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Program: Nesian Footy

Presented by

Sam WykesTinirau Arona

Nesian Footy is a radio show hosted by Sam Wykes and Tinirau Arona, bringing you the Pacific Islander stories on and off the Rugby League and Rugby Union field. There’s plenty of special guests, tales from the past, the big topics of today and a look forward to the next generation of ‘nesian footy stars.

Nesian Footy is a radio show hosted by Sam Wykes and Tinirau Arona, bringing you the Pacific Islander stories on and off the Rugby League and Rugby Union field. There’s plenty of special guests, tales from the past, the big topics of today and a look forward to the next generation of ‘nesian footy stars.

Episodes

Sorted by latest

Jack Debreczeni’s nerves for his first Cook Island Ura were unrivalled

Having just represented his Mum’s Cook Island side in the Pasifika First Nations game, Jack Debreczeni has vowed to continue learning more about his Pacific Island culture.

Published: 5h agoMon 8 Sep 2025 at 5:00amwith Sam Wykes and Tinirau Arona

Duration: 53 minutes 55 seconds

Tinirau gets tricky with tipping (again)

Sam settles back into the Friday saddle, but not without Tinirau pulling some tipping trickery.

Published: FriFri 5 Sep 2025 at 5:00amwith Sam Wykes and Tinirau Arona

An illustration of Sam Wykes and Tinirau Arona standing with their arms over each others' shoulders. Text reads: Nesian Footy.

Duration: 54 minutes 25 seconds

Essay Banu went from high school viral footy highlights to PNG Orchids

Essay Banu put together some footy highlights while in high school, uploaded them to Facebook and the next thing she knew she was getting calls and emails left, right and centre.

Published: 1 Sep 2025Mon 1 Sep 2025 at 5:45amwith Sam Wykes and Tinirau Arona

Duration: 54 minutes 24 seconds

Ikale Tahi are brooding with aura at Pacific Nations Cup

With Sam away, Will Hopoate steps in to share his post-match thoughts with Tinirau on last night’s Round 26 Panthers vs Bulldogs clash, where all eyes were on Penrith’s bold call to rest 16 players.

Published: 29 Aug 2025Fri 29 Aug 2025 at 4:00amwith Tinirau Arona

An illustration of Sam Wykes and Tinirau Arona standing with their arms over each others' shoulders. Text reads: Nesian Footy.

Duration: 53 minutes 54 seconds

Paul Aiton has seen PNG footy go from $5 a day to an NRL team

PNG Kumuls legend and Hunters head coach Paul Aiton is as excited as anyone for the PNG NRL team and thinks that changing the narrative around safety is key to its success.

Published: 25 Aug 2025Mon 25 Aug 2025 at 5:30amwith Tinirau Arona

Man wearing PNG Hunter shirt and shorts sits on stadium seats at a Papua New Guinea stadium smiling at the camera

Duration: 54 minutes 21 seconds

Fetu Samoa and Jillaroos player Sala Togatuki on representing both sides

As Sam heads off to PNG, Will Hopoate fends off Tinirau’s cheeky attempts to sneak in extra points in Knock Out Tipping.

Published: 22 Aug 2025Fri 22 Aug 2025 at 6:00amwith Tinirau Arona

An illustration of Sam Wykes and Tinirau Arona standing with their arms over each others' shoulders. Text reads: Nesian Footy.

Duration: 54 minutes 25 seconds

John Hopoate unfiltered

John Hopoate has been a part of the evolution of Tongan rugby league from 'one bottle of water, noodles and corned beef' into world beaters.

Published: 18 Aug 2025Mon 18 Aug 2025 at 5:45amwith Sam Wykes

Duration: 54 minutes 25 seconds

Nemani Kuridrani gets the call up from Nesian Footy

Sam and Tinirau answer PNG’s call for help in naming their new NRL team. Sala Togatuki gears up for another weekend of NRLW, bringing a refreshed mindset amid a challenging season for the West Tigers, setting the stage for an exciting Sunday clash.

Published: 15 Aug 2025Fri 15 Aug 2025 at 6:00amwith Sam Wykes and Tinirau Arona

An illustration of Sam Wykes and Tinirau Arona standing with their arms over each others' shoulders. Text reads: Nesian Footy.

Duration: 54 minutes 22 seconds

Charlie Gamble has heard "I didn't know you're Tongan" a fair bit

The 'Player Of The Match' in the First Nations Pasifika game against the Lions was Charlie Gamble who was over the moon to represent his proud Tongan culture and his Mum.

Published: 11 Aug 2025Mon 11 Aug 2025 at 6:00amwith Sam Wykes

Duration: 54 minutes 22 seconds

Nesian Footy waves goodbye to Toutai Kefu

Sam and Tinirau farewell their much-loved friend and weekly co-host, Toutai Kefu, after 18 gruelling months of carrying Nesian Footy on his back.

Published: 8 Aug 2025Fri 8 Aug 2025 at 6:00amby Tinirau Arona and Sam Wykes

An illustration of Sam Wykes and Tinirau Arona standing with their arms over each others' shoulders. Text reads: Nesian Footy.

Duration: 54 minutes 24 seconds

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