Matty’s On the Five: Super weekend of sport sees Pacific athletes star on the world's biggest stages

The Super Round in Melbourne and an NRL season opener in Las Vegas, are two lines alone can get the hairs standing on a sports fan's back - and trust me, they didn’t disappoint! Here’s this weeks edition of Matty’s On the Five:

1. Moana Pasifika pull off stunning win against Fiji Drua

This game had intensity, skill, and drama all packed into one.

It was a tight back and forth between both teams in the opening half. Moana struck first, with Sione Mafileo powering over the line. The Drua were quick to respond as a long range break from Selestino Ravutaumada set up their next try. Moana scored right at the 40 minute mark, putting them up by seven.

The two sides were relentless in the opening of the second half, both scoring a try in the opening ten. Moana Pasifika scored another two tries before Nigel Ah Wong was given a yellow card for a high tackle, which was then upgraded to a red leaving Moana’s defense vulnerable.

The Drua were rewarded with a try from a quick tap, but a penalty goal from Christian Leali’ifano converted a penalty goal putting the team 17 points ahead. Another yellow card was given to Sekope Kepu and the Drua capitalised, scoring two quick tries.

The Drua weren’t finished, and came close to scoring another winning try from Ravutaumada, but the scrambling Moana defence ruined their plans.

And so despite Moana being two men-down with 15 (minutes) to go, they were able to hold onto their three point lead - with their grit carrying them to the final whistle.

2. NRL kicks off in Las Vegas Nevada

Forty-thousand fans packed Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas as the NRL kicked off their 2024 season for the first time ever in the United States. Twenty-three players across the four sides involved were our Pacific boys.

The first game was a high scoring 60 point match between the Manly Sea Eagles and South Sydney Rabbitohs. Both sides looked fit under the bright Vegas lights, with Samoan winger Richard Kennar scoring the first try for the Rabbits in the opening minutes.

Tongan powerhouse Haumole Olakau’atu carried three defenders on his way to the try line. The second half was a try scoring parade, with the teams crossing for a combined seven tries - and Manly winning 36 to 24.

Meanwhile, the Roosters were too strong for the young Broncos side, winning 20- 10. Defense was the most exciting part of this game, with a combined 692 tackles made between both teams.

With ball in hand the Broncos looked silky with youngster Reece Walsh setting up a try and scoring one of his own. While Luke Brooks made a strong debut for Manly commanding the troops from five-eight.

Haumole Olakau'atu celebrating his try against the Rabbitohs. Photo/NRL

3. Tyla King (nee Nathan-Wong) becomes highest points scorer in sevens history

Tyla King (nee Nathan-Wong) became the all time leading women’s scorer in sevens history, as New Zealand won 40 - 0 over Brazil at the LA Sevens.

Nathan-Wong has collected 1,369 points for the Black Ferns Sevens, with 53 tries and 552 goals. It’s an awesome achievement for our women’s rugby team, who have been on a tear in the sevens circuit.

The Black Ferns advanced to the semi-finals after beating Ireland 36 - 12.

4. NZ Breakers end Kings “three-peat” hopes

The New Zealand Breakers continue their playoff run tonight, after eliminating the Sydney Kings who were looking to win their third-straight NBL title.

The Breakers had entered the playoffs coming off sixth place, and needed to win against the Kings to keep their season alive. Speaking to the media before the game, Izayah Lea’fa said the team knew what was at stake, and needed to make a statement in the do-or-die match.

The Kings came out firing in the first half leading 47 - 38 at half-time. In the last two quarters, the Breakers proved too much running home with the win 83 - 76.

The Breakers were shooting at a better percentage than the Kings in field goals, three pointers and free throws. They showed a lot of determination in the match, which put them in a good position to go again this week.

Tonight the Breakers face the Illawarra Hawks in their second do-or-die match.

5. The Rock acknowledges his tribal chief
Things are heating up in the Bloodline, as Dwayne “the Rock” was forced to acknowledge the Tribal Chief Roman Reigns in the latest episode of Friday Night Smackdown.

The Rock returned to Smackdown for the first time, addressing the situation with Cody Rhodes, who on an episode of Raw, called out the Rock at Wrestlemania.

The Rock made fun of the call-out, questioning Cody as he already has a match with WWE champion Roman Reigns at Wrestlemania. Instead, proposing a tag-team match between The Rock and Roman Reigns vs Cody Rhodes and Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins on night 1 of Wrestlemania.

If they win, the Bloodline will be removed from interfering in the match on night 2 between Roman and Rhodes. If they lose, then anything goes.

Before finishing with his usual “if you smell” chant, Roman Reigns grabbed the hand of the Rock and demanded the Rock to “acknowledge me” as Tribal Chief. The tension was high, but the Rock agreed and the segment finished with the Bloodline raising their hands in salute to Roman.