Fresh Off The Field

If you've ever wondered, "What's the point of Pacific Island nations competing at the Commonwealth Games when they're up against sporting powerhouses like Australia, Canada and England?" well,  this is the episode for you.

While medals often dominate the headlines, the stories behind the athletes are just as important. For many Pacific competitors, travelling two or three days just to reach Glasgow is part of the journey. Representing their country on the international stage and experiencing elite competition is an opportunity that can inspire the next generation and help strengthen sport back home.

Melissa Fare and Sam Wykes discuss why it's so important for smaller nations to compete at major events, and how the Commonwealth Games provide invaluable experience for athletes striving to reach the highest level.

The episode also celebrates another historic milestone. Seventeen-year-old Tongan para-athlete Penisimani Sakalia has become the first person in Tonga to receive a prosthetic running blade, marking a significant step forward for inclusive sport in the Kingdom. Tongan broadcaster Kalo Manu-Moli sits down with Penisimani to discuss his journey and remembering to never limit yourself.

Co-hosts: Melissa Fare (Vanuatu) and Kalo Manu-Moli (Tonga)

This week's co-hosts, Jamie Haro and Taina Basiyalo, have touched down in Glasgow and hit the ground running ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. They join Fresh Off The Field with exciting interviews from Team Papua New Guinea, including former athlete-turned-coach Jacky Travertz, who is passionate about bringing para sport to the forefront, and Fiji's sole para-athlete, Sitiveni Konataci. Once dreaming of representing Fiji in rugby, Konataci is now proudly representing his country on the Commonwealth Games stage in a different way.

Host Sam Wykes catches up with Fiji Drua's CEO Jeff Miller just before the Drua women take the field in the Super Rugby Women's Grand Final. Miller reflects on the unique atmosphere the Drua have created on their home ground and the inspiration it provides for the next generation of players.

Interviews:

Jacky Travertz at 14.39

Sitiveni Konataci at 35.20

Jeff Miller at 40.40 

The Cook Islands have returned from Tahiti's annual traditional sports festival, Heiva i Tahiti, with their strongest-ever performance, claiming three gold medals. Leading the way was Yaliloa Papitai, who broke the record in the coconut tree climbing event to cap off a historic campaign.

We also meet Cook Islands lawn bowls couple Epii and Vasie Polia, who are preparing to compete at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. While they're partners off the green, they'll both be chasing success as they look to set the standard for Cook Islands lawn bowls.

Plus, Samoan swimmer-turned-coach Brandon Schuster shares his excitement ahead of the swimming competition in Glasgow and tackles the long-standing question: despite being surrounded by the ocean, why aren't more Pacific Islanders competing in swimming at the elite level?

Co-hosts: Gabrielle Apelu (Samoa) and Harriet Tuara (Cook Islands)

The inaugural netball Spirit Series is celebrating pride, culture and excellence for First Nations and Indo-Pacific communities. Teams from Fiji, PNG, Singapore and Australia are competing in Sydney in what doubles as an important prelude to World Cup qualification. We catch up with Fiji Pearls captain Elenoa Gukirewa on what it means to drive her team's rebuild.

Tongan soccer coach Ms Melemoala Soakai Falemaka speaks about helping more young players realise opportunity at grassroots level.

And we cover the Nations Cup and Nations Championship in rugby, plus celebrate Tongan heroes Jason Taumalolo and Daniel Tupou for reaching huge NRL milestones.

Co-hosts: Kalo Manu-Moli (Tonga) & Patricia Keamo (PNG)

Inspirational swimmer Jacob Story will be flying the flag for the Cook Islands at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. We hear what it means for him to represent his people. We also get to know PNG hurdler Robert Oa, who will make his Commonwealth Games debut when it all gets underway later this month.

Rugby's Nations Championship kicks off this week, with Fiji playing Wales in Cardiff, in a contest set to have viewership all over the globe, while there are plenty of other huge Test matches taking place around the world.

There's also OFC Women's Champions League action to take note of, plus a State of Origin decider to preview.

Co-hosts: Jamie Haro (PNG) and Harriet Tuara (Cook Islands)

Samoan sailing star Vaimo'oi'a Ripley recounts her experience at the Paris Olympics, while also providing an update on her latest exploits in sailing on the Pacific.

PNG u19's Football coach Mathew Witu offers insights ahead of the team's OFC u19's Championship Finals tilt in Samoa.

Sporting star Tagaloa Lynetta Edward unpacks her role as Medical Coordinator of High Performance at Oceania Football, ahead of some big upcoming events.

Also, is the concern surrounding the long-term commercial viability of the PNG Chiefs warranted? And the Pacific Strongman 2026 is on in Samoa.

Co-hosts: Patricia Keamo (PNG) & Gabrielle Apelu (Samoa)

Women's Fijian Drua captain Bitila Tawake candidly details time crunch and pressure of juggling her rugby commitments along with her pursuit of a degree.

Tonga's Chef de Mission for the Commonwealth Games Roman Vaihu also joins the show, setting the scene for the team Tonga will send to Glasgow next month.

World Cup fever continues in the Americas, as we inspect the New Zealand players with Pacific Island heritage.

And Fiji duo Virimi Vakatawa and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre get selected for the Barbarians in Men's rugby.

Co-hosts: Taina Basiyalo (Fiji) & Kalo Manu-Moli (Tonga)

One of sport's most prestigious prizes goes back up for grabs in the United States as the Men's FIFA World Cup takes centre stage. Across the Pacific, lines are being drawn and allegiances solidified, as everyone gets swept up by the hype of the tournament - particularly in the football-mad nation of Vanuatu.

Also, former Fiji Bati and NRL star Kane Evans has been praised for his incredible bravery this week, detailing his on-going personal struggle and coming out as gay.

A host of debutants have the Fijian Drua loaded with excitement ahead of their season opening contest in Sydney against the Waratahs this Saturday. Hear from a couple of players who are hyped to get on the park and challenge themselves against the comp's reigning champions.

Former Rugby League player Sione Finefeuiaki is using sport and his profile to make an enormous difference in Tongan communities through his foundation. The former Sea Eagles front rower joins the show to explain what his foundation does and how it assists budding athletes break through.