In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — First Nations & Pasifika XV and Tonga to Make History in Inaugural Kaume’a Ofi Trophy Clash
2. RUGBY — Two debutants named in Fijiana side for Springboks Test
3. RUGBY — New captain to lead Springbok Women in Suva clash
4. RUGBY — Coates: We won’t underestimate Boks
5. RUGBY — Mike Catt swaps Sydney for Fiji to join evolving Drua coaching ticket
6. ATHLETICS — Six PNG athletes take to U.S tracks
7. BOXING — Aussie boxing champion Opetaia calls out ‘hiding’ rival
8. BOXING — ‘I’m looking for a big fight’ – Joseph Parker on lifted drugs ban
9. NETBALL — Fiji Black claim Fiji Invitational title in thriller
10. COMMONWEALTH GAMES — Team PNG returns from Glasgow
11. RUGBY — Jones out to make Japanese history ahead of Wallabies series
12. RUGBY — Excitement building in Perth as Bears take centre stage
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 07 Aug 2026
First Nations & Pasifika XV and Tonga to Make History in Inaugural Kaume’a Ofi Trophy Clash
SYDNEY/NUKU’ALOFA, 07 AUGUST 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—A new milestone in the growing partnership between Tonga Rugby Union, Rugby Australia and the Australian Government will be marked this September, with the inaugural contest of the Kaume’a Ofi Trophy (Friendship Trophy) bringing together First Nations and Pasifika cultures through rugby.
Building on the momentum of the First Nations & Pasifika XV’s historic 2025 match against the British and Irish Lions, the side will travel to Tonga to take on Tongan President’s XV selected exclusively from locally based players.
The historic fixture, to be held on Friday 04 September at Teufaiva Stadium, will deliver elite rugby to Tonga, creating a historic occasion for rugby fans across Tonga and the wider Pacific.
Tonga Rugby Union, with the support of the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports programme will host the touring side for a week of cultural exchange, community engagement, and rugby development activities in the lead-up to the match. The program will include school visits and cultural leadership sessions, reflecting a shared commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders both on and off the field.
The teams will compete for the inaugural Kaume’a Ofi Trophy, meaning “Close Friends” in Tongan, recognising the strong and enduring connection between Tonga and Australia, and a shared commitment to growing the game across the Pacific.
The Player of the Match from each team will be awarded with the inaugural Anthony and Saia Fainga’a Medals, named in honour of former Wallabies twins Anthony and Saia Fainga’a, who proudly represent both First Nations and Tongan heritage and have inspired generations of players across Australia and the Pacific.
Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy said: “The Australian Government is proud to be partnering with Tonga Rugby Union and Rugby Australia to support the First Nations and Pasifika XV tour to Tonga and the inaugural Kaume’a Ofi Trophy.
The tour and match will celebrate our shared passion for rugby and create meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange and connection.
It highlights Australia’s growing commitment to First Nations engagement across the Pacific and the important role sport plays in bringing our nations closer together.”
Prime Minister of Tonga, Lord Fatafehi Kinikinilau Lolomanaʻia Fakafānua said: “The Kaume’a Ofi Trophy is a fitting symbol of the close friendship between our nations. The inaugural tour highlights the important role strengthening collaboration between Tonga Rugby Union, Rugby Australia and the Australian Government plays in growing the sport.
We look forward to the positive impact this initiative will have on our young people and the future of rugby in Tonga.”
Rugby Australia CEO, Phil Waugh said:“We are excited to see the First Nations & Pasifika XV travel to Tonga and represent communities that have contributed so much to our game. This match builds on the success of the 2025 First Nations & Pasifika side that faced the British and Irish Lions and reflects the continued growth of this program as an important high-performance and cultural pathway.
Working alongside Tonga Rugby Union, this tour provides a valuable opportunity for players to gain international experience, while strengthening rugby pathways across the Pacific as we build towards Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.
The opportunity to compete for the Kaume’a Ofi Trophy and honour the legacy of the Fainga’a brothers makes this a particularly special occasion for everyone involved.”
Former Wallaby, Anthony Fainga’a said :“To have the Player of the Match medal named after Saia and me is incredibly humbling and something our family is very proud of.
Our First Nations and Tongan heritage has shaped who we are, both on and off the field, and it is special to see players given opportunities to celebrate those connections through rugby.
I hope the Anthony and Saia Fainga’a Medals inspire players to represent their culture, their communities and their families with pride.”
