In this bulletin:
1. COMMONWEALTH GAMES — Tonga stun hosts as Pacific athletes light up Commonwealth Games
2. FOOTBALL — New Zealand win OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2026
3. RUGBY — NSW Waratahs claim historic seventh title with strong performance over Fijian Drua
4. RUGBY — Pacific stars deliver as Blues complete historic Aupiki three-peat
5. FOOTBALL — Solomon Islands complete comeback to qualify for FIFA U-17 World Cup
6. RUGBY — Reds Farewell Seru Uru and Ben Volavola
7. RUGBY LEAGUE — NRL prodigal son Zac Lomax signs with PNG Chiefs
8. RUGBY LEAGUE — ‘Tough decision’: Fifita’s three choices for World Cup
9. RUGBY LEAGUE — Fainu brothers step up Bati World Cup bid
10. RUGBY LEAGUE — Queensland Reds sign towering schoolboy lock Kaiya Tafea on Development Deal
PAC – COMMONWEALTH GAMES: PMN PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 27 Jul 2026
Tonga stun hosts as Pacific athletes light up Commonwealth Games
GLASGOW, 27 JULY 2026 (PMN)—Pacific athletes delivered another memorable day at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with Tonga pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
While Fiji’s teenage swimming star Anahira McCutcheon rewrote the record books twice in the space of a few hours, the biggest result came on the 3×3 basketball court where Tonga’s women shocked hosts Scotland, 12-10, in front of their home crowd.
The win was inspired by sisters Mele and Leslia Finau whose combination proved too strong for the Scots.
Mele said sharing the court with her older sister made the victory even more special.
“She has been my role model for the past 20-something years…,” Glasgow 2026 reported. “Sibling love can be a bit of tough love at times, but it definitely helps on the court.”
In other 3×3 basketball women’s results: New Zealand 22-16 Papua New Guinea (PNG), Singapore 21-8 PNG, Fiji 3-8 Uganda. Men: NZ 21-8 Tonga, England 21-3 Fiji, Tonga 12-10 PNG, Fiji 21-3 Jamaica.
In the pool, 16-year-old McCutcheon enjoyed a breakthrough day at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre.
She lowered Fiji’s women’s 50m butterfly national record in the morning heats, swimming 27.09 seconds to book her place in the semi-finals. Just hours later, she went even faster, stopping the clock at 27.01 seconds to break her own new record.
Fiji’s David ‘Tolu’ Young qualified for the 50m freestyle after finishing third in his semifinal heat, swimming next to world record holder Cam McEvoy.
It capped another impressive performance from Fiji’s swim team. Their men’s 4x100m freestyle relay team finished in 3:33.08 with Reuben Taylor producing a strong opening leg.
In other results, PNG swimmer Joanna Chen finished third in the women’s 100m freestyle heat one (1:03.13 and fellow countrywoman Roxanne Kirarock ended the race in fifth place (1:06.13). PNG’s Jhnayali Tokome-Garap finished third in heat three with Loane Russet from Vanuatu in seventh place.
In heat five, Sāmoa’s Nafanua Hamilton finished third (58:53) and Fiji’s Anahira McCutcheon (second) in 55.78. In heat eight, Vanuatu’s Olivia Nel finished in third (54.81) and Caitlin de Lange (sixth) in 55.74 and both qualified for the next round.
PNG’s Thomas Chen won heat one of the men’s 50m breastroke in 30.43 while Vanuatu’s Robsen Dick finished seventh (36.93) in his heat. Fiji’s Don Younger (5th in 29.03) in the heats and Samuela Yalimaiwai (5th) 28.11 in his heat.
Vanuatu Michael Houlie qualified for the next round after winning his heat in 26.53 while fellow countryman Chris Smith qualified in second place (27.17) in his heat.
In the women’s 200m breaststroke heat, Sāmoa’s Paige Schendelaar-Kemp finished 8th in 1:04.94. Christian Sadie (Vanuatu) finished 7th in the men’s 100m breaststroke in 1:15.32. Cook Islands’ Lanihei Connolly finished seventh in the women’s 100m breastroke semi-final (1:10.39).
