PODCAST · sports
Nesian Footy
by ABC Radio Australia
Bringing you the Pacific Islander stories on and off the Rugby League and Rugby Union field.
Episodes
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Rugby League World Cup opening round delivers some big blowouts
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...
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Australia and New Zealand set the tone for Rugby League World Cup
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…
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Feleti Mateo isn't missing this Rugby League World Cup for anything
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...
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Daniel Tupou leaves behind an incredible legacy
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...
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The Roosters take all the Premiership glory
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…
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Droughts and dynasties: NRL and NRLW Grand Finals are here
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…
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"If not me, who else?" Tiana Penitani-Gray on Pasifika representation in media
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…
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NRL & NRLW: two Prelims, four teams, two Grand Final spots
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...
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Frank-Paul Nu'uausala reflects on how footy and brotherhood saved him
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…
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NRL, NRLW & Pacific Nations Cup: Finals, Finals, Finals
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…
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Vea Mafile’o helped bring Jonah Lomu’s story to life
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...
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NRL Finals Week 1 begins
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...
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Joseph Paulo looks back on the Sharks’ 2016 Premiership
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…
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The importance of having a cultural mentor in rugby
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...
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Mina Funa is the mother behind two rugby dreams
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…
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Nemani Nadolo-Kuridrani trekked through bush to sign Fiji Drua’s latest star
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...
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Content creation changed Lima Sopoaga’s life in the best way possible
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...
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Josh Papali'i and Tui Kamikamica call their time in NRL
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...
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What happens when your dream burns you out? Tiaan Tauakipulu opens up
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…
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Big signings, big culture, and big wins
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…
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Black Fern Shakira Baker-Fidow takes on a new challenge in NRLW
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...
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2026 NRL Indigenous Round: remembering the greats of the game
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...
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How Tongan rugby league international Etu Uaisele built community through food
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...
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Reality checks: Cowboys learn a hard lesson, Samoa rugby faces its own
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...
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Tony Puletua made professional rugby league feel possible for Pasifika players
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...
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Fiji is hosting its first-ever Super Rugby Women's grand final
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…
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How Joey Grima is helping build rugby league in Papua New Guinea
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...
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Jarome Luai finds "peace", while Flying Fijians search for form
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…
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NRLW and Fetu Samoa star Lindsay Tui doesn't shy away from competition
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...
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Tigers' crunch time as post-Origin normality resumes in NRL
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...
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Ben Volavola still has plenty of rugby in front of him
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…
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Huge global launch of Nation's Championship this weekend
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…
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Josh Aloiai is exactly where he wants to be
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…
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Will Warriors end Phins' huge win streak?
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...
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The Tour inspiring Tonga's next gen NRL stars
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…
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Canes and Chiefs chase history in Super Rugby decider
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…
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James Segeyaro is focusing on love and gratitude
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…
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Making sense of Blues' stunning Origin snub
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...
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Hype builds for the NRL's rivalry round
There are some huge derbies and mouth-watering contests in the NRL this weekend, headlined by a grudge match involving the Tigers and Panthers, where a number of ex-Penrith premiership stars will take on their old side. Guest Sala Togatuki will help preview the huge Sunday afternoon contest.
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Moana Pasifika's fitting Super Rugby send-off
With the short-term future of Moana Pasifika firmly up in the air, the side produced an heroic final act against the Playoffs-bound Brumbies in Canberra. The ABC Canberra team caught up with Moana's key figures before and after the match, soaking up all kinds emotions. We hear from coach Tana...
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Blues claim Origin wins on back-to-back nights
It's been a big week for NSW Rugby League fans, enjoying the biggest comeback in Origin history on Wednesday night in the Men's opener, before watching the Women's side make it a clean sweep over Queensland 24 hours later. We chat all things League on Nesian footy, from Origin to Round 13 this...
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The special Genia touch lifting PNG's rugby scene
Former Wallaby Will Genia's sister, Lorraine, represents an on-going push to secure the future of rugby union in the League-mad Papua New Guinea. The former media talent in PNG is also an advocate for Women's sport and unpacks some of the on-going challenges in Papua New Guinean rugby and what...
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Isaiya Katoa's all-class effort in Phins win
Tonga star Isaiyah Katoa continues his rapid maturity, orchestrating the Dolphins to an impressive win in Canberra to kick off Round 12 in the NRL. His comments post-game helped illustrate what a fantastic leader he's becoming as well. Also on this edition of Nesian Footy, the boys preview the...
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Origin teams, Magic Round, Greg Marzhew's journey
What a week in rugby league! It was Magic Round rolled right into the release of the Origin I teams being released. And to top it all off, our special guest for today's edition of the show was none other than in-form Knights winger Greg Marzhew. Origin coaches Laurie Daley and Billy Slater made...
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Blues retain, Magic Round preview, the Drua's moment
What an epic Women's Origin game two was! The Blues have retained the Women's crown and we re-live all the action with Sala Togatuki. With T up in Brisbane for Magic Round, Will Hopoate is Sammy's co-host for today, with the pair previewing all the upcoming action at Lang Park. And it's now or...
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Marzhew's fab five, here come the Crusaders, Nate Peteru's impact
Samoan star Greg Marzhew's five-try haul headlined Round 10's NRL action in what was a big win for Newcastle. Plus, here come the Crusaders! They enjoyed an impressive statement win over the Blues to bring them right back into Playoff contention. And this week's guest is former NRL and Super…
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Phins surge, NRL R10 tips, RA's pathways issue
Round 10 in the NRL kicked off with Redcliffe pummelling the broken Bulldogs and there's plenty more intriguing footy to follow, headlined by some eye-catching matchups on Saturday which we preview. It's Round 13 in Super Rugby Pacific too, as the end of the regular season draws closer to an end....
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The group trying to buy Moana Pasifika state their case
Today's show is headlined by the Kanaloa Group, who are pitching to salvage Moana Pasifika's status in the Super Rugby Pacific. The boys also break down what was another huge round in the NRL, plus recap the Drua's third win from their last four starts - keeping their season alive. And we welcome...
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Blues take Origin Opener, PNG's Luai coup, Super R12
The Blues have prevailed in a hard-fought Women's Origin Opener, beating the Maroons 11-6 in Newcastle. Sala Togatuki jumps on to help break down the contest. We also preview Round 9 in the NRL and Round 12 in the Super Rugby Pacific, which is headlined by the Drua hosting the Highlanders in Ba....
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Luai in PNG, struggling Storm, Super Round, Donny Singe returns
Tigers, Blues and Samoan Test star Jarome Luai was in PNG over the weekend, checking out the Chiefs' facilities, ahead of an upcoming decision around his contract. That's huge! The Storm's stranglehold over the Rabbitohs in Melbourne ends emphatically. That's now six straight losses for…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Bringing you the Pacific Islander stories on and off the Rugby League and Rugby Union field.
HOSTED BY
ABC Radio Australia
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Nesian Footy have?
Nesian Footy currently has 250 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Nesian Footy about?
Bringing you the Pacific Islander stories on and off the Rugby League and Rugby Union field.
How often does Nesian Footy release new episodes?
Nesian Footy publishes regularly with 250 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Nesian Footy?
You can listen to Nesian Footy on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Nesian Footy?
Nesian Footy is created and hosted by ABC Radio Australia.
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