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Nesian Footy

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Bringing you the Pacific Islander stories on and off the Rugby League and Rugby Union field.

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Nesian Footy
26 oct 2026, 6:00 · 54 min
Bringing you the Pacific Islander stories on and off the Rugby League and Rugby Union field.
Papua New Guinea mischief, Samoa camp and Rugby League World Cup dreams
23 oct 2026, 3:00 · 52 min
It’s the eve of Week Two of the Rugby League World Cup, and the big question is; who’s taking home the dub? With some teams proving they’re not to be written off just yet, it’s anyone’s guess how the next round will unfold.Sam and Tinirau are in Papua New Guinea, getting up to all kinds of mischief! Tinirau sneaks into Samoa camp to catch up with skipper Junior Paulo and debutant Sua Fa'alogo, who, at the last Rugby League World Cup, was out celebrating at the parades. Never once imagining he’d be representing his nation at the very next one.While some might say rugby union is a dying sport in PNG, a few locals beg to differ, which is music to Sam's ears.And she set herself a goal, and now she’s living it. PNG Orchid Shellie Long joins Nesian Footy to reflect on her time in camp and the journey from recovering from an ACL injury to getting back to exactly where she wanted to be; representing her country on the world stage.
Rugby League World Cup opening round delivers some big blowouts
19 oct 2026, 6:00 · 54 min
While Sam might be hurting physically, Tinirau is hurting emotionally after Cook Islands defeat against a tough Fiji Bati side. In spite of his homeland heartbreak, Tinirau can excitedly admit that the opening round to the Rugby League World Cup has been the best to date.After Wallabies second loss to the All Blacks in the Bledisloe Cup, Sam might be happy the world is becoming more rugby league crazy.
Australia and New Zealand set the tone for Rugby League World Cup
16 oct 2026, 3:00 · 54 min
If last night’s game between Australia and New Zealand was anything to go by, we’d better strap in for the next few weeks of the Rugby League World Cup! Tinirau unpacks what he calls “one of the best opening games he’s seen at a RLWC in a very long time.”Samoan, Solomon Islander and Cook Islander Dominique Peyroux joins us to take a trip down memory lane, reflecting on his time representing both the Cook Islands and Samoa at Rugby League World Cups throughout the 2010s.Meanwhile, rugby union has its own share of action to look forward to, with a historic quadruple-header taking over Sydney this Saturday. And Sam has just one request for the Wallabies... PLEASE get it done!
Feleti Mateo isn't missing this Rugby League World Cup for anything
12 oct 2026, 6:00 · 54 min
There was only so much time Sam had with his rugby union news before rugby league started up again, this time it's Rugby League World Cup and the fans have already gotten the party stared with Samoan and Tongan fans driving around Western Sydney with flags sailing down the streets to see their nation go again since 2022. Tinirau Arona jumps into some dangerous squads.Bledisloe Cup has Wallabies supporter Sam sadly accepting that the cup wont come home for another year.Cook Islands women surprised themselves over the weekend, up against a stacked Tongan women's team, keeping the score fairly close considering they were still trying to organise a full team just days before the game.Tongan rugby league international Feleti Mateo, reflects on his time playing in the Rugby League World Cup playing alongside the OG's of the game.
Daniel Tupou leaves behind an incredible legacy
9 oct 2026, 3:00 · 54 min
If you thought the NRL season was over, think again — there’s still plenty happening in the world of footy!Tinirau Arona gives his flowers to Daniel Tupou, who, after reaching his 300th game earlier this year, is now ready to hang up the boots as a four-time premiership winner. After giving so much to the game, Tupou leaves behind an impressive legacy as the Roosters’ second-most-capped player.We’re back with some union news as the Bledisloe Cup returns this weekend. Despite doubts from Tinirau and Nemani Nadolo Kuridrani, Sam Wykes is backing the Wallabies to rewrite history. Can they prove the doubters wrong?And we catch up with Sala Togatuki just before she heads into Jillaroos camp, celebrating her selection in the squad and what this next chapter means for the Tigers forward.
