Nesian Footy

Epizode

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  Daniel Tupou leaves behind an incredible legacy 09.10.2026 54min

  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.
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  The Roosters take all the Premiership glory 05.10.2026 54min

  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.
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  Droughts and dynasties: NRL and NRLW Grand Finals are here 02.10.2026 54min

  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.
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  "If not me, who else?" Tiana Penitani-Gray on Pasifika representation in media 28.09.2026 54min

  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.    
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  NRL & NRLW: two Prelims, four teams, two Grand Final spots 25.09.2026 54min

  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.
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  Frank-Paul Nu'uausala reflects on how footy and brotherhood saved him 21.09.2026 54min

  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.
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  NRL, NRLW & Pacific Nations Cup: Finals, Finals, Finals 18.09.2026 54min

  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.
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  Vea Mafile’o helped bring Jonah Lomu’s story to life 14.09.2026 54min

  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.
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  NRL Finals Week 1 begins 11.09.2026 54min

  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. 
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  Joseph Paulo looks back on the Sharks’ 2016 Premiership 07.09.2026 54min

  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.  
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  The importance of having a cultural mentor in rugby 04.09.2026 54min

  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. 
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  Mina Funa is the mother behind two rugby dreams 31.08.2026 54min

  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. 
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  Nemani Nadolo-Kuridrani trekked through bush to sign Fiji Drua’s latest star 28.08.2026 54min

  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.
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  Content creation changed Lima Sopoaga’s life in the best way possible 24.08.2026 54min

  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.
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  Josh Papali'i and Tui Kamikamica call their time in NRL 21.08.2026 54min

  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.
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  What happens when your dream burns you out? Tiaan Tauakipulu opens up 17.08.2026 54min

  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.
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  Big signings, big culture, and big wins 14.08.2026 54min

  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.
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  Black Fern Shakira Baker-Fidow takes on a new challenge in NRLW 10.08.2026 54min

  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.
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  2026 NRL Indigenous Round: remembering the greats of the game 07.08.2026 54min

  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.
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  How Tongan rugby league international Etu Uaisele built community through food 03.08.2026 54min

  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.