Singing jockey Dolan keeps it simple in Cup spotlight – FBC News
After his stunning win last year, Robbie Dolan is looking to go back-to-back in the Melbourne Cup. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS) Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Robbie Dolan believes anything is possible as he chases another boilover victory in the race that stops a nation. A shock winner on 80-1 shot Knight’s Choice in his Cup debut, Dolan is now aiming to become only the fourth jockey in the past century to triumph aboard different horses in successive years. Dolan picked up the ride on the Ciaron Maher-trained Royal Supremacy after Knight’s Choice was ruled out in September, having picked up a virus at Macedon Lodge. Article continues after advertisement The 29-year-old piloted Royal Supremacy to victory in the Group 1 The Metropolitan at Randwick last month and finished fifth behind Cup favourite Half Yours in the Caulfield Cup last-start. Dolan will need some luck in Tuesday’s 3200m staying test, with Royal Supremacy ($21) jumping out wide from barrier 21. “I’m going to have to give the horse a great ride to win but that’s my job – that’s what I get paid to do,” Dolan said. “He’s a horse that gets keen and he’s tested at the trip, and it’s going to be a wet track, so you just have to do the little things right in the early stages of the race. “From all accounts the horse is going really well and Ciaron Maher’s happy. If he’s happy, I’m happy.” Dolan is keeping his tactics close to his chest but says last year’s Cup win taught him to not to over-complicate the matter. “It’s our greatest race but it’s the same as any other horse race,” Dolan said. “You just keep it simple, get your horse in a rhythm, try to save as much energy as you can and hopefully you’re on the right horse and you’re in front at the line.” Dolan, originally from County Kildare, west of Dublin, is a talented singer who appeared on The Voice three years ago. He made his first Cup appearance as a sort of novelty contender, still relatively unknown outside racing circles. This year he enters Flemington under the glare of the spotlight, but isn’t bothered by the added attention. “This sort of pressure is the pressure you work for your whole career,” Dolan said. “The pressure you don’t want is the pressure of not being able to pay the bills. “I’m so blessed to be in the situation I’m in with being able to ride light (51kg). “I feel good, I feel strong and I’m buzzing for the race day.” Dolan returns to Flemington comfortable in the knowledge he can match it with the best. “There’s only a handful of races that really have that same stature (as the Melbourne Cup) and it’s nice to walk into a jockey room knowing that you’ve conquered it,” Dolan said. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Volavola signs with Reds – FBC News
Source: Reds Rugby Former Flying Fijians fly-half Ben Volavola will feature for the Queensland Reds next year. The Reds announced today that the 34-year-old has signed a one-year deal. In a statement, the club said Volavola’s versatility to play as a fly-half, inside centre or fullback makes him a valuable addition to the backline, bringing top-level experience in all three positions. Article continues after advertisement He played 10 games last season with English club Leicester Tigers, where his long-term ambitions were reignited under former Waratahs coach Michael Cheika. Volavola, who represented Fiji at the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups, said the biggest reason he found the Reds so appealing was his belief that they have a squad capable of challenging for silverware. The Australian-born playmaker was schooled in Sydney, where he broke into the Waratahs in 2013 before embarking on a rugby journey that took him to clubs in New Zealand, France and England, as well as 38 Tests for Fiji. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Fiji to open U-17 World Cup campaign tomorrow – FBC News
[Source: Fiji Football/Facebook] Fiji’s national under-17 men’s football team will make history tomorrow when they take the field for their first-ever FIFA U-17 World Cup match. The Junior Bula Boys have been drawn in a tough group alongside football powerhouses Argentina, Belgium, and Tunisia. Despite the challenge ahead, the young Fijian side is determined to give their best and make the country proud on the world stage. Article continues after advertisement Coach Sunil Kumar say the boys are grateful for the opportunity to face top teams at the World Cup, as it will expose them to top quality games. The team has settled well into Qatar after completing a two-week training camp in Saudi Arabia, which helped the players adjust to the conditions and refine their preparations. This will be only the second time a Fijian team competes at a FIFA world tournament, following the under-20 side’s famous win over Honduras at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand. Fiji will open their World Cup campaign against Tunisia tomorrow morning at 3.45am. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
PNG’s NRL inclusion can boost Pacific Rugby League growth – FBC News
Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata says the inclusion of a Papua New Guinea-based team in the NRL presents an exciting opportunity for Fiji and the wider Pacific to grow and strengthen rugby league talent. Kativerata believes the milestone is not just a victory for PNG but a chance for Pacific nations to collaborate and develop a clear pathway for young players. “We should look at it, Fiji is a very small nation, but look at how many players we’ve produced,” he said. “We just need to work together, come up with a system, and build something for the young kids for the future.” Article continues after advertisement He highlighted the shared challenges between Fiji and PNG, noting that both nations face similar social issues but are united through sport. The Bati coach described rugby league as a “religion” in both countries, reflecting its deep cultural connection among Pacific communities. “If you open a church on one side and a football field on the other, all the men will go to the field, that’s how much it means to us. Sports is number one for our people.” Kativerata said the focus now should be on collaboration, ensuring that the Pacific’s growing NRL presence translates into structured development for the next generation of players across the islands. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Haaland shines with double as Manchester City beat Bournemouth – FBC News
[Source: Reuters] Erling Haaland delivered another masterclass in ruthless finishing with two goals this morning as Manchester City beat high-flying Bournemouth 3-1 and climbed into second place in the Premier League. The big Norwegian struck twice on the break in the first half at Etihad Stadium, moving Pep Guardiola’s side six points behind leaders Arsenal with 19 points, while Bournemouth, who suffered their first loss in nine league games, fell to fourth in the table on 18 points. Haaland, who tops the Premier League scoring chart with 13 goals in 10 games, broke the deadlock in the 17th minute, heading the ball forward from just past the halfway line and then barrelling down on goal before coolly slotting home past Djordje Petrovic. Article continues after advertisement Bournemouth hit back through Tyler Adams in the 25th minute. City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma could not get a clean punch on the ball and it dropped to Adams, who stabbed it in from close range. City screamed for a foul on Donnarumma, but after a VAR check the goal stood. The visitors were not level for long as Haaland restored City’s lead eight minutes later, beating the Bournemouth defence before going around Petrovic to slot home with a left-footed shot from a tight angle. Nico O’Reilly struck from just inside the box to add a third for City in the 60th minute when he latched onto a pass from Phil Foden and threaded the ball through Marcos Senesi’s legs and into the net. “We played really good,” Guardiola said. “We had to be so co-ordinated with the pressing and with our defending. They played really good and of course again Erling was decisive.” Haaland has 26 goals in just 16 appearances for club and country this season and on Sunday became the third player in Premier League history to score two or more goals in four successive home games after Luis Suarez and Robbie Fowler. “I didn’t score last game (a 1-0 loss to Aston Villa),” Haaland told Sky Sports. “I try to help the team to win. That is my goal and even by scoring or helping in winning duels it doesn’t matter. I want to help the team become better, that is my job.” Haaland laughed when asked about being taken off before completing his hat-trick, saying: “There were probably a few fantasy managers who were not so happy.” Bournemouth started well and Eli Junior Kroupi celebrated what he thought was the game’s first goal in the opening minute, before it was quickly ruled offside. The visitors squandered several chances, with Kroupi firing into the side netting and then having a hard shot pushed away by Donnarumma in a two-minute spell early in the second half. “It was not a bad performance by us,” Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola said. “We are starting quite well in games. Even when they scored the first goal we were controlling a lot. You have to accept the way we play, there are risks.” City, who had 15 shots to Bournemouth’s eight, pressed for a fourth goal until the final whistle with Omar Marmoush firing into the side netting and then Tijjani Reijnders unleashing a blistering point-blank shot that Petrovic did well to stop seconds later. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Malolo gives thanks after historic Skipper Cup triumph – FBC News
It was a day of emotion and gratitude in Sigatoka yesterday as the Malolo rugby team gathered for a thanksgiving service following their historic Skipper Cup victory on Saturday. The win, which marked a major milestone for the side, capped off a challenging season both on and off the field. Assistant coach Joseva Domolailai said the triumph was especially meaningful for many of the players who were making their debut at the top level of provincial rugby. Article continues after advertisement “After yesterday’s game, everyone was emotional as it was a big achievement for the players, and for most of them, it was the first time to play at that level.” He shared that before kickoff, he reminded the players of the magnitude of the moment and the support behind them. “Before the game, I challenged them to look at the fans and reminded them that this was the highest level of provincial rugby in Fiji. I told them that we are in that moment, but before kickoff we had to try to absorb the atmosphere, as it would make the work on the field easier.” Domolailai said the victory carried deep emotional significance, especially after the passing of one of their mentors, Esala Nauga, whose influence and guidance helped shape the team’s journey. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Sinner powers past Zverev into Paris Masters final – FBC News
