Matty’s On the Five: Tafa steps in, rocking Roger returns and FIFA qualifiers wrap up in Samoa

The world of sports is finally heating up after what has felt like an eternity of an off-season. But, we’re back, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is back and we’re ready for another weekly sports wrap.

1. Junior Tafa steps up on 24 hours notice

Perhaps one of the bigger stories over the weekend was getting the news that Junior Tafa, brother of Justin Tafa, would step in to replace his brother less than 24 hours before his fight.

Justin was expected to face Brazilian heavyweight Marcos de Lima at the UFC 298 card in Anaheim, Las Vegas. But, news broke that Justin had suffered a knee injury just before weigh-in.

Justin's younger brother Junior quickly put his hand up, posting 10 push-ups on his Instagram, declaring he would “step up” to fight Marcos de Lima.

Talking to the UFC matchmaker, Junior said it was a quick exchange, committing to replace his brother saying “my brother would have done the same damn thing, my brother has my back the same way I have his".

Though a victory would have been a good payoff, Junior would fall to a technical knock-out in the second round against the Brazilian - after a barrage of leg kicks deemed him unable to continue.

2. Rocking Roger makes strong return to the NZ Warriors

Back like he never left, the former All Black and Warriors captain made an impactful return to the NRL for the first time in three years.

Tuivasa-Sheck was outstanding on the left-edge playing his first game for the club at center. He had strong defensive moments in the match, forcing an error in a tackle against former teammate Isaiah Papali’i.

The left-side combination between RTS and Marcelo Montoya looked dangerous when the ball came down their side. Roger’s explosive footwork partnered with Montoya’s quick support lines saw the pair make huge strides down the park.

The Warriors were down to 12 men for most of the game, but were able to hang on to a two-point loss against a determined Tigers squad 18 - 16.

3. Solomon Islands face New Zealand in Olympic qualifier

The Solomon Islands women’s team will face New Zealand’s White Ferns for a chance to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The two sides have led strong campaigns throughout the tournament, both topping their respective pools.

New Zealand will look to continue their dominance, having only conceded one goal throughout the whole tournament.

For Solomon Islands’ head coach Betram Suri, playing New Zealand in the final will be tough but believes his side is ready.

With the biggest challenge still yet to come, Solomon Islands side will look to focus on some key areas ahead of the final.

“Specifically attacking on the ball, wides right and left, those areas we need to look after well, and their finishing in front, defensively too, to not allow them to score,” said Suri.

Leading the team to the final stages of the tournament is proud Captain, Ileen Pegi.

“The team, we have challenges we face, struggles, the message Is never give up, don’t give up, keep pushing as we will make it. We reached the final, I think this is it.” said Pegi.

4. Black Ferns Sevens win Team of the Year at Halbergs

Beating out the All Blacks, New Zealand Warriors, Womens K4 and All Black Sevens, the Black Ferns Sevens took out the team of the year at this year's Halberg awards.

In 2023, the Black Ferns Sevens went on a 36-match unbeaten streak - making 14-straight final appearances on the sevens circuit. The women’s sevens side looked unstoppable, following their 2022 Rugby World Cup win in Auckland.

5. The Rock joins the Bloodline with Roman Reigns

The “Bloodline” faction in WWE with champion Roman Reigns has just got stronger, with the support of Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson.

The Rock came out to Friday Night Smackdown in a Versace vest to a crowd of boo’s, grabbed the mic and pledged his allegiance to the “Bloodline”. Hollywood Rock has returned.

A quick catch-up on events, the Rock was set to fight his cousin Roman Reigns at Wrestlemania to determine who the true “Head of the Table” is. A blockbuster fight for the ages.

But, the Rock had interfered in a year-long storyline between superstar Cody Rhodes, who is owed a rematch at Wrestlemania after winning the Royal Rumble. Fans quickly turned on the Rock demanding Cody be the one to fight Roman Reigns.

Now, addressing the WWE fans for the first time since dropping the match against Roman Reigns - the Rock mocked fans, embraced boos and raised a salute with the members of the Bloodline indicating his allegiance.

Watch Matt Manukuo's full sports wrap on Pacific Mornings below: