Toa Samoa Payne Haas during the Pacific Championships rugby league test between New Zealand Kiwis v Toa Samoa at Go Media Stadium. Photo: Brett Phibbs/www.photosport.nz
Rugby league
Samoan rugby league forward Payne Haas has signalled a move from the Broncos to the Rabbitohs after the 2026 season.
Haas has signed a three-year deal to reunite with former coach Wayne Bennett at South Sydney, and the Rabbitohs confirmed a contract had been lodged with the NRL.
The contract is now subject to the NRL's 10-day cooling-off period, and both clubs said they would not make any further comment until the deal is official.
Rugby league
The Fiji rugby and rugby league communities are mourning the death of former player and captain, Alivereti Dere.
Dere represented Fiji in rugby union, rugby league and sevens, and captained both the national union and league sides.
The Fiji Rugby Union and the Fiji Rugby League said Dere was a man who carried the responsibility with humility, courage and vision.
Fiji National Rugby League said his vision for Fijian players to have pathways overseas and opportunities for future generations "has shaped the direction of our game".
Dere also played for the Flying Fijians at the 1991 Rugby World Cup.
3x3 basketball
Fiji will compete in both men's and women's 3x3 basketball at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
The Glasgow 2026 organisation has confirmed the nations participating, with the exception of one European qualifying slot still available.
Fiji secured qualification for both the men's and women's tournaments by winning the Pacific Mini Games 3x3 basketball last year.
Tonga and Papua New Guinea will also compete in the women's competition.
NBC reported it is 16 years since PNG was last represented in team sports at the Commonwealth Games - at the 2010 New Delhi Games in sevens and netball.
Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea president David Peter said the team was selected for the Games based on PNG's strong regional ranking as of late 2025.
The Glasgow Commonwealth Games begins on 23 July.
Beach volleyball
The Vanuatu women's beach volleyball team lost at the quarterfinal stage of the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour in Mt Maunganui.
Bella Lawac and Sherysyn Toko were beaten 21-15 and 21-13 by a New Zealand team in the quarters.
In the round of 12 earlier, Lawac and Toko managed a strong straight sets win, 21-18, 21-17, also against a New Zealand team.
Rugby league
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has called on the National Capital District and Port Moresby to prepare themselves for the long-term hosting of rugby league.
The National reported Marape is urging stakeholders to prepare for the "incoming tourism and national building opportunities" that will be the flow-on effect of PNG's participation in the NRL.
The PNG Chiefs is scheduled to debut in the 2028 season.
Marape said Port Moresby must become a city "safe, accessible, efficient and welcoming" both for locals and visitors, with games expected to be held every second week in the nation's capital.