The Tonga Tala take on defending champions Australia during their historic Commonwealth Games debut in Glasgow. Photo/Tonga Sports Association & National Olympic Committee
McCutcheon (Fiji) has qualified for the women’s 100m freestyle semi-finals. Samuel Yalimaiwai (Fiji) is through to the men’s 50m breaststroke semis.
Another landmark moment came on the netball court where the Tonga Tala made their Commonwealth Games debut against defending champions Australia.
Although the Diamonds claimed the win, 99-38, the match marked an important milestone for the Tongans. Earlier, New Zealand’s Silver Ferns beat Scotland 77-44 and Australia defeated England 66-47. Tonga will next face South Africa while the Silver Ferns take on Jamaica.
On the lawn bowls greens, Fiji women’s pairs defeated Kenya 1.5-0.5, Malaysia beat Cook Islands 2-0, Niue lost to Zambia 0.5-1.5, Tonga drew with Malta 1-1, Niue 0-2 Australia, .
In the men’s singles, Cook Islands’ Royden Aperau beat Jason Greenslade of Guernsey, Aperau later lost to Australia’s Aaron Wilson 2-0, Tonga’s Liam Hill drew with South Africa’s Wayne Rittmuller, Niue’s Frederrick Tafatu 0-2 Mitchell Graham (Norfolk).
In upcoming matches, Fiji’s Rajnesh Prasad faces Pakistan’s Mohammed Ayub Qureshi in the men’s singles event while the Fiji women’s pairs take on NZ, Cook Islands face Jersey, Norfolk Island plays Falkland Islands, Tonga vs Namibia and Niue vs Isle of Man.
Cook Islands bowlers Royden Aperau, Teokotai Jim and Vasie Ngatoko-Poila continued their Commonwealth Games campaign in Glasgow, keeping the country’s hopes alive as sectional play progressed in the lawn bowls competition. Photo/Cook Islands National Olympic Committee
Pacific boxers have also made an encouraging start in Glasgow.
Tonga’s Josh Tonga, the country’s only boxer at the Games, booked his place in the men’s 80kg round of 16 with a dominant unanimous points victory over Trinidad and Tobago’s Jeremiah Thomas.
The New Zealand-based fighter controlled the bout from start to finish, earning a 5-0 decision from all five judges.
Niue’s De Niro Pao and Nauru’s Marvelous-Marvin Canon may have exited in the opening round but both earned praise for fearless performances. Pao pushed Lesotho’s Pooana Kohahli all the way before narrowly losing on points in the men’s 65kg division.
Canon came close to a major upset after knocking down Mauritius’ Fabrice Valeria in the second round of their men’s 55kg contest but was edged out in a split decision after a spirited display.
In the men’s 55kg division, Kiribati’s Eriu Temakau lost to Amadu Mohammed of Ghana while PNG’s Bid Michael Inoino lost to Md Rakiba Hossain (Bangladesh).
In the 60kg division, Niue’s Phoenix Gataua lost to Botswana’s Treaure Moremi (5-0), Fiji’s Jone Davule lost to Pakistan’s Qudrat Ullah, Vanuatu’s Max Makana lost to Sri Lanka’s Ravindu Jayantha. In the 65kg, PNG’s James Paul lost to Ziggy Agathe (Mauritius).
In the 80kg, Solomon Islands’ Lio Dicks lost to Jade Micock of Seychelles, Niue’s Kalani Anitelea-Launiu lost to Uganda’s Alfred Ojok, Sāmoa’s Dee Ioapo lost to Daniel Pitt of Wales.
Upcoming bouts: Sāmoa’s Danielle Domonique Holland takes on Marie Marine Gabriel (Mauritius) in the women’s 54kg division while Fiji’s Jasmine Daunakamakama faces Adelaide Dede Djabatey (Ghana) in the 57kg.
In weightlifting, PNG’s Kevau Baru finished sixth in the men’s 60kg final, lifting 225kg while Nauru’s Johannes Adam and Kiribati’s Reinataake Takenteiti were unplaced.
