Tonga

Reports say the review follows an analysis of the impact of hosting the event would have on the economy.

Preparations for the games have been plagued with controversy since Tonga was awarded the hosting rights in 2012.

There have been construction delays, financial concerns, contractual disputes and an ongoing feud between prime minister 'Akilisi Pohiva and organising committee chair Lord Sevele which culminated in the latter being reinstated by the courts after Mr Pohiva removed him.

RNZ reports he helped the island countries negotiate the deal and said it should bring significant benefits.

But Dr Kessie said a key is that New Zealand and Australia meet their commitments to allocate up to 20 per cent of their Pacific aid budgets to helping the island nations develop such things as the capacity to meet international bio-security requirements.

He said this would amount to $US300 million dollars annually being allocated.

The Bulldogs have been subjected to heavy criticism for announcing their players would not be available for the May 7 City-Country match at Mudgee but that is due to scheduling as they play North Queensland just four days later.

If NSW coach Laurie Daley had advised that he wanted any specific Canterbury players to play City-Country with a view to assessing them for State of Origin selection, the Bulldogs would have allowed them to do so.

A deal hasn't yet been agreed but the Weekend Herald understands there is growing confidence among all parties that on Friday, June 16, the All Blacks will play Samoa in Auckland - with Tonga versus Wales as the curtain raiser.

The All Blacks are keen to play a meaningful contest before the first test against the Lions on June 24. They are conscious the Lions will have had six tough tour games before that first test, while the All Blacks will have had two weeks of training, but no opportunity to play.

There has long been criticism that countries such as Fiji, Samoa and Tonga do not face enough tier-one opposition outside of World Cups every four years and that this diminishes their chances of performing at their best in the global showpiece, where they have nevertheless made a significant contribution over the years.

This is something officials have tried to address in the new global calendar unveiled by World Rugby last week, but that doesn't kick in until 2020.

Cook Islands champions Puaikura thrashed Veitongo FC from Tonga 4-0 on Saturday while Lupe edged American Samoa's Utelei Youth 4-3 in their opening encounter.

Puaikura coach Matt Calcott said his side was a bit rusty first up but should be better for the game.

"We're hoping to see an improvement in combinations, possession and probably a little bit more pressure. Our pressure lines need to be improved and we'll make sure they are given the work we've done in training this morning," he told OFC.

He said the whole squad knows how much is riding on today's game.

Puaikura take on Lupe Ole Soaga in a top of the table clash before Veitongo FC and Utulei Youth battle for their first points at Loto-Tonga Soka Centre in Nuku’alofa.

Puaikura FC dominated hosts Veitongo FC 4-0 in the first day of action on 28 January and coach Matthew Calcott is confident they will continue that momentum in their match against Lupe Ole Soaga.

“A win always gives you a little bit of confidence and it’s been good to have these extra days to knit everything together. We just had a good session and I’m looking forward to tomorrow,” he said.

Lupe Ole Soaga, qualifiers in 2015, are hoping to repeat history with coach Paul Ualesi still at the helm. The Ualesi-led side enjoyed success not only in the 2015 qualifier but also the main competition, however two years on they will still be preparing for competitive opening match against Utulei Youth FC.

“We’ve really prepared hard for all of the opponents because we don’t want to underestimate any team,” Ualesi said.

“It’s the first game and we know it will be a big challenge for the team,” he added.

RNZ reports the West Papua Warriors are back after making their debut last year while Australian-based teams representing the Fiji, Samoa and Cook Island communities are among the 27 confirmed entries.

American Samoa are absent this year, while Niue have entered just one team, but Fairfield Lototaha will be flying the flag for Tonga.

The Football Manager for the Cabramatta Rugby League Club, Bob Erskine, said the number of teams competing has remained steady for the past few years but international teams now make up the bulk of those taking part.

The young food innovators drew their inspiration from the Pacific and formed OLelei, the home of New Zealand’s best almond products.

According to the 17 year old Managing Director Matt Billington, since OLelei is two-thirds Pasefika, they thought that it would be a good way to pay respects to their heritage.

“By using the word (Samoan) 'OLelei' with the rough translation to 'good' we believe this stands for all our products. Not only do they taste good but they are good for you,” Billington said.