PACNEWS SPORTS, 30 SEPTEMBER 2026

In this bulletin:

1. RUGBY — Stonewriters breaks silence over Fiji rugby pathway dispute
2. RUGBY — Fijian Drua cuts costs and puts investment plans on hold amid Super Rugby uncertainty
3. RUGBY — Call for discipline,Character key for Drua pathway: Nadolo
4. RUGBY LEAGUE — Tabuai-Fidow to Play for Samoa at Rugby League World Cup
5. RUGBY LEAGUE — Fiji Bati call opens doors, Injuries give youngsters chance
6. RUGBY LEAGUE — Coke to unite PNG
7. RUGBY LEAGUE — Tug of war for Toia ramps up ahead of World Cup
8. RUGBY LEAGUE — Rabbitoh legend seeks to break 71-year title drought
9. RUGBY LEAGUE — Tino bounces into Kangaroos with third Titans top gong
10. RUGBY — New Zealand Rugby haemorrhages millions

FIJI – RUGBY: PACNEWS PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 30 Sep 2026

Stonewriters breaks silence over Fiji rugby pathway dispute

SUVA, 30 SEPTEMBER 2026 (PACNEWS)—Stonewriters says it will no longer remain silent over what it describes as obstacles to creating education and Rugby Sevens pathways for young athletes in Fiji.

The organisation, established in 2023, says it has faced setbacks involving a proposed sports institute, education programmes, a Rugby Sevens academy and a university pathway, but insists its focus remains on creating opportunities for student-athletes.

“Enough. We’re breaking our silence now,” Stonewriters said in a statement.

Stonewriters said its original vision was to establish a facility and pathway that would allow young athletes to pursue education, sport and personal development together.

In 2024, it brought an investor to Fiji to explore construction of a sports institute at Yako Village.

However, Stonewriters said it withdrew from the project after becoming concerned that the interests of other stakeholders did not align with its objectives.

It then shifted its focus to education, exploring the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment through USP TAFE.

The organisation said the qualification would enable its Olympians and world champions to develop and deliver recognised courses based on their sporting experience.

Its plan was to qualify its personnel, develop courses, obtain the required approvals and accreditation, and eventually deliver the programmes through the proposed Stonewriters Institute.

Stonewriters said it sought assistance from the Government and Fiji Rugby to fund the training, but the support did not eventuate.

It later developed a pathway focused on university athletes and Rugby Sevens.

The proposed pathway was: School → Tertiary Education → University Rugby Sevens → International University Competition → Fiji Rugby high-performance selection.

Stonewriters said it secured a third-party investor to fully fund its proposed inter-tertiary programme before approaching the Fiji University Sports Association (FUSA).

The organisation proposed establishing and funding a dedicated University Rugby Sevens programme, beginning with women’s Sevens in its first year.

It said the programme would allow student-athletes to continue their tertiary education while receiving structured Rugby Sevens development.

Stonewriters said it presented the proposal to FUSA officials, including Vice-President and interim President Katalina Toga, while FUSA President Alifereti Cawanibuka Snr was on sick leave.

According to Stonewriters, FUSA initially indicated that the parties should proceed with formalities and an MOU before athlete recruitment began around the Inter-Tertiary Competition.

The organisation said it was subsequently informed that FUSA could no longer partner with Stonewriters because it was not affiliated with Fiji Rugby.

Stonewriters said this requirement was communicated after it had submitted its proposal to fund the university Sevens pathway.

The organisation also raised concerns over an earlier approach from Fiji Rugby regarding its potential registration as a national academy.

Stonewriters said it was initially told it had been selected as one of three officially recognised national academies, but was later advised to become a 15s academy and register under a provincial rugby union.

The organisation rejected that approach, saying its expertise and experience were in Rugby Sevens.

Stonewriters also disputed comments attributed to Fiji Rugby official Talemo Waqa during discussions that “Sevens is just entertainment.”

