It wasn't the smoothest qualification path for Manu Samoa from the Islands to America then to Dubai, but the juice was worth the squeeze and they will play at the Rugby World Cup in 2027 in Australia. Rodney Iona rode the rollercoaster through the Pacific Nations Cup, the losses to Chile and the eventual games in Dubai and the victory was equal parts joyous and relief. We hear about the whole experience and his desire to be there in 2027 to finally play in a World Cup.

Sam previews the Moana Pasifika season and more impressive Sevens performances from Fiji while Tinirau has some team previews for the NRL plus the Payne Haas bombshell news moving from the Broncos to the Rabbitohs in 2027. Plus did you hear about David Mead scaring away some home invaders – the boys chat about how they’d react.

NB: The Rodney Iona chat starts at 32 mins