The Roosters take all the Premiership glory
5 oct 2026, 6:00 · 54 min
The final weeks of footy have had it all, highs, lows, shocks, surprises, heartbreak, and even a new-found love for the game. And that’s exactly why we keep coming back to it every single year.Tinirau takes Sam through a hectic night of not just footy, but the celebrations around it: from pre-game tributes honouring the greats who helped shape the game, to the post-game celebrations as fans ride every high and low alongside their teams.PNG Junior Kumuls head coach Joey Grima hops back on Nesian Footy to chat about making history against a long-time undefeated Australian Schoolboys side, and what it means to go from being the hunters to now becoming the hunted.And after a night on the NRLW sidelines, Kiana Takairangi joins the celebrations with the Roosters as they reclaim the trophy.
Droughts and dynasties: NRL and NRLW Grand Finals are here
2 oct 2026, 3:00 · 54 min
Knights or Roosters?There’s plenty on the line for both sides, with each team bringing their own motivation into the Grand Final. Will the Roosters add another win to their history, or will Newcastle finally break a 25-year drought? Plenty of questions and not enough answers. That is, until Sunday night, when Sam and Tinirau are expecting a tight scoreline. Fiji Drua’s newly appointed scrum coach Campese Ma’afu jumps back on Nesian Footy, looking to change the way the world sees Fiji; beyond just the flair and towards the depth and strength within the team.Dally M Dream Team prop Sala Togatuki reflects on one of the biggest nights on the NRL calendar, especially after not expecting to even be nominated. With the NRLW Grand Final around the corner, Sala finally picks a side.
"If not me, who else?" Tiana Penitani-Gray on Pasifika representation in media
28 sept 2026, 6:00 · 54 min
Tiana Penitani-Gray is one of the trailblazers and most recognisable faces of the NRLW. But her impact extends well beyond the footy field, with Tiana carving out a name for herself in the media. Never expecting a career in media, her willingness to say yes to new opportunities has seen her become the face of That Pacific Sports Show and a familiar voice on the footy sidelines. Now, she reflects on her journey from player to broadcaster, the importance of Pasifika representation in sport and media, and the responsibility of using her platform to ensure Pacific voices are heard, while continuing to learn, grow and embrace new opportunities.A rollercoaster of emotions this weekend as NRL and NRLW teams gave it everything to secure their spots in the Grand Finals. Tinirau Arona, Tiana Penitani-Gray and Kiana Takairangi unpack a weekend of milestones, history and heartbreak.
NRL & NRLW: two Prelims, four teams, two Grand Final spots
25 sept 2026, 3:00 · 54 min
We’re heading into the second-last week of the 2026 NRL season, and the waters are looking murky with no clear winner in sight. Tinirau Arona unpacks a massive weekend of finals footy, looking at the vulnerabilities on display and which teams have what it takes to maintain the pressure and intensity for a full 80 minutes this weekend.Tiana Penitani-Grey steps in for Sam Wykes to chat through the NRLW Preliminary Final. The competition’s two powerhouse teams have made their way back into the finals once again, but there’s plenty of excitement around the possibility of an upset, especially with teams that know how to spot weaknesses and capitalise on them.Sala Togatuki reflects on a massive season with the NRLW Tigers, one filled with plenty of moments to remember.And while Sam Wykes might be out of the studio, he still finds a way onto Nesian Footy, joining us from Tonga to chat about his time in Tonga and coaching the NSW Tonga Rugby U14 and U15 sides.
Frank-Paul Nu'uausala reflects on how footy and brotherhood saved him
21 sept 2026, 6:00 · 54 min
Born and raised in South Auckland, Frank-Paul Nu'uausala came into life with a tough mentality. Mostly keeping to himself, trusting only a select few, and determined to improve his situation. When he arrived in Australia as a young adult, it was a culture shock. From not knowing how cafes worked to sticking out like a sore thumb in the Northern Suburbs with baggy pants and no shirt on the beach, there was a lot he had to figure out. With a bit of freedom and stability, Nu'uausala began to explore a different side of life. But it was his Roosters teammates who recognised the barriers he had built around himself after a tough upbringing and helped him slowly break them down. That trust, brotherhood and sense of belonging became something much bigger than footy, ultimately helped Frank-Paul Nu'uausala through some of the hardest moments of his life. NRL Finals Week 2 showed who was able to tread through murky waters, with teams losing some of their key players at the most crucial time of the season. Tinirau unpacks the moments that mattered most over the weekend.Sam highlights an unstoppable Japan as they take out the Pacific Nations Cup, beating defending champions Fiji over the weekend.Shellie Long jumps into NRLW Finals Week 1, where we farewell some of our favourites from the season.
