Hype builds for the NRL's rivalry round

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

Isaiya Katoa's all-class effort in Phins win

Tonga star Isaiyah Katoa continues his rapid maturity, orchestrating the Dolphins to an impressive win in Canberra to kick off Round 12 in the NRL. His comments post-game helped illustrate what a fantastic leader he's becoming as well. Also on this edition of Nesian Footy, the boys preview the remaining NRL matches this weekend, plus unpack some of the key Origin selection talking points with NRLW star Sala Togatuki. We also preview Round 15 in the Super Rugby Pacific and  regular rugby correspondent Nemani Kuridrani details how the Drua can finish their Super Rugby Pacific season on a high. Chapters: 1:00 - Love to Jai Arrow 3:00 - Raiders-Dolphins review 10:00 - NRL Round 12 Preview  12:00 - PNG Chiefs eyeing more key recruits 17:00 - Super Rugby Pacific Preview and Moana Pasifika 26:30 - Sala Togatuki jumps on 37:45 - Nemani Kuridrani 49:00 - Lock and Smoke Tipping