Shows / Nesian Footy
Nesian Footy
Bringing you the Pacific Islander stories on and off the Rugby League and Rugby Union field.
Episodes
Nesian FootyReubenn Rennie is ready to take on the Rugby League World Cup 2026
From France to the Cook Islands, Reubenn Rennie’s rugby league journey has taken a path less travelled, one fuelled by passion and opportunity. Now, after…
- Nesian Footy
Inside the Tongan camp: Will Hopoate reflects on the Pacific Championships
It’s the final Nesian Footy Friday of the year! Will Hopoate steps in for Tinirau to preview the last Pacific Championships games and reflect on the action…
Nesian FootyCanberra Raiders' new recruit Roman Tuaimau eyes his big break
The future of rugby league looks bright with rising star Roman Tuaimau, who’s just signed his first major deal with the Canberra Raiders straight out of high…
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Nemani Nadolo-Kuridrani finds a new purpose with Fiji Drua
Tinirau is back from PNG with some hearty stories from his travels. It’s week three of the Pacific Championships, and Sam’s had enough of hearing “Versace on…
Nesian FootyJohn Wilshere on Papua New Guinea's rising rugby future
PNG Kumuls veteran John Wilshere has witnessed the evolution of the national side, from a decade-long playing career to his current role as team manager. With…
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Pac Champs ramps up and player agent Milan Volavola on Japan rugby and R360
Milan Volavola is a Fijian player agent to Mark Nawaqanitawase, Siua Wong and plenty more stars and joins us today to chat about bringing Pacific culture and…
Nesian FootyTaytana Pati Ah-Cheung surprised herself by making Manusina for the World Cup
Just weeks after giving up Rugby Union to focus on Rugby League, Samoan Taytana Pati Ah-Cheung hopped on a flight to NZ to trial for Manusina. It wasn't long…
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Nesian Footy hits 200 episodes!
200 episodes in and the boys are still loving what they do. Tinirau’s rubbing his hands together with some of the best match-ups in rugby league history as the…
Nesian FootyRugby Union didn't want Jethro Rinakama, now he's in Fiji Bati
Jethro Rinkama has had a whirlwind 12 months going from a youngster learning off the Fiji Bati to an NRL debut and playing finals for the Bulldogs and now…
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Nemani Kuridrani talks R360 and pros and cons for Pacific Island players
R360 is a new rebel Rugby Union competition creating big headlines and with its launch still up in the air and details a bit thin, we chat to Fijian legend…
Nesian FootyBrisbane Broncos bring home double the glory
And just like that, the NRL and NRLW seasons wrap up with the Broncos taking home both premierships. Tinirau breaks down the highlights from the Storm vs…
Nesian FootyCan the Broncos do the double in NRL and NRLW Grand Finals?
The biggest weekend of the Rugby League year is this weekend and Brisbane can win two premierships to go with the QLD State of Origin victory - but will they?…
- Nesian Footy
Mark Nawaqanitawase compares league to union and weighs up his options
Cross code Pasifika superstar Mark Nawaqanitawase has plenty of big calls to make and we hear just how much family plays a role in his decision making process…
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Who will win the NRL and NRLW prelims and why
It's the penultimate weekend of the year in the NRL and NRLW and Tinirau and Sam dissect where each game might be won and which Nesian players hold the…
Nesian FootyAnnetta-Claudia Nu'uausala tried to give away the Fetu Samoa captaincy
Representing Fetu Samoa was the highlight of Annetta-Claudia Nu'uausala's footy career even though she wanted to hand back the captaincy every day for the…
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Finals frenzy: NRL, NRLW, and Pacific Nations Cup
Tinirau breaks down the two NRL elimination finals this weekend as we prepare to say goodbye to two clubs for the 2025 season. Sam has his fingers crossed for…
Nesian FootyDudley Dotoi dreams of scoring tries for the PNG Kumuls
A rising star in Papua New Guinea rugby league, Dudley Dotoi is hoping to continue his try scoring abilities for the Kumuls soon. After representing PNG in the…
- Nesian Footy
NRL week one finals has the boys on the fence
We’re down to the business end of the NRL, with week one of finals leaving Tinirau on the fence about his picks. Sam finally delivers the news he and T have…
Nesian FootyJack Debreczeni’s nerves for his first Cook Island Ura were unrivalled
Having just represented his Mum’s Cook Island side in the Pasifika First Nations game, Jack Debreczeni has vowed to continue learning more about his Pacific…
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Tinirau gets tricky with tipping (again)
Sam settles back into the Friday saddle, but not without Tinirau pulling some tipping trickery. Nemani Kuridrani reflects on the importance of giving back to…
