Podcast
Nesian Footy
Hosted by Unknown Author · EN
Bringing you the Pacific Islander stories on and off the Rugby League and Rugby Union field.
58episodes
Episodes
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Tony Puletua made professional rugby league feel possible for Pasifika players
Yesterday00:54:23Tap to summarizeFormer 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.
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Fiji is hosting its first-ever Super Rugby Women's grand final
5d ago00:54:24Tap to summarizeHistory 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.
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How Joey Grima is helping build rugby league in Papua New Guinea
1w ago00:54:24Tap to summarizeJoey 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)
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Jarome Luai finds "peace", while Flying Fijians search for form
2w ago00:54:21Tap to summarizeJarome 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.
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NRLW and Fetu Samoa star Lindsay Tui doesn't shy away from competition
2w ago00:54:23Tap to summarizeLindsay 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
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Tigers' crunch time as post-Origin normality resumes in NRL
3w ago00:54:25Tap to summarizeThe 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.
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Ben Volavola still has plenty of rugby in front of him
3w ago00:54:24Tap to summarizePlaymaker 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.
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Huge global launch of Nation's Championship this weekend
4w ago00:54:21Tap to summarizeThe 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.
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Josh Aloiai is exactly where he wants to be
4w ago00:54:23Tap to summarizeDespite 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.
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Will Warriors end Phins' huge win streak?
Jun 2600:54:25Tap to summarizeThe 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.
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