Making sense of Blues' stunning Origin snub

Making sense of Blues' stunning Origin snub

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.

Hype builds for the NRL's rivalry round

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.

Moana Pasifika's fitting Super Rugby send-off

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.

Blues claim Origin wins on back-to-back nights

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.

The special Genia touch lifting PNG's rugby scene

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