I was at the Australia V Tonga game, I can tell you first hand the noise from the Tongans was louder than game 3 origin this year. Even at the end of the game when an Aussie knocked the ball on the Tongans were cheering like they had won. When they scored that try that was later taken away, they no shit cheered for about 3 minutes. It was the best crowd atmosphere ever
@@jnic2165 I've attended a few Four Nations tests, the atmosphere is always the best especially because of the close bond/rivalry, everyone is there for their country and not just to watch the game as a neutral.
Mal cries when the island lads decide to play for their heritage but is happy the other way. He was correct what he said about Xavier Coates, he wanted to represent his other side of his heritage. He needs to be consistent because he has really had a sook in the past over the Samoa lads.
@@ZAHRN1 People at the top don't really like to experience any equality when even a little of it actually happens, instead of it just being something they give half hearted lip service to, then promptly forget or ignore.
Mal crying over player eligibility is a farce, most would agree that Australia still has the strongest player pool so he’s making an issue over nothing at all. If you force the island boys to declare for a country at the start of the year and they don’t make the said team, it’s a massive loss for their Island nation. Your example of Isaiya Katoa is a good one, if he thinks he can make the Aussie side and doesn’t get picked, then Tonga lose their one NRL level playmaker, what stops Australia from seeing him declare for Aussie and then not picking him on purpose as they already have guys like Cleary, Moses, DCE and then Tonga gets weaker. Aussie needs to bite the bullet for the betterment of the international game like the Kiwis have since 2017, initially it hurt, the NZRL kicked up a fuss but now the game is in a better place. The Kiwis are easily the most affected team by the tier 1-2 eligibility rules. Plus their players don’t get to play origin. Do better ARL! And give us more internationals, up the Kiwis!
Boys first time comment. Having Dylan Brown above Dearden and Burto is wild! He had the reigns this year and his team nearly won the spoon lmao. You take Dearden and Burton out of their teams such a bigger loss to their team.
One thing i've always wanted to see is an Indigenous vs Polynesian all stars, it would be amazing to see a team of all the best Islanders on one roster and even how they would go about a mixed war cry.
For the Players Turning From Tier one to Represent Tier two, the reverse has been happening a lot over the years and no one bats an eye. Hammer Capped for Samoa First, then went to Kangaroos. CNC and Rapana Capped for Cook Islands then went to NZ word has been that Kayal Iro being injured was the only reason he was not picked potentially for the Kiwis, hes been capped several times for the Cook Islands. The list goes on and on, and I HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH IT. But if the reverse were to happen suddenly its big news and a big problem for people, and that is what I take issue with. The double standard.
The name you mentioned from the Papatoetoe Panthers, Isaia Toeava, went on to play for the All Blacks. Dude was originally a gun league player but his school scrapped league altogether so he ended up lost to union.
Respectfully how do you put money over luai luais has a way better set of accomplishments and has been carrying Penrith this season has had big moments in big games over the last four years what has money been doing better than Jerome
Scope lowkey gets a bit upset when Luai gets the best of Money, and although he gives Luai props, you can tell his body language says otherwise lol respect to both these legends, but i think theyre still a bit caught up on Moneys form from 2018-2021.. If Hughes doesnt play, Munster isnt as effective at managing the team, Munster also doesnt have a long kicking game.. Luai has already shown he can do a job without cleary, both in origin and clubland..
I came here to say this exact thing. Munster is a good player but he's not really achieved or played that well for a few years now. His whole career narrative is basically built around the 2020 season. Luai has easily achieved more and shown more leadership qualities than him
My dawg! Didn’t know you were from the mighty Ellerslie Eagles Hoz. I grew up playing for ellerslie as well only living down on Mt Smart road. Glen Fisiiahi, Kieran Foran and Logan Swann were the dudes I looked up to playing at that club. But if we did podcasters you’d be number 1 😂. Love the podcast and also Big Willie 🫡
Lads, L1 since D1. At the Christchurch game - crazy to think how far the women's game has come! The stadium was easily 75% full in time for the women's kick off. Great atmosphere, 17,000 people all crammed in. The new stadium for 2026 would surely get CHCH a look for a new NRL team! Congrats on 30k.
Love this Podcast - I would not be classed as you ‘average’ fan but fell in love with Willie Mason during Australia’s 2006 tour to Great Britain - anyone who can knock the English about will always be up there the Scottish 🏴🏴🏴
@@shiresmokersbbq8704 I believe it’s not only about the results on the field. You have to reach a certain standard regards to Business, Pathways etc to become Tier 1. Samoa definitely haven’t got close to that.
@shiresmokersbbq8704 did you only look at the ones vs Australia? Because they dominate the European leagues to a point they don't even compete in them anymore. Have quite handily beaten NZ in multiple test series. Also they are the country that runs the Northern Hemisphere equivalent of the NRL. Hardly a comparison. Let me know when Samoa or Tonga have at least two of those three things.
1 million per cent agree with taking Tonga vs Samoa to vegas.. An NRL game in vegas, doesnt do as much for the game.. if you follow how Rugby Union has influenced america over the last 30 years, it came off the back of Internationals, All Blacks, etc. More recently, you had Americans who then supported the crusaders because they watched Richie and Carter in Black.. etc The NRL can capitalise on a few things here. 1. The huge polynesian crowd that will come from L.A, San Diego and Utah.. this crowd will definitely block up those streets with flags etc, media will jump on for that reason and bring more eyes to the game. 2. Womens rugby in the US is also very strong in L.A, taking a womens game maybe a NZ vs Aus test? would be a great opportunity also. 3. World club challenge to be played there, if we remove the NRL games 4. NZ Maori vs Indigenous game to also be played. These are all played pre season anyway, removes the need for a club to fly over.. you can also alter a few rules to help decrease the chances of major injuries, test out new rules for the NRL and see where to make adjustments. Possible Vegas Line up 2026... Samoa vs Tonga Club Challenge... so 2026 will be (wahs vs wigan 👀) NZ maori vs Aus Indigenous NZ vs Aus Women Vegas is for the international crowd, true blue ozzies might not like these games, but we have the NRL season.. League is a better game to play than Union, giving a product that shows more emotion, is what gets new eyes interested. Siva Tau vs Sipi Tau.. Haka vs. War Dance
Vagas is an NRL concept to basically inject gambling money into the NRL. Promoting international rugby league is secondary. You'll have to find someone else to finance your plan.
