Fresh Off the Field is an ABC sports show, bringing you Pacific-focused content from in country professionals. Every Thursday we’ll catch you up on the latest sporting news happening in your own backyard.
Jasmine Daunakamakama is making history one punch at a time
With a family full of boxers, it only seemed natural that this was the path she’d take too. Now, she’s Fiji’s golden star, becoming the first female boxer to represent her island nation on the world stage and taking home bronze at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. She’s now helping set the platform for aspiring boxers across the Pacific.
Climate change is making weather patterns harsher and more unpredictable, making it increasingly difficult for athletes across the islands to play the sports they love. So, is artificial grass the answer? With FIFA announcing a $2.5 million investment in Tonga’s first purpose-built artificial football pitch, Mel Fare and Sam Wykes unpack the pros and cons.
Jamie Haro highlights an exciting PNG Orchids and Kumuls squad ahead of the Rugby League World Cup, while Taina Basiyalo shares the story of the sole local Fiji Bulikula player to make the squad; despite not even knowing rugby league existed just three years ago.
And how good do you reckon Tongans are at chess? Pretty good, according to Kalo Manu-Moli.
1 Oct 2026
Mitch Cooper wants to see more investment in youth football
Growing up, Mitch Cooper saw how much soccer could bring people together and put a smile on people’s faces; sparking his own ambition to play the sport. Now 32 and more seasoned, having proudly represented Vanuatu, he wants to give back the same joy and experience the sport has given him.
PM’s XIII is quickly approaching, and there are plenty of players to watch out for across both the men’s and women’s game. In Papua New Guinea, Welterweight John Ume gets ready to make his mark in New Zealand, while Patricia Keamo brings us all the latest sporting news from PNG. Tifa Moana’s success in reaching the World Cup qualifiers is proof that having the right support behind the right team can make all the difference, while Samoa’s women claim bronze in an unexpected sport... golf! Fia Liakong jumps right into it.
Do you have AI fatigue? With the PNG Chiefs finding themselves at the centre of copyright issues, Mel Fare and Sam Wykes get into originality, AI, and the safety and privacy of athletes.
24 Sept 2026
Edwin Asotasi is changing the way Pasifika people view long-distance running
Pasifika Run Club was almost something that came out of nowhere, sending Edwin Asotasi straight into the deep end. Fast forward, and he’s helping Islanders reshape the way they see long-distance running; moving away from the idea that running is a punishment for messing up at rugby training, or something reserved for a certain body type.
Now, Pasifika Run Club has created a space for Islanders across Sydney to run together, support one another and help shape a new narrative around the sport.
Tiana Penitani-Grey fills in for Sam Wykes this week, joining Melissa Fare to highlight the importance of safeguarding in Pacific sport as a Fiji NRL case continues to unfold.
Papua New Guinea is buzzing with sport, from boxing to touch footy, and Jamie Haro is across it all. Fijian weightlifter Taniela Rainibogi is chasing gold at the Oceania Championships, while the Fiji Kulas' MSG Cup campaign has been a tough one — Taina Basiyalo has the latest.
And Samoa is celebrating 40 years of rugby league, while Tifa Moana have secured their place at the 2027 Netball World Cup. Gabrielle Apelu joins us from Samoa to celebrate both milestones.
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