Nesian Footy

He's just signed to the Fijian Drua, is the cousin of All Black Richie Mo'unga and made the team of the tournament at the under 20 Rugby World Cup - Isaiah Armstrong Ravula is a future star. Isaiah chats about moving countries with his younger brother as a teen, his eligibility for four nations and why he's looking forward to the barefoot life in Fiji. We also hear from our bestie Shellie Long aft...

One of the most prolific try scorers in NRL, Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston is now set to take over the publishing world with his brand new children's book, "A Footy Tail".

Forget the Penrith threepeat, Yasmin Clydsdale is going for three of her own NRLW flags on the trot, not bad for someone who didn't play contact sport until age 22. We chat about Clydsdale's Tongan heritage, her unique footy record with her husband and her motivation to play footy in Newcastle and grow the game in the Hunter. We'll also unpack the wild scenes in Port Moresby with the Kumuls and Or...

Sienna Lofipo is still a teenager but the Samoan Australian has already ticked off some big goals in 2023 including debuting for the Titans in the NRLW, captaining QLD in the u-19s Origin and more. We chat about her unlikely debut, the inspirational leaders at the Titans and her hip hop dancing career. There's also plenty on that historic Fijian Rugby World Cup win over the Wallabies and the NRL f...

Since the early 1990's Marty Hulme has helped Pasifika talent thrive in the rugby league and rugby union worlds and he shares his stories, lessons and tactics for developing the amazing athletes he's trained. Also, Sam goes deep on the first few days of the Rugby World Cup, Tinirau sums up a massive week in NRL finals and feet are on the agenda for Shellie Long.

When Suaia Matagi was jailed as a teenager and in with the wrong crowd, his life was at crossroads. Having never played footy before, his world was shifted when he started playing in jail and when he got out, Matagi eventually represented NZ and Samoa. It's a powerful story! Also, Sam is under the microscope in Nesian Knowledge this week and Tinirau might have shed some 'proud dad' tears this week...

Former Manu Samoa representative Dan Leo has spent years making sure Pacific Island rugby union players are given fair treatment in their own country and valued equally on the world stage. We hear about his documentary and how the work is only just getting started. Also, Sam cooks up some traditional Tongan food and Shellie surprises us with some NRLW running stats.

Named after a Wallaby, Campese Ma'afu could have played Rugby at the highest level for three countries, but ended up packing down in the front row for the Flying Fijians over 50 times. Hear Ma'afu's story, why he chose Fiji and what he thinks of their chances going into this World Cup. Fresh off last week's raps, we see if Sam can sing and Tinirau brings in some Cook Island cuisine to taste.

Dally M winner and NRLW superstar Simaima Taufa saw her parents make huge sacrifices for their kids and is now committed to leading the way for the next generation in that same way. Having first started playing footy to get healthy, Taufa is now an icon and trailblazer for her community and has no plans of slowing down. We also hear Sam's rap effort and Tinirau goes in with his own hip hop attempt...

Valentine Holmes has won multiple World Cups and Origin series, an NRL premiership and keeps breaking Cowboy records and we hear about all that success as well as his time trying to make it in the NFL. Also, Shellie scored her first try, Sam got a bit more than he bargained for during a traditional dance and Tinirau has a Pasifika joke to make you laugh.

It was the weirdest but also proudest day for Folau Fainga'a and a few other Tongans when they played for Australia A against the 'Ikale Tahi recently. He talks about the emotion of singing two anthems, facing the Sipi Tau, feeling the love of the crowd as well as the day he got to provide a house for his family. Sam predicts which Pacific Island team has the best shot at the upcoming World Cup an...

On the day of his greatest schoolboy footy achievement, Rob Leota also received the worst news of his family's life. It took years to learn the lessons and get the perspective he has now, but his maturity is on display as he captains the Melbourne Rebels and has represented the Wallabies. We also hear Tinirau's tour diary from his Fiji footy trip and it was Shellie's first game in Cowboys colours...

Royce Hunt has a different NRL journey to most, starting in the red dirt mining town of Kalgoorlie. We hear about his latest pranks, how he changes perspectives when things don't go his way and the immense pride in representing the Toa Samoa in the Rugby League World Cup. We also hear from Shellie Long who is about to open the NRLW season this weekend with the Cowboys.

Ana-Lise Sio comes from a successful Samoan rugby family so representing the Manusina recently was a life highlight. Sio also balances her professional rugby dreams with a career as a police officer, one of only a few brown women she sees in the force in her area. We'll also talk about the Rugby League players media blackout and Nesian Knowledge heads to the skies for some tough questions.

Moana Leilua works in player welfare and wellbeing at the Melbourne Rebels and shares her stories and extensive experience around connecting, celebrating and sharing culture. We also hear from Shellie Long fresh off her first pre-season warm up game and Sam has spotted a couple of next generation Nesian rugby stars at the under 20's World Rugby Championship.

Cook Islander and Māori man Pek Cowan talks golf scholarships, how his father's long term plans helped generations and why weight and food was the biggest challenge in his rugby career. We also hear from Shellie Long who partied with the State of Origin winning QLD team and you'll hear the return of everyone's favourite segment - Nesian Knowledge!

From being sent to live with his grandparents at a young age to captaining the Niue Rugby League national team, Mike Filimona has a compelling and powerful story. Filimona generously opens up on his personal growth and feelings around family and his home country. We also hear from Shellie Long who played a full contact match this week against the QLD Origin team and hear about Tinirau's smelly fee...

Rugby Union took John Ulugia to France for 8 years and he came back a lover of red wine and the French people and he even improved their coffee culture! John also chats Pacific name pronunciation, coming out of retirement for one game for the Brumbies and more. Tinirau also has his eye on one of Rugby's most well known coaches in the 'cross code poach' and Sam met the Princess of Tonga!

Robert Derby joined the Storm at age 17 only to make some silly mistakes and get axed from the squad, told he was a good footy player but not a good fit for the club. He put his head down, worked hard and has since debuted for the Cowboys and represented the PNG Kumuls. We also hear about an inspiring week in Fiji for Sam and which NRL coach surprised Shellie Long on a pre-season hill run.

Nesian Footy brings you Pacific Islander stories in the Rugby League and Rugby Union worlds. Hosted by Sam Wykes and Tinirau Arona