As a political bun fight continues in Australia over Solomon Islands security deal with China, why has there been so much consternation, when previous security agreements signed between Beijing and Pacific island nations have passed by largely unnoticed?

Fiji's best line-up for the Rugby League World Cup in England would most likely be a mix of NRL and English Superleague players. But the Fiji NRL's CEO says all options are open to the head coach, who will have the final say on the make up of the squad.

The final whistle in their last match on home soil for the Tongan women's soccer team was literally the signal for disaster, as the country was struck by a volcanic eruption and tsunami. But the team has risen again against the odds in Australia and made their new coach proud!

Former PNG Kumuls coach Michael Marum says public pressure in his own East New Britain community has persuaded him to run for Parliament. He will stand as an independent after rejecting overtures from the political parties.

All the stories linking NRL greats Andrew and Matty Johns with the Samoan coaching role have fallen on stony ground, now incumbent coach Matt Parish has strengthened his hand. One of the rising stars of the NRL coaching scene has been added to his backroom team.

Papua New Guinea's government, along with the country's Sports Foundation launch a bid to enter a team in Australia's NRL, and Samoa Tourism Authority's acting CEO says the reopening of borders will be a big benefit to Samoa's economy.

A mission to deliver help in the wake of Tonga's massive volcanic eruption earlier this year held special significance for one Australian army engineer.

A machine learning tool is being used in Palau and Fiji to quickly assess thousands of photos of reefs, scanning them for degradation and other warning signs.

High court rules that superyacht Amadea can be seized by the US but the defence is granted time to apply for a stay which could lead to an appeal, and a major tuna processing plant being built in Solomon Islands is projected to create more than 5,000 jobs.

Securing private investment will be critical, but plans to build a major tuna processing plant in Solomon Islands' Malaita Province are gathering momentum. If the project comes to fruition it's anticipated there will be 1600 factory jobs, and around 4000 more in associated industries.