NRL, NRLW & Pacific Nations Cup: Finals, Finals, Finals
18 sept 2026, 3:00 · 54 min
NRL Finals Week 2 is here, and the anticipation isn’t wearing off for Tinirau or Sam. With two more teams set to either say goodbye to their season or book their spot in the Preliminary Finals, the stakes are getting higher and waiting on the other side are opponents ready to fight for their place in the Grand Final.Sam and Nemani Nadolo Kuridrani look ahead to the Pacific Nations Cup Grand Final, with Fiji set to go up against Japan.Kiana Takairangi joins to chats key players for a big NRLW Finals Week 1.And Sam raises questions around the quality of pathways and staff within Manusina Samoa, as the WXV Global Series results reveal there’s more to the story than just what’s on the scoreboard.
Vea Mafile’o helped bring Jonah Lomu’s story to life
14 sept 2026, 6:00 · 54 min
The release of the Jonah Lomu documentary has given long-time rugby fans a chance to remember one of the greats of rugby union, while introducing a new generation of fans and aspiring athletes to the legacy he left behind.But behind the rugby icon is a much deeper story of culture, family and personal life. While the film celebrates the beautiful game that made Lomu a household name, it also opens a space for healing and reflection for his family and those who knew him.One of the few Tongan voices behind the scenes, Vea Mafile’o joins Nesian Footy to talk about the man who inspired generations of Pasifika players, and what it meant to help document such a complex and personal history. As one of the film’s only Pasifika producers, Vea brought a unique perspective to the story; made even more meaningful by the fact that he and Lomu came from the same island in Tonga.NRL Finals Week 1 got off to a bang, with Tinirau Arona unpacking a weekend of big collisions, tight scorelines and plenty to talk about.The fourth and final game of the Greatest Rival Series between South Africa and New Zealand has come to an end, with South Africa outlasting the All Blacks to claim the series.The Fijiana have come out on top in their Pacific Nations Cup semi-final, while the WXV Global Series has also kicked off. Sam Wykes has the latest from the women’s game.
NRL Finals Week 1 begins
11 sept 2026, 3:00 · 54 min
The boys are buzzing after seeing the advanced screening of the Jonah Lomu documentary last night and it’s pretty much all they can talk about.That is, until Tinirau remembers what’s waiting for NRL fans this weekend… and geez, is he excited! For the first time in years, the opening week of the finals feels completely wide open, with the teams so evenly matched that predicting who will come out on top is anyone’s guess.Sam and Nemani Nadolo Kuridrani are hoping the Flying Fijians can take flight as they face Canada in the Pacific Nations Cup semi-finals. Otherwise, as Nemani warns, it could be a tough reception for Fiji when the team arrives home. Nemani also shares a special memory of Jonah Lomu.And in the NRLW, Sala Togatuki and the Wests Tigers are ready to flush last weekend’s loss to the Cowboys and get back into the fight against the Raiders tonight.
Joseph Paulo looks back on the Sharks’ 2016 Premiership
7 sept 2026, 6:00 · 54 min
Brotherhood means something different when it costs you something; especially when it costs you a spot in a Grand Final.Two players, both injured, supported each other through rehab, only to find themselves competing for the same spot in the Sharks’ 2016 Grand Final side. One of those players was Joseph Paulo. When his teammate got the nod, Joseph wasn’t bitter, he was proud that they had both been able to sit down, have that conversation and understand what it meant to be part of something bigger than themselves.Reuniting with the Sharks for their 2016 premiership reunion over the weekend brought back the laughs, memories and a reminder of the brotherhood they built both on and off the field.NRL Round 27 wraps up the regular season as we say goodbye to some of our favourite teams, farewell some of the greats of the game, and look ahead to Week One of the finals.In rugby union, South Africa dominated against New Zealand, as the All Blacks face another tough battle against one of the game’s athletic giants. With four weeks of going head-to-head with some of the world’s best, it’s grit that keeps you in the game.Shellie Long joins us as NRLW trailblazer Tallisha Harden hangs up her boots, reflecting on a career that helped pave the way for the next generation.
