Australia said it would commit A$7 million for a Pacific rugby league championship, in a “football diplomacy” move seen as boosting Australia’s soft power amid competition for influence with China.

The Storm have climbed back into the top four after stunning the Raiders 48-2 at AAMI Park this afternoon.

A double to tryscoring machine Alex Johnston helped the Rabbitohs to an unconvincing 26-14 win over the Dragons in Cairns.

The Sharks are a step closer to sealing a finals berth following a comprehensive seven-try showing that resulted in a 36-6 win over the Titans.

The Panthers took a huge step towards their third minor premiership in four years with a 24-12 win over the Sea Eagles on Thursday night.

Fiji Bati 9s manager Akuila Masi has announced the 18-man team for the test match in Papua New Guinea.

The Raiders have overcome a spirited Wests Tigers outfit to keep their top four hopes alive with a thrilling 22-18 victory at GIO Stadium on Sunday.

The Parramatta Eels have kept their finals hopes alive after overcoming the St George Illawarra Dragons 26-20 in an entertaining and intensely fought match.

Nicho Hynes returned to his best as the Sharks held off a late Rabbitohs comeback to end a three-match losing streak in Perth on Saturday night.

For the first time since Round 6 the Knights have moved into the top eight, after coming from behind to beat the Dolphins 30-28 in a try-fest in Perth.

The Broncos continue to match motors with Penrith at the top of the table after a 30-14 win over the Cowboys at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday.

Star halves Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary cruised the Panthers to a comfortable 26-6 victory over the Storm at BlueBet Stadium on Friday night.