Also love the idea of playing a 3 game origin between Samoa and Tonga in America especially if its played in areas where there is a big islander community. Even if its just a 1 game a yr thing that changes each year so that they can promote the game as well
Hey boys, love the poddy! I agree that Samoa and Tonga should have a three game series. Here’s an idea, how cool would it be if for the international games, Australia and NZ played Samoa and Tonga once, before a three game series between Australia and NZ, and Samoa and Tonga? Two sets of rivals in a three game series. Could even make it a double header at a ground like Suncorp one week. Surely a slate of games like that would make money. This Way, Tonga and Samoa get a crack at the big guns every year before having a crack at each other. I still remember the game where Kasiano makes a try saving tackle on the Tongan winger all those years ago to win. Need more games like that!
Dylan Brown at 3 is laughable. He'd be lucky to make the 10 if I'm being honest. Also, is this off current form coz if so than Luai has to be number 1, Dearden 2,Burton 3,Munster 4
Chur Koros. In the lads group chat this week we were trying to make a greatest Kiwis team from NRL era players. We are all mostly mid-late 20s so they were many players we watched as kids but weren’t old enough to truly know how good they were. The only way to compare players from back then is with Dally M selections or Origin appearances, which is difficult for NZ players. Front row was especially difficult so could you help us by choosing 2 starters and 2 bench players out of this list or putting any to Lock or second row (We only know Wiki as a prop). James Fisher-Harris Reuben Wiki Jarred Waerea-Hargreaves Jesse Bromwich Nathan Cayless Adam Blair Joseph Tapine Here is the rest of our team for context 1. Benji Marshall 2. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 3. Joseph Manu 4. Nigel Vagana 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Shaun Johnson 7. Stacey Jones 8. 9. Isaac Luke 10. 11. Tohu Harris 12. Sonny Bill Williams 13. Simon Mannering 14. Ali Lauititi 15. Hughes or Foran 16. - 17. -
Just a quick question how come players who are playing for Tonga allowed to play origin when Big Jt wasn’t allowed to play for Qld after making that decision and Samoa now they went to the final. Origin rules needs to be changed or be looked at again
Tacos - close top ten for 5/8. Don’t think Money is in the number one spot anymore. Luai is far ahead of everyone now. He took over the panthers this year plus he’s put a lot of effort into his maturity and the respect he shows his opposition since the Cobbo incident
Hey skip, have you seen souths are putting out a mini series detailing the 14 premiership side. In the first ep they go over the 13 prelim you played in and unless i’d forgotten it madge’s mother passed away the morning of the match but he didn’t tell any of the boys in the side til after, did that ever get through to your boys or only in the aftermath of the game? The first ep of the series has had such good insight i reckon you’d love it, l1 from day 1 ❤️💚
Don’t shoot the messenger! Fellas, I’ve got the hot take/ultimate argument to have over a few cold ones around the growth of the game. Again, please don’t kill me for this take, but it’s just a debate/a chance to look through a different lense that I haven’t seen discussed on any platform of note (probably because it will instantly get shot down) but I would love to hear your discussions around this one. State of Origin, while immensely popular in Aus/NZ, is limiting rugby league’s growth on an international scale. By prioritizing a regional rivalry over broader, global competition, Origin unintentionally holds back the sport from reaching its full potential on the world stage. Because Origin is one of the most financially lucrative fixtures in the game and rightly so, resources are poured into it at the expense of international competitions. This focus keeps fans, sponsors, and even broadcasters more invested in local rivalries than in growing interest globally, thus stalling expansion into markets like Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Players see Origin as the pinnacle of the game, leading many to prioritize it over representing their country. This dampens the competitiveness and quality of international matches. Imagine if union or football players valued a regional competition over the Rugby World Cup/FIFA World Cup - it would skew the entire dynamic of the sport. If Origin were deprioritized, or even played on a biannual calendar or something more like a specialized tournament and had no bearing on international eligibility, players could commit to their national teams - elevating the quality of international competitions. Rugby union has grown into a truly global sport, thanks largely to the emphasis on international competition and the prestige of events like the Rugby World Cup and 6 Nations. Meanwhile, rugby league, with its focus on Origin, is relegated to a niche market - If rugby league aspires to rival sports like rugby union in terms of international recognition, it must diminish the stranglehold that Origin currently holds and pivot toward a global approach. While Origin has undeniable entertainment and commercial value, it reinforces a narrow focus that hampers rugby league’s ability to expand globally. A shift in focus from regional to international competitions, along with investment in global outreach and talent development, would create a more inclusive, widely recognized rugby league culture on par with other major global sports. P.S. for gods sake everyone get to subscribing ya dawggggssss! Cheers boys!
maybe it's time we segregate origin from the international game. What if at the start of every calendar year players nominate what country they wish to represent/be made available for that year only. They could change from year to year if they wish. especially considering a lot of these players were forced to make a decision when signing their first contract. That way players like Victor could play for England one year, then Australia the next. same with players like Haas. He plays for aus one year then the next can play for Samoa. They're locked in for that year and can't change it. If they're not selected for their nominated country tough luck
The issue is that Vlandys doesn't wanna grow the international game, we all know this! To him Australia will always have to be the dominant country.. Any CEO or business person would have already made or plan to make that game happen in USA, Tonga vs Samoa.. We have such a big presence of Polynesian people in USA, this game would actually gather the eyes of everyone in USA, can you imagine the Siva Tau facing off against the Mate Ma'a Tonga?! It gives the polys in USA something to relate to.. No one knows club footy teams.. Get the crowd knowing the game before knowing the clubs.. Even take a Pacific Cup over their or even 5 nations (Samoa, Tonga, NZ, AUS & England)..