The importance of having a cultural mentor in rugby
4 sept 2026, 3:00 · 54 min
Discussion within the Broncos camp has reignited conversations around the need for cultural mentors to support Pacific players, something Sam and Tinirau say has been a long-running discussion, particularly when you look at the huge gap between the number of Pasifika players and Pasifika coaching staff.Over in Fiji, Nemani Nadolo Kuridrani talks about the importance of looking after the human within the player, as the Fijian Drua make history by bringing coaches through the Fiji Rugby coaching pathway into assistant coaching roles for the first time, marking a significant step towards greater Pacific representation in the coaching spaces of Super Rugby.And Sala Togatuki offers a player’s perspective on what it really means to back your teammates; it’s not always about the physical stuff, but also about the energy you bring and the support you give.
Mina Funa is the mother behind two rugby dreams
31 ago 2026, 6:00 · 54 min
Mina Funa raised two future rugby stars on her own, Jezaiah Funa, who recently made his NRL debut for the Parramatta Eels, and Leviticus Funa, who now plays rugby union in France. For the single mum of two, opportunities weren’t given, they were earned. Often the only mum on the sidelines, she made sure her sons knew they had her support; even when life meant making sacrifices along the way. Now, as her sons begin to reap the rewards of their hard work, Mina wants other mums to know they can do it too. Round 29 in the NRL saw the top eight finalised, but among the big clashes were some special moments including Jai Arrow running out for the Rabbitohs in his 99th game and Jett Cleary making his NRL debut. Tinirau looks back at the moments that make the game so special.In rugby union, the international season continues with big clashes between South Africa and New Zealand, and Argentina and Australia.Plus, Kiana Takairangi joins us to chat about her favourite games from NRLW Round 9.Now, as her sons begin to reap the rewards of their hard work, Mina wants other mums to know they can do it too.
Nemani Nadolo-Kuridrani trekked through bush to sign Fiji Drua’s latest star
28 ago 2026, 3:00 · 54 min
Nemani Nadolo-Kuridrani joins us live from Tonga to tell the story of his mission to find Fijian Drua player Kavekini Boselawa, travelling down windy gravel roads through the Fijian bush to reach his family home - just as Kavekini was preparing to leave for a team in Romania. 🏉Then, Round 29 of the NRL is here, and as the regular season winds down, the ladder is looking very different from what we’re used to. Tinirau and Sam unpack the Storm and Broncos clash, farewell Adam Reynolds as he heads into retirement, and look ahead to Payne Haas’ move to the Rabbitohs for 2027.In the NRLW, Sala Togatuki and the Tigers continue making history, defeating the Knights for the first time and climbing to third on the ladder, claiming new territory for the side.And Nemani Nadolo Kuridrani joins us live from Tonga to share the lengths he went to track down Fijian Drua player Kavekini Boselawa, travelling down windy gravel roads through the Fijian bush to reach his family home, just as he was preparing to head to Romania.
Content creation changed Lima Sopoaga’s life in the best way possible
24 ago 2026, 6:00 · 54 min
Media is becoming its own beast in sport, with plenty of people wanting to get involved. But we’re now starting to see players feed back into sports media after hanging up the rugby boots. Last time we had Samoan Cook Islands rugby international Lima Sopoaga on Nesian Footy, he was just getting started in media. Now, almost a year later, taking that leap of faith and pushing himself to get his content out there has completely changed his life. He joins us from South Africa, where he’s working with the All Blacks to create content during a pretty historic time in rugby history; and says he feels even prouder now than he did when he was playing for the All Blacks.PNG Chiefs have done it again, finally finding their 007 in dual-code athlete Joey Manu. Tinirau and Sam are beaming over another big signing.The Springboks coach makes a request that leaves a 62,000-strong stadium completely silent.And the NRLW Cowboys’ win over the weekend leaves Shellie Long smiling from ear to ear.
Josh Papali'i and Tui Kamikamica call their time in NRL
21 ago 2026, 3:00 · 54 min
The NRL loses two greats of the game this week, with Raiders 300-gamer Josh Papali'i announcing his retirement, while after 10 years with the Storm, Tui Kamikamica has announced his medical retirement following a stroke in March. Two Pacific icons that many of us grew up watching, and Sam and Tinirau share their heartbreak over the news.Kiana Takirangi swoops in to save the day as Sala Togatuki prepares for her clash against the Knights. We also hear the latest from the Parramatta camp, with another promising Crichton heir making her way through the ranks.Nemani Nadolo Kuridrani unpacks the latest signing news from the Fijiana Drua camp, highlighting some exciting talent coming out of Canberra in Inoke Ravuiwasa.
