Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 5 of 43

Tonga XIII and Toa Samoa Set to Clash as Pacific Championships Roll into Brisbane

Pacific rugby league pride will take centre stage in Brisbane on Sunday 26 October 2025 when Tonga XIII and Toa Samoa face off in a crucial Pacific Championships fixture at Suncorp Stadium. The long-time rivals meet at 3:00 pm AEST in a match that will shape the Pacific Championship standings and reinforce each nation’s status among the region’s rugby league heavyweights.

Pivotal Match

The Round 2 contest comes at a pivotal point in the Pacific Cup, with both teams seeking momentum in the three-nation competition that also includes New Zealand. Tonga enter the match with a settled squad and a forward pack built around co-captain Jason Taumalolo, while Samoa are navigating a challenging week following injuries from their opening-round loss to the Kiwis. Coach Ben Gardiner’s side lost Ata Mariota, Jazz Tevaga and Jaydn Su’A to concussion protocols after the Auckland match, leaving the team with limited options in the forwards and several depth players elevated into key roles.

Tournament context

The 2025 Pacific Championships feature the region’s leading men’s and women’s teams competing across Cup and Bowl divisions. For Tonga and Samoa, the Cup tournament offers a direct path to the final in Sydney on 9 November, with only the top two teams from the round-robin stage advancing. The Brisbane fixture is one of the highest-profile matches on this year’s schedule, part of the NRL’s broader effort to build international rugby league ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Key players to watch

Tonga’s hopes rest heavily on their experienced pack led by Jason Taumalolo, with fellow forwards Stefano Utoikamanu and Eliesa Katoa providing size and impact. The backline includes Daniel Tupou, who is set to equal Tui Lolohea’s record of 22 Tests for Tonga, underscoring the level of experience within Kristian Woolf’s squad. For Samoa, Payne Haas will lead the charge up front in front of his home-state fans, supported by Junior Paulo and Josh Papalii. Chanel Harris-Tavita is expected to play a key role in the spine as Samoa look to generate continuity following a disrupted build-up.

Historical note

Meetings between Tonga and Samoa have become among the most anticipated fixtures in international rugby league. Their rivalry combines elite-level talent with deep cultural meaning, and recent encounters have been defined by physical intensity and high emotion. The two sides last met at the 2022 Rugby League World Cup in England, where Samoa prevailed 20-8 in the quarter-final at Warrington. That result ended Tonga’s run at the tournament and propelled Samoa toward their eventual appearance in the final against Australia. With both sides now fielding squads stacked with NRL talent, this latest meeting continues a rivalry that reflects the growing strength of Pacific nations in the international game.

The Tonga–Samoa Pacific Cup fixture will be played on Sunday 26 October 2025, kicking off at 3:00 pm AEST at Suncorp Stadium. The match will be broadcast live on Fox League and available for streaming via Kayo Sports.

Published 24-October-2025

Brisbane Prepares to ‘Bring the Roar Back’ in Season-Opening Clash Against Macarthur FC

Brisbane Roar kick off their 2025/26 Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s campaign against Macarthur FC at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, 17 October, marking the start of a new era under head coach Michael Valkanis.

Valkanis, one of three new A-League coaches this season, has made it clear that his mission is to “bring the Roar back in Brisbane.” After several lean years for one of the league’s most storied clubs, the former Ajax and Greece assistant says the goal is simple: restore the pride and performance that once defined the orange jersey.

Valkanis told A-Leagues media that his side will play with attacking intent and discipline — qualities he believes can revive Brisbane’s identity.

“We haven’t come here to participate in the A-League,” Valkanis said this week. “We come here to fight and to win and to make our supporters very proud.”

A New Era Under Valkanis

Brisbane’s three-time champions have been far removed from their historic highs, missing the finals in four straight seasons and failing to win a finals match since 2017. But Valkanis is determined to change that. Drawing inspiration from the success of fellow Brisbane teams — the Broncos and Lions — he has challenged his squad to match that energy and commitment.