Stonewriters said the comment was unacceptable given Fiji’s achievements in Olympic Rugby Sevens.

“Not only is Rugby Sevens an Olympic sport, but it is undeniably one of Fiji’s greatest international sporting success stories,” it said.

The organisation said it would not register under an individual provincial union because its purpose was to support Rugby Sevens athletes nationally rather than limit its work to one province.

Stonewriters stressed that it is not a rugby union, rugby club or currently a rugby academy.

“We are an organisation bringing together Rugby Sevens experience, expertise, resources and people to create opportunities for young athletes,” it said.

Its central focus, it said, is the student-athlete.

“A young Fijian should have the opportunity to study, play Rugby Sevens, develop as both a person and an athlete, and pursue their dream of representing Fiji,” Stonewriters said.

The organisation said it would continue pursuing opportunities for young athletes and announced plans for a free Member Truth Line from 1 October to provide updates on discussions affecting available opportunities.

It also said its Official Stonewriters Newsletter would be launched shortly.

Stonewriters said funding secured for its FUSA proposal would now be redirected to another opportunity for young athletes.

The organisation did not provide further details of that initiative…. PACNEWS

PAC – RUGBY: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 30 Sep 2026

Fijian Drua cuts costs and puts investment plans on hold amid Super Rugby uncertainty

NADI, 30 SEPTEMBER 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC)—The Fijian Drua implemented an expense reduction plan starting this year to ensure the franchise remains financially viable and sustainable.

Drua CEO Jeff Miller told RNZ Pacific on Monday that this step was taken as the club also faced financial challenges similar to those other Super Rugby Pacific franchises face.

RNZ Pacific understands that the Fiji-based franchise had begun discussions with its two shareholders – the Fiji government (51 percent) and the Fiji Rugby Union (49 percent) – about selling some shares to new investors.

Miller said all 10 Super Rugby Pacific clubs faced the same issues with finances.

A lack of cash flow forced the end of Moana Pasifika after this year’s Super Rugby Pacific season, resulting in the reduction of teams from 11 to 10 for the new 2027 season.

While World Rugby (WR) funding ran out at the end of June, the club has had support from the Australian government and the continued support of the Fiji government, the FRU and corporate sponsors, led by Fiji Airways.

“As with virtually all Super Rugby Clubs we are not immune from the financial challenges that we all face,” Miller said in response to questions raised by RNZ Pacific about the club’s financial future.

“Ours is compounded by World Rugby funding finishing in June 2026. This was anticipated and we have adjusted accordingly to ensure we maintain our ongoing financial sustainability.”

Miller said the Australian government through the Vuvale Union Treaty would provide some “bridging funding” that would also allow the franchise time to develop other revenue streams to help compensate for the completion of WR funding.

“With this funding and reducing our ongoing expenses we will should have enough to take us through 2027 and 2028.”

Hosting matches around Suva, Lautoka and Ba in the previous seasons had helped in generating income for the local economy.

However, RNZ Pacific unnderstands that continuing high expenses, including player contracts, had started to eat into the franchise’s financial base.

A source close to the issue told RNZ Pacific that discussions between the shareholders and the franchise in the past two years revealed there was a real need for the Drua to be “bailed” financially so they could keep operating.

The source said the books were getting weak as expenses were outstripping the assets and what the Drua was able to rake in.

“There was a proposal presented by the Drua that some shares be sold so they could get some new investment,” the source said.

Miller confirmed that there had been discussions in the past with the shareholders.

But he said that any moves to sell some shares to raise new investment would need to be put on hold with the future of the competition now being discussed.

RNZ Pacific has also contacted the Fiji Rugby for comment.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) hosted a summit last week in Wellington with its stakeholders, with reports stating provincial unions were keen to discuss options around the competition and the National Provincial Championship (NPC).