What happens when your dream burns you out? Tiaan Tauakipulu opens up
17 ago 2026, 6:00 · 54 min
Usually, we hear from rugby players who fall in love with the sport and want to play professionally for as long as they can. Former Samoan Tongan rugby player Tiaan Tauakipulu’s story is a little different. He and his family worked hard to give him the chance to pursue his dream, and it wasn’t long before he landed a spot playing playing Super Rugby. But between injuries and the mental demands of the game, Tauakipulu soon found himself burnt out. Faced with the choice of continuing down a path he and his family had invested so much in, or taking a new and daunting direction outside of everything he had ever known, he had to decide what came next.Tinirau and Sam unpack Round 24 of the NRL and the suggestion of adding a third-place playoff during Grand Final week. With players already facing a packed year of footy and little downtime, is there really room for another game?Sam also looks back on witnessing an old-school, battle-hardened Bull Sharks side in South Africa, and why his 19-year-old self was secretly grateful he didn’t make the team that day.And in the NRLW, the Roosters and Broncos meet in a rematch of the 2025 Grand Final. Shellie Long breaks down the clash and the rest of the action.
Big signings, big culture, and big wins
14 ago 2026, 3:00 · 54 min
Bringing you the Pacific Islander stories on and off the PNG Chiefs have settled into their number six, adding Brian To’o to their roster, also known as 006. But who will be their 007? Tinirau Arona has a warning for clubs: lock down your best players before they hit free agency, because the Chiefs will be lurking.The All Blacks and Sharks put culture first, both on and off the field. Sam Wykes chats about how the All Blacks have embraced a safe space for players to express themselves and showcase their culture a momentous shift from what was considered professionalism a decade ago.In the NRLW, the Tigers and Dragons went down to the wire, with the Dragons almost stealing the win. But as Sala Togatuki puts it, “good teams find a way to win,” and the Tigers scraped through. Now they turn their attention to a threatening Warriors side this weekend, ready to back themselves all the way.Plus, Nemani Nadolo Kuridrani gets set for the Fijiana Drua’s clash with the Springbok Women.League and Rugby Union field.
Black Fern Shakira Baker-Fidow takes on a new challenge in NRLW
10 ago 2026, 6:00 · 54 min
From Olympic silver and Commonwealth gold to the NRLW, Shakira Baker-Fidow has experienced the evolution of women’s rugby firsthand. The former Black Fern joins us to reflect on her journey from growing up in the small Aotearoa New Zealand town of Greytown to representing her country on the world stage, proudly representing her Samoan and Māori heritage, and the sporting family that helped shape her career. Now with the Warriors, Shakira opens up about making the switch from rugby union to league, adjusting to a new code, and what the next chapter of her career could look like.With Tinirau Arona away, NRLW legend Tiana Penitani-Grey steps in to recap all the action from NRL and NRLW Indigenous Round, including a grand-final-worthy clash between the Warriors and Panthers, and one of the biggest signings of the week: Brian To’o’s move to the Chiefs from 2028.Meanwhile, Sam Wykes is impressed, and more than a little envious, as 44-year-old rugby legend Ma’a Nonu prepares to take on the All Blacks for the Sharks. At an age when most of us are thinking about taking it easy, Nonu is still putting his body through one of the toughest sports around.
2026 NRL Indigenous Round: remembering the greats of the game
7 ago 2026, 3:00 · 54 min
Indigenous Round takes centre stage in Round 23 of the NRL, with Sam Wykes and Tinirau Arona reflecting on the Indigenous players who inspired them growing up. Tinirau also relives what it was like to line up against some of the game's greats and breaks down the Cowboys' bounce-back win, before asking whether this weekend's sold-out Panthers v Warriors clash could be a preview of the 2026 Grand Final.Over in rugby union, there's finally plenty for Sam to sink his teeth into as South Africa prepare to take on Fiji. The team unpacks the different eligibility rules between rugby union and rugby league, and what they mean for Pacific nations.Sala Togatuki also celebrates Indigenous Round by highlighting the NRLW players who have inspired her, while reflecting on another victory for the Wests Tigers, a win that saw the club set a new milestone.Plus, the latest from the Fijian Drua camp, as the team follows up on Nemani Nadolo Kuridrani's promise to land a very important interview.
