Kieran Foran has declared that Dylan Brown can be “the best No.6 in the world” after the Newcastle-bound playmaker staked his claim as a genuine Golden Boot chance with three starring performances to help New Zealand win the Pacific Championships.

The NRL pre-season is upon us and every club has burning questions to answer if they are to have a decent crack at the 2026 premiership.

The rugby league season came to an end on Sunday afternoon.

New Zealand stopped Samoa from making history in the Pacific Championship final but the match was a tantalising reminder of what's possible for rugby league in the days to come.

New Zealand overturns an eight-point half-time deficit to defeat Samoa 36-14 and claim its second Pacific Cup.

Look back at live coverage as one of New Zealand’s great modern league players bowed out in Sydney. Stuff sports reporters

Samoa were up 14-6 with 33 and a half minutes to play. By the time they next took a hit-up, almost a dozen minutes later, they were down and out. Andrew Voerman

Cook Islands book their spot in a fourth Rugby League World Cup, turning it on to beat South Africa 58-6 in Sydney.

Julia Robinson scores twice as Australia defeats New Zealand 40-8 to claim a second consecutive Pacific Cup in emphatic fashion.

Follow live coverage as one of New Zealand’s great modern league players bows out in Sydney. Stuff sports reporters