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.

The final weeks of footy have had it all, highs, lows, shocks, surprises, heartbreak, and even a new-found love for the game. And that’s exactly why we keep coming back to it every single year. Tinirau takes Sam through a hectic night of not just footy, but the celebrations around it: from pre-game tributes honouring the greats who helped shape the game, to the post-game celebrations as fans ride every high and low alongside their teams. PNG Junior Kumuls head coach Joey Grima hops back on Nesian Footy to chat about making history against a long-time undefeated Australian Schoolboys side, and what it means to go from being the hunters to now becoming the hunted. And after a night on the NRLW sidelines, Kiana Takairangi joins the celebrations with the Roosters as they reclaim the trophy.

Knights or Roosters? There’s plenty on the line for both sides, with each team bringing their own motivation into the Grand Final. Will the Roosters add another win to their history, or will Newcastle finally break a 25-year drought? Plenty of questions and not enough answers. That is, until Sunday night, when Sam and Tinirau are expecting a tight scoreline.  Fiji Drua’s newly appointed scrum coach Campese Ma’afu jumps back on Nesian Footy, looking to change the way the world sees Fiji; beyond just the flair and towards the depth and strength within the team. Dally M Dream Team prop Sala Togatuki reflects on one of the biggest nights on the NRL calendar, especially after not expecting to even be nominated. With the NRLW Grand Final around the corner, Sala finally picks a side.

Tiana Penitani-Gray is one of the trailblazers and most recognisable faces of the NRLW. But her impact extends well beyond the footy field, with Tiana carving out a name for herself in the media.  Never expecting a career in media, her willingness to say yes to new opportunities has seen her become the face of That Pacific Sports Show and a familiar voice on the footy sidelines.  Now, she reflects on her journey from player to broadcaster, the importance of Pasifika representation in sport and media, and the responsibility of using her platform to ensure Pacific voices are heard, while continuing to learn, grow and embrace new opportunities. A rollercoaster of emotions this weekend as NRL and NRLW teams gave it everything to secure their spots in the Grand Finals. Tinirau Arona, Tiana Penitani-Gray and Kiana Takairangi unpack a weekend of milestones, history and heartbreak.

We’re heading into the second-last week of the 2026 NRL season, and the waters are looking murky  with no clear winner in sight. Tinirau Arona unpacks a massive weekend of finals footy, looking at the vulnerabilities on display and which teams have what it takes to maintain the pressure and intensity for a full 80 minutes this weekend. Tiana Penitani-Grey steps in for Sam Wykes to chat through the NRLW Preliminary Final. The competition’s two powerhouse teams have made their way back into the finals once again, but there’s plenty of excitement around the possibility of an upset, especially with teams that know how to spot weaknesses and capitalise on them. Sala Togatuki reflects on a massive season with the NRLW Tigers, one filled with plenty of moments to remember. And while Sam Wykes might be out of the studio, he still finds a way onto Nesian Footy, joining us from Tonga to chat about his time in Tonga and coaching the NSW Tonga Rugby U14 and U15 sides.

Born and raised in South Auckland, Frank-Paul Nu'uausala came into life with a tough mentality. Mostly keeping to himself, trusting only a select few, and determined to improve his situation.  When he arrived in Australia as a young adult, it was a culture shock. From not knowing how cafes worked to sticking out like a sore thumb in the Northern Suburbs with baggy pants and no shirt on the beach, there was a lot he had to figure out.  With a bit of freedom and stability, Nu'uausala began to explore a different side of life. But it was his Roosters teammates who recognised the barriers he had built around himself after a tough upbringing and helped him slowly break them down.  That trust, brotherhood and sense of belonging became something much bigger than footy, ultimately helped Frank-Paul Nu'uausala through some of the hardest moments of his life.  NRL Finals Week 2 showed who was able to tread through murky waters, with teams losing some of their key players at the most crucial time of the season. Tinirau unpacks the moments that mattered most over the weekend. Sam highlights an unstoppable Japan as they take out the Pacific Nations Cup, beating defending champions Fiji over the weekend. Shellie Long jumps into NRLW Finals Week 1, where we farewell some of our favourites from the season.

NRL Finals Week 2 is here, and the anticipation isn’t wearing off for Tinirau or Sam. With two more teams set to either say goodbye to their season or book their spot in the Preliminary Finals, the stakes are getting higher and waiting on the other side are opponents ready to fight for their place in the Grand Final. Sam and Nemani Nadolo Kuridrani look ahead to the Pacific Nations Cup Grand Final, with Fiji set to go up against Japan. Kiana Takairangi joins to chats key players for a big NRLW Finals Week 1. And Sam raises questions around the quality of pathways and staff within Manusina Samoa, as the WXV Global Series results reveal there’s more to the story than just what’s on the scoreboard.