Nesian Footy

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

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Teti Tela on Fiji's historic Rugby World Cup win over the Wallabies

    Teti Tela was there for the early days of the Fijian Drua, helping shape the Super Rugby Pacific team's growth. He was also the starting flyhalf when Fiji produced their historic Rugby World Cup win over the Wallabies in 2023, ending a 69-year drought against Australia. Now retired, Tela details his career highlights, which culminate in a rich rugby legacy. Sam wraps Round 1 of the Super Rugby Pacific, including Moana Pasifika's impressive win over the Drua, while Tinirau recaps his time in Hamilton over the weekend for the All Stars, plus continues breaking down how NRL teams are looking heading into Round 1, which is just around the corner. NB: The Teti Tela chat starts at 30 mins

    54 min

  2. 9 FEB

    Rodney Iona on the rollercoaster Rugby World Cup qualification for Manu Samoa

    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

    54 min

  3. 2 FEB

    "I kept my promise": Ryvrr-Lee Alo balances footy, family and culture

    With Cook Island, Samoan and Niuean blood, Ryvrr-Lee Alo's rise in the rugby league world has meant some big decisions already for the 19-year-old. Having played for Cook Islands Moana in 2024, Alo caught the eye of Sam & Tinirau during her debut NRLW season in 2025 with the Eels and shares her footy journey, why she decided to represent Fetu Samoa last year and the family surprises along the way. Sam previews the Fijian Drua season with finals on the cards, Tinirau ponders whether the big boys are losing their value in the NRL with all the rule changes and Singapore is looking more like Sigatoka with Fiji Sevens success. NB: Ryvrr-Lee Alo interview from 25:40

    54 min

  4. 19 JAN

    Miracle Faiilagi's story from "jungle footy" to Moana Pasifika captain

    Miracle Faiilagi takes the mantle as the Moana Pasifika leader for season 2026 which caps off his incredible rise from Samoan club rugby to the biggest stage in the world. Sam & Tinirau chat to Faiilagi about what he learned from those early days as a teenager playing against men on the rough field in Vailele, how his family reacted to the captaincy news, why he chose to play for Manu Samoa in their recent World Cup qualification and more. There's also a bumper Coral Coast 7s tournament to reflect on, a couple more Pasifika Perth Bears signings and a look at the All Blacks coaching questions. NB: Miracle Faiilagi interview starts 27:20

    54 min

  5. 12 JAN

    Aidan Toua's rugby union career has led him back home to PNG

    Aidan Toua grew up in Port Moresby and after retiring he felt a calling to go back to Papua New Guinea to help young PNG kids change their narrative. For the first show of 2026, Sam & Tinirau chat to Toua about moving to Brisbane as a kid and trying to fit in, overcoming injuries at the start of his career and representing his homeland both on and off the field. We also hear about Tinirau's incredible trip to the Cook Islands over the break, proposed rule changes in the NRL and Sam has a bold prediction for the new Moana Pasifika captain.

    54 min

  6. 08/12/2025

    Tongan ex-NRL player Will Mataka just won TV reality show 'My Kitchen Rules'

    From the pressure cooker environment of the NRL to winning a reality TV cooking show, Tongan Will Mataka has had a crazy journey. Sam & Tinirau hear about his Tongan food influences, how the end of his rugby league career led to being homeless and why the 'My Kitchen Rules' win was a testament to hard work, persistence and family. As well, the boys wrap up a huge 2025 on our final show with an 'All Star' team in both codes plus who will take out the 'Gimme Three' crown and score themselves a pamper day or will it be another draw?!

    54 min

  7. 01/12/2025

    Ex-Wallaby Sitaleki Timani just debuted for Tonga age 39

    Sitaleki Timani had all but retired, but the desire to play for the Ikale Tahi took him back to France and led him to achieve this dream last weekend. We hear why his father's passing at a young age spurred on Timani's drive to achieve success and provide for his family, surprise code switches and debuts and we discover where the T for Tonga symbol with your arms may have originated. Plus, the air is out of the R360 balloon, weekend tournaments for the boys bring out the best and worst in them and Shellie Long is in for her final women's footy wrap of 2025.

    54 min

  8. 24/11/2025

    Nesian Footy

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

    54 min
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About

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

Information

  • Creator
    ABC Radio Australia
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    208
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026, Australian Broadcasting Corporation. All right reserved.
  • Show Website
    Nesian Footy