Fiji’s Maikah Dau celebrates a goal at the OFC U-16 Men's Championship 2025, Fiji v Tahiti. Photo: DJ Mills / Phototek.nz
Football
Maika Dau secured Fiji a 2-1 win over Tahiti in their group A clash in the Oceania under-16s championships at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara on Sunday.
The decisive strike came 20 minutes from full-time when Dau unleashed a thunderous freekick from outside the box.
Fiji had led 1-0 at halftime before Tahiti equalised.
Earlier, the Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea fought to a 1-1 draw.
Matches continue on Monday, with New Zealand taking on Samoa and New Caledonia facing Solomon Islands.
Rugby
The Tongan 'Ikale Tahi defeated the Queensland Reds 38-19 in Nuku'alofa on Friday afternoon, ahead of their Pacific Nations Cup campaign starting this coming weekend.
It was the team's first game for the 2025 season and the only warm-up they will have, before they host Manu Samoa at the same venue on Saturday, 23 August.
The Reds, missing out on a number of star players, scored two late tries in the second spell to close the deficit.
But halfback Augustine Pulu got one back for Tonga which gave the hosts a comfortable win.
League
Australian Kangaroos legend Mal Meninga says Payne Haas's call to play for Samoa will make international rugby league more competitive.
ABC reported 25-year-old Haas has indicated he will represent Samoa in the upcoming Pacific Championships, joining other NRL stars like Brian To'o, Stephen Crichton and Jarome Luai.
Meninga said the move is a significant boost for Samoa, who made the World Cup final in 2022.
Samoa will contest the Pacific Cup against New Zealand and Tonga at this year's event, set down for October and November.
Rugby
Manu Samoa head coach Lemalu Tusi Pisi has named his 28-member squad to face Tonga and Fiji in the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup, which kicks off on 23 August.
Pisi said the event will be critical for the side, as the series also doubles as qualifier for the Rugby World Cup 2027.
Four new potential debutants have been named in the squad, which will be captained by Saracens flanker Theodore McFarland.
Manu Samoa will meet Tonga in Nuku'alofa on 23 August before tackling Fiji in Rotorua on 6 September.
League
The yet-to-be-named PNG NRL franchise will play its debut game in the NRL in March 2028 at the Santos National Football Stadium.
The Post-Courier reported franchise chief executive Andrew Hill revealed this in Port Moresby.
Hill said while discussions are ongoing with the government regarding an alternate stadium, the focus for the franchise's debut season remains on the Santos National Football Stadium.
A competition is currently underway inviting the people of PNG to come up with a name for the franchise.
Golf
PNG Prime Minister, James Marape, says 120 professional golfers will desend on the country for this year's Papua New Guinea Open.
PNG's National Broadcasting Commission reported Marape made the announcement in Port Moresby ast week.
Golfers who have confirmed their participation include players from the United States, Spain, Fiji, Korea, Japan, the Philippines, New Zealand and Australia.
The event is being held as part of PNG's 50th Independence Day celebrations.
