Show Notes
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.
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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.
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.
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!
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.
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.