Italy’s Jannik Sinner. [Photo Credit: Reuters] Jannik Sinner continued his quest to reclaim the world number one ranking with a ruthless 6-0 6-1 win over German third seed Alexander Zverev on Saturday, advancing to the Paris Masters final where he will face Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime. Sinner’s path to the top of the ATP rankings was opened up after six-times Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz suffered a shock defeat to unseeded Briton Cameron Norrie in the round of 32 on Tuesday. A victory for the 24-year-old Italian in Sunday’s showdown would see him leapfrog the Spaniard. The battle for the year-end world number one ranking will ultimately be determined at the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin from November 9. Article continues after advertisement Sinner’s win against Zverev saw him extend his remarkable streak of indoor hardcourt victories to 25 matches.The four-times major winner, seeded second in Paris, came out firing from the start, breaking Zverev in the opening game and asserting his authority as he coolly dished out a bagel in 30 minutes. He struck 11 winners in the opener, while Zverev, who appeared to be feeling the effects of his gruelling 2-6 6-3 7-6(5) quarter-final victory over Daniil Medvedev, managed just one. Zverev finally held his serve in the first game of the second set. However, the 28-year-old had little left in the tank as Sinner closed out the match in just over an hour, booking his first-ever Paris Masters final. Sinner’s victory also gave him a narrow 5-4 edge in their head-to-head record, having defeated Zverev in the Vienna Open final last week and the Australian Open final in January. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Tailevu’s livewire hooker joins Drua training camp – FBC News
Tailevu hooker Mika Delana has been called up to join the Fijian Drua training camp, marking a major step forward in his rugby career. The Standard Concrete Tailevu Rugby Football Union congratulated Delana on his selection, describing it as a proud moment that reflects his hard work, discipline, and passion for the game. The union said Delana’s achievement also highlights the strength of Tailevu Rugby’s development system and its commitment to providing genuine career pathways for players from the province. Article continues after advertisement “This milestone is an important step in our Career Pathways Process,” the union said. “It reinforces our dedication to sustainable grassroots development and to ensuring that talented athletes have the platform and exposure to reach elite levels.” Tailevu Rugby added that it looks forward to seeing Delana grow further within the Drua setup and continue to inspire the next generation of players from the province. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Naitasiri looks ahead despite final loss – FBC News
Naitasiri may have fallen short in the Skipper Cup final against Malolo, but the side’s campaign has been hailed as a sign of a promising future. The Highlanders fielded one of their youngest squads in recent years, with players as young as 19 and their run to the final has been seen as the beginning of a new era for the province. Head coach Timoci Tinaviti said it was an important learning experience for the team and a moment to reflect on their growth. Article continues after advertisement “I want to thank the Lord for this opportunity. I think it took quite a long time for us to come back to the final. But congratulations to Malolo for a good game today.” He added that the defeat would not define the team’s journey, with preparations for the 2026 season already underway. Tinaviti said the youthful makeup of the squad was part of Naitasiri’s long-term development plan and that the experience would only make them stronger. “For a long time, we’ve seen Naitasiri coming up to the final with 19-year-olds, 20-year-olds, 21-year-olds, 22-year-olds. It’s part of our development plan. These young boys can take us through the next five years.” While the final didn’t go their way, Tinaviti said the journey itself was a victory for Naitasiri rugby. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Uluibau credits faith and team spirit – FBC News
For Nadi Under-20 hooker Joseva Uluibau, yesterday’s Skipper Cup Under-20 final win over Naitasiri was more than just a rugby triumph, it was a testament to faith, resilience, and teamwork. Reflecting on the intense 29–28 comeback victory, Uluibau said the team travelled from Nadi determined to give their all and not return home empty-handed. “We told ourselves anything is possible because when we play together, we give everything. Our president told us we can’t go back empty-handed, and that’s what the boys gave today, their all, with their hearts out.” Article continues after advertisement Trailing 21–8 at halftime, Nadi regrouped after a stern message from their coaches, which Uluibau says reignited their fight. “Our coach was angry at halftime, but he told us we had come a long way from Nadi and couldn’t just give this game away. That message fired us up, and the boys came out stronger in the second half.” Uluibau, who also featured for the Fiji Warriors last month, said the win was driven by motivation from the senior team, their families, and the Nadi rugby community. The young hooker dedicated his performance to God, saying his faith continues to guide his rugby journey. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.