Tonga Rugby Union CEO, Aisea Aholelei said:“Tonga Rugby Union is delighted to host the First Nations & Pasifika XV for what will be a historic occasion for rugby in our country.
This match will provide a valuable international opportunity for our locally based players, exposing them to higher-level competition and supporting their continued development.
We thank the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports program and value our close partnership with Rugby Australia in delivering this initiative.
We look forward to welcoming the team to Tonga, sharing our culture, our communities and our passion for rugby, and creating an experience that will stay with everyone involved for years to come.”….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 07 Aug 2026
Two debutants named in Fijiana side for Springboks Test
SUVA, 07 AUGUST 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—Fijiana XV head coach Willie Walker has named two debutants in his match-day 23 for Saturday’s opening Test against the South African Springbok Women at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Ruth Raketekete will start at inside centre, while Adi Vani Buleki has been named on the wing, with both set to earn their first international caps.
Experienced halfback Kolora Lomani will captain the side, while prop Bitila Tawake has been named vice-captain.
The forward pack features Karalaini Naisewa, Tiana Robanakadavu, Mereoni Nakesa, Karavaki Lutumaibau and Nunia Daunimoala, while Adi Salaseini Railumu and Alfreda Fisher join Lomani in the loose forwards.
Varanisese Qoro gets the nod at flyhalf and will combine with Lomani in the halves, while Repeka Tove, Raketekete, Merewairita Neivoha, Buleki and Litiana Vueti complete the backline.
The impact players include Selai Naliva, Elesi Saukuru, Keri Lawavou, Vilisi Tivalele, Jade Coates, Evivi Senikarivi, Ivamere Nabura and Aqela Raitubu.
The Test marks Walker’s first match in charge of the national side and the beginning of a two-match series against South Africa, with the second encounter scheduled for next week at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 07 Aug 2026
New captain to lead Springbok Women in Suva clash
SUVA, 07 AUGUST 2026 (FIJI SUN)—Libbie Janse van Rensburg will captain the South Africa women’s team for the first time in Saturday’s clash against Fiji at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
The first-five eighth becomes the 12th player to lead the Springbok Women since their first Test against Wales in 2004.
Babalwa Latsha, who was named captain last month, remains sidelined as she continues her recovery from injury and was not considered for selection.
Co-coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt backed Janse van Rensburg ahead of her first match as captain.
“Babalwa was not considered for this match as she is in the final days of a recovery plan, but we have full faith in Libbie, who as vice-captain was part of the leadership and decision-making anyway,” Johannes-Haupt told SuperSport following the naming of her side.
“She has the backing of a strong group of leaders in the squad, while at flyhalf, she is used to calling the plays and running the game anyway.”
The 31-year-old Janse van Rensburg is the only backline player to retain her place in the starting XV from South Africa’s last Test against the USA Eagles Women in Pretoria on July 12. Among the forwards, only Vainah Ubisi and Sizophila Solontsi will start again.
A total of 13 players from the matchday 23 at Loftus Versfeld have been retained, while Shiniqwa Lamprecht will make her Test debut at centre.
Two of her fellow Springbok Women’s Sevens regulars, Patience Mokone and Zintle Mpupha, will make their first starts of the year.
Number eight Aseza Hele and hooker Lindelwa Gwala will also return to the green and gold for the first time since the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.
“The personnel are a bit different, but the mindset remains the same and I expect a solid effort from all those selected,” said Johannes-Haupt.
“We had some good sessions since we arrived here, and we are looking forward to the challenge from Fiji.”
Johannes-Haupt was particularly pleased to see 23-year-old Lamprecht earn her Test debut after previously coaching her during her last fifteens international with the Junior Springbok Women in 2023.
“Shiniqwa did really well after that, moving to sevens, but I am very happy to see her back here,” she said.
“The sevens players selected for the weekend are now fully integrated with us and ready to resume their fifteens careers. We are looking for a significant contribution from all of them this weekend.”
She also welcomed the return of experienced campaigners Gwala and Hele. Gwala, the most-capped hooker in Springbok Women’s history, will play her 39th Test, while Hele returns after an injury layoff.
“We all know what a charged-up Blommie (Hele) can do and I think we are going to see some very physical play from her, while Lindelwa’s strong basics will also be important in our set piece, as it’s an area where we look to stamp our authority,” Johannes-Haupt added.
The match kicks off at 2pm tomorrow.
