POTM

Kaiviti

R9·POTM

Luke Metcalf puts on a clinic as Kaiviti down Tohoku Salamanders

Luke Metcalf was simply outstanding as Fiji Kaiviti defeated Tohoku Salamanders 48-30. The Five-eighth finished with 1 try in a match-winning display. Luke Metcalf's influence was felt in every phase of the game. When the contest was in the balance, it was Luke Metcalf who stepped up and delivered the moments that mattered.

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UT Herald StaffMay 20, 2026 at 6:00 PM

DISCIPLINE

Hawks

R9·DISCIPLINE

Ill-discipline costs Hawks dearly in loss to Taranaki Tortoises

Chatham Island Hawks can point to their own ill-discipline after going down 16-24 to Taranaki Tortoises. Thomas Leuluai's time in the sin bin left the team a man short at a critical stage. Taranaki Tortoises made them pay with two quick tries while Hawks were down to 12 men. The coaching staff will be furious — these are preventable moments that are costing games.

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UT Herald StaffMay 20, 2026 at 6:00 PM

BENCH

Tortoises

Round 9·BENCH

Taranaki Tortoises' interchange masterclass proves the difference

Taranaki Tortoises' bench made a huge impact in their 24-16 win over Chatham Island Hawks. The interchange players combined for impressive numbers off the bench, providing the energy boost the starters needed. The rotation strategy paid dividends, particularly in the second half when fresh legs gave Tortoises the edge in the middle of the park. It's a formula that could serve them well deeper into the season when fitness and depth become crucial.

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UT Herald StaffMay 20, 2026 at 6:00 PM

VALIANT

Salamanders

R9·VALIANT

Tohoku Salamanders go down despite James Maloney's best efforts

James Maloney did everything to drag Tohoku Salamanders over the line — 1 try, 4 goals, 327 kick metres — but it wasn't enough as Fiji Kaiviti claimed a 30-48 victory. Tohoku Salamanders need more players to stand up alongside James Maloney. One player can't do it alone, and the coaching staff will be looking for others to share the load heading into the next round.

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UT Herald StaffMay 20, 2026 at 6:00 PM

REPORT

Hawks

R9·REPORT

Cold-blooded: Hawks let their footy do the talking

No theatrics. No verbal sparring. Just a clinical performance from Cces's side. The players know exactly what they're answering.

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UT Herald StaffJun 1, 2026 at 12:50 AM

DEFENCE

Knights

R9·DEFENCE

44 missed tackles: Knights' defence costs them against Tauranga Devils

Las Vegas Knights made 44 missed tackles in their 0-40 loss to Tauranga Devils. You won't win many games defending like that. Tauranga Devils exploited the soft defence time and again, finding easy metres through the middle. The coaching staff will have a long video session this week — this is a fixable problem, but only if the players are willing to put their bodies on the line.

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UT Herald StaffMay 20, 2026 at 6:00 PM

REPORT

Salamanders

R9·REPORT

Kodi Nikorima is back — and he's not slowing down

The momentum is real and Salamanders are riding it. Kodi Nikorima looks like a man with a point to prove.

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UT Herald StaffJun 1, 2026 at 12:50 AM

REPORT

Tortoises

R9·REPORT

Form is permanent: Jerry Seuseu on the rise

It wasn't a one-off. Jerry Seuseu has kept the run going and the talkback has flipped from 'is he finished?' to 'how high can he go?'

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UT Herald StaffJun 1, 2026 at 12:50 AM

REPORT

Dictators

R9·REPORT

No flash in the pan: Nigel Vagana backs it up

The performances keep coming. Around Dictators, the talk is of a player rediscovering exactly who he is.

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UT Herald StaffJun 1, 2026 at 12:50 AM

REPORT

Hawks

R9·REPORT

Quentin Pongia stacks another tidy performance

He's not chasing the spotlight, but he's quietly become one of the most reliable men at Hawks again.

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UT Herald StaffJun 1, 2026 at 12:50 AM

REPORT

Knights

R9·REPORT

Form is permanent: Vinnie Anderson on the rise

It wasn't a one-off. Vinnie Anderson has kept the run going and the talkback has flipped from 'is he finished?' to 'how high can he go?'

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UT Herald StaffJun 1, 2026 at 12:52 AM

VICTORY

Hammerheads

R9·VICTORY

Hammerheads start strong with win over Pyongyang Dictators

Hawaii Hammerheads recorded a solid 40-30 victory over Pyongyang Dictators. Greg Alexander was their best with 605 kick metres. It wasn't always pretty, but Hammerheads did what was needed to secure the two points. The win keeps them in touch with the leaders and builds valuable momentum heading into next week.

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UT Herald StaffMay 20, 2026 at 6:00 PM

DEFEAT

Dictators

R9·DEFEAT

Dictators come up short against Hawaii Hammerheads

Pyongyang Dictators couldn't find the answers in their 30-40 loss to Hawaii Hammerheads. Jacob Lillyman was their best but lacked support from the players around them. It was a frustrating night for the Dictators faithful who were left searching for positives. The team will regroup at training and look to bounce back next round.

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UT Herald StaffMay 20, 2026 at 6:00 PM

REPORT

Knights

R9·REPORT

Alarm bells ringing for Knights

Crisis at Knights? The franchise has dropped 4 in a row and the trade deadline is approaching.

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UT Herald StaffMay 25, 2026 at 9:19 PM

REPORT

Dictators

R9·REPORT

Alarm bells ringing for Dictators

Where to from here for Dictators? 4 defeats in a row and no answers in sight. The coaching staff are under the microscope.

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UT Herald StaffMay 25, 2026 at 9:19 PM

REPORT

Hawks

R9·REPORT

Blake Green turning heads

Blake Green is the hottest property in the comp right now. The Hawks star put in a dominant display — rival coaches are taking notice.

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UT Herald StaffMay 25, 2026 at 9:19 PM