How Tongan rugby league international Etu Uaisele built community through food
3 ago 2026, 6:00 · 54 min
For many Pacific Islanders living overseas, home is often found in the simplest of things. For former 2000s Tongan rugby league and Super League player Etu Uaisele, it was a spit-roasted pig that brought a taste of home. Using classic Tongan ingenuity, Uaisele recreated a style of cooking usually only seen back in the islands, building a makeshift spit from a wooden pallet and hand-turning the pig for more than three hours.Today, he calls Wodonga, regional Victoria, home. Far from the bright lights of professional rugby league, Uaisele still proudly represents Tonga in his own way, and every now and then, runs it straight at players half his age in the local competition.Tinirau also recaps a huge weekend of NRL milestones, with Brian To'o and Siosifa Talakai celebrating their 150th first-grade appearances, while Ronaldo Mulitalo moved into equal second on the Sharks' all-time try-scoring list. Apisai Koroisau also reached another major milestone, playing his 205th NRL game.Meanwhile, rugby in Samoa continues to make headlines, with the newly formed Samoa Rugby Football Union officially launching over the weekend. Sam covers the latest developments.Plus, Kiana Takairangi joins the show to share the magic of NRLW Magic Round.
Reality checks: Cowboys learn a hard lesson, Samoa rugby faces its own
31 jul 2026, 3:00 · 54 min
Round 22 of the NRL is underway, and it's one Cowboys fans will want to forget after the Roosters piled on more than 80 points for the first time since 1935. Tinirau Arona breaks down the historic result and what it means for both clubs moving forward.Then, Manu Samoa forwards coach Pek Cowan reflects on his journey as a Cook Islander in the Samoan coaching set-up and challenges perceptions of what a professional rugby player looks like when preparing for the highest level.Plus, major rugby union news is sending shock waves across the Pacific. As discussions around Samoa's future in the international game gather momentum, Sam Wykes and Nemani Nadolo Kuridrani unpack the latest developments and explore the sobering possibility of a future Rugby World Cup without Samoa.
Tony Puletua made professional rugby league feel possible for Pasifika players
27 jul 2026, 5:50 · 54 min
Former NRL and Super League forward Tony Puletua was one of only a handful of Pasifika players competing professionally during his era. As one of just three Pasifika players in Penrith's 2003 premiership-winning side, Puletua became a trailblazer whose journey inspired families within his church community to pursue the same pathways for their children.On Nesian Footy, Puletua reflects on his journey from local footy to more than 200 first-grade appearances with the Panthers, and the legacy he unknowingly left for the next generation. For Sam and Tinirau, seeing a Pasifika player like Puletua succeed made their own dreams of playing professional rugby league feel within reach.Shellie Long and Sam reflect on the Fijian Drua's heartbreaking loss to the NSW Waratahs in the Super Rugby Women's Grand Final and what comes next for the side.Plus, Tinirau reacts to the PNG Chiefs' latest signing, Zac Lomax, while Sam and Shellie discuss All Blacks legend Ma'a Nonu extending his remarkable career after signing with South Africa's Sharks.
Fiji is hosting its first-ever Super Rugby Women's grand final
24 jul 2026, 3:00 · 54 min
History will be made this weekend as Fiji hosts the Super Rugby Women's grand final for the first time, with the Fijian Drua taking on the NSW Waratahs, and Nemani Nadolo Kuridrani reports that Fiji is buzzing with excitement.Following the news that Adam Doueihi will sit out this weekend's match, Sam Wykes and Tinirau Arona reflect on their own experiences as players and coaches, sharing the silver lining of being asked to play in a different position.With things a little quieter on the rugby union front, Sam and Tinirau welcome back original Nesian Footy co-host Toutai Kefu to catch up on life coaching in Japan. Kefu explains why the journey has been "one step backwards, two steps forward."Plus, much loved Sala Togatuki returns as the NRLW, Jillaroos and Fetu Samoa representative prepares to celebrate her 50th NRLW appearance against the club where she made her debut.