Springbok line-up:
15. Byrhandré Dolf, 14. Maceala Samboya, 13. Zintle Mpupha, 12. Shiniqwa Lamprecht, 11. Patience Mokone, 10. Libbie Janse van Rensburg (captain), 9. Anacadia Minnaar, 8. Aseza Hele, 7. Lerato Makua, 6. Sizophila Solontsi, 5. Nomsa Mokwai, 4. Vainah Ubisi, 3. Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 2. Lindelwa Gwala, 1. Xoliswa Khuzwayo.
Replacements: 16. Anushka Groenewald, 17. Yonela Ngxingolo, 18. Thandile Mazwi, 19. Catha Jacobs, 20. Sinelitha Noxeke, 21. Nobuhle Mjwara, 22. Felicia Jacobs, 23. Alichia Arries….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 07 Aug 2026
Coates: We won’t underestimate Boks
SUVA, 07 AUGUST 2026 (FIJI SUN)— Fijiana lock Jade Coates says her side will not take South Africa lightly in Saturday’s Test, insisting the result from the 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup will have no influence on this weekend’s clash.
Speaking to SUNsports, the former Fijian Drua and Chiefs Manawa forward said Fiji should expect one of its toughest Tests when the teams meet at HFC Bank Stadium.
“I know it’s going to be a tough Test match,” Coates said.
“We don’t want to underestimate South Africa; they are a good side.
“It’s a historic occasion to play them on home soil and we’re doing everything we can to put our best foot forward this week.”
The Nananu, Tailevu, native said she was grateful to rejoin the national squad after linking up with the team earlier this week.
“I’m really privileged to be here.
“I only joined the team yesterday (Tuesday), so it’s been a short turnaround for me, but the girls have been working really hard.”
Although Fiji defeated South Africa 21-17 at the 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, Coates said that result counted for little now.
“That win is in the past. Right now we’re focused on the present, staying in the moment and playing the full 80 minutes.”
The Fijiana squad also visited Gospel High School yesterday, where players met students ahead of the Vodafone Deans quarter-finals.
“It was very special to spend time with the students. They brought plenty of energy, and it was great to celebrate those preparing to represent their schools in the Deans competition.”
Coates urged supporters to turn out in numbers on Saturday.
“Come out and support us. You’ll get to watch the Fijiana and the Deans matches, so it will be a great day of rugby. Fill the stands; we’re grateful for all the support,” she said.
The Test will be played between the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union Vodafone Deans and Weet-Bix Raluve fixtures, which begin at 8.30am.
Fiji and South Africa kick off at 1pm before two Vodafone Deans Under-18 quarter-finals….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: RUGBY PASS PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 07 Aug 2026
Mike Catt swaps Sydney for Fiji to join evolving Drua coaching ticket
NADI, 07 AUGUST 2026 (RUGBY PASS)—The Fijian Drua’s new coaching staff is continuing to come together, with 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Mike Catt joining newly appointed head coach Brad Mooar’s ticket in Nadi.
The former England star has spent the last two seasons under Dan McKellar at the Waratahs, and brings his experience as an attack coach with England, Italy and Ireland to one of the world’s most talented attacking rugby nations for the 2027 season.
Speaking on the next chapter in his storied journey, Catt said the chance to contribute to Fijian rugby is a special opportunity.
“I’m very excited. I think what I’ve seen and how the Drua have performed over the past five years since they started has been very impressive, and it looks like they are heading in the right direction,” Catt enthused after being unveiled as the Drua’s senior assistant coach.
“To be part of something special and relatively new is very (exciting), and the calibre of the players that I have watched on a weekly basis for the past couple of years since I’ve been in Australia is very impressive.
“One of the big reasons why I came is I’ve never really coached a nation where rugby is their number one sport. I love the game; it has taken me around the world, and I’ve had the most incredible journey, and for me to give back to the people and make sure that we go to another level is crucial.”
The Drua have ended each of their two recent seasons in 10th place out of the formerly 11-team field in Super Rugby Pacific, having made the playoffs in the two prior seasons, 2023 and 2024, but falling short in both quarter-finals as the seventh seed.
Head coach Glen Jackson called time on his coaching tenure with the team following the most recent campaign, beginning a new era in the coaches’ box, led by former All Blacks and Scotland assistant Mooar.
Fijian Drua CEO Jeff Miller was confident that the recent coaching appointments will breathe new life into the club.