Discussions reportedly included the possibility of merging Super Rugby franchises with local NPC clubs, or doing away with Super Rugby altogether, or leaving Super Rugby as it is, or adding two more franchise clubs.

“Once we have certainty from the NZR we will re-ignite the capital raise process,” Miller told RNZ Pacific.

“We are looking to raise additional capital but we have currently put that on hold until we can get a level of certainty from the NZR that Super Rugby Pacific will continue and the Drua being a perpetual license holder will continue to play in the competition.”

He said they believed some changes could help ensure the Super Rugby competition remains financially sustainable and he was hopeful that the Drua would still be a part of the competition moving forward.

“We believe there is an opportunity to elevate the current competition and we are supportive of some of the initiatives being investigated by the Super Rugby clubs,” he said.

“We understand that there needs to be some change to Super Rugby Pacific to ensure its financial sustainability.

“Super Rugby Pacific has been one of the best things to happen to Fiji in a very long time.”

Miller said the Drua had contributed significantly to the Flying Fijians’ climb in WR rankings, boosted Fiji’s economic growth through sports tourism, and become one of the most powerful brands in the Pacific.

“I know that the NZR and Rugby Australia are proud of their moves to include teams from the Pacific and it would be extremely disappointing if this was to occur. However, I am sure other opportunities will open up.”

Miller expressed gratitude to both NZR and Rugby Australia and individual clubs for providing Drua players the opportunity to play in their domestic competitions.

A number of players play in the Brisbane and Sydney competitions in Australia, and the NPC in New Zealand.

‘These competitions are extremely important for our players,” he said.

“While we would prefer to be playing in one or both of these competitions under a Drua badge as a team, the ability for us to place players in world class club competitions helps with the development of our players through the standard of the competition and the quality of the coaching.”

Drua will host eight home games in the Super Rugby Pacific next season, including their opening clash of the season against the Highlanders on 13 February 2027…..PACNEWS

FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 30 Sep 2026

Call for discipline,Character key for Drua pathway: Nadolo

NADI, 30 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—Talent may open the door, but Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Development coach Nemani Nadolo wants character, discipline and the hunger to improve to determine who walks through it.

As the Drua continues to build its pathway towards the 2027 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season, Nadolo has made it clear that selection into the development squad will not simply be based on natural ability.

The former Flying Fijians and Crusaders star is looking for players who genuinely want to learn, are prepared to work hard and understand that earning a place in the professional environment is only the beginning.

“I’m looking for character. I want to make sure that the guys that are coming in want to learn and want to get better,” Nadolo said.

“You’re not just passengers coming into the development. I don’t want guys who are just happy to be there. I want guys who want to be there.”

Nadolo believes rugby ability is important enough to get a player through the front door, but it is the attitude they bring into the environment that can determine how far they progress.

He said the development program would focus on creating the right environment and programme to nurture players as they adjust to the demands of professional rugby.

“Rugby players, you’ve got to be good anyway. I think that’s what gets you in the front door,” he said.

“But one thing I’m going to work on with our players and making sure that we’ve got the right program for our players coming in.”

One of the most exciting aspects of the programme for Nadolo is the inclusion of players moving directly from high school into the professional Development squad.

He believes their transition will require careful mentoring and guidance as they take their first steps into professional rugby.

“It’s about nurturing and mentoring these young guys and having the right people in place to help mentor and help me with my job.”

For Nadolo, the difference between a talented player and a player capable of progressing to the highest level often comes down to mindset. He said a player could possess exceptional skills but still struggle to progress without the desire and discipline to improve.

“You can be the most gifted player in the world and the most skilful player in the world, but if the mindset and the drive is not there, then that’s going to be hard,” he said.

Nadolo said he would rather invest time in a player who is willing to learn and work hard than select someone purely because of natural talent.

“I’d rather take a kid that is not the most gifted, but willing to learn, willing to work hard over someone who’s really talented,” he said.

