One week ago, the National Rugby League (NRL) made its highly anticipated return to the United States for the second time. Following the success of last year’s season-opening double-header at Allegiant Stadium, the league expanded its presence in 2025 with an even bigger lineup. The season kicked off with the Canberra Raiders facing the New Zealand Warriors, while the Penrith Panthers took on the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks. Additionally, the UK’s Super League joined the event with the Wigan Warriors battling the Warrington Wolves. Fans were also treated to a Women’s International match, where the Australian Jillaroos went head-to-head with the England Lionesses.
A Week of Festivities Leading Up to Match Day
Leading up to match day, fans participated in a series of interactive activities and engagements with players, creating an immersive and exciting experience. Rugby league fans from around the world traveled to Las Vegas to witness their favorite teams compete in the season opener. Among the highlights of NRL Week was the Polynesian Takeover event, which celebrated Pacific Island culture and the significant presence of Pasifika players in the league. The event featured performances from Australian-Samoan artist Lisi, Bay Area native K’nova, and the renowned Siaosi. Event host BigBodyCisco emphasized the importance of representation, stating,
“It means a lot when you’re wanting to bridge the gap, where there is an obvious void. To see so many Polys from all over the world come and enjoy the culture, with others, it was amazing.”
A Pacific Islander Celebration at Allegiant Stadium
Game day at Allegiant Stadium was buzzing with energy as fans proudly waved flags representing Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Māori, and other Pacific Island communities. The presence of Pasifika players on the field filled Pacific Islanders in the U.S. with strong pride.
Siale, a Tongan fan who traveled from the Bay Area, shared his excitement: “In American football, we probably see about zero to five Polynesians on a team. Five is a lot for us, but seeing these NRL teams filled with our boys is incredible. I just want to see this more often. I hope they can bring the Tonga Rugby League out here.” The crowd was also thrilled by Savage, the Samoan-New Zealand hip hop artist, who performed during halftime, giving fans an electrifying taste of his music.
Pasifika Players Reflect on Representation in Rugby League
During NRL Week, several Pasifika players shared their thoughts on representing their heritage on the global stage. According to the NRL, over 45% of players in the elite men’s competition and 48% in the NRLW are of Māori or Pasifika descent. The significance of this representation was not lost on the players.
Josh Papali’i of the Canberra Raiders proudly stated,
“First and foremost, my identity comes first. I’m full-blooded Samoan, and I’m proud of it. 685!”
Meanwhile, Jillaroos and Wests Tigers NRLW player Sarah Togatuki highlighted the importance of inspiring future generations, saying,
“If we can inspire one Polynesian back home, wherever they are in the world, it’ll mean a lot to see more of those girls striving and thriving. That’s what it’s all about, just elevating each other.”
Sarah also stole the heart of Las Vegas with her viral dance moment on Fremont Street, a favorite and unforgettable highlight. Her moves had the crowd grooving with her, making it an incredible experience. One thing about Pacific Islanders, they’ll always dance and have a good time, and Sarah did just that.
Penrith Panthers’ Brian To’o shared his perspective on the growing impact of Pasifika players in the sport:
“The boys from Australia and the boys playing rugby league, we love to see all of our Polynesian brothers in general, not just our Samoan culture. We see all the boys playing in different sports like basketball and the NFL, and we just want to keep representing all day.”
His teammate, Izack Tago, added,
“Keep expecting big things. More Samoans are coming into the game every day, so the future is looking good.”
Addin Fonua-Blake, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks star and captain of Tonga Rugby League in 2024, who led Tonga on a historic run, highlighted the importance of the NRL’s presence in the United States:
“It means the world to me to represent. Tongans have been representing over here for a while now, so it’s good to get over here and show our game of NRL.”
New Zealand Warriors’ Roger Tuivasa-Sheck echoed the sentiment, saying,
“Anytime you get to rep the culture and rep your family, it’s huge, and I’m glad we’re here. I’ve seen a few Samoan flags, so I’m very proud. Back yourself, believe in your culture.”
Pacific Representation Through Visual Storytelling
Talia To‘omalatai-Thompson, a Samoan and Native Hawaiian filmmaker, director, producer, and founder of Tusitāla Productions, a production company specializing in sports and Pacific Islander stories, was present with her team on game day and throughout the NRL events leading up to it.
She reflected on the experience, stating:
“Last Friday, my team and I found ourselves at a stadium we’ve visited countless times during the NFL season. But this time, instead of the usual game, we were there to distribute flags representing Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, and the Māori players of the National Rugby League.
It was such a meaningful experience, standing alongside athletes from different sports in a place that already holds so many of our stories through American football. Together, we created a moment that celebrated our Pasifika heritage in the sports capital of the world.
Whether we were in front of the cameras or behind the scenes, it was a powerful moment for all of us— one that I’m sure will be remembered by everyone involved.”
These moments were shared on their social media, with documentation captured by George Ngatuvai, a Tongan-American photographer based in Provo, Utah. The initiative by Tusitāla Productions served as a powerful reminder of the importance of representation, ensuring that Pacific Islander voices and stories continue to be recognized and celebrated. For more updates on their projects, follow @tusitalaproductions!
NRL’s Future in Las Vegas
Looking ahead, changes may be coming to the NRL’s presence in Las Vegas. According to News Corp, the Las Vegas schedule is expected to be reduced in 2026, with Australian Rugby League Commission chief Peter V’landys suggesting that three games, rather than four, will be played next year. “I think we’ll go back to three games. I think four was too long. You could tell because the fans left their seats,” V’landys stated. Despite potential adjustments to future schedules, the return of the NRL to the United States in 2025 was a resounding success, particularly for the Pasifika community. The event not only showcased the talent of rugby league athletes but also underscored the cultural significance and pride of Pacific Island representation on a global stage.