“We are very excited to announce Mike as Brad’s senior assistant coach as he brings with him a wealth of coaching and playing experience. To have someone that has achieved so much as part of our coaching team is a great coup for our club and for Fiji!”…PACNEWS
PNG – ATHLETICS: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 07 Aug 2026
Six PNG athletes take to U.S tracks
PORT MORESBY, 07 AUGUST 2026 (THE NATIONAL) —A team of six athletes will this week take to the tracks in the mixed relays and the men’s 4x100m of the World Under-20 Athletics Championships at the University of Oregon, United States.
They will join a field of more than 1,800 athletes from 147 nations.
Female athletes Hephzibah Romalus and Althea Dale will hit the tracks in the mixed 4×400 on the first day with Ethan Asimba and Calvert Avae. Day two will see the mixed 4x100m relay with Asimba to start then Romalus, Kabake Lansana and Dale. The boys will then run a 4x100m relay.
A total of 20 teams will compete in each of the mixed relay events, and 30 teams for the men’s 4x100m.
Papua New Guinea also has one entry in an individual event that is pending confirmation.
The trip was made possible with funding from numerous sources including Lae MP and Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso, World Athletics, PNG Olympic Committee, Kumul Mineral Holdings, Oceania Lawyers and from the parents of the athletes.
Athletics PNG president Tony Green and coach Rellie Kaputin are travelling with the team. Green said the addition of the mixed relays presented a wonderful opportunity for our athletes to gain international experience, a sentiment echoed by World Athletics president Sebastian Coe in opening the championships.
Coe said the importance of age-group competition is an important pathway and programme for the development of young athletes.
Green also thanked staff at the U.S Embassy in Port Moresby for their understanding and support in processing efficiently the team’s visa applications…..PACNEWS
AUST – BOXING: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 07 Aug 2026
Aussie boxing champion Opetaia calls out ‘hiding’ rival
GOLDCOAST, 07 AUGUST 2026 (AAP)—Australian boxing world champion Jai Opetaia has lashed out at a rival for ‘running and hiding’ after confirming he will fight Noel Mikaelian in September.
Opetaia’s fight with two-time WBC cruiserweight world champion Mikaelian in Las Vegas on September 13 (AEST) will serve as the co-feature to the welterweight super fight between reigning champion Ryan Garcia and British star Conor Benn.
Mikaelian (28-3, 12KOs) hasn’t fought since December last year due to a promotional gridlock, but he represents a huge challenge for Opetaia (30-0, 23KOs).
Cruiserweight Opetaia ranks among the sport’s pound-for-pound best, and he will make the eighth defence of the Ring title he captured in July 2022.
After three stoppage victories in 2025, Opetaia became Zuffa Boxing’s inaugural champion in March with a one-sided decision victory over Brandon Glanton.
That bout cost Opetaia his IBF belt, given the IBF didn’t sanction the Zuffa Boxing fight, which falls under the banner of a new Saudi-backed breakaway league.
Opetaia has been calling out David Benavidez (32-0) for a clash, but his rival is yet to come to the party.
The Australian made sure to take a pot shot at Benavidez when announcing his upcoming Las Vegas blockbuster against Mikaelian.
“This is a huge card, and I look forward to showing the world once again why I’m the best cruiserweight on the planet,” Opetaia said in a statement.
“Credit to Noel for stepping up to the plate while others – yes, David Benavidez, I’m talking about you – continue to run and hide.”
Opetaia’s long-time manager Mick Francis also took a swipe.
“This is a massive fight for Jai, and it’s refreshing to see a top-tier cruiserweight step forward when so many continue to avoid the challenge,” Francis said.
Mikaelian is backing himself to topple the Australian.
“I intend to defend my world championship. This is the fight I’ve wanted since becoming a two-time world champion, and I’m ready to deliver,” Mikaelian said.
“I haven’t fought since December 2025 because of circumstances outside of my control. I refused to stay inactive. Champions are meant to defend their titles, and that’s exactly what I’m prepared to do,” he said…PACNEWS
NZ – BOXING: TVNZ PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 07 Aug 2026
‘I’m looking for a big fight’ – Joseph Parker on lifted drugs ban
AUCKLAND, 07 AUGUST 2026 (TVNZ)—Joseph Parker hopes to fight before the end of the year after having his drugs ban lifted, saying: “I’m looking for a big fight. I’ve been waiting to punch someone in the face.”
The New Zealand boxer’s frustration at a ban which has been in force since late last year is probably justifiable, although his feelings will also include relief.
He was shocked to fail a voluntary test due to the apparent discovery of traces of cocaine after his defeat to Fabio Wardley in the United Kingdom late last year, a finding which put the 34-year-old’s career on hold.