In the women’s 48kg division, Nauru’s Jo-Beth Deireragea will feature in the final after finishing in third place with PNG’s Thelma Mea Toua who finished 10th.
In the men’s 65kg, Kiribati’s Kaimauri Erati, Sāmoa’s Felevaa Tafi, Fiji’s Apakuki Tabuwaiwai Wakanibua and PNG’s Morea Baru will compete.
Sāmoa’s weightlifting campaign continues on Friday morning (NZ time), when former Commonwealth Games champion Sanele Mao competes in the men’s +110kg final.
The 40-year-old, who carried Sāmoa’s flag at the opening ceremony, returns to the Games looking to add to the gold medal he won at the Gold Coast in 2018.
He missed Birmingham 2022 but arrives in Glasgow in strong form after winning gold at the recent Oceania Weightlifting Championships and setting a personal best clean and jerk of 241kg.
“I’m feeling good and I’m ready for the Commonwealth Games competition,” Mao, who will contest the men’s +110kg division, told journalists.
“The team is really strong and I’m ready to compete. I will try my best in this big competition. I’m so happy and I’m going to try my best.”
Mao will also help lead a new generation of Sāmoan lifters, including 18-year-old Seine Stowers, who has already broken three youth world records.
Stowers won gold at the 2025 Commonwealth Youth Championships and follows in the footsteps of her older sister, Feagaiga Stowers, who claimed Commonwealth Games gold in 2018 and silver in 2022.
Mao said supporting the younger athletes was just as important as competing himself.
“My team pushes the new lifters to go out to strive for medals and we always do well in competitions,”Mao said. “I tell the young lifters to go and try your best and aim for the gold medal.”
Pacific nations are already producing standout moments, with historic debuts, national records and upset victories showing the region can compete with some of the Commonwealth’s biggest sporting nations.
The 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games ends on 03 August. Seventy-four nations and territories will compete in 10 sports across 11 days of competition….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 27 Jul 2026
New Zealand win OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2026
AUCKLAND, 27 JULY 2026 (OFC)—New Zealand have won a 12th OFC U-16 Men’s Championship title, defeating Fiji 5-0 in the final of the 2026 edition at PNG Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
Davi Valles Dos Santos scored two of New Zealand’s five goals in a dominant victory to cap an equally dominant campaign, scoring 24 goals in five matches at the tournament in Papua New Guinea.
New Zealand had taken 50 minutes to breakdown the host nation in the semi-finals but needed just 90 seconds on the contrary here against Fiji in the final. Zach Cashmore nodded the Junior All Whites in front from a corner delivery at the near post to send them on their way – scoring New Zealand’s earliest-ever goal in a final at the tournament.
Two more goals followed before the end of the first half, as Martin Bullock’s side made sure of the title inside the first 45 minutes.
Davi Valles Dos Santos got the second in the 36th minute, after Fiji failed to clear their penalty box, and Cashmore was involved again for the third goal, his delivery deflecting off the knee of Fijian defender Somit Maharaj in first half stoppage-time.
Playing in just a third OFC U-16 Men’s Championship final, Fiji did at least create some chances of their own, Ryan Swami powering the ball over the crossbar with the best of them from a corner delivery in the second half.
Another defensive error led to the fourth New Zealand goal though, substitute Jack Clegg stealing possession inside the box and picking out the back of the net in the 76th minute, moments after entering the field of play off the bench.
Clegg then turned provider four minutes later, picking off a poor pass, and rolling the ball into the path of Valles Dos Santos to score his second, and New Zealand’s fifth and final goal of the evening.
The final whistle gave New Zealand the opportunity to lift the trophy for the 11th time in a row, maintaining their dominance of the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship and the rest of the Oceania region.
Fiji: 0
New Zealand: 5 (Zach CASHMORE 2′, Davi VALLES DOS SANTOS 36′, 81′, Own Goal 45+1′, Jack CLEGG 76′)
HT: 0-3 …PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 27 Jul 2026
NSW Waratahs claim historic seventh title with strong performance over Fijian Drua
BA, 27 JULY 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—The NSW Waratahs have come home strongly in the Super Rugby Women’s final, a disciplined and focused performance seeing them prevail 34-17 over the Fijian Drua in Ba.
