Samoan-descended NFL star Puka Nacua expects the league’s historic first regular-season game in Australia could have an impact beyond the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), including for young people across the Pacific.
Nacua and the Los Angeles Rams will face the San Francisco 49ers at the MCG on Friday, bringing one of America’s biggest sporting competitions closer to Samoa and the wider region.
Speaking to the Australian Associated Press (AAP), Nacua said greater exposure to American football could help Pacific Island youngsters see opportunities in a sport that has traditionally offered them limited pathways.
“For kids from the Pacific Islands and from areas that don't play American football to have the opportunity to see that ... [can help them] chase new levels,” the 25-year-old said.
“The game is growing, I know that the rules and the values that have been a part of this game of football are closely aligned to those of the Polynesian culture.”
