United by a passion for culture despite their diverse backgrounds, the Nesian Gummas formed to help celebrate First Nations and Pasifika women in rugby league, launching with an international appearance in Las Vegas.
Established in 2025, the name is a blending of Polynesian and Indigenous words and concepts, while their mission is to empower Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Polynesian women through the game.
With Multicultural Round being celebrated across the NRL and beyond in rugby league, the Nesian Gummas are one side that live out their multicultural roots and values.
Captain Gabi Lolohea, who played in the BMD Premiership with Burleigh Bears last year, said the appeal of being part of the side was how culture was centred in all aspects of the team.
Before leaving for Las Vegas, the squad and staff held their first-ever team bonding overnight, joining on the lands of Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island), home of the Quandamooka and Moorgumpin people.
“What was appealing to me was the team culture we were able to help create from scratch,” Lolohea said.
“The cultural connections we were able to make in Minjerribah not only helped us form a foundation of sisterhood, but it was the beginning of something new and exciting.”
Playing for the first time under the Nesian Gummas name in this year’s NRL Vegas 9s tournament in Las Vegas, the team was inspired by the Indigenous Mana side that competed in the 2025 tournament.
The 2026 team – featuring Kiwi representative stars like Teka Teakaraanga Katoa, Alexis Tauaneai and Ash Quinlan and Fiji Bulikula representative Tahlia Marshall, as well as NRLW player Bridget Hoy – finished third in the women’s premier division.
They also caused a few upsets along the way, including beating back-to-back premiers the LA Roosters in their pool game.
2026 NRL Vegas Nines Day 1
Before taking part in the field in Las Vegas, the team – who also welcomed players of non-Indigenous and Pasifika heritage to tour with them – spent time learning from Indigenous tribes in North America.
Lolohea said the entire experience was enriching both on and off the field.
“The experience in Las Vegas on field was absolutely amazing.
“We did a lot of team bonding activities, connected with the First Nations Paiute tribe in Las Vegas, and strong community leaders in Las Vegas where we were able to share our different cultural items and blessings among our group.
“The cultural connection that Nesian Gummas bought to the Las Vegas 9s in 2026 was unbelievable as we had a lot of supporters from all teams across the comp; strangers we didn’t know and the public from all the shops we visited while over there.
“I had the privilege of being able to play alongside and learn a lot from our NRLW players such as Teka, Alexis, Bridget and Ash.
“They made playing footy really fun.
“It made playing more enjoyable because we had a strong off field connection within our team.”
While Las Vegas 2027 is one major upcoming focus, the team are also looking to tour again at the end of the season.
“The Nesian Gummas are gearing up to head to the Fiji Nines at the end of the year,” Lolohea said.
“There are clinics and club partnerships on the cards to allow other girls the opportunity to travel in an international nines team.”