His message to aspiring Drua players is simple — keep turning up and keep working. Nadolo said players should never assume that their efforts were going unnoticed, stressing that opportunities could come from unexpected places.

“Continue to rock up, continue to work hard. You just don’t know who’s watching,” he said.

He also pointed to local competitions as important platforms where young players can put their abilities on display….PACNEWS

PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 30 Sep 2026

Tabuai-Fidow to Play for Samoa at Rugby League World Cup

BRISBANE, 30 SEPTEMBER 2026 (AAP)—Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has put to bed speculation about his international plans for October with a declaration that will thrill the nation of Samoa.

“I’m playing for Samoa in the World Cup,” Tabuai-Fidow said at Dolphins HQ.

Tabuai-Fidow made his allegiance clear at a Samoa fan day during last year’s Pacific Championships, but there has been jockeying in the background by nations to secure their best talents for the World Cup, which starts next month.

Several players qualify for two or more countries, and Tabuai-Fidow is one of them.

He represented Samoa at the 2022 World Cup, before injury cut his tournament short.

Tabuai-Fidow then played for Australia on six occasions, and the Kangaroos reached out to him to find out whether he was available again this year.

“If ‘Hammer’ is comfortable with Samoa we respect that decision. He’s one of the game’s elite players and will be good for Samoa,” Australia coach Kevin Walters told AAP.

The Australians have a carrot of $40,000(US$27,944) for each player who contests the World Cup, but representatives from other nations receive just $850(US$593) per match.

The Dolphins fullback said his love for Australia was undiminished, but that money couldn’t buy the cultural bonds nations such as Samoa have forged.

“Obviously playing for Australia is one of the biggest things I’ve done in my career,” Tabuai-Fidow said.

“And I do love the green and gold, but I think there was more to the family side after seeing all the boys, especially Payne Haas, make that move.

“And I think the Samoan culture, where the heritage is, we’re building something special there for the country and it’s something cool to see.

“I’m excited to put that blue jersey back on again.”

Tabuai-Fidow’s father – Simon Fidow – is Samoan and has roots in the village of Lufilufi.

His mother, Karin, has connections to Saibai Island in the Torres Strait, which her son honours with a tattoo of a shark and a cassowary.

There was a moment at last year’s Samoa fan day during the Pacific Championships that summed up the excitement about Tabuai-Fidow’s commitment to play for the country at the World Cup.

The crowd of 8000 had been told a big player announcement was set to be made, but the team bus was running late and the scheduled time for the arrival of the man known as “Hammer” on stage was put back more than an hour.

When he made his commitment to Samoa, the roar and wild celebrations had to be seen to be believed.

The decision last year of South Sydney-bound prop Payne Haas to play for Samoa at the Pacific Championships after previously lining up with Australia lit a fuse in a fire that already burned deep within Tabuai-Fidow.

“We spoke about it during the year a bit that we were on the edge to go over, and obviously he made that decision to do it and I got injured last year, which ruled me out (of the Pacific Championships),” Tabuai-Fidow said.

“I was hoping to play last year as well with him. It was obviously that big pull for me to go over too, so yeah.

“For him it was massive and especially for the country of Samoa. The likes of Jarome Luai, Brian To’o and Stephen Crichton and other big names within that team makes you want to go over and play well and rub shoulders with them as well,” he said…. PACNEWS

FIJI – RUGBY LEAGUE: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 30 Sep 2026

Fiji Bati call opens doors, Injuries give youngsters chance

SUVA, 30 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—Fiji Bati head coach Mick Potter admits injuries have disrupted the Vodafone Fiji-sponsored side’s Rugby League World Cup preparations, but the setbacks have opened a crucial window for a new generation of players to stake their claim for a place in the final squad.

With the RLWC2026 kicking off on October 15, Potter is racing against time to finalise his squad after several players suffered injuries during the final stages of preparation.

Potter said he had remained in regular contact with a few players in recent weeks, but injuries had forced changes to his plans.