OG maoris vs Aboriginal 1. Locke vs bowen 2. J.rapana vs blacklock 3. Whare vs GI 4. Toopi vs hodges 5. Nightingale vs sailor 6. Benji v Thurston 🤯 7. Stacey v preston Campbell 8. Wiki vs ryan james 9. Luke vs peats 10. Blair vs a. Fifita 11. Guttenbeil v thaiday 12. Scope v Wade graham 13. Jeremy smith v greg bird Maori bench- packer, rapira, rauhihi, ben henry, koopu, takairangi, sandor earl, hohaia, louis anderson, josh hoffman Aboriginal bench- leroy lars, d fifita, pj marsh, george rose, widders, prince, james roberts, tonga, peachy, bodene Thompson Id pay money to watch that
How about shorten the season to 20 weeks, during the origin series lets the pasific islanders play their rep aswell during it, tonga, samoa, cook, fiji , png, winner moves on and takes all and nz north v south. Let the origin stay in aus for people born here not jr games its call origin for a reason not teams u like...
Off season content idea that would get the tradies talking: carpenters 13 v plumbers 13. Carpenters Jmaine Hopgood, Bromwich bros, Billy and Kevin Walters, Brad Meyers, Mansour, Kaufusi.....
I don’t think Willie is close to his Samoan side - even on his IG profile it’s just the Aussie and Tongan flag. Some people are raised closer to one culture
Mal can’t be complaining when he’s gladly welcomed players that committed to tier 2 nations the previous year. Just has a sook when it doesn’t go his way apparently
i think we need a new identity, the product and passion in the international game and marketing it needs a new identity. Drop the rugby word from this sport and either just call it League or come up with a new name. A bit like are you committing to rugby or do you want to play league. A hate hearing that a classic samoan v tongan league match being called rugby. Just an idea that needs exploring
Dude I reckon it is a valid point to play an ol school comp. But think about the development of the game internationally compared to Union. How can league do that? A viewer touched on the big Pacific ilnd community in US! interesting times.❤
Hey fellas 1:21 If you have ya foot in the in goal off a kick, it's a drop out, if u have your foot outside of the field off a kick it's out on the full so On a kick off if it doesn't go 10m but a player from the team kicking off can get a foot on or over the 40m line sould that be fair play ?? Cheers lads
It’s the way Aussie changed the rules to take away the island players from nz. A lot of those kids are born in Oz or moved over as youngsters to kiwi parents. Used Origin to lure them to change allegiance to NZ. 2008 World Cup was the kicker but also the kiwi side that had Taumalolo AFB check out the forward pack for the kiwis that year. Ponga has never played for Australia they’re only using the fact he played 9 which is not officially test football. Toni Carroll got to play origin NZ and Aus.
Talk about Samoa V England. I want to know your take on it. And do you think it's fair that the referee is not a neutral referee? I just want to know someone of a neutral stand points opinion on it because I think the Samoans were hard done by. But will only accept what Justo and Willie think on this topic. Big fan still only new to the poddy but letspushhh
International footy should be the pinnacle of every player, not origin. I understand origin is a money maker and monster for viewiship, but growing the game internationally should be a priority instead of it just being a domestic competition really played in 2 states
when talking about the vegas round/ fans saving money / and the possibility of getting wigan and penrith to play as they are both already over there. if they both play each other, instead of having a bye round for their oponents, why not ask/pick a team to step in to take their place v warrington/warriors. In turn guarantee them they will be the first pick to play that round next season. this would be a reward for the club for stepping in at short notice, be double the exposure, but also gives the fans atleast a full year to save, knowing their teams also playing next season if they cant make the 25 season?
Hey lads, with all the origin and international chats, what would happen if the usos/tokos could only pick their island of heritage and not be able to play origin, would this change the chat about their representative commitment? If you choose Samoa and this nullifies your ability to play origin then who would they choose to play for? I think if we want to grow the international game then if you want to play for Samoa/tonga then you shouldn’t be available for origin. If origin players could only pledge their allegiance to Australia what would the representative landscape look like? I think there’s an unfair advantage for island affiliated players to choose an origin affiliated state and their island nation vs kiwis who can’t play origin. What are your thoughts?
Thought of a mini champs league between top 4 of Aus & UK. Valid talk over extending players body's etc. But from a fans perspective I'd love to see it! Every 2 yrs luck of the draw?
We do not even get enough Windows and Time for International Tests, this seems like something that would be lower on the priority list, we already get the Full NRL and Super League Seasons that's more than Enough.
@DaMuss-e2w I agree that we don't get enough time for the respective season. It's a big challenge to satisfy the fans and commercial thirst for quality comps. My suggestion is probs a pipe dream, an idea for a ideal league world, that's all. I hope one day league is like English soccer, what an amazing support base.
@@seancarter3060 We just need more Days in the year and need to live longer and be at our physical peak longer and your Idea would be great. I don't hate it, its just hard to implement is all.