Nesian FootyEssay Banu went from high school viral footy highlights to PNG Orchids
Essay Banu put together some footy highlights while in high school, uploaded them to Facebook and the next thing she knew she was getting calls and emails…
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Ikale Tahi are brooding with aura at Pacific Nations Cup
With Sam away, Will Hopoate steps in to share his post-match thoughts with Tinirau on last night’s Round 26 Panthers vs Bulldogs clash, where all eyes were on…
Nesian FootyPaul Aiton has seen PNG footy go from $5 a day to an NRL team
PNG Kumuls legend and Hunters head coach Paul Aiton is as excited as anyone for the PNG NRL team and thinks that changing the narrative around safety is key to…
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Fetu Samoa and Jillaroos player Sala Togatuki on representing both sides
As Sam heads off to PNG, Will Hopoate fends off Tinirau’s cheeky attempts to sneak in extra points in Knock Out Tipping. Will and Tinirau share the motions of…
Nesian FootyJohn Hopoate unfiltered
John Hopoate has been a part of the evolution of Tongan rugby league from 'one bottle of water, noodles and corned beef' into world beaters. We hear from the…
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Nemani Kuridrani gets the call up from Nesian Footy
Sam and Tinirau answer PNG’s call for help in naming their new NRL team. Sala Togatuki gears up for another weekend of NRLW, bringing a refreshed mindset amid…
Nesian FootyCharlie Gamble has heard "I didn't know you're Tongan" a fair bit
The 'Player Of The Match' in the First Nations Pasifika game against the Lions was Charlie Gamble who was over the moon to represent his proud Tongan culture…
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Nesian Footy waves goodbye to Toutai Kefu
Sam and Tinirau farewell their much-loved friend and weekly co-host, Toutai Kefu, after 18 gruelling months of carrying Nesian Footy on his back. Tinirau looks…
Nesian FootyLydia Kavoa breaks traditions to become a Wallaroo
Tongan-Fijian Wallaroos player Lydia Kavoa shares her unique journey from serving in the Navy to playing professional rugby. Growing up in a traditional Fijian…
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Will the Kangaroos jump ship to Samoa?
In light of Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters trying to get in touch with every player considering a switch in allegiances, Tinirau shares his thoughts on the…
Nesian FootyBrayden Wiliame's wife and daughters shape his coaching philosophy
Within 18 months, Fiji Bati representative Brayden Wiliame retired from the NRL and is now the Bulldogs NRLW head coach. Wiliame talks about how playing for…
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Toutai Kefu unpacks First Nations & Pasifika XV’s standout performance
Round 21 of the NRL has Tinirau fired up for some heavy-hitting matchups especially the Panthers v Tigers clash, where old teammates face off in new teams.Sam…
Nesian FootyHale T Pole represents all Pacific Island rugby players these days
Hale T Pole played more than 30 times for Tonga, including at a World Cup, and is taking those lessons and applying them to the next generation. Pole talks…
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First Nations and Pasifika XV aim to bring the heat
Tinirau runs through his favourite match-ups for Round 20 in the NRL, while Sam drops the next wave of superstars with some heavyweight surnames set to debut…
Nesian FootyMele Hufanga on switching codes and countries
Mele Hufanga didn't have it easy growing up, but playing bull rush with the boys after church sparked a love of footy that's led her to captain Tonga and…
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Tinirau pays the price of backing the Blues
Despite being heartbroken over NSW’s loss in the third and final round of the 2025 State of Origin, Tinirau is a man of his word. He follows through on his bet…
Nesian FootyConfronting complacency helped Sam Moa's career
Tongan rugby league veteran Sam Moa joins Nesian Footy to reflect on the many seasons of his playing career from the NRL to the Super League. Along the way, he…
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NRLW returns and The Lions are hungry
Tinirau shares his favourite moments from the first match of the 2025 NRLW season. Our favourite 18th man, Tupou Sopoaga, jumps back on the mic as the crew…
Nesian FootyHow Jesse Sene-Lefao turned setback into success
As Sam soaks up the sun in Palau, Tupou Sopoaga steps in to take charge of union chat, diving into the British Irish Lions vs Force thumping over the weekend…
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Sala's return and Toutai's history class
Tinirau returns to Nesian Footy with a bold declaration - the Penrith Panthers are back! Sammy brings the latest on promising Drua signings and team lists…