“I’ve been in contact with quite a lot of players over the last few weeks and we’ve had a couple of disruptions, which has been unfortunate,” Potter said.

“One of our players had to have a shoulder injury and two players got an ankle injury.”

The injuries have reduced Potter’s options, but the Bati coach sees an opportunity rather than simply a setback.

With places in the World Cup squad up for grabs, players who may not have initially been considered first-choice selections now have a chance to put their hands up.

“We’re not running out of troops, but we’re sort of dwindling a little bit which presents opportunities for other players,” Potter said.

That opportunity could prove significant for younger players hoping to break into the national side. Potter said he was excited about giving those players the chance to show what they can offer at international level.

“I’m really excited about that because having opportunities for other players is great for those young men. And I look forward to introducing them into the team,” he said.

The final 23-member squad Bati squad is expected to be named this week….PACNEWS

PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 30 Sep 2026

Coke to unite PNG

PORT MORESBY, 30 SEPTEMBER 2026 (THE NATIONAL) — Coca-cola will stand alongside the PNG Chiefs as the country prepares to enter the NRL in 2028.

“This partnership is about carrying Papua New Guinea’s pride and identity onto the world stage,” Coca-Cola Europacific (CCEP) Papua New Guinea country manager Tim Solly said.

“For Coca-Cola, this partnership is much more than a logo on a jersey. This is all about belonging. It’s about standing together alongside a team that will carry the hope, the pride and the identity of this country onto the world stage through the NRL.”

Solly made the comments during the official announcement of the company’s long-term partnership with the Chiefs yesterday at the Chiefs headquarters at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

Under the agreement, Coca-Cola becomes the Chiefs’ official non-alcoholic beverage partner ahead of their entry into the NRL.

Solly said Coca-Cola’s connection with Papua New Guinea made the Chiefs partnership a natural fit.

He said Coca-Cola beverages were produced and packed locally by Papua New Guineans before being distributed to communities across the country.

The company has been part of everyday life in PNG for generations, including family gatherings, trade stores, cultural celebrations, community events and rugby league.

“We do not simply operate in this country. We live here, we are employed here, we manufacture here, but more importantly we grow together with the communities of PNG,” Solly said.

He said Coca-Cola’s relationship with rugby league also stretched from grassroots and community competitions to elite pathways.

According to Solly, the sport shared values with the company, including teamwork, resilience, ambition and a common purpose.

The partnership with the Chiefs will now give Coca-Cola an opportunity to strengthen that connection as PNG prepares for its biggest rugby league moment.

Solly thanked Chiefs boss Lorna McPherson and the club for trusting Coca-Cola to be part of the project from its early stages.

He said the company wanted to help bring supporters closer to the new NRL team and create experiences for fans both on match days and beyond.

He called on supporters across the country to stand with the Chiefs and share in the milestones as the club prepares for its NRL debut.

“Proudly made in Papua New Guinea, supporting Papua New Guinea and proudly refreshing the passion of the nation,” Solly added….PACNEWS

AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 30 Sep 2026

Tug of war for Toia ramps up ahead of World Cup

SYDNEY,30 SEPTEMBER 2026 (AAP)—Robert Toia has told Tonga he plans to play for them at the World Cup, with the Sydney Roosters star at the centre of one of the tournament’s biggest tug of wars.

Australia also have the dazzling Tongan centre on their radar, but he is not the only one.

Gold Coast outside back Jojo Fifita and David Fifita, both in the Australia Prime Minister’s XIII team, are understood by AAP to have been listed in the initial 40-man squads of both Tonga and Australia, along with Toia.

“All three of those players have told me that they are available to play for Tonga at the World Cup,” Tonga coach Kristian Woolf told AAP.

Australia coach Kevin Walters has Toia firmly in his plans as the Roosters star prepares to play in the NRL grand final..

“He’s still available (for Australia). No-one else has told me otherwise,” Walters told AAP.

