Pacific Rugby League Partnership: Samoa’s leaders joined Australia, Tonga, Fiji and PNG in Brisbane to sign a $250m, 10-year rugby league plan aimed at grassroots competitions, school programs, violence prevention and youth pathways—plus a promise to look for NRL and NRLW matches in the Pacific. Regional Security Talks: On the same Brisbane day, PM Anthony Albanese held bilateral meetings with Samoa’s PM La’auli Leuatea Schmidt, PNG’s James Marape and Tonga’s Lord Fakafanua, with the missile test fallout in the background and leaders expected to coordinate a strong Pacific response. China Missile Test Fallout: Tuvalu voiced “grave and serious concern” over China’s nuclear-capable missile test, calling for superpowers to stop using the Pacific as a testing ground. U.S-Pacific Partnership Critique: Pacific Elders Voice said the U.S. declaration missed a chance to treat climate change as the region’s top security threat, warning pledged funding is too small. Samoa Courtroom Politics: Former PM Fiame Naomi Mata’afa filed an affidavit supporting HRPP’s challenge to the appointment of DDP chairpersons, with FAST intervening and further documents ordered ahead of next week’s hearing. Language & Education: Samoa hosted the FAGASA teachers’ conference in Aotearoa, with the Acting PM stressing that language and culture are inseparable. Climate at Home: Siumu residents raised alarm as sea levels and coastal erosion appear to be worsening after heavy rainfall. Budget Support: Australia provided Samoa an extra $19.2m to help keep essential services running amid rising fuel pressures.