Parker told 1News: “Imagine getting told you’d failed a drugs test and getting told it’s cocaine. Like, it’s a shock… and how are you going to navigate through this whole ordeal?
“It was tough at the beginning, very tough. I’m very fortunate to have a very supportive wife and family. When I got told the news I was in tears. ‘How did this happen? My career, it’s all over’. My wife said to me ‘relax, you did nothing wrong’. She was with me the whole time in camp so she knows exactly what happened.
“But to get the suspension lifted and have the chance to put this behind me now, it’s a great feeling. I’m ready to go again now.”
Parker, the former WBO world heavyweight champion, trained with Tyson Fury before his friend’s recent comeback fight and wants the world to know he is a free agent and back in the heavyweight mix.
He is not, however, free to comment on the circumstances of the failed test, or its resolution, with manager David Higgins saying: “He’s agreed not to talk about it until the details have been finalised. The ban has been lifted.”
Parker did say, however, that the details should be resolved soon.
Higgins added: “It’s good to be back in business and to start planning what the next move is for Joseph. He’s in demand. He’s a big name around the world now, he’s only 34 but he’s a veteran of boxing with so many big names on his resume.
“Trying to make fights shouldn’t be too difficult because he’s a big name and a pay per view draw. Some of the bigger names probably think he’s beatable so he’s a good match-up for some of the big names.
Joseph Parker enters the ring prior to the Heavyweight fight between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley on the “All or Nothing” Fight Night.
“We’re now at the point where Joseph is a free agent and available for anyone who makes a sensible offer.”
As Higgins noted, current WBO world heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois has avoided Parker in the past.
Parker, involved in the promotion of Saturday’s IBF cruiserweight world title eliminator bout between David Nyika and Floyd Masson, added of the ordeal: “It’s taught me a lot about the business we’re in. It is a business and you have to look after yourself and the people around you.”
When asked about Nyika’s potential path to the title in New Zealand, a journey which Parker completed 10 years ago when he beat Andy Ruiz Jr in Auckland for the WBO world heavyweight title, he said: “It’s massive”….PACNEWS
PNG – COMMONWEALTH GAMES: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 07 Aug 2026
Team PNG returns from Glasgow
PORT MORESBY, 07 AUGUST 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—The Papua New Guinea contingent to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland returned to Port Moresby yesterday with a bronze medal in weightlifting.
The games were held from 23 July to 02 August.
As the curtain fell on an unforgettable Glasgow 2026, Team PNG joined nations across the Commonwealth in celebrating the spirit of friendship, unity, and sporting excellence at the closing ceremony on Sunday.
Team PNG Chef de Mission Elaine Iorive said they are incredibly proud of every athlete who wore the red, black and gold with pride and thanked everyone at home and around the world who supported Team PNG throughout this remarkable journey.
Team PNG looks to the future where the Commonwealth flag has been passed on to Amdavad, India, which will play host in 2030.
Iorive said Team PNG’s campaign at the Commonwealth Games was a success right throughout, starting from their preparations up to the participation.
She said the team did well in their performances.
“We did have some promising results, however, some expectations were not delivered.
“Our team was made up of young athletes many of whom were first-timers in representing the country on the world stage. They did extremely well going from strength to strength and most achieved personal bests,” she said.
“Our athlete Morea Baru got a bronze and that, in itself, was a proud moment.
“We are proud of Morea because he was one of the athletes that we were banking on to get a medal for PNG, and he did,” Iorive said.
Team PNG attended the Commonwealth Games in five codes. Swimming and athletics recorded a number of personal bests.
“Team PNG now looks towards the Pacific Games next year,” she said.
Of the 74 countries that participated, PNG finished 36th….PACNEWS
FIJI – NETBALL: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 07 Aug 2026
Fiji Black claim Fiji Invitational title in thriller
SUVA, 07 AUGUST 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—-Fiji Black captain Elenoa Gukirewa has credited strong team connections and combinations for her side’s success after edging Crest Fiji Blue 56-55 to win the Fiji Invitational Tournament.
In a thrilling final that went down to the wire, Fiji Black held their nerve to secure a one-goal victory and lift the inaugural title.
Gukirewa says the tournament was about much more than results, with the squad focused on building combinations and developing on-court chemistry ahead of future national commitments.
She says the victory was a bonus for the team, with players concentrating on strengthening connections and playing quality netball throughout the competition.
The captain also reflected on Fiji Black’s journey through the tournament, which included an opening-round defeat to Fiji Blue.
