The Tour inspiring Tonga's next gen NRL stars

The Tour inspiring Tonga's next gen NRL stars

Tonga's most promising under-16s rugby league talent is currently touring down under, gaining valuable exposure to travel, elite pathways and what it takes to make it as a professional player. But those are just some of the benefits on offer for these impressionable young boys and girls, as we find out by touching base with NRL Tonga GM Tavake Tangupo and u16's Girls captain Atelaite Vakautakakala. Also on Nesian Footy, we review Round 16 in the NRL which featured some nail-biting contests, the Hurricanes' truly dominant Finals run after they claimed the Super Rugby Pacific title, and the latest in both codes of Women's footy with Shellie Long.

Canes and Chiefs chase history in Super Rugby decider

Two star-studded Kiwi sides will contest the Super Rugby Pacific Final in Wellington this Saturday, with plenty of history and legacy on the line for both franchises. The Hurricanes earned hosting rights after their incredible campaign, while the Chiefs will be hoping it's fourth time lucky, having lost the competition's last three deciders. It's been a huge week for Queensland, who not only squared the Origin series on Wednesday night in dominant fashion, but backed that up by claiming bout the Women's and Men's u19's showdowns between the rival states on Thursday night. Sala Togatuki also joins the show to unpack the Roosters fierce clash with the Sharks as Round 16 in the NRL gets underway.

James Segeyaro is focusing on love and gratitude

James Segeyaro played 155 NRL games, between 2011 and 2022, along with six Tests for the Kumuls. At stages during his career, the dummy half was an unstoppable force around the ruck. But, as the now-35-year-old reveals, the PNG star's journey to adulthood and the professional ranks was anything but normal, which forced him to confront heavy internal conflict and bitter resentment. That remains a work in progress.

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.