Tonga’s women win the battle while Mennenga’s 40 goes unrewarded

Tonga XIII Women have delivered a 36-24 win over Cook Islands Vaine Moana in Sydney but the result highlights a bigger challenge for both countries.

Tonga and Cook Islands are trying to keep their players competing internationally after missing out on this year’s Rugby League World Cup, which kicks off on Thursday.

Both teams self-funded the match on Saturday, which organisers say underlines the effort needed to give Pacific women regular opportunities to represent their countries and develop towards the highest level of the game.

Tavake Fangupo, Tonga Rugby League Secretary-General, said the weekend fixture was important for players to build their experience and pursue pathways into the National Rugby League for women (NRLW).

“While Tonga and the Cook Islands did not qualify for this year’s Rugby League World Cup, we believe it is important that our Pacific women’s teams and players continue to have regular international matches,” he told NRL Media.

“Our players deserve the opportunity to wear their national jersey with pride, gain valuable international experience and continue developing towards the highest levels of the game, including pathways into NRLW.”

Tonga turned the tables on the Moana after their 42-24 defeat in the 2025 Pacific Bowl, where the Cook Islands claimed their first trophy in an elite sporting competition. Photo/Facebook.

Charles Charlson, Cook Islands Rugby League President, said the match would help keep both programmes moving forward.

“It is critically important that we maintain this level of competition, keep our players and programmes engaged, and continue providing genuine international opportunities,” he told the NRL.

“Looking ahead, this match will help maintain momentum, strengthen our respective programmes and keep our players competing at international level. It is an important step in our longer-term preparation and pathway towards the 2030 Rugby League World Cup.”

Mennenga’s career night not enough as Breakers go down

In the National Basketball League, Sam Mennenga produced a career-high 40 points but the BNZ Breakers still fell 100-84 to the Perth Wildcats at RAC Arena in Western Australia.

The Breakers were chasing revenge in their second meeting of the season on Saturday but could not find a way past the Wildcats despite Mennenga’s huge effort.

The 24-year-old forward said the squad could not use the absence of key players, including point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright, Josiah-Jordan James and Preston Le Gassick, as an excuse.

“You can’t let it define you. If you’re going to play the victim going into the game, you have already lost the game,” Mennenga told media post-match. “Next man mentality is not having a choice. You can’t play victim, guys have to step up. Our effort was there for 30 minutes or so, but you need 40 minutes of good basketball to win games.

“Credit our guys, though. They hung tough, played hard and gave it everything. We had guys playing in roles they are not used to playing. Rather than looking at who we don’t have or who we might have on the way, credit this group. We have something building here.”

The Breakers face the Sydney Kings in Round Five on Wednesday 14 October at AIS Arena, with tip-off scheduled for 9.30pm NZ time.

Miramar are top of Dettol National League

In domestic football, the Miramar Rangers have taken top spot in the men’s Dettol National League after beating Ferrymead Bays 4-1.

The Wellington side led 3-1 at halftime and added another goal in the second half to secure their second win in three games.

Cashmere Technical sit second after suffering their first loss of the campaign, 2-1 to Napier City Rovers on Sunday at the Rovers’ home ground.

In the women’s competition, Auckland United continued their strong start with a third straight win of the season beating Canterbury Pride 4-1. Eastern Suburbs had the bye but remain second.

For more information on fixtures and results from the competition, click here.