In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — Samoa could face rugby ban after government withdraws support
2. COMMONWEALTH GAMES — Golden day for Fiji: Rainibogi smashes Games records
3. RUGBY — Impact Beyond legacy programme launched with AUD$30 million funding to maximise Rugby World Cups benefits across Australia and the Pacific
4. FOOTBALL — OFC begins consultation on FIFA forward enterprise proposal
5. RUGBY — Blues women’s coach tipped to head Fijiana XV team
6. RUGBY LEAGUE — Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy responds to Cameron Munster’s PNG ultimatum
7. FOOTBALL — Fiji FA backs Rewa’s OFC title ambitions
8. RUGBY — Fiji-born All Blacks express gratitude ahead of South Africa tour
9. RUGBY — Rugby union stars say no to tax-free millions
10. RUGBY — Kailea’s confidence restored as prop returns from Test wilderness
11. RUGBY LEAGUE — Emotional enforcer eager to make final chapter count
SAMOA – RUGBY: AFP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 31 Jul 2026
Samoa could face rugby ban after government withdraws support
APIA, 31 JULY 2026 (AFP)— Samoa’s rugby union was thrown into disarray on July 30 after the government pulled support for the sport’s governing body, Lakapi Samoa, citing “internal issues and division”.
Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Schmidt said after “months of consultations” his government had “decided to withdraw its recognition and support of the national rugby union, Lakapi Samoa”.
“The decision involves withdrawal of all government financial support and assistance previously provided to Lakapi Samoa,” said La’aulialemalietoa, who has previously hit out at how the sport was being managed.
He said the union had been given ample time “to resolve the internal issues and division impacting on the administration of the union, the issues raised by former players and coaches and the deteriorating status of Samoan rugby on the world stage”.
Samoa’s government has for months talked of creating a new Samoa National Rugby Union to rival Lakapi Samoa.
The Samoan Observer reported World Rugby has given the government 24 hours to reconsider their decision and accept a proposed review, or face a four-year ban from international rugby.
But World Rugby denied there was any deadline or the prospect of a lengthy ban.
“We are in active and constructive dialogue with all parties and remain focused on a positive resolution,” a World Rugby spokesperson told AFP.
La’aulialemalietoa said his government “remains committed to the development of rugby in the future and will see what union it will give its support to in order to deliver the future development of the sport”.
He added that the union should “restore professional standards and Samoa’s rightful place in the global rugby arena”…PACNEWS
PAC – COMMONWEALTH GAMES: PMN PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 31 Jul 2026
Golden day for Fiji: Rainibogi smashes Games records
GLASGOW, 31 JULY 2026 (PMN)—Fiji have announced themselves at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in spectacular style.
Weightlifter Taniela Rainibogi powered to gold and three Commonwealth Games records in a dominant performance in the men’s 110kg division on Thursday.
The 24-year-old delivered Fiji’s first medal of the Games with a record total of 378kg, lifting 170kg in the snatch and 208kg in the clean and jerk – both Commonwealth Games records.
His winning total pushed England’s Cyrille Tchatchet II into silver with 374kg while Canada’s Xavier Lusignan claimed bronze with 356kg.
Rainibogi’s victory continues a memorable week for Pacific weightlifting after Sāmoa’s Seine Stowers claimed gold and Games records in the women’s 77kg division and Sāmoa’s John Tafi opened his country’s medal tally with silver.
Nauru’s Ezekiel Moses won a bronze and so did Papua New Guinea’s Morea Baru, who clinched the Pacific first medal, a bronze, at the Games. Nauru’s Femily-Crystie Notte also claimed a bronze in the women’s 63kg division.
There was more Pacific interest in the men’s 110kg final with Tonga’s Joshua Makafan Uikilifi Jr finishing fourth on a total of 331kg, narrowly missing out on a medal.
Sāmoa’s Jack Hitila Opeloge and Vanuatu’s Thomas Wilbur were unable to complete the competition.
Fiji’s success didn’t end on the weightlifting platform with young boxer Jasmine Daunakamakama also keeping the country’s medal charge alive.