“There’s some options there for us but Rob is playing well and he is in the grand final.

“He’s been impressive with his Origin form and the last couple of weeks for the Roosters.”

Toia, who has played six games for the Queensland Maroons, represented Tonga at the Pacific Championships last year in one Test before he was injured.

Jojo Fifita, born in New Zealand with Tonga heritage, told AAP he had also had discussions with the Kiwis, Australia and Tonga about representing them.

Fifita is yet to play Test football after representing Queensland in State of Origin this year.

“I have never been in this position before,” the Gold Coast outside back said at the club’s presentation night on Tuesday.

“I am eligible for Australia, New Zealand and Tonga. I haven’t made a decision yet but it is coming closer. I will know in the next couple of days.

‘My dad is of Tonga heritage so that is something I definitely would look forward to representing. Mum is from New Zealand and I have Australian heritage as well.

“I have been speaking to Rob (Toia) a little bit and we are both in the same boat. We are both going to see how it plays out.”

Jojo’s father Pila is a former Tonga rugby union international.

The players have tough calls to make. They want to honour multiple national heritages but ultimately can choose only one for the World Cup. Their decisions must be respected, but they will have to make them soon with all countries set to name their final 23-man squads on Monday.

“It is all very exciting but also new to me so I don’t really know how I feel about it,” Fifita said.

“I was part of the 40-man Tonga squad last year but when they made the final cut I didn’t make it which was disappointing.

“I have definitely decided to play in the World Cup but we will see who I play for.”:

Jojo will play alongside PM’s XIII captain David Fifita against the Papua New Guinea PM’s XIII in Port Moresby on Saturday.

David Fifita played four Tests for Tonga at the 2022 World Cup. Walters said both Fifitas were under consideration for the 2026 tournament.

“They are two that we have spoken about from a selection point of view for sure,” he said.

“David has found his home at Souths and had a good finish to the season.”

Toia is a right centre and Walters indicated that Brisbane right centre Kotoni Staggs was also in the World Cup frame.

“Kotoni played well last year on the Ashes tour. I know the Broncos season this year was not so good but I am very loyal with that stuff,” he said.

‘The history of the Kangaroos jersey is that if you play well it puts you in a good position the next time the team is selected,” he said…PACNEWS

AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 30 Sep 2026

Rabbitoh legend seeks to break 71-year title drought

SYDNEY, 30 SEPTEMBER 2026 (AAP)—NRL Hall of Famer Sam Burgess is hoping the lessons learned with South Sydney can carry the Warrington Wolves side he coaches to victory in England’s Super League grand final.

Burgess won the Clive Churchill Medal for his performance in the Rabbitohs’ 2014 grand final victory over Canterbury-Bankstown, but recalls that success came after near-misses as Souths sought to beak a drought that extended back to 1971.

Warrington’s wait for a league title goes back even longer, to 1955, and they have fallen agonisingly short in all four of their previous appearances in the season-ending showpiece.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t interested in trying to break the drought. It’s not been won here for 71 years and I’m aware of that,” said Burgess.

‘But as a player with Souths, we got to the prelims twice before we won it in 2014 and I felt like all that drought talk and the weight of expectation was heavy.

“It’s not heavy on us and I want to keep it that way.

“It’s more about this new group and creating our own piece of history, rather than being weighed down by the past.”

Burgess took over the Wire for the 2024 Super League season after a spell as assistant coach at Souths and under him Warrington have twice reached, and lost, the Challenge Cup final..

Their clash with Wakefield Trinity on Saturday (0300 Sunday AEST) will confirm a first-time winner for the second year in succession. It has captured the imagination of the sport, with a crowd in excess of 70,000 – the biggest in almost a decade – already guaranteed.

Warrington’s hard-fought semi-final win over Leeds was somewhat eclipsed by Wakefield’s performance the following night when they booked their place in their first grand final by obliterating Wigan 33-6.

