Matty’s On the Five: sports stories that helped define the year

Fakaalofa lahi atu! It’s our last week of sports coverage here in the newsroom, and what a year it’s been. From the Olympics to the Pacific, to here in Aotearoa New Zealand - sporting action has lit up the lives of many. Let’s get stuck in!

1. Moana Pasifika’s most successful year

What a great honour it was to be a Pacific journalist and provide coverage on a team that represents our people. 2024 was the most successful year yet for Moana Pasifika.

This was also the first year under the helm of Fa’alogo Tana Umaga, and there was an immediate shift in belief and performance from the team. After their abysmal season last year, the squad felt more encouraged with Fa’alogo at the helm.

Ardie Savea was a celebrated addition 2025, he’s a player at the height of his career who is already making a difference behind the scenes.

I remember being at the press conference of his announcement, when he only invited brown media outlets, and seeing him sitting alongside Fa’alogo Tana Umaga and La’auli Sir Michael Jones was surreal. I can’t wait to see what 2025 brings for Moana.

2. Team Pacific at the Olympics

We saw a number of athletes represent Team Pacific in Paris for the Olympics. From a fifteen-year old Judo competitor, to a 31 year-old Track and Field athlete - we got a range of competitors from our corner of the world.

Our Olympic coverage was sponsored by the Pasifika Medical Association Group, which meant we had regular updates from the ground in Paris by James Nokise.

These included Feofa’aki Epenisa who was the first female boxer to represent Tonga at the Olympics. Nokise also interviewed two of our Pasifika women who went back-to-back gold for the Black Ferns Sevens - an inspiring achievement for our women.

Our coverage wrapped when we welcomed the first batch of athletes from Team New Zealand to Auckland Airport, including weightlifter David Liti.

Can’t wait for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles!
3. The Bloodline Saga

In April, we saw the culmination of 1400 days of Roman Reigns’ (Joe Anoa’i) championship reign at Wrestlemania 40. Around 1.4 billion viewers watched as the Rock, Roman Reigns, the Usos, and Solo Sikoa competed in the ring.

At the forefront of this saga was our Samoan culture. The battle for the ‘Ulafala’, the importance of family, and the title of ‘Tribal Chief’ has dominated WWE storylines throughout the whole year.

This has drawn a lot of intrigue across the WWE Universe, who are learning more about the Samoan culture through these superstars.

We were introduced to Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and Jacob Fatu in the Bloodline Saga, reinforcing the Pacific's presence on the roster.

I remember covering Wrestlemania 40, and seeing the Rock return as his ‘Hollywood Rock’ persona was unreal. Sharing the ring with his cousin, Roman Reigns, who holds the record for the longest-ever title reign was special. A true once-in-a-lifetime experience.

4. Penrith Panthers Four-Peat

As I watched the Penrith Panthers in a sports bar in Niue in October, I remember thinking ‘Here we go again’ as the clock wound down. Their win against the minor premiers Melbourne Storm was huge.

Their four-peat taught me what greatness looked like in real-time.

The side was struck with injury throughout the season but the idea of the ‘next man up’ rang true for the side, evidenced by the rise of Jarome Luai who stood up in Cleary’s absence.

The reigning premiers released a lot of off-field content throughout the year, that gave us insight into the minds of the champions. Their thought patterns, attention to detail, and camaraderie reinforced to me why they’ve been so successful.

5. Overtime/Pacific Grandstand

This year, I had a hand in hosting 531PI’s Pacific Grandstand show, extending to ‘Overtime’, our very own sports podcast. It was a huge leap in the dark, as it was my first time on-air speaking about what I love.

Joining rugby league great Willie Poching, every week I got to chop it up about the biggest sporting news across rugby, rugby league, and combat sports.

We then transitioned into the ‘Overtime’ podcast, unpacking some of the big sporting news and interviewing many people involved in sports including sports legends, content creators, journalists, and an Olympian,

Speaking sports aloud was something I was new to. Writing about sports I was familiar with, but hosting shows and podcasts was a challenge that I enjoyed!

Our team has done an amazing job planning ahead for next year, so know that when we get back for 2025, we'll continue bringing the best news and sports.

Matty’s Golden Point

Matty’s Golden Point is a piece of advice shared weekly on 531PI Pacific Grandstand.

“Don’t just count the days, make the days count.”

Muhammad Ali