Matty’s On the Five: Samoan signs monumental NFL contract, Warriors’ juniors make history and Drua avenge loss to Moana

A whole lot of sports to close out the month of April, here’s a look into this past weekend's biggest moments!

1. Penei Sewell Detroit Lions, highest paid OL in NFL history

A $112 million dollar contract to play the sport you love is a thing of dreams, and to become the highest paid athlete in your position ever, is unbelievable.

Detroit Lions offensive linesman Penei Sewell signed a four year extension contract worth $112 million dollars, with $85 million guaranteed - becoming the highest paid offensive lineman in NFL history.

The 23-year old was selected in the first round (seventh overall) of the 2021 draft, and has since established himself as one of the best right tackles in the league.

The Detroit Lions have invested hugely in their future in search of their first Super Bowl win in franchise history.

2. Warriors Harold Mathews win historic championship in first year

In their first ever season playing the New South Wales Harold Mathews (under 17) competition, the Warriors won the grand final beating the Western Suburbs Magpies 34 - 16.

Despite two losses in the opening rounds of the competition, the Warriors went on to win five of their six remaining matches sealing a sixth placed spot to compete in the finals.

Avenging their huge 30 - 6 loss to the Parramatta Eels earlier in their season, the Warriors began their finals campaign beating the Eels 30 - 20. The Warriors then beat the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs 12 - 10 in the preliminary final to seal their place in the grand final.

On game day, each try the Warriors scored was celebrated as if they won the grand final. Winger Ezekiel Davidson-Faauaso scored a double for the side, one of which sealed the game for the Warriors late in the second half.

Since the competition’s inception, no start-up side has come into the competition and won, so it’s a huge milestone for the Warriors juniors. Here’s hoping the next up to win grand finals are our SG Ball, NSW Cup and NRL sides to make this a year worth remembering!

3. Drua win second encounter with Moana Pasifika in Lautoka

Seventeen unanswered points to the Fiji Drua in the first half set the intense tone, in what would be another fantastic clash between our two Pacific sides. The Drua avenged their loss to Moana earlier in the season winning 24 -17 in Lautoka.

It reached over 30 degrees in Fiji on gameday, playing at 2pm in the blazing heat. I can't imagine how hard that would be for both sides!

The Drua got off to a quick start in the first half as barnstormer Iosefo Masi powering through the Moana defence, giving a quick offload to Taniela Rakuro who ran a superb support line to score.

The Drua were given a yellow card in the first half, making way for Moana to continue their onslaught on the Fijian defence. But, late in the half, Ravutaumada would inspire the troops by recollecting his kick and scoring in front of a roaring crowd.

Momentum swung back to the away-side in the second half as Henry Taefu scored off a kick chase. It was a heavy back and forth between both sides up until the 68th minute when Rakuro would score to put the Drua in front.

Two late tries from Moana brought them inches away from taking the win, but were ultimately unsuccessful. At the end of the game, both sides were hands on knees and exhausted, which meant it was a tough one!

4. Filda Vui to play 50th match for Northern Mystics

Tonight, one of our Pacific athletes will run out for her 50th match for the Northern Mystics in the 2024 ANZ Premiership competition. Filda Vui will start for the Mystics tonight at Trusts Arena against the Trident Homes Tactix at 7:30PM.

Vui is a one-club player, spending her whole career at the Mystics, progressing through the ranks with the Norther marvels in the National Netball League before debuting in 2021.

Filda moved to New Zealand from Samoa with her mum and three younger siblings in 2004, and since has lived in West Auckland. Vui has also played in the Silver Ferns development squad in the 2021/2022 seasons.

5. Brian To’o celebrates 100th NRL game

Toa Samoa representative, NSW Blues winger and three-time NRL champion Brian To’o celebrated his 100th game at the weekend, in Penrith's six point win against the Cowboys.

In his 100 games, To’o has crossed the try-line 69 times and in this season has averaged 215 running meters. And of his 100 games, To’o has only lost 19 games, that’s unreal!

To’o is one of those model Pacific players in the NRL, known for his charismatic personality off the field, and being a powerball winger on the field. Despite his small stature at his position, he has changed the way wingers have played the game.

To’o debuted for the Panthers in 2019 against the New Zealand Warriors, and in that same year, received the 2019 Rookie of the Year award. He also made his NSW Blues debut in 2021, and went on to be influential in Penrith's back-to-back-to-back championships.

Matty’s Golden Point

Matty’s Golden Point is a point of advice shared every week on his segment "Overtime with Matty" on the Pacific Grandstand Show on 531pi.

“It’s ALL about the JOURNEY”

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