How Joey Grima is helping build rugby league in Papua New Guinea
20 jul 2026, 5:50 · 54 min
Joey Grima is the special man behind the PNG Hunters, PNG Kumuls, and now the PNG Chiefs pathways program, and he has a vision that long extends past his time at the NRL, developing methods to not only build success for PNG men and women wanting to succeed in league but build players for life outside of footy, as well as inspire coaching staff to continue building PNG pathways generations from now. From a lack of fields cutting into game time for teams to a need of important government documentation and administrative practices, if there's a will to get his players onto the top stage, there's a way.'Discipline' is the word of the week as Sam reviews a tough weekend for the Pacific nations in the Nations Championship and Nations Cup, breaking down what went wrong and what needs to improve.Shellie jumps on to celebrate the Fijian Drua women's historic Super Rugby Women's semi-final win over the Reds, booking their place in the grand final.Plus, Tinirau reflects on the not-so-fun experience of making a mistake on the field and having to relive it during Monday's video review, a feeling every athlete knows all too well.(Joey Grimer Interview: 25.28)
Jarome Luai finds "peace", while Flying Fijians search for form
17 jul 2026, 3:00 · 54 min
Jarome Luai's signing with the Parramatta Eels has dominated rugby league headlines this week, leaving many wondering what conversations took place behind closed doors. Amid the speculation, Luai stated in his post-match press conference that he's at "peace" with his decision. Tinirau Arona unpack the news surrounding it all.Wests Tigers NRLW captain Sala Togatuki returns to Nesian Footy after back-to-back wins to start the season. It's a feeling she admits she's not used to, but one she's keen to enjoy, as the Tigers chase a third straight victory during Harvey Norman Women in League Round this weekend.Sam also shares his insight into the world of Japanese rugby contracts following Mark Nawaqanitawase's move to one of Japan Rugby League One's top clubs, and what the transfer says about the growing appeal of the competition.Plus, former Flying Fijians star Nemani Nadolo Kuridrani jumps on to discuss the state of rugby in Fiji, both on and off the field, as the national side looks to find form once again.
NRLW and Fetu Samoa star Lindsay Tui doesn't shy away from competition
13 jul 2026, 6:00 · 54 min
Lindsay Tui made a rapid rise to the NRLW, with hard work and a competitive mindset driving her success. Sam and Tinirau saw it up close and personal in 2024 when she scored the final try against Tonga to cement Fetu Samoa's place at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. Tui joins Nesian Footy to reflect on growing up in a competitive family, representing Samoa, and what's driving her to earn another spot in the squad head of the 2026 Rugby World Cup. There's plenty to celebrate coming out of Round 19 in the NRL, with Daniel Tupou scoring a hat-trick in his 300th game and rugby league fans rallying to celebrate Jai Arrow's 31st birthday. NRLW player and Cook Islands representative Kiana Takairangi steps in for Shellie Long to share which teams and players have caught her eye in the NRLW.Plus, rugby union fans across the Pacific are feeling it after a tough weekend of losses, with heavy defeats in both the Pacific Championship and Pacific Cup. Chapters:3:30 - Rugby League15:00 - Rugby Union25:30 - Kiana Takairangi33.00 - Lindsay Tui50:30 - Gimme 3
Tigers' crunch time as post-Origin normality resumes in NRL
10 jul 2026, 3:00 · 54 min
The Blues have wrapped up the Origin series, meaning primary attention can now return to the NRL, as some teams face crunch games in Round 19. The Wests Tigers' hopes of breaking their lengthy Finals drought is getting urgent, just as reports surface that star half Jarome Luai has been invited to explore his options for the 2027 season, before joining the PNG Chiefs in 2028.Also on the show, we review the Broncos' NRLW win over the Sharks and preview the rest of Round 2 in the Women's competition.And we've got a fresh slate of Test matches to look forward to in rugby, as the second round of the Nations Championship and Nations Cup take centre stage.
Ben Volavola still has plenty of rugby in front of him
6 jul 2026, 6:00 · 54 min
Playmaker Ben Volavola joins the Fijian Drua next season after a year with the Reds. The well-travelled Fijian has played 38 Tests and tested a broad range of rugby experiences. The 35-year-old is very well equipped to pass on invaluable wisdom to the rapidly develop Super Rugby Pacific franchise.On rugby, it was the very first round of the Nation's Championship over the weekend and there were some epic Test matches. The first round of the NRLW season revealed some intriguing storylines, which we break down with Shellie Long, along with the last round of the Super Rugby Women's, which sets up semi-final match-ups in both Fiji and Perth.We also review Round 18 in the NRL and take one last look towards this Wednesday's Origin decider in Brisbane.
