By Thomas Law 

Every World Cup throws up unexpected plots and new heroes to lionise. After a 60-6 drubbing by hosts England in the opening match, very few people would have foreseen such accolades coming the way of Samoa, nor its centre partnership of Stephen Crichton and Tim Lafai. But having been humbled 60-6 by hosts England in the opening match of the tournament, Toa Samoa are on the precipice of glory.

The Samoan side that triumphed 27-26 last weekend bared no resemblance to that which lined up in Newcastle four weeks prior, and whilst pundits were left ruminating the adage of whether Samoa was particularly strong or England weaker than usual, Samoa can take inspiration from their upward trajectory. Their fans – from Apia to Auckland, Mangere to Manchester via California, Sydney and Queensland – will hope that this ever-improving side can make that final step to rugby league immortality.

In their way stand the formidable Australia, 11-times champions and overwhelming favourites.…more

By Samoan sports reporter Loveni Shane Enari

The Black Ferns and Toa Samoa winning last weekend were epic results for this sports mad loco.

Celebrations kicked off in Auckland and among Samoans all over the world.

Are the two events connected? In my mind there's no doubt they are. Here's why.

On the one hand there's the athletic beauty and intelligence of Ruahei Demant, Ruby Tui, Sarah Hirini, Sandra Cocksedge, Stacey Fluhler and Chelsea Bremner to name my favourite Black Ferns, and their inspiring brand of love that's sweeping New Zealand.

And let's be clear about it, it's not women's rugby passion that's selling, it's bigger than that. It's love, baby. It's obvious. It's clear on so many levels.

There's the team itself on the podium, belting out a Samoan song, Pese Fiafia, Happy Song, white girls clapping along in time and singing the lyrics as if brought up on it.

A sign of respect for a minority culture in New Zealand society, but maybe a  proportionately majority one in Kiwi rugby.…more

Coco Sports Talk with Penina and Ashley - covering all things sports from a Pasifika female lens!

#CocoSportsTalk looks at the many stories of Pasifika people involved in sports of all kinds, and the trials and tribulations of the talented athletes from all sectors of our community.

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This episode we're excited to have one of the Toa Samoa & Penrith Panthers enforcers in the forward pack, Spencer Leniu join us via Zoom from the United Kingdom. 

Spencer was part of the Penrith Panthers side who won the 2022 NRL Grand Final and was also in the team who played in the historic 2021 Rugby League World Cup semi final who toppled England on the 13th of November.…more

Enjoy the highlights from the Toa Samoa vs England, Rugby League World cup semi final which has been described as one of the best games of rugby league.

Watch Samoa's sensational siva tau, performed to England at Emirates Stadium.

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Toa Samoa coach Matt Parish, Captain Junior Paulo and Man of the Match Jarome Luai reflect on a fantastic win at the Emirates Stadium at the semi final post match press conference.

It was a different vibe in the morning of the 13th of November in Samoa!

It was the roosters turn to be awoken by the loud whooping laughter and cheers of the Samoan faithful. Cheers and tears of joy and pride seen and heard echoed all around to show appreciation and excitement for that O-WESOME history-making WIN!  Malo tauivi TOA!

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Credits: 

Shot & edited by Tihati Devoux 

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Check out more of the reactions from Samoa & Samoans around the world on social media below ... 

“Hello! My name is Samoan, I come from Samoan, my blood is Samoan, 685 to the World!”

Scenes in Otara this morning as Samoan fans celebrated Toa Samoa's epic semi final win at the Rugby League World Cup ... in the streets.

Samoa's rugby league team, Toa Samoa made history for the 2nd time in the 2021 Rugby League World Cup (held in 2022) by becoming the first Pacific nation to ever reach a Rugby League World Cup final.

The game was a thrilling match going into over time with Samoa winning by golden point thanks to a clutch drop kick by winger Stephen Crichton.

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Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ on Air

City Kickboxing head coach Eugene Bareman breaks down what goes into a UFC Fight Camp for his team when they're preparing for a fight event.

He talks about how important it is for the team to support each other with each others preparation and what the other coaches in his team bring to the table and more ...

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Credits: 

Editor - Sefa Taouma 

OPC - Fata Tuiali'i 

Interviewer - Penina Momoiseā

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Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ on Air 

Jason talks about getting his newest tattoo, doing a commercial with LeBron James after Eddie Murphy said he couldn’t do it, deep sea fishing in traditional Hawaiian fishing gear, he strips down to show us his Hawaiian Malo, tells us about his new movie Slumberland, and his friend with Leukemia who inspired him to work with a charity called “Be the Match” that connects people with patients that need a bone marrow transplant.

Travel to Samoa to get an insight into the incredible work of Ruta Rae-Aikin and Kelvin Bell of Faala Palauli, Savaii who built 'Rea Farms' and 'Florence's Homestay Accommodation' from the ground up over the last three years.

With funding support from the World Bank Pacific funded SAFPROM Matching Grant Program, the dynamic duo were able to expand production and increase productivity in their agribusinesses which means communities, visitors and hospitality businesses in Savaii have consistent access to fresh organic meat and vegetables.

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"Negative body image is a big issue with our young women & with this exhibition we hope to do our part in empowering our young girls to love what they look like no matter what shade of brown, shape, size they are, imperfections & to celebrate their unique features. They are Polynesian Queens" - Sisters United.

The 'Brown & Beautiful' exhibition is currently on at the Fresh Gallery in Otara until next Saturday the 19th of November & celebrates the natural beauty of our Pasifika young women, their different shades of brown skin and varied shapes and sizes.…more