It was also another milestone for Fiji in the boxing ring.
Daunakamakama defeated Singapore’s Keshani Hansika in the women’s 57kg quarter-final to secure at least a bronze medal, becoming Fiji’s first female boxer guaranteed a podium finish.
The 21-year-old, who is also Fiji’s first woman to compete internationally in boxing, said her strength comes from mana.
“I believe there’s two sides of us,” she said after her win. “There’s an internal war inside all of us where we’re constantly fighting between the ego and our true self, which is the spirit.
“The mana is the will to overcome the fears because the fears are what’s not real.
“What empowers me is the traditional way we see. We don’t value status or the external value of this world, but are more grounded with nature and what is real.”
Daunakamakama now faces Birmingham 2022 champion Michaela Walsh of Northern Ireland for a place in the gold medal bout.
There was another Pacific success when Fiji-born Australian weightlifter Eileen Cikamatana won her third straight Commonwealth Games gold.
The 26-year-old claimed the women’s title after clearing 136kg with her opening clean and jerk lift.
“The only mission I had in mind coming to this competition was winning a third gold medal, and I’m pretty happy that we did it,” Cikamatana said. “Mission accomplished.”
Cikamatana became only the third woman to win three consecutive Commonwealth Games weightlifting titles. She first won Commonwealth gold for Fiji on the Gold Coast in 2018 before switching allegiance to Australia and adding titles in Birmingham and now Glasgow.
Elsewhere, Tonga Tala’s Commonwealth Games campaign ended with a narrow 55-49 loss to Malawi in their final netball match.
Rainibogi’s victory lifts Pacific momentum in Glasgow with Fiji and Sāmoa now both celebrating gold-medal success.
The Pacific medal hunt is far from over with more athletes set to take centre stage in Glasgow across weightlifting, lawn bowls, athletics and boxing in the next 24 hours.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games ends on Monday…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 31 Jul 2026
Impact Beyond legacy programme launched with AUD$30 million funding to maximise Rugby World Cups benefits across Australia and the Pacific
SYDNEY, 31 JULY 2026 (WORLD RUGBY) —Impact Beyond, the long-term legacy programme underpinning Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029, has been launched by Anika Wells, the Australian Federal Minister for Sport.
With AUD$30 million (US$21 million) investment from the Australian Government to harness the transformative power of Australia’s hosting of back-to-back Rugby World Cups, driving sustainable growth, opportunity and positive impact across Australia and the wider Oceania region.
The programme provides the strategic framework that will guide legacy investment and delivery in the lead-up to, during and beyond Rugby World Cups 2027 and 2029. With Australia set to host consecutive Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cups, Impact Beyond positions these tournaments not as standalone events, but as catalysts for lasting change that will strengthen rugby ecosystems well beyond the final whistle.
The Australian Government is investing AUD$30 million in Impact Beyond, as part of its wider AUD$90 million (US$63 million) support package for the delivery of the two tournaments in 2027 and 2029.
Of this legacy investment, AUD$15 million (US$10 million) will be dedicated to Impact Beyond Australia and AUD$15 million to Impact Beyond Pasifika.
The funding will support World Rugby and Rugby Australia initiatives designed to deliver lasting benefits for players, clubs, communities and Member Unions across Australia and the Pacific.
The legacy programme is structured around two connected initiatives:
*Impact Beyond Australia, focused on growing and strengthening rugby within the host nation, and;
*Impact Beyond Pasifika, focused on reinforcing rugby’s legacy, capability and sustainability across the Oceania region.
Impact Beyond Australia
As the domestic pillar of the programme, Impact Beyond Australia leverages the unique opportunity of hosting two Rugby World Cups to accelerate long‑term, sustainable growth of rugby nationwide. Delivered by Rugby Australia in collaboration with its local Member Unions, the Australian Government, and State and Territory Governments, the programme focuses on initiatives that can only happen, or be significantly accelerated, because Australia is hosting these tournaments.