“How can that not excite you?” he told A-Leagues reporters. “That’s been a theme of ours from day one — we’re going to raise that energy level, we’re going to raise that intensity, and we’re going to give it all we’ve got.”

Since replacing Ruben Zadkovich, Valkanis and the football department have rebuilt the roster with a focus on mentality and team balance. “We’ve worked diligently over the last five months,” he said. “We focused on the right profile and personalities — we brought in a lot of winners with a winning mentality, because we go there to win, we play to win.”

Among those new signings are English striker Christopher Long, Bosnian midfielder Milorad Stajic, Greek playmaker Georgios Vrakas, New Zealand international James McGarry, Costa Rica’s Youstin Salas, and goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis. Local young talents Jordan Lauton, Matthew Dench, and Dimitri Valkanis have also joined, while defender Hosine Bility returns on a permanent deal.

Valkanis insists the Roar’s identity will be built on unity rather than individualism. “I don’t believe in individuals,” he said. “We’ve got a team that’s very strong, and within that team, every individual will shine.”

Fresh Faces and Future Focus

The club has confirmed its full squad numbers for the 2025/26 season, signalling a settled core around which the new recruits can gel. That includes 17-year-old forward Noah Maieroni, who recently signed his first professional contract.

Brisbane will also unveil their new home, away, and third kits on Friday night — designs that nod to the club’s history while marking a modern refresh for the new campaign.

Home Advantage and Rival Record

Friday’s clash will be the Roar’s first at Suncorp Stadium since their off-season overhaul, and the return to their traditional home carries extra significance. It was at Suncorp where Brisbane built their legacy under Ange Postecoglou, lifting championships and thrilling home crowds with free-flowing football.

The club has encouraged fans to “paint the stadium orange” for Round 1, with family-friendly activities and merchandise events planned before kick-off. Brisbane hold a narrow edge in past meetings with Macarthur FC, but both sides enter the opener eager to make a statement after reshaping their squads.

Macarthur’s attacking pace will test Brisbane’s rebuilt defence — a unit that conceded 51 goals last season but now features new additions like McGarry, Salas, and Bility.

Matchday Details

Kick-off is set for 8:05 pm (AEST) at Suncorp Stadium. Tickets and memberships remain available through the Brisbane Roar website. Watch the match live on Paramount+ and Network 10, with coverage starting shortly before kick-off.

Published 16-Oct-2025

Food, Markets, and Culture at the Polish Club in Milton

Photo Credit: Polonia

Polish Market Day is held monthly at the Polish Club in Milton, offering food and crafts, while the venue also runs Sunday Sessions with live music, pierogi, and game screenings.

Market Day at the Polish Club

The Polish Club in Milton runs Polish Market Day once a month on Saturday mornings, with the market closing at 1 p.m. Many stalls sell out before closing, drawing visitors early for food and cultural products.

Food and Stalls

Market Day features groceries such as marinated mushrooms, pickled cabbage, flavoured vodkas, and smallgoods available for pre-order. Fresh baked goods including rye bread, Polish doughnuts, and pierogi are always in demand.

Craft stalls offer jewellery, Baltic linen, christening gowns, and boutique wines. A beer garden serves kranski hotdogs, Polish beer, coffee, and Polish doughnuts. The club’s restaurant also opens for lunch from 11 a.m. on Market Day Saturdays.

*Photo Credit: The Polish Club/Facebook*

Market Dates

For the last quarter of 2025, the Market Days are scheduled on 18 October, 15 November, and 13 December. In 2026, Polish Market Day will run from 31 January to 19 December on scheduled Saturdays.

Longstanding Community Hub

The Polish Club, known as Polonia, has been based at Marie Street since 1968, when its current building opened. It remains a cultural centre for Brisbane’s Polish community and hosts a range of events throughout the year.

Other Events at Polonia

Alongside Market Day, the club holds regular poetry gatherings, degustation lunches, national day celebrations, and Sunday Sessions.

The club’s December Christmas Market Day is another highlight, combining festive foods, stalls, and community celebrations.