The Fijian fans showed again why they are some of the most passionate in world rugby, with a 4,097-strong crowd welcoming both sides to Ba.
However, despite coming into the weekend having done finals the hard way, the Waratahs started well, with Maya Stewart getting the visitors on the board inside the first 20 minutes.
Both sides saw plenty of opportunities to score, but the Drua’s handling errors and issues at the lineout proved a critical point of difference, and in the 28th minute the visitors went further ahead thanks to a strong effort from Desiree Miller.
The Drua pushed hard in the final ten minutes, however some brilliant cover defence by Caitlyn Halse saw the visitors hold on to take a 12-0 lead into the break.
The Drua’s errors continued early in the second half, with a knock on early in the second half on their own try line seeing Faliki Pohiva, who had put on several big hits in a player-of-the-match performance, scoring the Waratahs’ third in the 47th minute.
The backs then continued their form, with Rosie Ferguson cutting the defensive line to pieces five minutes later to score the Waratahs’ fourth – the score jumping out to a 24-0 lead.
The hosts turned to their forwards to make the hard yards, and found some success when Nunia Daunimoala barged over on the hour mark to give the hosts a sniff with 20 minutes to play.
However, a stunning double to substitute Amelia Whittaker in five minutes put the visitors out to a 34-5 lead with ten minutes to play.
Daunimoala would score a second try for the hosts with ten minutes to play, but the Waratahs wound the clock down well, Sulita Waisega managing only one more try after the siren to give the crowd something to cheer about.
The result sees the Waratahs earn their seventh title overall, and third consecutive title, earning qualification for the Super Rugby Champions final next week, where they will play the winner of the Super Rugby Aupiki final later today.
Holding back tears, Bitila Tawake earned plenty of love from the home crowd on a special day for the competition.
“It took us five years to get the home grand final, and I’m sorry we didn’t get the win today,” Tawake said.
“The Waratahs, the best of the best. We gave our one hundred, you gave your one hundred, but at the end of the day, you guys won.
“Rugby wins at the end of the day.
“The goal for the club is to get another grand final, and I promise we’ll get that again.”
“We dream at home of playing in front of crowds like you guys,” NSW Waratahs captain Chancellor said in accepting the title.
“You know how to support rugby, to come out and be so loud and so energetic, it lights my heart to know how much support women’s rugby has.
“Everytime we come out and play Fiji, we know we’re gonna have an incredible game. The way you play, with direct rugby, creative offloads, it’s a really tough game to play.
“We had 15 coaches and 40+ players that have contributed to this [season], we have 34 girls that have taken the field this season, and we’ve had six girls that have had injuries that have put them out or made it a really tough season for them.
“I want to shoutout every single player that’s been part of this program this year.
“Rugby in Australia wrote us off, we lose two games and that’s it for us. This is that response and I’m so proud of this team!”
Fijian Drua 17 (Tries: Daunimoala 2, Waisega Cons: Qoro 1/3) def by NSW Waratahs 34 (Tries: Stewart, Miller, Pohiva, Ferguson, Whittaker 2 Cons: Miller 2/6…PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: PMN PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 27 Jul 2026
Pacific stars deliver as Blues complete historic Aupiki three-peat
AUCKLAND, 27 JULY 2026 (PMN)—Pacific players stood the tallest when it mattered most as the NIB Auckland Blues claimed a historic third straight Super Rugby Aupiki title with a dramatic 28-21 win over Matatū in Christchurch.
Saturday’s grand final looked set for extra time until the final moments when the Blues turned down a simple penalty shot after the fulltime siren and backed themselves to chase the winning try instead.
The bold decision paid off.
After several tense phases, captain Ruahei Demant found space and fired a long pass to Tongan winger Katelyn Vaha’akolo, who powered over in the corner to seal one of the most memorable finishes in Aupiki history.
The Blues had trailed 14-7 at halftime but fought back through a series of influential performances from their Pacific players.
Captain Maiakawanakaulani Roos said her side never stopped believing.