Built around three interconnected priorities – building capability and capacity, increasing participation opportunities and strengthening inclusion – Impact Beyond Australia aims to create strong, safe and inclusive community rugby environments, expand access to the game across all demographics and ensure the community game is ready to sustain increased interest inspired by Rugby World Cups 2027 and 2029.
A strong and deliberate emphasis is placed on women’s and girls’ rugby across all programmes, recognising both the growth potential of the women’s game and the catalytic role of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029.
Impact Beyond Australia aims to:
*Grow rugby union participation to more than 220,000 rugby union participants by 2029, representing a 38 per cent increase nationwide over the next four years.
*Increase the community game by, one third across 15s and sevens, supported by a 30 per cent increase in accredited coaches and match officials to sustain long‑term growth.
*Double participation in national club programmes, including Get into Rugby and Tri‑Tag Rugby, growing from 8,000 to more than 16,500 participants.
*Increase women’s and girls’ participation by 70 per cent by 2029.
Impact Beyond Pasifika
Impact Beyond Pasifika represents the regional legacy pillar of the programme, designed to ensure the benefits of the Rugby World Cup cycle extend meaningfully across the Pacific.
Structured as a multi‑year investment framework, Impact Beyond Pasifika prioritises Pacific‑led capability, performance and sustainability outcomes across Oceania, with delivery led by World Rugby and Oceania Rugby. Supported by the Australian Government, and governed through dedicated steering and governance groups, the programme is anchored around four strategic pillars:
*International performance development
*Governance and financial sustainability
*Community rugby development
*Regional engagement and visibility linked to Rugby World Cup 2027 and 2029.
Together, these pillars aim to strengthen domestic competitions, lift high‑performance outcomes, build resilient Unions and elevate the Pacific voice and presence on the global rugby stage.
Impact Beyond Pasifika aims to:
* Maintain a strong emphasis on women and girls’ participation across programme investments, supporting gender equity as a central focus of the regional legacy.
*Drive sustained growth in female participation across Oceania, alongside increased development and support for female coaches, particularly within targeted Pacific Unions.
*Strengthen high-performance coaching and technical capability across Fiji, Tonga and Samoa, supporting enhanced elite pathways and workforce development.
*Deliver a region wide safeguarding and governance programme rolled out across all Pacific Unions, supporting safe, sustainable and well governed rugby environments.
A shared opportunity
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “Australia has a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to supercharge rugby union, both at home and across the Pacific, by hosting back‑to‑back Rugby World Cups, with the men’s tournament in 2027 followed by the women’s tournament in 2029.
“Impact Beyond is a codesigned and targeted programme that draws on the expertise of our delivery partners, Rugby Australia, Pacific Unions and Oceania Rugby, to identify real needs, sustainably strengthening the capability and capacity of our unions to power rugby, unite the game and enrich lives.
“This game-changing initiative will ensure the entire ecosystem is stronger, more inclusive and better equipped to thrive long after these tournaments have been played.”
Detailed metrics for Impact Beyond Australia and Impact Beyond Pasifika will be shared as programme delivery enters its next phase.
Together, Impact Beyond Australia and Impact Beyond Pasifika form a coherent legacy approach, ensuring Rugby World Cups 2027 and 2029 leave an enduring positive impact on communities, participation, performance and the long-term sustainability of rugby across Australia and the Pacific.
Australian Federal Minister for Sport, Anika Wells MP said: “The Albanese Government’s $90 million investment will get more women, girls and grassroots players into rugby, growing the sport in Australia and the Pacific and leaving a lasting legacy from these major competitions.
“The benefits of these tournaments will be felt well beyond the final whistle, encouraging Australians – especially women and girls – to pick up a ball and get involved.
“Hosting these major events in Australia will also boost tourism, create jobs and support local businesses. This is another way we are working with our Pacific neighbours to grow and strengthen our ties through sport.”
Rugby Australia Chief Executive Phil Waugh said: “Rugby plays a vital role in communities across Australia and the Pacific and today’s announcement by the Federal Government ensures that great work will expand and evolve, positively impacting the lives of millions throughout the region.
“Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2029 in Australia present a generational opportunity to showcase the passion and purpose of Australian and Pacific Rugby – and the incredible communities supporting them – to the world and ensure the long-term sustainability and success of rugby in Australia and the Pacific.
“With the valued support of Minister Wells and the Federal Government, the legacy of the world’s third largest sporting event will live on long after the final whistle, with more girls and boys playing the game, better infrastructure for all and fans old and new contributing to a culture and spirit unique to rugby and renowned around the world.”…..PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: PACNEWS PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 31 Jul 2026
OFC begins consultation on FIFA forward enterprise proposal
AUCKLAND,31 JULY 2026 (PACNEWS)— The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) says FIFA has begun a consultation process with its Member Associations and the FIFA Council on the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative.
In a statement, OFC said the proposal will be considered by its Executive Committee at its meeting in August.
OFC has invited its Member Associations to review the proposal and take part in the consultation process.
The confederation said it remains committed to working closely with its Member Associations, FIFA, fellow confederations and other football stakeholders throughout the consultation process.
OFC said the engagement is aimed at supporting the continued development of football across Oceania and globally….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 31 Jul 2026
Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy responds to Cameron Munster’s PNG ultimatum
MELBOURNE, 31 JULY 2026 (AAP)—Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy says he will support any decision Cameron Munster makes on his future in the NRL.
On Wednesday Munster said he would reject the PNG Chiefs if Bellamy was coach of the Storm in 2028.
Melbourne hosts Canterbury-Bankstown on Friday night, needing a win to keep their finals hopes alive.
A part of Craig Bellamy would love it if he and Cameron Munster could bow out of Melbourne together.
But as the pair consider their NRL futures, Bellamy remains committed to supporting Munster whether or not he signs with expansion franchise PNG.
Storm veteran Munster turned the heat on Bellamy on Wednesday by claiming he would reject interest from the Chiefs for 2028 if Bellamy remained Melbourne’s coach for that season.
Bellamy re-signed with the Storm through 2028 in February, but the master mentor’s diagnosis with a neurodegenerative condition has since cast doubt over his future.
On Thursday, Bellamy reiterated “the next year or two I’ll be finishing up” but did not say whether his health would permit coaching on as late as 2028.
Bellamy handed Munster his NRL debut in 2014 and coached him in two premiership triumphs, with the 31-year-old now the Storm’s longest-serving active player.
For Bellamy, the chance to bow out together would be fitting, but Munster indicated on Wednesday he may not be able to wait for the coach to make his own decision.
“I’d love to go right through my coaching career with him, ending about the same time,” Bellamy said.
“[But] he’s got a decision to make. He’ll make the right decision for what’s right for his family. He’s got the right to do that.
“I’ll back ‘Mun’ up, whatever he wants to do.’
Munster remains sidelined with a knee injury for Friday’s clash with resurgent Canterbury and is now joined on the pine by captain and hooker Harry Grant.
In a season of injury carnage, Bellamy said Grant’s hamstring problem was another big blow for the 12th-placed Storm.
“Any team losing their captain, that’s a big loss, but Harry especially,” Bellamy said.
“He’s always in the middle of the play whether it be with the ball or without the ball””
Injuries, roster turnover and a seven-game losing streak early in the season have all left the Storm’s finals hopes hanging by a thread ahead of round 22.
A loss to the Bulldogs would ensure they miss the top eight for only the second time under Bellamy, and first since mass salary cap breaches consigned them to the wooden spoon in 2010.
It would also mark a 12th loss of the year — the most the Storm would have suffered in any of their 24 seasons under Bellamy.
“We know it’s going to be a tough ask, but we’ve had a good week’s preparation with the guys we’ve had” Bellamy said…. PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 31 Jul 2026
Blues women’s coach tipped to head Fijiana XV team
SUVA, 31 JULY 2026 ( FIJI SUN)—Blues women’s head coach Willie Walker is tipped to be the Fijiana XV head coach.
He is expected to be in charge of next week’s Test match against South Africa in Suva.
