I am.
“It’s not your jersey, you’re the caretaker of that jersey. But you want to fight back into the squad and earn the right to be in that position again.”
That starts at Penrith, where To’o also has ground he is desperate to make up.
While the Panthers always make a point to delineate between one season and the next, it is clear there is a lingering disappointment around 2025 for most players.
And after four straight premierships, that feeling has been there since Deine Mariner slipped through him late in last year’s preliminary final to take Brisbane to victory.
“It’s definitely a different feeling this year,” To’o said.
“We’ve got to earn the right to be in that position (to win it back). We came into pre-season and into this year wanting to be better and earn that right.
“We’ve obviously fought back from last year, which was very disappointing. It’s not long to go, but we’ve still got a job to do.”
To’o is well aware this is his second-last chance to win another title at Penrith, after becoming one of seven players to already link with PNG for 2028.
Fans have regularly wished him well for next year, and while he points out he still has another 12 months it serves as a reminder his time is now limited.
“Every time someone leaves this club, it’s like a family member leaving the nest,” he said.
“So even when I first saw (Scott Sorensen) talking about (going to Perth), it brought tears to my eyes. Then a couple of months later, here I am saying I’m leaving as well.
“I definitely got a little bit teary just thinking about it, talking to my wifey about it as well. It’s just about making the most of my time here now,” he said…. PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 25 Sep 2026
V’landys sets sights on overseas moves in new NRL role
SYDNEY, 25 SEPTEMBER 2026 (AAP)—Peter V’landys has promised to take rugby league to the world after being handed the most powerful role in the sport since the end of the Super League war.
Hours after resigning as Racing NSW chief executive on Thursday, V’landys was officially appointed as the NRL’s first executive chairman.
The veteran administrator did not front a media conference, but in a statement made clear his desire for the next era of the NRL and the possibility of a global round.
“I am honoured every day to have the opportunity to give something back to rugby league and could not be more excited for the game’s future,” V’landys said.
“Rugby League is the greatest game of all and we are going to take it to the world.”
Since taking over as ARL Commission chairman in 2019, V’landys has become the increasingly dominant figure in rugby league.
But this move will see his role grow even further, effectively replacing former NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo while remaining at the head of the commission.
When Abdo announced his resignation as NRL chief in May, V’landys said only “Superman and Jesus added together” could possibly replace him.
At the time, V’landys refused to enter into speculation if that figure could indeed be him, but signalled he would take leave from Racing NSW in July to be able to dedicate time to the NRL.
The 64-year-old has since garnered the support required from the clubs and the states to allow him to take on the role.
Fellow commissioners have also approved the move, which comes months after V’landys and Abdo locked in a $5.3 billion(US$3.71 billion) media rights agreement over seven years.
In a statement, the NRL said V’landys had “overseen the most successful and transformative period in the game’s history” since becoming chair.
“Peter inherited a game with limited reserves and no significant assets, one that had needed an advance from its broadcasters just to pay the clubs and players,” V’landys’ predecessor and fellow commissioner Peter Beattie said.
“He consistently put the fan first, and the record audiences and the biggest broadcast deal in Australian sport followed.”
Since the creation of the independent ARL Commission in 2012, no person has held the role of chairman and executive on a full-time basis.
Even before the introduction of the ARLC, News Corp and the ARL had overseen the NRL following an agreement out of the Super League war.
The ARL Commission confirmed on Thursday it would also establish a governance oversight committee, chaired by Dr Gary Weiss, to ensure compliance of best-practice corporate governance.
V’landys’ time as chairman was initially headlined by the NRL’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown.
Since then, expansion both at home and abroad has been the constant theme.
V’landys has signalled an intent to go to 20 teams as soon as 2029, while the entry of the PNG Chiefs shapes as the biggest change to the NRL in decades.
The Las Vegas venture has also kicked off a move towards more overseas matches, with the NRL confirming it has games planned for Hong Kong and Japan in 2028.
Meanwhile, V’landys’ exit from Racing NSW brings an end to a 22-year rein at the helm of the sport, having previously also spent 17 years as boss of NSW Harness Racing.
He led the racing industry through the equine influenza outbreak, with the creation of The Everest in 2017 among other key legacy pieces.
“Naturally, this is a very sad day for me. I have put my heart and soul into racing for 22 years,” V’landys said….PACNEWS