And Burgess was the first to pay tribute to Trinity and his opposite number Daryl Powell, whose own side have to go back to 1968 to find the last time they lifted the domestic title.

“I congratulated Daryl and his team because I thought they were magnificent,” said Burgess. “We weren’t surprised, but I guess nobody expected that scoreline. When they’re hot, they can be very hot.”

Wakefield or Warrington are destined to become the second first-time winners of the event after Hull KR last year following almost three decades of dominance by the sport’s so-called ‘big four’ – Wigan, Leeds, St Helens and Bradford.

And Powell, who had brief spells with Balmain Tigers and Gold Coast Seagulls, believes the variety can only be good at a time when the sport’s governing body is locked in talks over a potentially lucrative investment from the NRL.

“I think there’s a freshness to it,” said Powell. “I don’t know if it’s changed anything, the good teams still have to be good teams, but the salary cap over a number of years has levelled things out slightly.

“You got Hull KR doing an unbelievable job last year and now you’ve got two teams who have got an opportunity to do something similar. That’s got to be exciting for the game, I think,” he said…PACNEWS

AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 30 Sep 2026

Tino bounces into Kangaroos with third Titans top gong

SYDNEY, 30 SEPTEMBER 2026 (AAP)—TIno Fa’asuamaleaui has capped a sad and traumatic season by winning the Gold Coast player of the year award as he prepares to join Australia’s World Cup squad.

The Paul Broughton Medal around the Titans co-captain’s neck at the club’s presentation night on Tuesday was a tribute to the brave and brilliant way the rampaging prop coped with the death of his father Fereti Fa’asuamaleaui.

Fa’asuamaleaui, whose dad was originally from Samoa, said he had decided to stick with the Kangaroos for the World Cup which starts next month in Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.

The 26-year-old, who has played 10 Tests for the Kangaroos after representing Samoa in 2019, was a key figure on the Ashes tour last year, helping inspire Australia to a 3-0 win over England.

“I won a World Cup in 2022 and to get the chance to do it again and do something special would be awesome,” Fa’asuamaleaui told AAP.

“It was a hard decision but growing up as a young kid, Australia was always the pinnacle in my eyes. Having just donned that jersey, I don’t want to hand it over too early and too young.”

Fa’asuamaleaui said he had immense respect for his Samoan heritage and one day could be back in the blue jersey.

When Fereti passed away days before this year’s second State of Origin match, Tino left the Maroons’ camp to grieve with his family before returning to play an awe-inspiring match at the MCG to spark a 44-24 victory.

It was a measure of the big heart of the man. Tino revealed after the match that his dad had uttered inspirational words to him on his last day.

“He said to me, ‘Son, whatever happens next, you make sure you represent Queensland and play hard’” Fa’asuamaleaui said.

He did that and went on to have a barnstorming end of the season for the Titans to win the club’s prestigious Paul Broughton Medal for the third time.

Despite the team finishing a disappointing 16th, Tino held his gloves up and was a standout in the final two months of the competition.

Fereti was a Samoan international rugby player who was recruited by Arthur Beetson to play for the Sydney Roosters, then known as Eastern Suburbs, for whom he played reserve grade.

His move to Australia paved the way to start a family and Tino credits the decision as a “butterfly effect” that ultimately led to him playing in the NRL, winning a title at the Storm and becoming a Queensland and Test stalwart.

Australia coach Kevin Walters told AAP that Fa’asuamaleaui would be a key figure in the World Cup.

“He was very instrumental in the success of the tour last year with his leadership,” Walters told AAP.

“That will be no different for this year’s tournament at the World Cup and we are very excited to have him on board.

“I’m looking forward to working with him again. He is a good fella and a great player,” he said…. PACNEWS

NZ – RUGBY: RNZ PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 30 Sep 2026

New Zealand Rugby haemorrhages millions

WELLINGTON, 30 SEPTEMBER 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC)—New Zealand Rugby is facing a financial crisis, and now the game’s governing body is looking at major changes to its structure, spending and future.