Walker was the head coach of the Black Ferns XV during a 2025 campaign which included a match against the Black Ferns in and two matches against South Africa where they won one.
He has coached the Blues Women since 2021 and led them to three consecutive Super Rugby Aupiki title win since 2024.
The Fijiana head coach role has been left vacant by Ioan Cunningham who did not wish to renew his contract following the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England last year.
The post was advertised on December 31, 2025.
Mike Legge was in charge of the Fijiana XV for the Wallaroos Test match in March and the Oceania test series in April.
Kele Leawere assited Legge as the forwards coach while former Flying Fijians Josh Matavesi looked after the back line and was supported by Tavaita Rowati as part of the backline coaching staff.
Ifereimi Rawaqa was in charge of the lineout and structures…..PACNEWS
NZ – RUGBY: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 31 Jul 2026
Fiji-born All Blacks express gratitude ahead of South Africa tour
WELLINGTON, 31 JULY 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC)—Two former scholars from a prominent all-boys school in Fiji who have received their All Blacks recall for the South Africa tour say they are grateful that they can represent their families and villages in the black jersey.
Chiefs utility Emoni Narawa and Otago co-captain Timoci Tavatavanawai, both former pupils of Queen Victoria School (QVS) located in Tailevu (about 75 minutes drive from the capital suva), have been named in Dave Rennie’s 44-member squad for the tour.
The All Blacks will play eight matches, including three Test matches against world champions the Springboks – their first tour to South Africa in thirty years – before the side flies to the USA to play their fourth test.
Narawa is the QVS senior old boy while Tavatavanawai is the junior.
Narawa is also the senior All Black out of the two, having made the team earlier in 2023, and debuting on 8 July that year against Argentina in Mendoza, scoring a try in the game.
Tavatavanawai was first called in July last year, and came of the bench in his debut match against France in Wellington on 12 July.
Both missed the initial squad selected for the Nations Championship series last month, but were called in by Rennie to fly off to South Africa.
They join 15 other players with Pasifika heritage in the team, which includes fellow Fijian origin player George Bower.
Speaking to RNZ on Monday, the players expressed their gratitude to be in the team and representing the people who mattered to them.
Narawa said it takes a village to raise someone and that is who he is representing.
“Where we come from, it’s not just us that got us here,” he said. “It’s our village. Obviously there are people back home who sacrificed a lot for where we are today.”
Narawa said he is always proud to be a Fijian.
“I am in the All Blacks and I am always proud to be a Fijian in the All Blacks, which is quite cool.”
Tavatavanawai said he is excited to be representing New Zealand as a Fijian and being a role model for younger generation who would be aiming to achieve the highest standards they can.
“For us representing this country means a lot to the people who have done a lot for us to be here,” he said.
“At the same time, we are grateful that we can represent this country, especially our people and the younger generation out there who are trying to achieve the bigger milestone.”
Both Narawa and Tavatavanawai will be keen to get game time on tour, with Rennie indicating everyone will get to play because of the intense schedule.
Meanwhile, Tonga heritage player Fehi Fineanganofo is also looking forward to the tour and playing Springboks’ players he watched growing up.
“Excited but also bumped not seeing family but getting stuck into it,” he said.
“Growing up watching these big Springboks players I can’t wait to get into it.”
Two new Pasifika players have also made the squad: Hurricanes Siale Lauaki and Moana Pasifika’s Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa will debut on tour.
Squad captain Ardie Savea has been give more time off to rest and will join the team later, with Crusaders veteran Cody Taylor taking over the captaincy until Savea joins the team before the first test match.
The All Blacks kick off their tour against the Stormers in Cape Town on 8 August, before they face the Sharks on 12 August in Durban, the Bulls in Pretoria on 16 August and the Lions in Johannesburg on 26 August.
They play the Springboks on 23 August in Johannesburg in the first Test, 30 August in Cape Town in second, and 8 September returning to Johannesburg for the third Test.