Gukirewa says the team responded by spending time reviewing performances, working through combinations and strengthening relationships away from the court.
She says those efforts paid off in the final, with players executing their roles and producing one of their strongest performances of the tournament when it mattered most.
The win caps off an impressive campaign for Fiji Black and gives selectors plenty to consider as they prepare to name squads for upcoming international assignments, including the Netball World Cup Qualifiers in Tonga….PACNEWS
JAPAN – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 07 Aug 2026
Jones out to make Japanese history ahead of Wallabies series
TOKYO, 07 AUGUST 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—Japanese coach Eddie Jones insists all the pressure is on Australia as they look for a maiden win over the Wallabies on Saturday.
The former Wallabies coach will once again go up against his old side, out to turn the tide in the history of the two teams.
Australia have won all seven encounters with the Brave Blossoms, with the 19-15 win last year the closest.
On that day, the Wallabies rested a host of stars, scraping home after some late Japanese fightback.
“There’s a lot of pressure on Australia. They’ve got a very experienced team. It’s a game that they’d be expected to win,” Jones said.
“We want to make sure we’re putting pressure on them right from the start.
“The team’s prepared really well. I think we’ve probably had one of our best preparation periods. We feel like we’re ready to go after Australia.”
Jones is expecting a similar style out of the new Les Kiss-coached Wallabies, taking over from Joe Schmidt.
“I think Les and Joe have had a pretty close relationship going back to when Les was in Ireland, so they’re thinking would be the same,” he believes.
“There’ll be little nuances they change, but I think it’ll be a reasonably easy transition given also that Les coached the Reds and a number of the players that he selected have come from the Reds team, so I see that being a fairly seamless transition.
“We’re more interested in ourselves than Australia. What we believe is we have a team that can beat Australia, and they have an experienced team…They were young players back in the 2023 World Cup. Now they’ve got 50 or 60 caps next to their name, so they’re coming to their prime stage of their careers.
“We’re going to have to be at our best, and we’re prepared to be at our best, so we’re really looking forward to getting the chance to make history.”
The Japanese have made a host of changes from last month’s defeat to France, with former Reds lock Harry Hockings to come off the bench, replaced by Jack Cornelsen in the second-row.
The son of former Wallaby Greg shifts from the back-row, with fellow Australian-bred talent Ben Gunter and Dylan Riley also named…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 07 Aug 2026
Excitement building in Perth as Bears take centre stage
PERTH, 07 AUGUST 2026 (NRL)—Perth rugby league fans will have the chance to watch a pair of future Bears on Saturday afternoon in an early glimpse of what’s to come for the expansion franchise.
Melbourne and Manly will travel west for the final NRL game at HBF Park before the Bears take up residence at the venue when they enter the competition next season.
The match is on track to sell out, with rugby league fever sweeping the city as anticipation grows for the side’s inaugural campaign.
Storm stars Nick Meaney and Tyran Wishart have signed with Perth from 2027 and will look to provide fans with a sign of what to expect next year.
The duo will be joined at the club by a host of big names next year, with the Bears unveiling Morgan Smithies as their latest signing on Thursday.
Fans can get their first glimpse of Meaney and Wishart at an open training session on Friday morning, with the Storm to complete their captain’s run from 9.30am at HBF Park. The players will also stick around for a signing session after training concludes.
The Bears are planning a number of major events to celebrate Saturday’s match as the countdown to their first season ramps up.
The Bears will unveil their 2027 home jersey at a lunch on Friday afternoon, with simultaneous events occurring in Perth and North Sydney to celebrate the team’s shared history.
The inaugural jersey honours more than a century of North Sydney Bears history while marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Perth Bears.
Inspired by the rich heritage of one of rugby league’s most iconic teams, the jersey has been designed to celebrate the past while embracing the club’s future in Western Australia.
The jersey will go on sale after it is unveiled, with fans able to purchase it at HBF Park before Saturday’s match.
Bear Walk
Bears coach Mal Meninga will lead a march to the stadium prior to kick-off on Saturday in a showcase of the passionate fans who have already thrown their support behind the club.
Fans are encouraged to assemble at the Brisbane St Carpark at 11am before Meninga and a team of drummers lead the group on the 400 metre walk to HBF Park. The march will start at 11.30am, giving supporters ample time to find their seats prior to kick-off at 1pm.
No registration is required and fans have been urged to wear their black and red Bears merchandise for the walk….PACNEWS