Looking Ahead

Polish Market Day remains a key event at the Polish Club in Milton, running monthly through 2026. With markets, Sunday Sessions, and cultural programs, the venue continues to showcase Polish traditions in Brisbane.

Published 24-Sep-2025

Why a Bigger Suncorp Stadium Could Be a Win for Brisbane

Suncorp Stadium in Milton is set for a major transformation as part of Queensland’s preparations for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with experts and sporting figures pointing to 65,000 seats as the ideal capacity for the iconic venue.

Read: Broncos Aim to Rebuild Trust as Warriors Return to Suncorp

State officials recently confirmed that Queensland would move ahead with an upgrade of the 52,500-seat stadium rather than building a new rectangular venue. The plan aims to enhance the fan experience and modernise facilities that have seen limited updates since the early 2000s.

Former Queensland premier and current NRL Commissioner Peter Beattie, who oversaw the last major redevelopment two decades ago, has argued that expanding to 65,000 seats would secure Suncorp’s position among the world’s best rectangular stadiums. He noted that the increase could be achieved without demolishing the existing structure, instead by extending tiers and reconfiguring concourses.

A capacity of 65,000, he said, represents the largest possible expansion within Suncorp’s current footprint while maintaining its strong viewing angles and atmosphere. The figure also aligns with international standards, as many top-tier venues in the United Kingdom and the United States hold between 60,000 and 70,000 spectators.

Examples include Liverpool’s Anfield, Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, which each seat around 60,000 to 62,000 fans. In the United States, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis have similar capacities, making them benchmarks for global event hosting.

Anfield stadium in Liverpool England (Photo credit: CC-BY-SA 2.0/Ruaraidh Gillies/Wikimedia Commons)

An expanded Suncorp Stadium could boost Brisbane’s standing as a global destination for major concerts and sporting events. Beattie suggested that a 65,000-seat venue could help attract international artists who have previously bypassed Brisbane for larger venues in Sydney and Melbourne.

The upgrade could also strengthen Queensland’s claim as Australia’s rugby league heartland. With the Brisbane Broncos, Queensland Reds, and national soccer fixtures all calling the venue home, a higher capacity would allow more fans to experience marquee events such as the NRL’s Magic Round and State of Origin clashes.

Beyond sport, the proposal has been framed as a long-term investment in Queensland’s visitor economy. A larger stadium would draw more crowds to Milton’s cafes, pubs, and restaurants, especially along Caxton Street, generating extra economic activity for local businesses.

Beattie has also floated the idea of installing a retractable roof, similar to designs seen in Vancouver and Frankfurt, to ensure Brisbane remains competitive for year-round events regardless of weather conditions.

Read: Brisbane Broncos Deliver Yet Another Massive Second Half To Become 2025 Premiers

As planning progresses, the 65,000-seat proposal appears to strike a balance between ambition and practicality—large enough to host global spectacles, yet achievable within the stadium’s existing site and urban context.

Published 10-October-2025

Brisbane Broncos Deliver Yet Another Massive Second Half To Become 2025 Premiers

22-12 down to the Melbourne Storm at half time after an electric first half where the Storm ground out the upperhand.

A massive moment when a Tui Kamikamica try from a brilliant kick by Munster is overturned for an arm tackle by Reece Walsh, then a brutal Shibasaki barge and it’s 22-16.

8 minutes in though, Adam Reynolds is off with what appears to be a calf injury. Cory Paix came on and Ben Hunt went to half back.

Payne Haaas comes back on with 26 to go, just after Ezra Mam pulls off a big hit to retrieve possession.

Then you beauuuuty Deine Mariner goes over in the corner from a great Reece Walsh pass when Ben Hunt pulled off a miracle to get it to him off the ground, having attracted defensive attention. Walshey missed the kick but his impact was becoming key to the Broncos comeback once again!

Storm 22 Broncos 20

Then another bullet pass from Walshey to Shibasaki and Gehmat does the rest.
Reece places the ball on the kicking tee with his black-painted finger nails from the left touchline and swings it around magnificently.