Huge global launch of Nation's Championship this weekend
3 jul 2026, 3:00 · 54 min
The hotly anticipated Nations Championship kicks off this weekend, headlined by Fiji's huge contest against Wales in Cardiff. Nemani Nadolo Kuridrani helps preview the Fijian's big game.The NRLW kicked off last night as Newcastle launched their season in style with a win over the Sharks, which we review with Sala Togatuki.We preview Round 18 in the NRL, plus the final regular season round in the Super Rugby Women's.
Josh Aloiai is exactly where he wants to be
29 jun 2026, 6:00 · 54 min
Despite being medically retired at just 30, former Toa Samoa Test representative Josh Aloiai isn't slowing down. The ex-NRL forward leads by example, chasing fulfilling post-career passions and engaging community with meaningful endeavours that will continue to inspire. Aloiai has never been shy to stick up for his beliefs.Also on today's show, we review Round 17 in the NRL, set the scene ahead of Test season in the rugby and preview the opening round of the NRLW season with Shellie Long.
Will Warriors end Phins' huge win streak?
26 jun 2026, 3:00 · 54 min
The Dolphins host the Warriors in one of the most hyped regular season matches of 2026 so far. The Phins last tasted defeat in their Round 8 clash with the Wahs, in what looms as an epic rematch to headline Round 17 in the NRL.We unpack the big League talking points with our regular guest Sala Togatuki, plus check in with our rugby correspondent Nemani Nadolo Kuridrani, as some big appointments are being made in Fiji.
The Tour inspiring Tonga's next gen NRL stars
22 jun 2026, 6:00 · 54 min
Tonga's most promising under-16s rugby league talent is currently touring down under, gaining valuable exposure to travel, elite pathways and what it takes to make it as a professional player. But those are just some of the benefits on offer for these impressionable young boys and girls, as we find out by touching base with NRL Tonga GM Tavake Tangupo and u16's Girls captain Atelaite Vakautakakala.Also on Nesian Footy, we review Round 16 in the NRL which featured some nail-biting contests, the Hurricanes' truly dominant Finals run after they claimed the Super Rugby Pacific title, and the latest in both codes of Women's footy with Shellie Long.
Canes and Chiefs chase history in Super Rugby decider
19 jun 2026, 3:00 · 54 min
Two star-studded Kiwi sides will contest the Super Rugby Pacific Final in Wellington this Saturday, with plenty of history and legacy on the line for both franchises. The Hurricanes earned hosting rights after their incredible campaign, while the Chiefs will be hoping it's fourth time lucky, having lost the competition's last three deciders.It's been a huge week for Queensland, who not only squared the Origin series on Wednesday night in dominant fashion, but backed that up by claiming bout the Women's and Men's u19's showdowns between the rival states on Thursday night.Sala Togatuki also joins the show to unpack the Roosters fierce clash with the Sharks as Round 16 in the NRL gets underway.
James Segeyaro is focusing on love and gratitude
15 jun 2026, 6:00 · 54 min
James Segeyaro played 155 NRL games, between 2011 and 2022, along with six Tests for the Kumuls. At stages during his career, the dummy half was an unstoppable force around the ruck. But, as the now-35-year-old reveals, the PNG star's journey to adulthood and the professional ranks was anything but normal, which forced him to confront heavy internal conflict and bitter resentment. That remains a work in progress.
Making sense of Blues' stunning Origin snub
12 jun 2026, 3:00 · 54 min
New South Wales have left out Rugby League's hottest edge forward in one of the most Origin shocking selection calls of recent memory. The omission of Haumole Olakau'atu It shapes as a major story as the Blues continue preparation for their chance to seal the series in Melbourne for game two. The Nesian footy guys have their say on all the Origin selection talking points.Also, former NRL and Fiji Bati forward Kane Evans has been heralded for his courage and honesty, coming out as gay and revealing his recent personal struggle.Souths take a big scalp to kick off Round 15 in the NRL, while it's Semi Finals time in the Super Rugby, which sees two all-Kiwi affairs unfolding in New Zealand.And we talk all things Fiji rugby with Nemani Nadolo Kuridrani in what's an intriguing time on the schedule, as Fijian Drua reviews continue and international action nears.

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