Coco Talanoa — Sports / Page 2

The team lists for the decider of State of Origin 2025 are in, with New South Wales keeping their line-up and shuffles across the Queensland side. The series has also been seen a celebration of the growing impact of Pacific Island players in rugby league’s biggest event.

Across both teams, players with Pacific heritage are not just filling jerseys. They are pushing their teams forward, shaping the culture, and carrying their communities with them every time they step onto the field.

Queensland Maroons: Team Shuffles

Queensland has made bold moves for Game 3, with coach Billy Slater shaking things up significantly. The Maroons have reloaded key positions, especially in the backline and the forward pack.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, proudly representing his Samoan roots through his father, has moved to fullback, taking Reece Walsh's spot. ‘The Hammer’ brings impressive speed and energy, and his Pacific heritage is an essential part of his narrative.

Xavier Coates keeps his spot on the wing.…more

23 June 2025 - Every year on Olympic Day, we celebrate more than just athletes. We honour the courage it takes to chase a dream, the people who make that dream possible, and the belief that no matter how small your island is, your ambition doesn’t have to be.

By Vaimo’oi’a Ripley Olympic Sailor for Samoa | ILCA 6 Classs

For me, Olympic Day 2025 is deeply personal. 

Almost a year ago, I had the honour of becoming the first Samoan woman to compete in sailing at an Olympic Games, representing our country in Paris in the ILCA 6 dinghy class boat.

It’s a milestone I carry with pride — but one that was only possible because of the legacy of service, faith, and fierce love that shaped me.

My voyage started in Samoa, in the safe lagoon of Mulinuʻu, where I learnt to sail for the first time at the Apia Yacht Club. My first instructor was my aunt Raema von Reiche.…more

Tokelau’s bringing kilikiti back and it’s serving island pride with a side of 'bowled him out'. We keeping it real fresh out on the oval.

Director : Shimpal Lelisi

Camera : Terence Muru

Sound : Marcus Lawson

Editor : Sefa Taouma

Its a slam-dunk at the Southside Slam charity game, showing the youth that when you squad up, you can actually make magic happen yeeaahhbbooii.

Director/Camera/Sound/Editor : Jared Leith

Serving up the freshest young talents in the motu. Goose, touch and dive into Pacific Cup Touch. Lessgeddit

While Polyfest ramped up over the weekend, our teams were also celebrating big wins at the HSBC SVNS, with Fiji and the Black Ferns taking home trophies in Singapore! And in a thrilling turn of events, Moana Pasifika delivered a stunning 45-28 win against the NSW Waratahs in Auckland.

Fiji Men's Sevens

Fiji defeated Kenya 21-12 in the Cup Finals, coming up from behind in a dramatic victory after a nil score against Kenya at half time. 

Within two minutes of the second half, Joseva Talacolo broke two tackles and sent Vuiviwa Naduvalo to the try-line and Fiji was level.

As penalties and errors mounted against Kenya, denying it possession, the Flying Fijians held their nerve to score the three second half tries that saw them sweep the cup.

It was a massive weekend for the small but mighty Pacific teams in Super Rugby Pacific. The Kiwi teams struggled against Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika, with both Pacific franchises delivering unforgettable performances to secure their first wins of the 2025 season.

Moana Pasifika stunned the Hurricanes 40-31 at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday, while the Fijian Drua toppled the previously unbeaten Waikato Chiefs 28-24 at Churchill Park in Lautoka. The victories marked a statement round for the competition, showcasing the strength and progress of the Pacific teams.

For Moana, the win was particularly significant as they fought back without their captain, Ardie Savea, who left the field just before halftime due to injury. In his first match against his former team since joining Moana Pasifika, Savea expressed his pride in his teammates.

"I'm proud of the boys to get across the line and get the dub. They showed true heart and effort, and it shows that when we get it right, we can get it right," Savea told Sky SportNZ’s Jeff Wilson after the game.…more

The Solomon Islands and American Samoa U-19 women’s football teams have arrived in Tonga this week to compete in the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship qualifiers. This tournament marks a crucial step for teams aiming to secure a place in the next OFC U-19 Women’s Championship, where they will battle for a chance to represent Oceania on the world stage.

The previous edition of the tournament, held in 2023, was a landmark event. Hosted by Fiji, it was the first OFC U-19 Women’s Championship to take place since the COVID-19 pandemic and also served as a qualification pathway for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia. The competition saw the return of the under-20 age restriction for the first time since 2015, adding another layer of challenge for the participating teams.

One of the standout stories of the 2023 tournament was the Cook Islands, one of OFC’s smallest member associations, who made an impressive run to the semi-finals. Their journey ended at the hands of New Zealand, who secured a 5-0 victory to advance to the final.…more

The wait is over—Rugby League is back in Las Vegas for its second consecutive year, and it’s double the excitement in 2025! After a thrilling debut in 2024 with four teams, this year’s festival sees the competition expand to eight teams, including the historic addition of the Australian Jillaroos, making it a truly global Rugby League spectacle.

On Saturday, 1 March 2025, the iconic Allegiant Stadium will host four high-intensity match-ups, bringing together the best of the NRL, Super League, and international rugby for an unforgettable day of action.

The 2025 Las Vegas Showdowns

🏉 Canberra Raiders vs. New Zealand Warriors
Two powerhouse clubs from the NRL lock horns in a trans-Tasman showdown, promising fast-paced, physical footy.

🏉 Penrith Panthers vs. Cronulla Sutherland Sharks
The defending NRL champions take on the Sharks in what is set to be a battle of skill, strategy, and pure determination.

🏉 Wigan Warriors vs. Warrington Wolves
Super League giants take centre stage in a classic English rivalry as Wigan and Warrington bring their hard-hitting brand of rugby to Vegas.

🏉 Australian Jillaroos vs.…more

Auckland is positioning itself as the home for a second NRL team with the launch of Mana Pasifika, a bid that could change the future of rugby league in New Zealand. More than just adding another franchise, this is a chance to stop the talent drain that has seen many of our best players head to Australia in search of professional opportunities.

For years, New Zealand has been a breeding ground for NRL stars, yet a significant number of them have been forced to cross the Tasman to chase their dreams. In 2021 over 100 New Zealand-born players were reported to be contracted to Australian-based NRL clubs. With the Pasifika and Māori influence growing stronger in the sport, Mana Pasifika presents an opportunity to keep that talent at home, develop local pathways, and build a team that truly represents Aotearoa’s unique rugby league culture.

The bid has already garnered strong backing from across the Pacific and New Zealand, with key Māori and Pasifika leaders recognising its potential to unite both cultures.…more