Their fourth and final Test will be played in Baltimore on 13 September….PACNEWS
FIJI – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 31 Jul 2026
Fiji FA backs Rewa’s OFC title ambitions
SUVA, 31 JULY 2026 (OFC)—The Fiji Football Association has reaffirmed its support for Rewa’s OFC Men’s Champions League campaign, providing financial assistance as the Delta Tigers prepare to represent the country on the regional stage.
Fiji FA President Rajesh Patel says it is important for the national body to support clubs representing Fiji internationally and give them every opportunity to succeed.
“It’s a great honour when a district team represents you in the OFC Champions League. Rewa is no newcomer to that. They have been there before and they know what it takes.”
Patel acknowledged Rewa’s previous success in the competition, noting that while the club has reached the semi-finals, it is yet to make a final and lift the title.
He says hosting the tournament in Fiji reflects the association’s commitment to creating the best possible environment for local clubs.
“When teams are from your own country, representing Fiji and representing the nation, you believe that you have to give them every opportunity to go and prove themselves and win it.”
The Fiji FA president added that the association’s assistance extends beyond financial support, with various forms of aid being provided to help the Delta Tigers prepare.
“We’ll be supporting Rewa all the way to make sure they achieve this feat of winning the OFC Champions League.”
Patel believes success in the regional competition could open doors to even greater opportunities, including qualification for FIFA’s global club competitions.
The OFC Champions League will be held in Fiji from next weekend…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 31 Jul 2026
Rugby union stars say no to tax-free millions
BRISBANE, 31 JULY 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—HIGHLY-rated Australian rugby union brothers Treyvon and Kadin Pritchard have rejected offers to switch codes and play for the PNG Chiefs, an indication that despite the 19th NRL franchise’s most attractive recruitment package, money alone cannot guarantee signatures.
The brothers are among several top rugby union players who have turned down approaches from the Port Moresby-based club, highlighting the challenges the Chiefs face in attracting elite talent.
The Chiefs had identified 19-year-old Treyvon as a long-term signing and club officials travelled to Brisbane to meet both brothers and present contract offers. However, both chose to remain in rugby union.
Rugby Australia quickly moved to secure the pair, with Treyvon signing a new three-year contract with the Queensland Reds until the end of 2029, while older brother Kadin committed to the ACT Brumbies through to 2030.
The brothers have made it clear that their priority is chasing Wallabies selection and playing at future Rugby World Cups.
Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh described Treyvon as a “generational talent”, underlining the organisation’s determination to keep one of Australia’s brightest young prospects in the 15-man game.
The Chiefs then suffered another blow after Wallabies centre Izaia Perese ruled out a move to Papua New Guinea despite reports linking him to the expansion club.
Perese, who recently signed a two-year deal to return to the Queensland Reds from English club Leicester Tigers, said family played the biggest role in his decision.
“Queensland is home for me and my family,” Perese said.
After spending two seasons in England, the 29-year-old explained that being close to relatives and a strong support network was more important than accepting a lucrative offer elsewhere.
He also revealed that his ambition to play for the Wallabies at next year’s Rugby World Cup influenced his decision.
Asked about reports linking him with the PNG Chiefs, Perese dismissed the possibility.
“I don’t know too much about rugby league, but I wouldn’t have my family locked in a compound for nine months,” he said. “It would drive my missus and kids crazy.”
The Chiefs have already secured several marquee names, including Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson, Matty Lees and Zac Lomax, while also signing Papua New Guinea internationals Morea Morea, Gairo Voro and Finley Glare under development contracts.
The club also continues to pursue more elite talent, with former Sydney Roosters star Joseph Manu among the players linked with a move to PNG Chiefs.
Another significant milestone is approaching on Nov 1, when the Chiefs will officially be allowed to negotiate with NRL players coming off contract for the 2028 season under league recruitment rules….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 31 Jul 2026
Kailea’s confidence restored as prop returns from Test wilderness
SYDNEY, 31 JULY 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—Wallabies prop Isaac Kailea is looking to return the faith shown in him as he looks to complete his return to the Test arena.