“I am so proud of the team. We had our backs against the wall, but we never had a doubt. We supported each other, believed in one another, and knew we could get the job done with nothing to lose,” Roos said after the match.
For Matatū, it was another heartbreaking grand final defeat despite playing in front of more than 10,000 fans at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch.
But for the Blues, it was their Pacific players who continued to deliver when the pressure was at its highest.
Vaha’akolo again showed why she is one of the competition’s most dangerous players after coming into the match early when fullback Braxton Sorensen-McGee failed a Head Injury Assessment (HIA).
The Black Ferns and Black Ferns Sevens star repeatedly broke the Matatū defence before scoring the match-winning try.
Nineteen-year-old Amarante Sititi also played a key role.
With the scores locked at 21-all, the younger sister of All Black and Chiefs star Wallace Sititi won a crucial turnover after the hosts tried to wind down the clock.
That moment gave the Blues one final chance to attack.
Tongan hooker Atlanta Lolohea was named Player of the Match after a powerful performance.
Lolohea opened the scoring, crashing over from close range with the help of a strong carry and support from Aldora Itunu, before finding the try line again with 10 minutes remaining to bring the Blues back into the contest and set up the dramatic finish….PACNEWS
SOL – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 27 Jul 2026
Solomon Islands complete comeback to qualify for FIFA U-17 World Cup
PORT MORESBY, 27 JULY 2026 (OFC)—The Solomon Islands have qualified for FIFA U-17 World Cup 2027, coming from behind to defeat Papua New Guinea on penalties at the PNG Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
Henry Fa’arodo’s side found themselves on the back foot for long stages of their third place play-off at OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2026, but found a way to rescue victory from the jaws of defeat, ripping a World Cup spot away from Papua New Guinea with a late equaliser and four classy spot kicks in the penalty shootout.
The win sends the Solomon Islands through to their second FIFA U-17 World Cup, and their first in eight years, after previously qualifying for the tournament in 2019. It is also their highest finish at an OFC U-16 Men’s Championship since hosting the competition in 2018.
It was Papua New Guinea and their striker Boas Tommy who spurned the best chances of a goalless first half. Twice Tommy fluffed his lines, almost running straight into the waiting arms of goalkeeper Eddie Aefi after being played in-behind.
Attempting to qualify for a maiden FIFA U-17 World Cup, the nerves were evident from the tournament hosts. They had the woodwork in their way when a long-raking free kick delivery ricocheted off the crossbar with the help of the gloves of Aefi, before defender Bomecge Basananuc had a header cleared off the goal-line from the following corner.
Ultimately the pressure told though, and it was captain Matthew Sopo who provided the breakthrough for Papua New Guinea in the 66th minute. The midfielder was first to pounce on a loose ball at the top of the box, driving a superb first-time effort into the top-left corner of the net on his right foot.
It looked as Sopo’s goal might prove decisive, but despite having been outplayed for the majority of the contest, the Solomon Islands mustered a miraculous equaliser to send the third place play-off to a penalty shoot-out with six minutes of normal time to play. PNG goalkeeper Luther Rodney failed to keep hold of a routine delivery in the box, allowing Andriano Kabolo to scramble the ball into the goal in the 84th minute.
The Solomon Islands had lost on penalties to Fiji in the semi-final, but held their nerve better on this occasion, profiting on two missed spot kicks from Papua New Guinea to book their World Cup tickets.
George Lea’i slotted the winning penalty, sparking emotional scenes on both sides, as Papua New Guinea fell crestfallen whilst those in Solomon Islands colours celebrated their place at the World Cup in Qatar next year.
Solomon Islands: 1 (Andriano KABOLO 84′)
Papua New Guinea: 1 (Matthew SOPO 66′)
Solomon Islands win 4-1 on penaltie….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY : RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 27 Jul 2026
Reds Farewell Seru Uru and Ben Volavola
BRISBANE, 27 JULY 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU0—The Queensland Rugby Union wishes to farewell Seru Uru and Ben Volavola after their commitment to the Reds jersey in 2026.
