Coco Talanoa — Sports / Page 10

Check out the trailer for Taika Waititi's 'Next Goal Wins' in theatres on November 17th.

Directed by Academy Award Winner Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit, Thor: Ragnarok), NEXT GOAL WINS follows the American Samoa soccer team, infamous for their brutal 31-0 FIFA loss in 2001.

With the World Cup Qualifiers approaching, the team hires down-on-his-luck, maverick coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) hoping he will turn the world’s worst soccer team around in this heartfelt underdog comedy.

Cast: Michael Fassbender, Elisabeth Moss, Oscar Kightley, Uli Latukefu, Rachel House, Kaimana, David Fane, Beulah Koale, Chris Alosio, Taika Waititi, Will Arnett, Rhys Darby

On Sunday 27th August right on midnight NZT, Samoan Heavyweight MMA fighter Junior Tafa will kick off the UFC Singapore main card taking on Parker Porter.

Junior is the youngest of three brothers - his older brother Justin is currently fighting in the Heavyweight division in the UFC where he debuted in 2019 & they are both trained by their oldest brother Gerard.  Their grandfather & uncles were also champion boxers. 

#Watch Justin Tafa's story - 

The 26yr old has had an impressive career in Kickboxing starting his fight career in the Glory Kickboxing promorion when he was only 17yrs old

Legendary fighter Mark Hunt then recruited Junior to be a sparring partner with him and had the opportunity to travel with him on many of his training camps around the wold including Vegas.

“Just through being part of Mark’s setup I’ve benefited so much, being able to train with top level guys like Uriah Hall and Travis Browne.…more

Samoan UFC Heavyweight fighter Justin Tafa joined our Coco Correspondent Suluafi Brianna for a Tiny Mic interview at his Junior Rugby League club in Auckland.

He gives us his UFC287 predictions, plays a round of This or That and shares what song he usually hypes himself up to on Fight Night - Hint: it’s a RSA Band song but can you guess which one?

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Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ on Air 

The Big Baller Brand CEO and entrepreneur LaVar Ball (you may also recognise him as NBA/NBL stars Lonzo, LaMelo & LiAngelo's father) is in Samoa at the moment to run basketball clinics, check out the talent there and experience the 685.

We caught up with him for a Tiny Mic interview while he was here in Auckland, plus talked to Vince Harder who was facilitating the NZ leg of the tour as well as a couple of the 92Wrld boys who are helping out.

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You can catch Lavar in Samoa Wednesday 5th April at Tuanaimato Gym from 1-5pm for Basketball clinics and tomorrow Thursday 6th April for the 3x3 comps & showcase.

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Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ on Air 

Inside the fight w Paulo "Sweet P" Aoksuo Olympian and reigning Australasian light heavyweight champion is ready to take on the world 🌍

Check out his journey to becoming a professional fighter in the video above as he prepares to take on Robert Berridge and defend his Australasian title.

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On Saturday the 11th of March, Paulo captured the IBO Inter-continental Light Heavyweight title in style after beating Cuban boxer Yunieski Gonzalez.

Aokuso grew up in Mt Druitt, Sydney was accompanied by hip hop artists OneFour in his walkout.

He remains undefeated as a pro boxer at 4-0 and is aiming to beat Aussie boxing legend Jeff Fenech's record as the quickest Australian to win a world title.  Watch this space ... 

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Go behind the scenes with him here in the lead-up to his fight against Yunieski in the videos below - 

Before winter sports get back into full swing, we go out to visit the inaugural schools Pasifika cricket teams at the Rangatahi T20 cricket festival held ealier in the year.

"I think it's important for this event to grow just to give other little communities the chance to see that there is a career pathway for our Polynesian community in cricket" - Pasifika Girls Head Coach, Carol Fili 

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Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ on Air 

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Cam Op & Interviewer - Penina Momoiseā

Editor - Sefa Taouma 

San Francisco Giants latest recruits - Sean Manaea (left in picture above) and Blake Sabol have made history as the first Samoan battery (The pitcher and catcher together) in Major Baseball League history when they were paired together on the 8th April 2023 against the Kansas City Royals.

By Thomas Airey 

The 2023 Super Rugby Pacific competition kicks off tonight in Christchurch, while the two Pacific Islands teams Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua go head to head tomorrow night at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland.

Thomas Airey previews Moana Pasifika’s very own Fijian flyer Timoci Tavatavanawai who will take on his country men in the Pasifika clash.

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Moana Pasifika’s very own Fijian flyer Timoci Tavatavanawai can’t wait to take on his countrymen the Fijian Drua at Mt Smart Stadium for the first time.

The 25-year-old from the villages of Naikawaga, Namara and Tailevu is more than excited for Saturday’s Super Rugby Pacific round one matchup.

“It’s really special,” said Tavatavanawai, who was named to start on the right wing for Moana.

“I’ve got mates over there that I know, it’s going to be really fun.”

Among Tavatavanawai’s former Fiji Under-20 teammates in the Fijian Drua lineup is Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, who has drawn the unenviable task of marking him on the left wing.…more

"Is it a fair game? Good question."

Pacific Islands rugby players are celebrated around the globe for their passion, flair and the physical commitment they bring to the game. The Rugby World Cup in 2019 saw eleven out of the twenty teams fielding players of Pacific heritage - who made up more than 20% of the numbers taking the field at the competition.

Rugby brings joy, money and a sense of identity to many in the Pacific Islands. But how badly are they treated by the powerful forces that run the game?

It's a story about rugby and some of the best players the game has ever seen.

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The full season is out now on Apple podcasts, iHeart, Pacific Media Network and here at RNZ 

OR click into the link below & listen to the whole show on Spotify.

Produced, written and hosted by James Nokise, John Daniell & Talei Anderson