Storm 22 Broncos 26

80,223 announced as the crowd, has to be 60,000 Broncos fans!

A mistake by Payne Haas in the “play the ball”, slight momentum for the Storm. Papenhuyzen almost gets through but a Walsh tackle turns the ball back over to the Broncos. Massive tackle from Willison.

Paddy gets called for offside at the “Play the Ball”(t be fair Mr Carrigan was upto mischief) and the Storm roll out of their half.

Ben Hunt is knocked out and bravely tries to run it off but the ref wasn’t buying that. Smoothy comes on to replace Hunt.

Then chaos from a Munster high kick and the Broncos get the ball back.

The Broncos butcher a great chance then the Storm get a linebreak, Mam with a massive tackle then Walsh with another massive tackle but Ezra’s tackle is called high and now the Storm have a penalty 35 out.

4 minutes to go. Another penalty with Piakura late on Pap.

Then Coates is bundled over the touchline by Deine Mariner and Kotoni Staggs.

High tackle on Staggs and Loiero sent to the bin!

C’mon boys only 2 minutes left.

What a tackle by Walsh and it’s all over !!!

Can The Broncos End the 18-Season Drought and Win the NRL Telstra Premiership?

It was 1992 when the Brisbane Broncos won their first Premiership, led by Alfie Langer who had taken over as skipper when Gene Miles retired. Going back-to-back in 1993 and winning the Super League in 1997. Following up again with a Premiership in 1998 and another at the turn of the millenium in 2000 and again in 2006.

That’s 18 seasons ago. Time flies. Let’s not forget Kevvie put together the majority of the current Broncos side including bringing Reece Walsh from the Warriors, and Walters led them to a Grand Final in 2023.

Then he passed the baton to Madge.

Madge, aka “enemy numero uno” having led the Blues in a massive comeback win against the Maroons, in the 2024 Origin Series. Plenty of locals could not forget that and surely Madge kept his head down for that very reason.

The decision to appoint Maguire was brilliant! A masterclass move by the Broncos Board.

So now after quite a rollercoaster season, where at times the Broncos looked dire yet have far more often looked unbeatable. It’s only in recent weeks though that we have fully understood the resilience and sheer determination of this group.

The Broncos beat the Storm in the final game of the regular season to make the 4, 30-14, at Suncorp and after the game, skipper Paddy Carrigan spoke about the deluge of goal-line defence they had practiced in training.

That’s where their backbone has been developed, the layers of determination, and now the belief that no matter how high the mountain, it can always be climbed.

The “Mission Impossible” of coming back from 14-0 against the 4 time Premiers, now seems a walk in the park compared to the hole the Broncos were in against the Minor Premiers, but in reality both comebacks were miracles of belief and determination.

How much was Paddy Carrigan missed last week (and Billy Walters), and how much fresher will he be as a result? At the same time Payne Haas desperately needs a week off, but give us one more big one, Payne!

King & Loiero vs Carrigan & Haas – Broncos win.

In that final regular season game at Suncorp, Jahrome Hughes was coming off an injury break, and it would be fair to assume he’s now back to full capacity.

Munster & Hughes vs Hunt & Reynolds – Tough call.

Papenhuyzen + Howarth + Meaney vs Walsh + Staggs + Shibabsaki – Broncos win

Warbrick + Coates vs Karapani + Mariner – Broncos win

Grant Atkins did a great job of the Broncos-Panthers last week and is given the honours in the middle for the Grand Final.

18 seasons is a long time. It’s time to put that to bed, boys!

The Grand Final of the NRL Telstra Premiership kicks off at 6.30pm Brisbane Time, this Sunday, October 5. BE VERY CAREFUL AS DAYLIGHT SAVING STARTS ON SUNDAY!
The game will be broadcast live on Nine, Foxtel and Kayo.

Published 2-October-2025

Broncos Belief is Unbeatable

14-0 down at half-time, the Broncos were massively behind the 8 ball against this crazy efficient Panthers outfit. The first half had been completed set after completed set from the Panthers, barely a squeak from the Broncos attack.