Lock-backrower Uru and flyhalf Volavola were valued members of the Queensland Reds squad and depart with positive wishes for the future from coaches and teammates.
“Seru made an important impact over a lengthy period at the club. Ben brought his professionalism to the Reds to make a positive mark during his single season. Both embark on the next stages of their careers with our good wishes,” said Sam Cordingley, Reds General Manager, High Performance.
Uru, 29, played 78 times for the Reds over seven seasons after making his debut in 2020.
As Red #1348, he developed as a versatile forward capable of playing with equal influence as a lock or backrower. His form was rewarded with two Test caps for the Wallabies in 2024.
Throughout, he maintained his spark to make a telling run or flick offload and was again one of the Reds’ most reliable lineout figures in 2026.
He played 13 games for the Reds in Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific in 2026. He is taking on his next opportunity in France.
“I started my professional rugby journey at Ballymore. It’s where I got my first opportunity and I have always called it home,” Uru told teammates when recently farewelled.
“I am grateful and happy to have been part of the Reds. I have built great friendships at the Reds and enjoyed the company of the players, coaches and staff.
“I will miss running out from the fence onto Suncorp Stadium and donning the jersey because it always gave me a boost.”
Uru co-captained the Reds against the Saitama Pansonic Wild Knights at Ballymore last October when he was named XXXX Player of the Match for his display in the 36-26 win.
Volavola, 35, was signed by the club to add backline depth and he did so with aplomb with seven appearances off the bench for the Reds in 2026.
His experience to plug in as replacement flyhalf was on show at Super Round in Christchurch when he had a double-touch in the fine Tim Ryan try.
Volavola’s commitment has extended to valuable contributions at fullback for his club Sunnybank.
Volavola will always be Red #1428.
He has signed with the Fijian Drua for 2027 with an ambition to represent Fiji at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Share…PANEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 27 Jul 2026
NRL prodigal son Zac Lomax signs with PNG Chiefs
SYDNEY, 27 JULY 2026 (AAP)—NRL prodigal son Zac Lomax has locked in a whirlwind rugby league return, becoming the latest big name to join expansion side Papua New Guinea for their 2028 debut.
Lomax’s Chiefs deal comes nearly five months after a highly-publicised legal battle ended with his former club Parramatta blocking a mooted move to Melbourne.
The Eels had released Lomax so he could join subsequently-axed rugby union competition R360, and retained his player rights through 2027.
Lomax, 26, has spent this year with Super Rugby Pacific’s Western Force.
The former NSW State of Origin representative is currently injured but will remain with the Force before joining the Chiefs for their inaugural pre-season late in 2027.
PNG confirmed Lomax’s arrival on Sunday, unveiling him to fans in Port Moresby.
“PNG, thank you very much guys. I just want to say, thank you so much everyone. It’s an absolute privilege,” Lomax said.
“I am super honoured to be committed to you guys and it’s such a great opportunity for all of us boys and everyone that is going to be coming over to the PNG Chiefs.
“We are going to shock the NRL, I am telling you, and I can’t wait to be apart of it.”
Lomax joins Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston and Connor Watson on a star-studded roster for 2028, while the Chiefs have also been linked with cross-code star Joey Manu in recent days.
Melbourne five-eighth Cameron Munster has been granted permission to negotiate with the Chiefs and Storm coach Craig Bellamy publicly gave the Queensland captain his blessing to sign on Friday.
Lomax played 133 NRL games across his first stint in league, most of those for St George Illawarra before a move to the Eels in 2025.
He left rugby league at the peak of his powers, considered one of the most well-rounded wingers for his aerial abilities, finishing and athleticism.
Lomax played every game of the 2024 and 2025 State of Origin series, winning the shield in the first of those….PACNEWS
AUST- RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 27 Jul 2026
‘Tough decision’: Fifita’s three choices for World Cup
GOLDCOAST, 27 JULY 2026 (AAP)—Gold Coast star Jojo Fifita has a tough decision to make ahead of the Rugby League World Cup and he knows he must make it soon.
“I have never really been in this position where I have three different countries I could pledge my allegiance to,” Fifita told AAP.