Aussie rightful favorites, staacked across the board, big loss last year....sure it's a bragging thing for us but that's only because the Kangaroos are the benchmark and have been since for aaages. In saying that Kiwis 12- 😄☕️🐸
i really think if they want to evolve the pacific cup/international game i think they need to stop including australia in it, as fun as it was last year beating australia 30-0 i think the dynamic is way off, you have lehi hopoate running full steam into lindsay collins, pat carrigan and yeo, come on i know it’s the game but atleast do something to even it out, i think a tournament of nz,samoa,tonga and either fiji or png would be cracka, and it would also encourage the samoan or tongan boys in the aussie squads to play for their families and culture and instead of having samoa vs england you do australia vs england best of 3 and that would definitely get more views, just an opinion up the levels love the poddy hopefully we get some nba chat soon aswell
Has the tonga or samoa league team ever played a game in samoa or tonga? Serious question because all this talk about them potentially playing in these exotic places two proud people but never played infront of their actual countrymen on home soil
Why can't Australia born kiwi kids play for nsw and nz both my teens now love country NSW where they from and want play for nsw one day but also love there maori culture if we are being honest the same should go for players like Radley and Farnworth nsw and England samoa and Tonga and now tier 1 nations if we are being honest with our selfs
Listener from England enjoy the podcast very much love the energy you 2 bring but kind of getting tired with the perception the game in the UK is dying. Last year the national team beat Tonga, this year we are 1-0 up against Samoa IMG ratings are forcing clubs to improve if they want to be a top flight SL club with clubs investing in their infrastructure, facilities and game day experience. We are now able to watch all games SL games live on tv every week, the Grand Final has the best attendance since 2017, the play offs attendance was the best it’s been since 2004. The semi finals has record viewing figures across Sky Sports and the BBC and social media engagement and views was up 149% this year from 2024. The game has its issues without doubt but positive strides have been made in the last 2 years and whilst we don’t, and more than likely won’t ever have the profile RL does in Australia it’s far from doom and gloom.
This is my hypothetical for Tonga 🇹🇴 and vs Samoa 🇼🇸 mid-season test. Treat it like origin/PMs xiii with eligibility rules. - Players must be born or played in both juniors for 🇹🇴 🇼🇸 - Only 3 NRL heritage players that don't meet requirement 1 are allowed to play - They play yearly mid season in a Auckland best of 3 no game 3 if series win.
This is a mad concept..combined with if the odd one was done I'd Cali or Nevada because of promotion but imagine it being held in Tonga or Samoa geeezas! it wld be cool
So current Toa Samoa or Mate Ma'a Tonga players who have already being capped cannot play for those teams if they do not meet the requirements? Why not just make them Full Tests to make it simpler?
Players with either 🇹🇴 or 🇼🇸 heritage is enough for them to play. Play in Sydney, Brisbane & Auckland or wherever they feel the fans will actually come out.
@@DaMuss-e2w that is why I mentioned the PMs xiii. PNG/Aus use it as a way to build combinations. That could create growth for 🇼🇸 🇹🇴 Domestic comp just as QLD/NSW did when it was still BRL and winfred cup.
Look at these guys talking about Mel’s frustration lol who gives a rats arse, NZ has the same problem if the boys wanna play for there country let them go play, they don’t need to give yous notice. Always trying to find a way to benefit yours, relax let them choose who they wanna play for. The games more exciting now.
I was at the Australia V Tonga game, I can tell you first hand the noise from the Tongans was louder than game 3 origin this year. Even at the end of the game when an Aussie knocked the ball on the Tongans were cheering like they had won. When they scored that try that was later taken away, they no shit cheered for about 3 minutes.
It was the best crowd atmosphere ever
That’s why NRL had to cancel mid year pacific test. It was taking attention away from boring Origin.
Bucket list is to attend samoa v Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium
@@jnic2165 I've attended a few Four Nations tests, the atmosphere is always the best especially because of the close bond/rivalry, everyone is there for their country and not just to watch the game as a neutral.
Mal cries when the island lads decide to play for their heritage but is happy the other way.
He was correct what he said about Xavier Coates, he wanted to represent his other side of his heritage.
He needs to be consistent because he has really had a sook in the past over the Samoa lads.
He welcomed Hammer with open arms less than a year after he had played for Samoa, Fair enough but when the Reverse happens suddenly its a big issue.
@@DaMuss-e2w 100% spot on.
He seems more than happy when it’s flowing in his direction.
@@ZAHRN1 People at the top don't really like to experience any equality when even a little of it actually happens, instead of it just being something they give half hearted lip service to, then promptly forget or ignore.
@@ZAHRN1 There's a word for that, it starts with H.
Yup and who can forget the Radradra selection after living in Australia for 10mins
Mal crying over player eligibility is a farce, most would agree that Australia still has the strongest player pool so he’s making an issue over nothing at all. If you force the island boys to declare for a country at the start of the year and they don’t make the said team, it’s a massive loss for their Island nation.
Your example of Isaiya Katoa is a good one, if he thinks he can make the Aussie side and doesn’t get picked, then Tonga lose their one NRL level playmaker, what stops Australia from seeing him declare for Aussie and then not picking him on purpose as they already have guys like Cleary, Moses, DCE and then Tonga gets weaker.
Aussie needs to bite the bullet for the betterment of the international game like the Kiwis have since 2017, initially it hurt, the NZRL kicked up a fuss but now the game is in a better place. The Kiwis are easily the most affected team by the tier 1-2 eligibility rules. Plus their players don’t get to play origin. Do better ARL! And give us more internationals, up the Kiwis!
Mal was Happy to take Hammer from Samoa and Coates from PNG didn't see him crying then.
