During NRL Week in Las Vegas, the Polynesian Takeover event emerged as one of the standout moments in the rugby league fan hub, offering a lively and dynamic series of festivities leading up to the highly anticipated match day.
Held at Resorts World Las Vegas, the Polynesian Takeover was a celebration hosted by BigBodyCisco, with live music from Westafa setting the energetic tone. The event beautifully showcased Polynesian culture, featuring autograph signings, exciting dance performances representing island traditions, and special guest appearances, including Australian UFC fighter Tai “Bam Bam” Tuivasa, whose presence delighted fans and added star power to the event. Entertainment was in abundance, with free merchandise giveaways, photo opportunities, and perhaps the biggest highlight, live music performances from some of the Pacific’s finest artists. K’Nova, Siaosi, and Samoan-Australian artist Lisi all graced the stage, uniting the crowd with their music and electrifying presence. Their performances were a powerful force in bridging cultural gaps, bringing together people from all backgrounds in celebration of Polynesian pride.
The event was a strong display of rugby league fandom, with attendees donning jerseys from a range of teams, including the NZ Warriors, Penrith Panthers, Canberra Raiders, and Cronulla Sharks. Fans also proudly wore jerseys representing Toa Samoa and Tonga Rugby League, showcasing the deep sense of pride and representation for these teams. The sight of Samoa and Tonga jerseys, alongside other team colors, highlighted the powerful connection between rugby league and the Pacific Islands, creating a beautiful and unifying atmosphere.
One fan, Sione, wearing his Tonga Rugby League gear, shared his thoughts on the event.
“It feels great to have our sport of rugby league in America. I came all the way from Sydney to support the boys, and it feels like a reunion in a different country,”
he said. His words perfectly captured the spirit of the event, where fans from across the globe came together to celebrate rugby league and the Pacific heritage.
Tiare, a passionate NZ Warriors fan from New Zealand, also expressed her excitement.
“I love my team, and I will follow and support them anywhere, anytime, anyplace,” she said. “I love it out here in America, especially the food! I hope the NRL continues to grow here because I’ve met so many Polynesians who love the game. I hope the Warriors come again next year so I can be here again!”
Her enthusiasm was contagious, and the iconic “Up the Wahs!” chant, a favorite among NZ Warriors supporters, echoed throughout the event, adding to the excitement. By the end of the week, it seemed Las Vegas had memorized the chant!
BigBodyCisco, the event host, shared his reflections on the Polynesian Takeover.
“It means a lot when you’re wanting to bridge the gap where there is an obvious void. To see so many Polynesians from all over the world come together and enjoy the event, it was amazing.”
Fans gathered to celebrate their heritage, honor the Pacific players who took the field at Allegiant Stadium, and showcase the growing influence of rugby league in the U.S. With NRL’s return to Las Vegas next year on the horizon, excitement is already building for another year of growth for the sport in America. As rugby league continues to gain momentum across the U.S., anticipation for the next NRL Vegas event is at an all-time high. Happy NRL season, it’s back!
Photo Credits: Justice Tuu