“It is definitely a tough decision and I still can’t get my head around it.
“I support my dad’s Tongan heritage. Me and my mum are from New Zealand and I have lived in Australia most of my life.
“I want to give back to all of them but I can only give back to one. I haven’t made my decision yet but family will be the major factor.”
Fifita’s dilemma reveals the complexity players with a variety of heritages and backgrounds face when choosing international eligibility.
The 23-year-old outside back qualifies for Tonga, New Zealand and Australia at this year’s World Cup, which kicks off in October.
He was born in Dunedin in New Zealand, like his mum Amy and older sister Ruby, ticking that qualification box. His father Pila Fifita, a former Tonga rugby union international, was born in Tonga and so Jojo is eligible for the Mate Ma’a.
Australia is also in the equation, particularly after Fifita’s stellar State of Origin debut series for the Maroons where he established himself as an outside back to be reckoned with.
“It is definitely a tough decision and I still can’t get my head around it. There is going to be a lot of talking with my family and my partner,” Fifita said.
“The days are getting closer towards the World Cup. At the start of the year I could brush it off but the closer it comes the more I am thinking about it. It is all a bit new to me.”
Fifita was close to Tonga selection last year but missing out was a blessing in disguise in one respect.
“Last year in the Pacific Championships I was part of the wider squad for Tonga and I didn’t end up playing, so that was the closest I got to playing internationals,” he said.
“I was disappointed with myself that I didn’t make the team so it gave me extra drive at the start of this season to get better.
“Hopefully I can play in the World Cup. I played well enough to get picked for Origin.”
Fifita, a schoolboy rugby union sensation who almost joined the Melbourne Rebels, has been driven to succeed from a young age.
Pila Fifita played for Tonga at the 2003 Rugby World Cup and for Saracens, North Otago, Fukuoka Sanix Blues and also in France.
“Dad was my main motivation growing up,” Jojo said.
“Watching him play professional rugby gave me that same drive. It has helped me, my sister and my brothers stay motivated.”
Sister Ruby played NRLW for Wests Tigers last year and Japan-born younger brother Viliami is a barnstorming teenage forward signed at the Titans. Lennox Fifita, the youngest, is also a budding union and league prospect
Jojo also has links to World Cup qualifier France, given he lived there while Pila was pursuing his rugby union career. His birth name is Sosefo and Jojo was given to him essentially by a schoolmate in France.
“A friend in kindergarten called me Jojo. I went home and told my parents that my name was now Jojo and it has stuck around ever since,” Fifita grinned…. PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 27 Jul 2026
Fainu brothers step up Bati World Cup bid
SYDNEY, 27 JULY 2026 (NRL)—-Fiji officials are currently gathering documentation the ensure Wests Tigers’ Samuela, Sione and Latu Fainu can play for the Bati in the World Cup.
With a 40-man squad – including Mark Nawaqanitawase – submitted to the FNRL board, behind the scenes work has begun on returning the Bati to the semi-finals, where they played for three consecutive tournaments before bowing out in the quarters to New Zealand in 2022.
“There’s three players at Wests Tigers whose grandmother is Fijian – and that’s the Fainu boys,” said returning coach Mick Potter.
“We’re trying to get that over the line. They’re just trying to get the documentation right.
“Like I say, the grandmother’s Fijian but finding records of that is difficult. It seems to be common knowledge but nothing’s happened yet. I’m very hopeful. They’d be great players to be playing for Fiji.
“There was a young hooker as well, Josese Lanyon. He stepped in for Api Koroisau. He’s available, he’s in the squad.””
With Jahream Bula, Sunia Turuva, Koroisau and Lanyon all Fijian, Wests Tigers could have seven members of the Bati squad if the Fainu brothers receive the green light to play.
Potter earlier said he remained hopeful Nawaqanitawase would also represent his father’s homeland.
He said Super League players – along with Reagan Campbell-Gillard from the Championship – were among others under strong consideration for selection at the start of October.
“There’s no overarching philosophy but players in the Super League need to be considered,” the coach said.
“Again, we’re so bulked up with wingers. We lack in a couple of positions and we need to fill those with someone.”
