Ali Almond
Ali Almond is an ABC digital journalist reporting on sport in the Pacific Islands. She is passionate about telling the story behind the headline and uncovering the intersection of sport, culture, and politics in the Pacific. Follow her on Twitter @AliAlmondABC and Instagram ali_almond-Nutz
Latest by Ali Almond
The PNG Orchids connection spearheading the Cowboys' NRLW debut
The quartet made their Rugby League World Cup debut together taking Papua New Guinea to its first semifinal. Once again they’re creating history by each other's side, but this time in Townsville.
Quartet of Papua New Guinea's world cup stars prepare for Cowboys NRLW debut
(L-R) Essay Banu, Sera Koroi, Shellie Long, and Jessikah Reeves are proud to represent Papua New Guinea and the North Queensland Cowboys in the NRLW.
Duration: 2 minutes 33 seconds
Papua New Guinea NRL bid boss says it is too early to talk about a 'Pacific team'
As the conversation around an NRL team for PNG heats up again, there are a lot of questions and some lessons from the past to remember, writes Ali Almond.
Proving doubters wrong all season, the Drua play their first quarterfinal against a giant they have already slayed
The Fijian side managed two wins from their inaugural season, but have muscled their way into the finals with style this year.
Cassie Siataga's kick to go down in Samoan rugby history
The Samoan fly-half has pulled off a penalty kick to win Manusina's first-ever regional title, snatching the championship away from Fiji, but she has also scored every point for her team's victory.
Analysis
analysis:'It's something we should all be proud of': The legacy and future of Pasifika players in State of Origin
With yet another Pasifika player set to enter the State of Origin arena, the legacy and future of that community on rugby league's grandest stage has never been stronger.
Oceania Football's crème de la crème playing for ultimate glory in Vanuatu
Norwegian journalist Ola Bjerkevoll's greatest passion is football in the Pacific Islands and he blogs about it from a small village in Norway.
Duration: 4 minutes 39 seconds
Could Heilum Luki be the first player of Niuean heritage selected for Origin?
From representing a tiny pacific island nation as a kid, to North Queensland Cowboys prodigy, could Heilum Luki be pulling on the maroons jersey next?
NRL player Fa'amanu Brown finds salvation caring for his dying mother
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs back Fa'amanu Brown has gone to dark places during his footy career, but caring for his dying mother brought him back to his true self.
Fa'amanu Brown has played rugby league in front of thousands, but his proudest achievement is caring for his dying mother
A clip from Fa'amanu Brown's interview with the ABC podcast Nesian Footy.
Duration: 3 minutes 37 seconds
Analysis
analysis:Reds v Fijiana Drua is the Super W final no one saw coming
The Fijiana Drua have staged the most remarkable comeback in Super W history while in the background dealt with a firestorm of criticism, political and financial issues.
'Forget the glass slippers, our princesses wear netball shoes': The Tonga Tala beat Malawi for PacificAus netball title
Tonga's national netball team beats top-ranked Malawi to extend its unbeaten streak to 20 matches, as the Tonga Tala clinch a third consecutive PacificAus Sports Netball title.
Frank Bainimarama and Fiji Rugby Union board forced to quit
A dark cloud hangs over Fiji Rugby Union as the board is forced to resign over technicalities after a week of drama that has included no money being available to feed players.
Waratahs Women assert dominance to end Fijiana Drua's fairytale run
The Waratahs Women avenge last year's grand final against the Fijiana Drua, who suffer their first loss since joining the Super W.
More clubs, more money and a flurry of player signings — the NRLW ushers in a new era
Simaima Taufa joins the Canberra Raiders as a signing spree for the NRLW hits top gear and the league ushers in a new era.
Rebels must reckon with power of the Drua in historic Fijian double header
When the Melbourne Rebels head to Suva to take on the Fiji and Fijiana Drua they'll be taking part in a historic double-header for the two leagues.
Can reigning champions the Fijiana Drua continue their undefeated run in the Super W?
Last year the Fijiana Drua made history by winning the Super W competition, undefeated in their debut year. Can this year's new-look team hold onto their crown?
Analysis
analysis:Why Tonga is the secret weapon behind the NRL's most incredible rise
The Dolphins are taking the NRL by storm in their inaugural season and a hidden Tongan connection is helping to lead the way.
Kristian Woolf talks about his relationship with Felise Kaufusi
Kristian Woolf describes his relationship with veteran forward Felise Kaufusi and the role it played in the lead up to Woolf signing with the Dolphins.
Duration: 1 minute 1 second
When the PNG Hunters and Western Clydesdales play this weekend, it will be history in the making
After a 17-year absence, the Western Clydesdales are back to the Queensland Cup, with a historic first meeting against the PNG Hunters on Sunday marking their return.
Fijian Drua, Moana Pasifika Super Rugby Pacific opener showcases islands rugby in style
A thrilling encounter between Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua to kick off the Super Rugby Pacific season kickstarted a big year for rugby in the Pacific Islands, with team development and more home games on the horizon.
Bottles of Coke, all-day games and child prodigies: How darts has taken Papua New Guinea by storm
After breaking free of cosy British pubs a long time ago, the sport of Darts has spread to the unlikeliest of locales — the South Pacific.
Darts in Papua New Guinea is more popular than ever and likely to be included in the 2027 Pacific Games
The popular sport of darts has evolved in Papua New Guinea's culture in some colourful and surprising ways.
Duration: 1 minute 21 seconds
Analysis
analysis:Can Papua New Guinea women's team make history and be the first pacific island nation to qualify for the FIFA World Cup?
Papua New Guinea's women's football team has beaten the odds over and over again, but it will have to do it one last time to reach the FIFA World Cup for the first time, writes Ali Almond.
Meet the living, travelling 2023 Pacific Games mascots, raising awareness for endangered species
Solomon Islands boast the largest turtle nesting grounds in the Pacific, with sea turtles intrinsic to the archipelago's culture. However, three species are now endangered, two critically so.