Nesian Footy

The Rugby League World Cup semi-finals broke plenty of hearts over the weekend, with the remaining Pacific Island nations falling just short of a place in the grand finals.

But if anything, the heartbreak is a reminder of just how much rugby league means to its fans. From little ones losing their voices singing their national anthems to grown fans getting fired up watching iconic players lead the Sipi Tau and Siva Tau, the moments before kick-off are just as special as the game itself.

As Tonga faced New Zealand and Samoa took on Australia in the men's competition, the women's semi-finals brought their own share of heartbreak, with the Fiji Bulikula taking on the Jillaroos and Fetu Samoa going up against the Kiwi Ferns.

While the results weren't what Pacific fans had hoped for, the passion, pride and emotion on display were a reminder of why we all get behind this game. Because sometimes, the moments leading up to kick-off mean just as much as the final score.

Peeling back the layers, Tinirau and Sam give credit where it's due to Jason Taumalolo, who paved the way for other players to proudly represent their Island nations, even if it meant taking a massive pay cut. Once warned by journalists that switching allegiances has 'damaged' international rugby league, almost a decade later, the boys are left wondering: would the Rugby League World Cup be what it is today without him?

If there's anyone hoping for an upset in this weekend's Women's Rugby League World Cup, it's Shellie Long. But up against two giants of the game, can the Fiji Bulikula and Fetu Samoa get the job done? We sure hope so!

And the man of many hats, Nemani Nadolo Kuridrani, shares his new role as Fiji Drua's Development Pathways Director and unpacks a massive weekend of international rugby with the return of the Nations Championship and Nations Cup.

After weeks of back and forth between fans, Tonga has come out on top against Samoa with a slim score line between both fans. As Tinirau and Sam recap their moments outside the stadium in a sea of red, white, and blue with hearty fans. Former Toa Samoa representative, Jesse Sene-Lefao, jumps on to chat about the vibes inside the stadium seeing fans cheering on their teams.

And in the women's Rugby League World Cup Kiana Takairangi Fiji Bulikula and Fetu Samoa are trailblazing

Christmas has come early for footy fans, with Samoa and Tonga set to go head-to-head in a highly anticipated Rugby League World Cup clash. But which nation's fans will unwrap the greatest gift of all? Bragging rights.

China Polata jumps on to unpack a stacked weekend of Women's Rugby League World Cup action, and it's hard not to ask the million-dollar question: Who can knock the Jillaroos off the top spot?

Meanwhile, Nemani Nadolo Kuridrani swaps his union boots for league boots as Fiji Bati's latest performance has fans on their feet and plenty to talk about.

Bringing you the Pacific Islander stories on and off the Rugby League and Rugby Union field.

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.