But what will it take to get the books back in the black, and what does it mean for the future of the All Blacks?

“New Zealand Rugby is at a crossroads financially and at a high performance level,” Newstalk ZB’s rugby editor and commentator Elliott Smith tells The Detail. “How do they fix this so it is still New Zealand’s number one game?”

NZ Rugby is carrying a structural deficit of around $20 million(US$11.27 million) a year, while supporting stakeholders financially, and on current five-year projections it will continue to lose a combined $66m across 2027-31.

This is, remember, our national game.

Smith says, put simply, millions are made, but too much is spent, with layers of competitions, teams, and administration.

“I think it’s multifaceted with New Zealand Rugby … they wear so many hats and try so many things to generate revenue.

“Everything adds up over a period of time, and if you go back 30-odd years to when rugby went professional, some of those things existed then … and some of them have been added on … and nothing’s really been taken away.

“Costs have grown over time. The women’s game has grown exponentially over the last decade, so those costs increase.

“The players expect more money out of the game than they did when they first became professional, with Japan and overseas clubs knocking at the door and trying to get them. And the cost of doing business has also increased around the world.

“And while New Zealand Rugby doesn’t have a revenue problem – in fact, their revenue has grown to record levels over the last couple of years – they posted $300 million (US$169 million) last year, the costs have increased … so they need to find ways to push down that cost model and generate some savings across the game.”

Rugby leaders and stakeholders are now considering three options to address the financial challenges:

Option One: Expanding Super Rugby and increasing the number of teams from 10 to 12 to potentially cut costs.

Option Two: Amalgamating Super Rugby clubs and merging Super Rugby clubs with their provincial unions in major cities to reduce costs.

Option Three: Replacing Super Rugby and NPC and creating a new 8-10 team national competition, significantly changing the professional rugby landscape.

“I think from a rugby perspective … option three would be my preferred rugby model,” Smith tells The Detail, before adding that “perhaps the best model” would be “adding a couple more New Zealand teams into Super Rugby”

“That’s sort of a halfway house. You do bring in a little bit more tribalism over the course of the season.”

And that could bring in some much-needed NRL flavour to the rugby game.

“I think it goes back to that tribalism and what New Zealand Rugby is searching for and hasn’t been able to quite replicate.

“You go to a Warriors game, you feel like you’re part of an experience … and even if they lose, you feel like you’ve had a good day out at the Rugby League.”

He wants to see New Zealand rugby teams playing each other more often.

“If you can build that into the rugby schedule and have a Canterbury team playing Auckland more often, or teams around the country playing each other more often, then I think you bring back that tribalism.

“You get that banter going, you get that real ferocity going, and that’s what sport’s built on; it’s probably been lost by New Zealand Rugby.”

What hasn’t helped the game in recent years is the constant change at the top level – CEOs, chairs, and coaches.

But Smith says this has now settled describing current NZR Chairman David Kirk as a “very, very strong leader”, and CEO Steve Lancaster “doing a very good job, and it feels like he’s the straight shooter that New Zealand Rugby’s probably needed as well”.

“New Zealand Rugby needs … a high performance product that fans want to watch, and they need to make sure the All Blacks are accessible as well and are playing the right matches and the right times and the right stadiums around New Zealand but also the world.

“And finding that balance to generate revenue, but also making sure it’s the premium product that New Zealanders want to watch.

“So there are a lot of questions for New Zealand Rugby … it’s not easy … I think with the leadership they’ve got they’re on the right track, but there’s certainly some big decisions they’re going to have to make over the next 12 months.”

In his interview for The Detail podcast, Smith also discusses the upcoming Bledisloe Cup, his pick for the All Blacks Number 10 jersey and fill-in captain, and whether Beauden Barrett will feature prominently again….PACNEWS