Boys first time comment. Having Dylan Brown above Dearden and Burto is wild! He had the reigns this year and his team nearly won the spoon lmao. You take Dearden and Burton out of their teams such a bigger loss to their team.
One thing i've always wanted to see is an Indigenous vs Polynesian all stars, it would be amazing to see a team of all the best Islanders on one roster and even how they would go about a mixed war cry.
Congrats on the 30k boys 🙌🏽✊🏽 best footy podcast on atm
For the Players Turning From Tier one to Represent Tier two, the reverse has been happening a lot over the years and no one bats an eye. Hammer Capped for Samoa First, then went to Kangaroos. CNC and Rapana Capped for Cook Islands then went to NZ word has been that Kayal Iro being injured was the only reason he was not picked potentially for the Kiwis, hes been capped several times for the Cook Islands. The list goes on and on, and I HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH IT. But if the reverse were to happen suddenly its big news and a big problem for people, and that is what I take issue with. The double standard.
FACTS!
Yes - but when it doesn’t favour Mal all of a sudden it’s a problem
The name you mentioned from the Papatoetoe Panthers, Isaia Toeava, went on to play for the All Blacks. Dude was originally a gun league player but his school scrapped league altogether so he ended up lost to union.
Wasn't his Nick Name Ice?
I remember watching him in the black jumper. I frothed him in the 13 jumper. The ice man everyone called him 😮💨
He had a lot of potential, but he never reached them, unfortunately. He made the all blacks after one first grade game straight after school too
25:30 😂😂 I think the boys forgot what Fifita and Taumalolo did 😂😂
They both suck waste of money
Respectfully how do you put money over luai luais has a way better set of accomplishments and has been carrying Penrith this season has had big moments in big games over the last four years what has money been doing better than Jerome
Scope lowkey gets a bit upset when Luai gets the best of Money, and although he gives Luai props, you can tell his body language says otherwise lol respect to both these legends, but i think theyre still a bit caught up on Moneys form from 2018-2021..
If Hughes doesnt play, Munster isnt as effective at managing the team, Munster also doesnt have a long kicking game.. Luai has already shown he can do a job without cleary, both in origin and clubland..
@@Leonytis Origin, Clubland and International.
I came here to say this exact thing. Munster is a good player but he's not really achieved or played that well for a few years now. His whole career narrative is basically built around the 2020 season. Luai has easily achieved more and shown more leadership qualities than him
My dawg! Didn’t know you were from the mighty Ellerslie Eagles Hoz. I grew up playing for ellerslie as well only living down on Mt Smart road. Glen Fisiiahi, Kieran Foran and Logan Swann were the dudes I looked up to playing at that club. But if we did podcasters you’d be number 1 😂. Love the podcast and also Big Willie 🫡
Lads, L1 since D1. At the Christchurch game - crazy to think how far the women's game has come! The stadium was easily 75% full in time for the women's kick off. Great atmosphere, 17,000 people all crammed in. The new stadium for 2026 would surely get CHCH a look for a new NRL team! Congrats on 30k.
Love this Podcast - I would not be classed as you ‘average’ fan but fell in love with Willie Mason during Australia’s 2006 tour to Great Britain - anyone who can knock the English about will always be up there the Scottish 🏴🏴🏴
Finally haha let’s go Levels, watched that Undisputed 🔥
Based upon recent performances. It’s time to consider Samoa and Tonga as Tier 1 nations.
yeah but them Origin changes soo much, no more islanders 😂
Let them win a tournament first.
@@cramirez1988 Yeah like Englands last one over 50 years ago?
@@shiresmokersbbq8704 I believe it’s not only about the results on the field.
You have to reach a certain standard regards to Business, Pathways etc to become Tier 1.
Samoa definitely haven’t got close to that.
@shiresmokersbbq8704 did you only look at the ones vs Australia? Because they dominate the European leagues to a point they don't even compete in them anymore.
Have quite handily beaten NZ in multiple test series.
Also they are the country that runs the Northern Hemisphere equivalent of the NRL.
Hardly a comparison.
Let me know when Samoa or Tonga have at least two of those three things.
1 million per cent agree with taking Tonga vs Samoa to vegas..
An NRL game in vegas, doesnt do as much for the game.. if you follow how Rugby Union has influenced america over the last 30 years, it came off the back of Internationals, All Blacks, etc.
More recently, you had Americans who then supported the crusaders because they watched Richie and Carter in Black.. etc
The NRL can capitalise on a few things here.
1. The huge polynesian crowd that will come from L.A, San Diego and Utah.. this crowd will definitely block up those streets with flags etc, media will jump on for that reason and bring more eyes to the game.
2. Womens rugby in the US is also very strong in L.A, taking a womens game maybe a NZ vs Aus test? would be a great opportunity also.
3. World club challenge to be played there, if we remove the NRL games
4. NZ Maori vs Indigenous game to also be played.
These are all played pre season anyway, removes the need for a club to fly over.. you can also alter a few rules to help decrease the chances of major injuries, test out new rules for the NRL and see where to make adjustments.
Possible Vegas Line up 2026...
Samoa vs Tonga
Club Challenge... so 2026 will be (wahs vs wigan 👀)
NZ maori vs Aus Indigenous
NZ vs Aus Women
Vegas is for the international crowd, true blue ozzies might not like these games, but we have the NRL season.. League is a better game to play than Union, giving a product that shows more emotion, is what gets new eyes interested.
Siva Tau vs Sipi Tau..
Haka vs. War Dance
Vagas is an NRL concept to basically inject gambling money into the NRL. Promoting international rugby league is secondary. You'll have to find someone else to finance your plan.
@Joe-King ahh right.. forgot about the money lol end of the day.. its all about the money 😂
30k subs 🌮’s 😂 congrats boys!