Kailea has had a rocky journey since making his Wallabies debut in 2024 amid a club change and growing competition.
Since his Test debut in 2024, the prop has made three starts at Super Rugby level.
Remarkably, it’s the same amount as he has in the gold jersey: twice for the Wallabies that year, plus a start for Australia A the following year.
With James Slipper taking a well-deserved break, Kailea was beaming as he talked about what the opportunity meant.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity. Day one I came up to Les [Kiss, Wallabies coach] and he said ‘I want you to be yourself’ on and off the field,” he told reporters. “He doesn’t want me to be in my shell, which is good because a lot of the boys that are here I’m quite comfortable with, and it’s almost that continuation.
“I think coming in after two years off, it’s an easier transition than I’m assuming for guys in for their first time.
“They’ve built a pretty good foundation over those last two years, and I’m pretty excited to come back in and help continue that build.”
Kailea found himself down the pecking order at Daceyville over the past two years, with Angus Bell and Tom Lambert favoured.
The Chilean-heritage loosehead believes the adversity will only make him better as he looks for a recall.
“I took it as a bit of a challenge as well. I had a lot of conversations with Dan {McKellar] and the ‘Tahs,” he believes.
“I think the way my career had gone up until that point, I played three games my first year, a couple more the next year and then the year after that, I played pretty much all the games at the Rebels and onto the Wallabies so a bit of adversity is always good for someone.
“I think I’ve come out the other side of that a better person and hopefully a better rugby player if I get the opportunity. It was a challenge, obviously, but it was one I’m glad I had at that time in my career.”….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 31 Jul 2026
Emotional enforcer eager to make final chapter count
CANBERRA, 31 JULY 2026 (AAP)—Josh Papali’i knows an emotional whirlwind is approaching, but that’s only making him more determined to ensure his final few weeks in Canberra count.
The veteran forward will leave the Raiders at the end of the season, ending a glittering 15-year tenure which includes a 2019 NRL grand final appearance and Dally M Prop of the Year award in 2020.
However, the enforcer’s final year hasn’t gone to plan, with the most-capped Raider missing a large chunk of the campaign with a calf issue while watching his club’s hopes of making finals dwindle.
With the Green Machine embarking on a tough final five-game run, which includes four clashes against four current top-eight sides, Papali’i knows the Raiders virtually have to win all of them to have a chance of making the finals.
But that’s not the only thing motivating him.
“I spoke to the boys briefly before the last home game and almost had a tear in my eye … I know what the emotional toll will take on me when I’m saying my goodbyes here,” Papali’i said.
‘One thing I really concentrated on the last few years is just trying to give it all, not just on the field.
“My focus this year was when I did my calf was investing back into players. Phone calls, text messages that players know they won’t receive from anyone else.”
Rumours have linked Papali’i to a move to the English Super League, but the star enforcer wouldn’t be lured into questions on his future.
Instead, he focused on the Raiders’ clash against minor premiership favourites Penrith on Saturday in Mudgee, which will be a repeat of the ‘Miracle of Mudgee’ match that unfolded last year.
Canberra claimed a pulsating 20-16 golden-point victory when five-eighth Ethan Strange scooped up a Nathan Cleary missed field goal and handed it off to a barnstorming Kaeo Weekes to sprint the distance for the win.
But Papali’i isn’t looking back on that game for motivation, rather looking forward to the inspiration that his rehab buddy and second-rower Matty Nicholson will bring after he returned from shoulder surgery last round.
“He’s had a long process in rehab, but his role is going to be vital for this team,” Papali’i said.
‘Just that X-factor about Matty brings a lot of excitement around our footy team, and we’re probably going to need that with Hudson (Young) out.”
Ahead of the clash, reports have swirled that forward Morgan Smithies is moving to Perth Bears and captain Joe Tapine confirmed Smithies had addressed the team over his future.
“I’ll probably leave it in our personal chat … but anything he does has my support,” Tapine said.
“We’ve got Paps (Papali’i) moving on as well … so it would be a big loss if he does (leave),” he said……PACNEWS
