Paulo harnessing Polynesian power as Eels plan Vegas takeover

Parramatta star Junior Paulo has outlined the role sport plays in uniting Polynesian cultures as the Eels look to harness America’s Pasifika communities in Las Vegas next year.

The Samoan co-captain had the chance to interact with Las Vegas Raiders players Jonah Laulu and Atonio Mafi at Sydney Zoo on Tuesday afternoon, the group instantly connecting over their shared Polynesian heritage.

Paulo is hoping for a similar experience when the Eels open the 2027 NRL season at Allegiant Stadium, with the prop eager to connect with the Polynesian diaspora in the US.

“That was the first icebreaker for us,” Paulo told NRL.com. “I was worried about building the courage to go out and introduce myself but when you’ve got that in common it makes it easier. It feels like I’ve known these guys already for quite a long time.

“The love for sport in the Pacific culture is almost a religion to us and it’s our language to connect with everyone. That’s why it’s so big to us and it helps us see a different side of people when you meet these guys who are professional athletes but still have an understanding of our game.”

Rugby league will return to Las Vegas for the fourth time in 2027, with the Eels to take on Gold Coast as part of a triple-header at Allegiant Stadium.

Super League clubs Bradford and Leigh will kick off the event on February 27, while the Wests Tigers and Melbourne will also face off.

Joining Paulo and the Las Vegas Raiders at the zoo were Eels centre, and Tongan talent, Will Penisini and Tigers duo Tony Sukkar and Alex Twal.

Tuesday’s meeting was another example of the extensive ties between Polynesian communities around the world, with the links running across borders and between sports.

Mafi has Tongan heritage, with family in western Sydney, while Laulu’s family is from Samoa and New Zealand.

An offensive lineman for the Raiders, Mafi was in awe of the rugby league players and is confident they will attract plenty of support from America’s Polynesian communities.

“It means everything to represent Tonga,” Mafi said. “The culture and familial values that were instilled in us when we were kids, you want to translate that to football. You want to protect your brothers out there on the field, especially for me because I play [offensive line], I’m trying to protect the quarterback and running back.

“That translates well and I’m just trying to do my little nation proud.

“That shared background helps us connect right off the bat. Seeing the Polynesians in our sport right now, we have big respect for what we’re doing because we’re coming from small nations but doing it on the big stage.”

An avid rugby league fan, Mafi was lucky enough to have a front-row seat to the NRL’s most recent trip to Vegas earlier this year.

The 25-year-old had the chance to meet one of his sporting idols during the event, North Queensland and Tongan veteran Jason Taumalolo.

Mafi is a proud supporter of the Tongan national team and has taken inspiration from the country’s growing status as an international rugby league powerhouse.

“I’m a big fan of Mate Ma’a Tonga and Jason Taumalolo,” Mafi said. “I was able to get on the field after the game and take photos with him, so that was really cool.

“Being able to do what we do at the highest level, it’s cool to see our people doing well in these spaces.”

Be there to see rugby league take over Las Vegas to kick off the 2027 season. Match tickets are now available, so click here to secure your seats before they sell out.