The duo have been headhunted by New Zealand national provincial clubs after helping Samoa qualify for the 2023 World Cup with wins over Tonga.

Stowers is set to join Canterbury and Noa has been linked to Manawatu. The NPC starts on August 6.

Halfback Leon Fukofuka is still in camp with Tonga, who meet Cook Islands on Saturday in a second chance to qualify for France 2023.

The Wildfires remain in limbo due to the COVID lockdown in Sydney. The Shute Shield will resume a fortnight after the lockdown ends.

Wildfires' contracted players have been drafted out to local clubs. Last-placed Singleton had first pick and they did laps of the ladder until all players were drafted.

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** IT has taken a dozen years but Faavae Sila notched his 100^th first-grade game for the Hamilton in the win over University. The rugged prop joined the Hawks straight out of New Zealand rugby nursery Wesley College in 2008. His time has been split between Hamilton, stints in Sydney in the Shute Shield and a season in Spain.

** Merewether coach Jamie Lind is adamant boom back-rower Lachy Milton will choose the Greens if there is a tug of war for his services with Central Rugby League club. Milton joined the Butcher boys when Hunter Rugby was suspended due to COVID last season. He has played for both clubs this season, and has recently been playing first grade in the centres for the second-placed Central.

** Singleton's come from behind 36-22 triumph over Wanderers at No.2 Sportsground was the Bulls first win over the Two Blues since 2011 and first on the road since 2007.

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