Also love the idea of playing a 3 game origin between Samoa and Tonga in America especially if its played in areas where there is a big islander community. Even if its just a 1 game a yr thing that changes each year so that they can promote the game as well
Hey boys, love the poddy! I agree that Samoa and Tonga should have a three game series. Here’s an idea, how cool would it be if for the international games, Australia and NZ played Samoa and Tonga once, before a three game series between Australia and NZ, and Samoa and Tonga? Two sets of rivals in a three game series. Could even make it a double header at a ground like Suncorp one week. Surely a slate of games like that would make money.
This Way, Tonga and Samoa get a crack at the big guns every year before having a crack at each other. I still remember the game where Kasiano makes a try saving tackle on the Tongan winger all those years ago to win. Need more games like that!
Dylan Brown at 3 is laughable. He'd be lucky to make the 10 if I'm being honest.
Also, is this off current form coz if so than Luai has to be number 1, Dearden 2,Burton 3,Munster 4
Bro is so crap
Re Brisbane Ezra Mam's potential long-term unavailability
Solution Bevan French
Chur Koros. In the lads group chat this week we were trying to make a greatest Kiwis team from NRL era players. We are all mostly mid-late 20s so they were many players we watched as kids but weren’t old enough to truly know how good they were. The only way to compare players from back then is with Dally M selections or Origin appearances, which is difficult for NZ players. Front row was especially difficult so could you help us by choosing 2 starters and 2 bench players out of this list or putting any to Lock or second row (We only know Wiki as a prop).
James Fisher-Harris
Reuben Wiki
Jarred Waerea-Hargreaves
Jesse Bromwich
Nathan Cayless
Adam Blair
Joseph Tapine
Here is the rest of our team for context
1. Benji Marshall
2. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
3. Joseph Manu
4. Nigel Vagana
5. Manu Vatuvei
6. Shaun Johnson
7. Stacey Jones
8.
9. Isaac Luke
10.
11. Tohu Harris
12. Sonny Bill Williams
13. Simon Mannering
14. Ali Lauititi
15. Hughes or Foran
16. -
17. -
John Lomax Quinton Pongia were the best kiwi props ever
Just a quick question how come players who are playing for Tonga allowed to play origin when Big Jt wasn’t allowed to play for Qld after making that decision and Samoa now they went to the final. Origin rules needs to be changed or be looked at again
IMO, I think there is a fair argument that Luai has surpassed Munster as the best #6 in the game.
For Samoa v tonga. 3 game series end of the year. And even every 2 years
Bloody LoL’d so hard with the gamble at 6 comment 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Big ups for helping the young kid matua mase
bring back the great britain australia tests
Tacos - close top ten for 5/8. Don’t think Money is in the number one spot anymore. Luai is far ahead of everyone now. He took over the panthers this year plus he’s put a lot of effort into his maturity and the respect he shows his opposition since the Cobbo incident
Hey skip, have you seen souths are putting out a mini series detailing the 14 premiership side. In the first ep they go over the 13 prelim you played in and unless i’d forgotten it madge’s mother passed away the morning of the match but he didn’t tell any of the boys in the side til after, did that ever get through to your boys or only in the aftermath of the game? The first ep of the series has had such good insight i reckon you’d love it, l1 from day 1 ❤️💚
Why no preview on the England v Samoa game ?
It might have to do with the no team line up list yet. It's bloody slow over in England, and the games not televised in nz or Australia 😡
Wtf!.. that's letting a lot of people down, disappointing!@@clarkkent2468
Did gamble dirtyyy😂😂
Don’t shoot the messenger!
Fellas, I’ve got the hot take/ultimate argument to have over a few cold ones around the growth of the game. Again, please don’t kill me for this take, but it’s just a debate/a chance to look through a different lense that I haven’t seen discussed on any platform of note (probably because it will instantly get shot down) but I would love to hear your discussions around this one.
State of Origin, while immensely popular in Aus/NZ, is limiting rugby league’s growth on an international scale.
By prioritizing a regional rivalry over broader, global competition, Origin unintentionally holds back the sport from reaching its full potential on the world stage. Because Origin is one of the most financially lucrative fixtures in the game and rightly so, resources are poured into it at the expense of international competitions. This focus keeps fans, sponsors, and even broadcasters more invested in local rivalries than in growing interest globally, thus stalling expansion into markets like Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
Players see Origin as the pinnacle of the game, leading many to prioritize it over representing their country. This dampens the competitiveness and quality of international matches.
Imagine if union or football players valued a regional competition over the Rugby World Cup/FIFA World Cup - it would skew the entire dynamic of the sport.
If Origin were deprioritized, or even played on a biannual calendar or something more like a specialized tournament and had no bearing on international eligibility, players could commit to their national teams - elevating the quality of international competitions.
Rugby union has grown into a truly global sport, thanks largely to the emphasis on international competition and the prestige of events like the Rugby World Cup and 6 Nations. Meanwhile, rugby league, with its focus on Origin, is relegated to a niche market - If rugby league aspires to rival sports like rugby union in terms of international recognition, it must diminish the stranglehold that Origin currently holds and pivot toward a global approach.
While Origin has undeniable entertainment and commercial value, it reinforces a narrow focus that hampers rugby league’s ability to expand globally.
A shift in focus from regional to international competitions, along with investment in global outreach and talent development, would create a more inclusive, widely recognized rugby league culture on par with other major global sports.
P.S. for gods sake everyone get to subscribing ya dawggggssss!
Cheers boys!
