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 Nesian footy guys have their say on all the Origin selection talking points.

Also, former NRL and Fiji Bati forward Kane Evans has been heralded for his courage and honesty, coming out as gay and revealing his recent personal struggle.

Souths take a big scalp to kick off Round 15 in the NRL, while it's Semi Finals time in the Super Rugby, which sees two all-Kiwi affairs unfolding in New Zealand.

And we talk all things Fiji rugby with Nemani Nadolo Kuridrani in what's an intriguing time on the schedule, as Fijian Drua reviews continue and international action nears.

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.

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 Umaga, captain Miracle Fai'ilagi and play-maker Patrick Pellegrini off the back of his two-try performance.

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 weekend, assisted by our regular guest Sala Togatuki, who helped break down the Blues' 12-4 win over the Maroon in Women's Origin III.

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 great work is going on behind the scenes.

Also, it's Origin week, with the hotly anticipated Men's opener on Wednesday and the Women's finale the next night. We preview both games, assisted by Women's expert Shellie Long.

Plus, we wrap up all the weekend's action across the NRL and Super Rugby Pacific, in what was the Moana Pasifika's last home game.

Chapters:

06:00 - NRL chat and Origin opener Preview

15:00 - Super Rugby Pacific R15 Review

 26:00 - Shellie Long talks Women's Origin

35:30 - Lorraine Genia on PNG rugby

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 remaining NRL matches this weekend, plus unpack some of the key Origin selection talking points with NRLW star Sala Togatuki.

We also preview Round 15 in the Super Rugby Pacific and  regular rugby correspondent Nemani Kuridrani details how the Drua can finish their Super Rugby Pacific season on a high.

Chapters:

1:00 - Love to Jai Arrow

3:00 - Raiders-Dolphins review

10:00 - NRL Round 12 Preview 

12:00 - PNG Chiefs eyeing more key recruits

17:00 - Super Rugby Pacific Preview and Moana Pasifika

26:30 - Sala Togatuki jumps on

37:45 - Nemani Kuridrani

49:00 - Lock and Smoke Tipping

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 huge calls as they call their squads into camp ahead of next week's Men's Origin opener, so we break down the big talking points.

Plus, there are now just two more rounds in the Super Rugby Pacific and sadly the Fijian Drua's Playoff hopes are effectively over after their loss to the Waratahs.

Marzhew's story is one of persistance, coming across from Auckland to start fresh and making his professional breakthrough later than typically. He shares his journey.

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 never for the Fijian Drua who are looking to keep their Playoff hopes alive as they host the Waratahs in Suva.

What a weekend of footy we have coming up!

Chapters: 

2:00 - League and the NRL Magic Round preview

17:30 - Rugby Union and the Super Rugby Pacific preview

29:00 - Women's Origin wrap up with Sala Togatuki

42:00 - Drua v Tahs preview

49:45 - Tipping 

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 League player Nate Peteru, who is leading by example for former Pasifika players transitioning out of footy to the next chapter. He wants to help former athletes find their post-playing purpose.

Chapters:

3:00 - Jason Taumalolo earns Moment of the Week

6:00 - NRL Round 10 Review

17:00 - Super Rugby Round 13 Review

28:40 - Nate Peteru joins the show

50:00 - Gimme Three

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. The Drua have a timely bye as they make their push for Playoffs after strong recent form.

A comment made by Rugby Australia's Dan Herbert about France poaching talent caught Sam's attention this week and a social media clip he posted caught fire. So he unpacks all that.

And another Friday show, another round of Lock and Smoke tipping! 

Chapters: 

2:30 - NRL Round 10 and the big issues in League (inc Spencer Leniu, Alex Johnston)

18:45 - We shift to Union and Round 13 of Super Rugby Pacific

29:45 - NRL R10 Preview continues

40:00 - Catching up with Nemani Nadolo Kuridrani

50:15 - Lock and Smoke Tipping