Nesian FootyTongan Canberra Raider Savelio Tamale is one of the rookies of the year
With a new set of goals for the future including playing for Tonga, Savelio Tamale has risen the ranks rapidly in 2025 after locking down a spot in the high…
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Settling Scores: Origin recap & Super Rugby final picks
While Tinirau takes on Tokyo, Nesian Footy gets a full Tongan takeover with some of the best in the game joining the show. Will Hopoate returns to break down…
Nesian FootyThe next gen of Pasifika women giving Sheridan Graham-Tupaea a full heart
After spending time teaching and making space for Pasifika women in commentary, journalism and content over the past week, Oceania Rugby's Sheridan…
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A change in sea-nery: Toutai Kefu's next big move
After missing Monday’s show, Sam and Tinirau are back with double the rugby league and union updates. Tinirau shares how the Cook Island community got around…
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Union overload: Super Rugby finals and Oceania U20s Challenge
With the Super Rugby finals right around the corner, Sam and Toutai size up the top contenders. Meanwhile, Tinirau shares his Round 14 NRL insights and gets…
Nesian FootyDriven to lead: Oneata Schwalger's journey as an apsiring female coach
As the women’s game continues to gain momentum in both rugby league and union, the need for more female coaches remains clear — something Oneata Schwalger has…
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NSW men win Origin game one playing 6/10 footy
Tinirau and Sam reckon the first game of the men's State of Origin saw NSW win despite being at 60% so the boys have some bold predictions on what the rest of…
Nesian FootyJack Lam's life changed thanks to a $12k cheque from a family friend
Former Manu Samoa and Moana Pasifika captain Jack Lam may never have played professional footy if it wasn't for a chance meeting and generosity from a family…
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Nesian Footy celebrates Ardie Savea
With Sala away chasing a series whitewash in Women’s Origin, Tinirau recaps the latest NRL news and his favourite moments from Dolphins vs Bulldogs. Sam and…
Nesian FootyIsoa Nasilasila turns league rejection into Fijian Drua history
Isoa Nasilasila didn't get picked for his school rugby league or AFL team so he gave union a shot and fast forward to now, he's about to become the first Fiji…
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Historic Wins: Blues Women Origin glory & Toutai Kefu's new coaching gig
Putting last year's doubts to rest, the Blues have reclaimed the State of Origin shield in the Women's second ever three-game series. While Sala celebrates the…
Nesian FootyGordon Chan Kum Tong has been defying the critics his whole life
After being told he was too short to make it for most of his juniors, the satisfaction to play in the NRL with Manly and for Toa Samoa for Gordon Chan Kum Tong…
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Can Drua salvage their disappointing season with a big scalp?
Sam's in Fiji so it's cousins on the radio today with Tinirau Arona roping in Tupou Sopoaga to talk the upcoming rounds in NRL and Super Rugby. Toutai Kefu…
Nesian FootyTabua Tuinakauvadra's full circle moment in Fiji for the Wallaroos
Representing both Australia and her motherland of Fiji on the same Suva footy ground where her Mum and Grandfather played was an emotional moment for Tabua…
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Women's Origin review and Magic Round preview
It's rugby league to the front today with Sala Togatuki taking us inside the victorious Blues camp after they won Origin game 1 in enemy territory in Brisbane…
Nesian FootyTavarna Papalii's Samoan and Irish parents led her to footy and cultural appreciation
After winning an NRLW premiership with the Roosters and tasting glory with Fetu Samoa, 19-year-old Tavarna Papalii is the latest addition to the Maroons squad…
Nesian FootyNFL player Giovanni Manu is always doing it for family and Tonga
The Detroit Lions player left his family in Tonga and moved to Canada as a kid but it's all paid off with his career in the NFL. Giovanni Manu chats about…
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We made it to episode 150!
Raise the bat! Sam & Tinirau strap in for another big episode of Nesian Footy Friday with T analysing the Panthers losses, Sam tips his favourite team ahead of…
Nesian FootyPenina Pasifika's Margaret Manase defied the tradition of a Tongan woman
20-year-old Margaret Manase wasn't supposed to be a rugby union player, but she ended up becoming the first person in her family to represent Tonga. Manase…
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Are Payne and Tino the missing pieces for Samoa?
This week, Tinirau gets in on the big news that Payne and Tino are considering Samoa and what the eligibility rules look like, Sam talks new coaches for Samoa…