Then a beautiful grubber from Reynolds to enable the monster that is Kotoni Staggs to open the Broncos scoring seven minutes after half-time, converted with the worst kick of Reece Walsh’s season(a red flag for what was to come).

Increased pressure by the Broncos then became handbags between Cleary and Mam, with Liam Martin coming in with a swinging arm on Ezra — extraordinarily no sin bin!

52,491 inside Suncorp that Locky said was the best atmosphere of any game he has seen there. That’s a fairly big call from Mr Lockyer!

Then chaos ensued like a pin ball machine with a Cleary knock down and Xavier Willison steamed over with 10 minutes to go.

Walsh hit the post with the conversion, one he would kick 9 out of 10 on, to make it 14-10 with 10 minutes left.

One converted try boys!

Smoothy’s punt almost caused a Panthers disaster but they worked the ball out.

Then a knock down by the Panthers as Walsh would have been in, and from the scrum, Walsh on the wing throws a hail mary backwards whilst being tackled, and the ball ends up with Deine Mariner who powered through traffic to dive over when he had no right to.

Hysteria at Suncorp, Walshy tells Reyno to take the kick. Why? The bloke had barely got back into training, nevermind practised his touchline goal kicks, but the class of Adam Reynolds when the big moments come, was the point.

With 3 minutes 40 left. On the right touchline.

Reyno you beauuuuty!

16-14 to the Broncos

Terrible penalty call on Staggs let the Panthers in for one more set but the boys held out.

Grand Final, here we come!

John Millman Connects with Young Players in Milton and Wooloowin

Local kids will get a chance to rally with former tennis professional John Millman when he visits Roy Emerson Tennis Centre in Milton as part of AO Holiday Programs presented by Weet-Bix.

The sessions are scheduled for Monday, 29 September, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Roy Emerson Tennis Centre along Milton Road, and Tuesday, 30 September, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Shaw Park Tennis Centre, at Shaw Road in Wooloowin.

Roy Emerson Tennis Centre Milton — Photo Credit: Google Maps Screengrab

Bringing tennis closer to the community

Millman, who held a career-high singles ranking of No. 33, is expected to visit Milton and meet young participants, sharing his passion for the sport. Organisers note that children will have the opportunity to rally with him, ask questions, and take part in interactive activities during the school holidays. Millman also competed for Australia at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics, famously winning his first Olympic match 6-0, 6-0 — the only “double bagel” in Olympic singles history.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by John Millman (@johnnyhm)

AO Holiday Programs, delivered across Australia and supported by Weet-Bix, provide tennis experiences for children aged 5 to 15. Sessions typically include on-court drills, games, and off-court activities, ensuring they are both fun and safe.

Focus on health and activity

AO Holiday Programs are built to keep children active, healthy, and connected during their school break. The initiative runs across multiple clubs, with sessions drawing large groups of participants.

At Milton’s Roy Emerson Tennis Centre, for example, school-holiday clinics regularly attract about 100 children each day, demonstrating the strong demand for community sport opportunities.

AO Holiday Programs operate every school holiday period in partnership with Tennis Australia and Weet-Bix, aiming to bring a piece of the Australian Open to local communities. The activities are designed to be accessible and fun, with past appearances by players at clubs in Brisbane and other cities underlining the program’s national reach.

Published 25-Sept-2025

Broncos vs Panthers at Suncorp Should be a Classic Prelim Final

With that extraordinary comeback against the minor premiers two weeks ago in Canberra still fresh in everyone’s minds, a potentially even bigger test faces the Brisbane Broncos this Sunday at Suncorp Stadium in the Preliminary Final.

Just as against the Raiders, the Broncos are underdogs with the Bookies despite being at home. SEE VIDEO HERE.

The Bronco’s 14th man, the Suncorp faithful, will need to be at their most inspiring best to drag the boys home in this one. The Panthers have been on an absolute tear since starting the season with only two wins from their first eight games.