Leeds’ Maika Sivo would seem a certainty, Huddersfield’s Taane Milne and Castleford’s Semi Valemei, Mikaele Ravalawa and Jason Qareqare are four more candidates while Potter namechecked Bradford’s Waqa Blake.
The former Canterbury, St George and Perth fullback is unsure of the availability of Bati captaincy candidate Tui Kamikamica, who suffered a stroke in March and a training setback in June.
“I’m trying to contact him and I haven’t been successful at this stage,” said Potter.
“I might have to ring (Storm football manager) Frank Ponisi and find out what the story is, how he’s progressing.
“I’m pretty sure Api Koroisau and Viliame Kikau will be a couple of our leaders.”
Potter, who achieved coaching success with Catalans and St Helens in the Super League before stints with Wests Tigers and the Bulldogs in the NRL, oversaw Fiji’s greatest moment at international level when they eliminated New Zealand at the quarter-final stage of the 2017 World Cup.
Kikau, Koroisau, Kamikamica and Knights prop Jacob Saifiti were members of the 2017 Bati team.
Former Bati captain Kevin Naiqama, who still plays in the Newcastle competition, is set to be a member of Potter’s staff…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 27 Jul 2026
Queensland Reds sign towering schoolboy lock Kaiya Tafea on Development Deal
BRISBANE, 27 JULY 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—Towering teenage lock Kaiya Tafea has been signed by the Queensland Reds to maximise his potential under a three-year development deal.
The proud product of The Southport School is already 2.04m and 125kg at just 16 in only his third season of regular rugby. Incredibly, that already makes him bigger than the two locks who started for the Wallabies in their last Test.
The Queensland Rugby Union, in partnership with Rugby Australia, is delighted to announce the three-year deal which means Tafea can advance his skills and rugby education in a high-performance environment at Ballymore.
“It feels good. I can’t wait to see what’s possible over the next three years and I’m looking forward to the hard work it will take,” Tafea said.
“I want to make a name for myself in rugby but I know there’s a lot to learn and plenty of improvements to make.”
The Year 11 schoolboy already has a strong grip on the earth with his size 15 boots and was lifted in the lineout for the first time last year when he finally had teammates big enough to do so.
From a rugby league background, Tafea has focussed on rugby through the excellent coaching at TSS since moving from Auckland to the Gold Coast in 2014 when he was 13. He was selected for the Queensland Under-15s last year and played for the Queensland U18s this year.
In the process, his idol has switched from the NRL’s Jason Taumalolo to giant Wallabies lock Will Skelton.
“I see a bit of me when I look at Will. It’s definitely one of my dreams to travel and play rugby,” Tafea said.
“The coaching staff at TSS have helped me a lot and the school has been very welcoming.
“I’m much fitter. Lowering my body height through contact, my ball-carrying and learning more at scrums and lineouts have all been big improvements over the past 12 months.
“Rugby suits me. I feel I get more involved with the rucks, lineouts and stuff.
“I keep up with my academics as well. Dad reminds me that I haven’t accomplished anything yet and he’s right. That will come with hard work.”
Top-level coaching, the world-class BMS National Rugby Training Centre at Ballymore, training with the Buildcorp Reds Academy and playing opportunities with the Reds Under-18s will advance his game.
Tafea will play for TSS at home on the Gold Coast in the 16As in Saturday’s round of GPS Rugby and may earn his First XV debut off the bench against Gregory Terrace.
“Kaiya was in our system last year with the Reds U15s and he shows great promise,” Reds Head of Talent Management Paul Carozza said.
“We are really pleased he has committed to the program over the next three years to continue his development.”
TSS Director of Rugby Mike Wallace said Tafea is a young player of great potential.
“We made the intentional decision last year to play Kaiya, at 15, in the 16As because it meant he had to be more physical to be successful,” Wallace said.
“He took it on playing with older boys and it also meant some stronger boys lifting him in a lineout for the first time. He’s already developing that professional approach to detail that he needs.
“He’s a very good young man with a work ethic for rugby and his studies.”….PACNEWS