Can you teach Willie the the difference between digress and regress please.
maybe it's time we segregate origin from the international game. What if at the start of every calendar year players nominate what country they wish to represent/be made available for that year only. They could change from year to year if they wish. especially considering a lot of these players were forced to make a decision when signing their first contract. That way players like Victor could play for England one year, then Australia the next. same with players like Haas. He plays for aus one year then the next can play for Samoa. They're locked in for that year and can't change it. If they're not selected for their nominated country tough luck
The issue is that Vlandys doesn't wanna grow the international game, we all know this! To him Australia will always have to be the dominant country.. Any CEO or business person would have already made or plan to make that game happen in USA, Tonga vs Samoa.. We have such a big presence of Polynesian people in USA, this game would actually gather the eyes of everyone in USA, can you imagine the Siva Tau facing off against the Mate Ma'a Tonga?! It gives the polys in USA something to relate to.. No one knows club footy teams.. Get the crowd knowing the game before knowing the clubs.. Even take a Pacific Cup over their or even 5 nations (Samoa, Tonga, NZ, AUS & England)..
OG maoris vs Aboriginal
1. Locke vs bowen
2. J.rapana vs blacklock
3. Whare vs GI
4. Toopi vs hodges
5. Nightingale vs sailor
6. Benji v Thurston 🤯
7. Stacey v preston Campbell
8. Wiki vs ryan james
9. Luke vs peats
10. Blair vs a. Fifita
11. Guttenbeil v thaiday
12. Scope v Wade graham
13. Jeremy smith v greg bird
Maori bench- packer, rapira, rauhihi, ben henry, koopu, takairangi, sandor earl, hohaia, louis anderson, josh hoffman
Aboriginal bench- leroy lars, d fifita, pj marsh, george rose, widders, prince, james roberts, tonga, peachy, bodene Thompson
Id pay money to watch that
How about shorten the season to 20 weeks, during the origin series lets the pasific islanders play their rep aswell during it, tonga, samoa, cook, fiji , png, winner moves on and takes all and nz north v south. Let the origin stay in aus for people born here not jr games its call origin for a reason not teams u like...
The draw is already a joke, so why not
Foran played hooker for NZ in that 30-0 win over Oz. There’s your versatility.
yep, he played well too.
Off season content idea that would get the tradies talking: carpenters 13 v plumbers 13. Carpenters Jmaine Hopgood, Bromwich bros, Billy and Kevin Walters, Brad Meyers, Mansour, Kaufusi.....
would electricians or bricklayers have a team? 🤣
Sparkys mite be able to string one together from the nrlw
@@T.Y4real 🤣
@@DaMuss-e2wsparkys would rort the cap
Just a question for the OG. If he was playing in this era, would he turn down the kangaroos jersey to represent Tonga or Samoa?
I don’t think Willie is close to his Samoan side - even on his IG profile it’s just the Aussie and Tongan flag. Some people are raised closer to one culture
Pretty sure he touched on this on last weeks International preview poddy if I’m not mistaken. Def heard him mention it over the last few pods.
Mal can’t be complaining when he’s gladly welcomed players that committed to tier 2 nations the previous year. Just has a sook when it doesn’t go his way apparently
i think we need a new identity, the product and passion in the international game and marketing it needs a new identity. Drop the rugby word from this sport and either just call it League or come up with a new name. A bit like are you committing to rugby or do you want to play league. A hate hearing that a classic samoan v tongan league match being called rugby. Just an idea that needs exploring
Agreed this would help with the expansion to Vegas people thought it was just rugby lol
Dude I reckon it is a valid point to play an ol school comp. But think about the development of the game internationally compared to Union. How can league do that? A viewer touched on the big Pacific ilnd community in US! interesting times.❤
Took a break now I’m back lessgo boys Horo and triple og stay on top
Did you’s catch the Koori knockout the young kid that hit fergo ?
😂 that was a good tackle. The size difference too. All blacks carnivals are no joke. Everyone gets lifted.
@@369ZIR 💯 Fergus face winging and the young fella only be 70kg fergo 110 😂
39:13 if it’s Isaia Toeava he was an absolute gun former Blues and ABs 🙌🏽
Hey fellas
1:21
If you have ya foot in the in goal off a kick, it's a drop out, if u have your foot outside of the field off a kick it's out on the full so
On a kick off if it doesn't go 10m but a player from the team kicking off can get a foot on or over the 40m line sould that be fair play ??
Cheers lads
It’s the way Aussie changed the rules to take away the island players from nz. A lot of those kids are born in Oz or moved over as youngsters to kiwi parents.
Used Origin to lure them to change allegiance to NZ.
2008 World Cup was the kicker but also the kiwi side that had Taumalolo AFB check out the forward pack for the kiwis that year.
Ponga has never played for Australia they’re only using the fact he played 9 which is not officially test football. Toni Carroll got to play origin NZ and Aus.
Talk about Samoa V England. I want to know your take on it. And do you think it's fair that the referee is not a neutral referee? I just want to know someone of a neutral stand points opinion on it because I think the Samoans were hard done by. But will only accept what Justo and Willie think on this topic. Big fan still only new to the poddy but letspushhh
Just play the fuckin WCC in Vegas round 1 done it’s not difficult lol plus it helps promote the English Super League
International footy should be the pinnacle of every player, not origin. I understand origin is a money maker and monster for viewiship, but growing the game internationally should be a priority instead of it just being a domestic competition really played in 2 states
Boys I say this respectfully, I honestly think Walgett would beat Cook Islands, fiji, and png.
when talking about the vegas round/ fans saving money / and the possibility of getting wigan and penrith to play as they are both already over there. if they both play each other, instead of having a bye round for their oponents, why not ask/pick a team to step in to take their place v warrington/warriors. In turn guarantee them they will be the first pick to play that round next season. this would be a reward for the club for stepping in at short notice, be double the exposure, but also gives the fans atleast a full year to save, knowing their teams also playing next season if they cant make the 25 season?
Hey lads, with all the origin and international chats, what would happen if the usos/tokos could only pick their island of heritage and not be able to play origin, would this change the chat about their representative commitment? If you choose Samoa and this nullifies your ability to play origin then who would they choose to play for? I think if we want to grow the international game then if you want to play for Samoa/tonga then you shouldn’t be available for origin. If origin players could only pledge their allegiance to Australia what would the representative landscape look like? I think there’s an unfair advantage for island affiliated players to choose an origin affiliated state and their island nation vs kiwis who can’t play origin. What are your thoughts?
The Americans froth over the tokos, that would be a money maker for sure playing tonga vs Samoa in America.
French has played 6 all season for Wigan
Thought of a mini champs league between top 4 of Aus & UK. Valid talk over extending players body's etc. But from a fans perspective I'd love to see it! Every 2 yrs luck of the draw?
We do not even get enough Windows and Time for International Tests, this seems like something that would be lower on the priority list, we already get the Full NRL and Super League Seasons that's more than Enough.
@DaMuss-e2w I agree that we don't get enough time for the respective season. It's a big challenge to satisfy the fans and commercial thirst for quality comps. My suggestion is probs a pipe dream, an idea for a ideal league world, that's all. I hope one day league is like English soccer, what an amazing support base.
@@seancarter3060 We just need more Days in the year and need to live longer and be at our physical peak longer and your Idea would be great. I don't hate it, its just hard to implement is all.
Glad Ogre is Ok now, damn, Scary.
What about tonga vs samoa alongside origin and build it up like origin
Aussie rightful favorites, staacked across the board, big loss last year....sure it's a bragging thing for us but that's only because the Kangaroos are the benchmark and have been since for aaages. In saying that Kiwis 12- 😄☕️🐸
i really think if they want to evolve the pacific cup/international game i think they need to stop including australia in it, as fun as it was last year beating australia 30-0 i think the dynamic is way off, you have lehi hopoate running full steam into lindsay collins, pat carrigan and yeo, come on i know it’s the game but atleast do something to even it out, i think a tournament of nz,samoa,tonga and either fiji or png would be cracka, and it would also encourage the samoan or tongan boys in the aussie squads to play for their families and culture and instead of having samoa vs england you do australia vs england best of 3 and that would definitely get more views, just an opinion up the levels love the poddy hopefully we get some nba chat soon aswell
Are you guys gonna watch the game live this time or be at the races? Lol
Why isn’t any Nz channel broadcasting the England v Samoa game bruh they did the same last with Tongas test series smh
Has the tonga or samoa league team ever played a game in samoa or tonga? Serious question because all this talk about them potentially playing in these exotic places two proud people but never played infront of their actual countrymen on home soil
Samoa had one home game about 7 years ago. Fiji won
Mase did you end up watching panthers undisputed series
Why can't Australia born kiwi kids play for nsw and nz both my teens now love country NSW where they from and want play for nsw one day but also love there maori culture if we are being honest the same should go for players like Radley and Farnworth nsw and England samoa and Tonga and now tier 1 nations if we are being honest with our selfs
Herby Farnsworth would be eligible for QLD if 1st tier nations section was lifted.
Listener from England enjoy the podcast very much love the energy you 2 bring but kind of getting tired with the perception the game in the UK is dying.
Last year the national team beat Tonga, this year we are 1-0 up against Samoa IMG ratings are forcing clubs to improve if they want to be a top flight SL club with clubs investing in their infrastructure, facilities and game day experience.
We are now able to watch all games SL games live on tv every week, the Grand Final has the best attendance since 2017, the play offs attendance was the best it’s been since 2004.
The semi finals has record viewing figures across Sky Sports and the BBC and social media engagement and views was up 149% this year from 2024.
The game has its issues without doubt but positive strides have been made in the last 2 years and whilst we don’t, and more than likely won’t ever have the profile RL does in Australia it’s far from doom and gloom.
Ashes are back in 2025, uncle mase must be over the moon?
The "pick at the start of the year" is a horrendous idea sorry lads
Make all countries teir 1 its the wrong structure
This is my hypothetical for Tonga 🇹🇴 and vs Samoa 🇼🇸 mid-season test. Treat it like origin/PMs xiii with eligibility rules.
- Players must be born or played in both juniors for 🇹🇴 🇼🇸
- Only 3 NRL heritage players that don't meet requirement 1 are allowed to play
- They play yearly mid season in a Auckland best of 3 no game 3 if series win.
This is a mad concept..combined with if the odd one was done I'd Cali or Nevada because of promotion but imagine it being held in Tonga or Samoa geeezas! it wld be cool
So current Toa Samoa or Mate Ma'a Tonga players who have already being capped cannot play for those teams if they do not meet the requirements? Why not just make them Full Tests to make it simpler?
only way it would work is if they make Samoa and Tonga as Tier 1
Players with either 🇹🇴 or 🇼🇸 heritage is enough for them to play. Play in Sydney, Brisbane & Auckland or wherever they feel the fans will actually come out.
@@DaMuss-e2w that is why I mentioned the PMs xiii. PNG/Aus use it as a way to build combinations. That could create growth for 🇼🇸 🇹🇴 Domestic comp just as QLD/NSW did when it was still BRL and winfred cup.
Dylan brown number 3 are you kidding me, he does nothing, kicking game is not existent, constantly goes missing
Look at these guys talking about Mel’s frustration lol who gives a rats arse, NZ has the same problem if the boys wanna play for there country let them go play, they don’t need to give yous notice. Always trying to find a way to benefit yours, relax let them choose who they wanna play for. The games more exciting now.
Ben Hunt No.7 bulldogs