The Panthers have won 9 out of their last 10 games against the Broncos.

However, the notorious defensive weakness of the Panthers on the left edge, and the ability of Kotoni Staggs to exploit such opportunities, appears a big edge.

Gus Gould felt the Bulldogs should have exploited that more last week and there’s no doubt To’o, Sorensen, Talagi and McLean will be fully expectant of a Tsunami of offense coming their way.

On the other side of the coin, six first half tries at Accor Stadium against the Bulldogs was a demonstration of the Panthers attacking flair and the Broncos defense will need to be at it’s absolute best to mitigate Nathan Cleary and co.

That specific issue with Reynolds, Mam, Cobbo, Willison, Madden and Gosiewski back all at the same time — we can only trust that Madge has that sextet match hardened to be ready for this huge game. It’s highly likely that all six will improve for the outing if the Broncos make it to the Grand Final.

How fit is Payne Haas? Can Reece Walsh recycle the determination burning inside him when he came back on from the Sin Bin in Canberra? How much will the Broncos miss Paddy Carrigan and Billy Walters? Both have been in great form and will certainly be missed.

Huge conjecture about Adam Reynolds coming back(the Broncos have won all five games without him) and his apparent lack of sync with Reece Walsh, feels like a media beat up and we back Reyno all the way to help Walsh and his team-mates find holes in the Panthers defence.

Has Selwyn Cobbo’s stint at Wynnum Manly, got him ready for this one?

It’s 19 years since the Broncos last won a Premiership. If they can end the 2025 hopes of the Cleary family, they will be one game away.

The game will be broadcast live on Sunday on Nine, Nine Now, Kayo and Foxtel. Kick off is at 4.05pm.

Published 25-Sept-2025

Raiders vs Broncos – Papalii doubtful – Huge Opportunity for Broncos

Making the four was huge, but now the rubber hits the road for Madge Maguire and the Brisbane Broncos.

The win at Suncorp against the Storm 30-14, means that Melbourne hobble into the playoffs themselves, much weakened by both their recent form and the injuries they carry.

“Hunty and Billy did a great job in the halves, Jessi was able to come in and do a great job,” said Madge.

Paddy Carrigan spoke about the defensive resilience around training their goal-line defence.

“We have a group of leaders that are aligned with what we want to achieve.”

“The crowd were unbelievable, you can’t thank them enough. The flair in the attack made the crowd come alive.”

Madge is quietly confident his boys can blow the post-season apart.

Two players who have made a massive contribution to the Raiders Minor Premiership are Jamal Fogarty and Joseph Tapine.

Strong second halves have been one trend, presumably a higher level of fitness. Conversion from repeat sets is another trend that the Raiders have ridden this season, as well as defending repeat sets and causing fewer errors than their opponents consistently.

One of their biggest strengths is post-contact metres, which have been superior virtually all season against their opponents.

Josh Papalii is doubtful for the game on Sunday. Adam Reynolds is confident he will be fit to lead the Broncos at Canberra Stadium.

WHAT HAPPENED IN THE LAST BRONCOS GAME IN CANBERRA?

The Raiders got up 32-22 on March 15 at Gio Stadium.
Jesse Arthurs had three tries for the Broncos and Matty Nicholson had 2 for the Raiders
Deine Mariner had a solid game with two line breaks, running for 227 metres in the game.
Sebastien Kris for the Raiders had two line breaks, running a total of 162 metres.
The Raiders as a team had 647 post-contact metres to 565 for the Broncos.
Payne Haas had 76 post-contact metres, Deine Mariner 64 and Selwyn Cobbo 62.
For the Raiders, Hudson Young had 68 post-contact metres, Sebastian Kris had 63.
Raiders had seven line breaks to four for the Broncos, and 44 Raider tackle breaks to 35 for the Broncos.
The Broncos did win the offload battle 13-7.

A win for the Broncos will put them into a Preliminary Final at Suncorp, a loss would place them into a knock-out semi-final at Suncorp against the Sharks or the Roosters.

Published 9-Sept-2025