Anthony Albanese and James Marape, pictured at Suncorp Stadium in September, have announced the new PNG team will enter the NRL in 2028. Photo: AAP / Darren England
League
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has announced the country's NRL team will be based at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby.
The National newspaper reported if the stadium is not ready by 2028, the Santos National Football Stadium would temporarily host NRL games.
Upgrades are planned for the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium to meet NRL standards, including to roofing, seating and lighting.
Governor Powes Parkop said ongoing discussions are being held with investors and partners to fast-track the stadium's completion.
Rugby
The boss of the Tonga Rugby Union says having resources available to help in the development of the game in the kingdom is a priority.
Chief executive officer Aisea 'Aholelei said this is a critical part of their plans to lift the standards locally, while also providing for elite players.
'Aholelei said they are grateful to the Government of Japan for funding the construction of their new training facility in Nuku'alofa and assiting in their new rugby academy.
Rugby
A young rugby player with Tongan heritage has now been cleared by Rugby Australia to take up his contract with French Top 14 club, La Rochelle.
Visesio Kite, 16, had to delay moving to France in the past few weeks after Rugby Australia delayed releasing him, as per World Rugby regulations.
The Roar website reported a Rugby Australia spokesperson confirmed they had to seek clarification from World Rugby and French Rugby on the international player clearance, as the player was "outside the 17-23 year old development window".
Mini Games
The Vanuatu Games Association is hopeful they will get all the financial assistance needed to send their 99 athletes to the Palau Mini Games.
Chief executive officer David Lolo said they have sent their budgets and requests to their government and the Australian goverment.
He said the damage caused to sports facilities by the earthquake that hit Port Vila on 17 December has affected Team Vanuatu massively but they are trying to move on and prepare the best they can.
The Vanuatu Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee said they are working with all sports federations to get back on track in sports development and preparedness.
Meanwhile, Vanuatu Judo says they have relocated their programs to the Nabanga Pango, outside of Vila, where they will prepare their team for the Mini Games.
The Palau Mini Games will kick off on 29 June.
Rugby
Blues player Hoskins Sotutu, who has Fijian heritage, has been suspended and will miss three Super Rugby Pacific matches.
This follows the Foul Play Review Committee's decision to suspend him for a dangerous tackle against the Hurricanes last weekend.
Sotutu was red carded in the 75th minute of the game and will miss the Blues' upcoming matches against the Brumbies, Chiefs and Crusaders.
Although the offence can mean a suspension of six matches, the committee took into account that Sotutu accepted he committed an act of foul play, as well as his disciplinary record.
Bowls
Niue bowler Olivia Bloomfield has started off her campaign for a spot in the country's Commonwealth Games team by finishing runner-up at a tournament in Auckland last weekend.
Bloomfield, who won the New Zealand Nationals pairs title in January, claimed the pairs title on Saturday, with a 17-9 win over Howick Hammerheads.
Bloomfield said she is using the New Zealand tournaments to prepare to defend her NZ National title and a possible spot on Niue's Commonwealth Games team.
Appointees
Two sports federations in Samoa have named women as their chief executive officers.
The Football Federation Samoa has confirmed the appointment of Faumuina Margaret Godinet-Crichton as their new CEO.
Netball Samoa has appointed Justine Samu as their new chief executive.
