Taytana Pati Ah-Cheung lighting up the rugby world
with Matt“ Duck Man” Austin
In the ever-evolving landscape of women’ s rugby in Australia, few names shine as brightly as Taytana Pati Ah- Cheung. The 21-year-old from Mt Druitt in Western Sydney has already made her mark on the international stage, representing Samoa with pride. More than just a rising athlete, Ah-Cheung is a symbol of resilience, cultural identity, and the growing strength of grassroots sport.
Ah-Cheung’ s sporting journey began with the Western Raptors Rugby Club as a junior player. She has since represented the Penrith Emus in junior representative rugby, the Western Sydney Two Blues in the Jack Scott Cup, Cambridge Park in local rugby league, and Manly Warringah in the 2024 Harvey Norman Cup.
Her biggest milestone came in 2025
Taytana Pati Ah-Cheung in action for Cambo. Credit: Scott Morris Photography. when she debuted for the Samoa Women’ s team at the Women’ s Rugby World Cup. In just four matches, she displayed her speed, ball-handling skills, and brilliant open-field running, even crossing for two tries. Her performances reflect not only her own talent, but also the determination of a team and nation striving for recognition in a sport long dominated by traditional powerhouses.
Growing up in a community where rugby is more than just a game, Ah- Cheung’ s rise mirrors the story of many Pacific Islander women carving out a place in elite sport. Her selection for Samoa’ s national squad highlights both her commitment and the increasing opportunities now available to female athletes in Western Sydney pathways that simply didn’ t exist until recently.
She carries cultural values of humility, resilience, and belonging onto the field. These qualities, combined with her natural ability, make her both a reliable teammate and a player who can change the momentum of a game.
Ah-Cheung is a strong
ball runner and creative playmaker.
She has the vision to scan ahead, find opportunities, and create space for her team. Her ability to break the gain line, deliver clean passes, and maintain defensive discipline makes her a coach’ s dream and a teammate’ s anchor.
I’ ve seen this first-hand while commentating some of her matches. In one local rugby league game last year, she turned the match on its head with a moment of individual brilliance the kind of“ X-factor” play that wins games.
Beyond the field, Ah-Cheung represents a new generation of athletes reshaping what it means to wear Samoa’ s colours. In an era when Pacific talent is often lured overseas, her dedication to her national side speaks volumes. It signals a growing movement to nurture homegrown pathways and celebrate Pacific rugby identity.
Her journey also reflects the aspirations of Western Sydney’ s Pacific diaspora communities. For young girls in Mt Druitt, Blacktown, and beyond, Ah- Cheung is proof that their dreams need not be limited by postcode. Motivated by her father and fuelled by cultural pride, she is becoming a role model for the next generation.
Ah-Cheung’ s potential is immense. With continued development and support, she could become a cornerstone of Samoa’ s rugby future. But even if her career remains modest in accolades, her legacy is already secure: she embodies the shift in recognising Pacific women in sport
Taytana representing Samoa. Credit: Samoa Rugby.
not as supporting players, but as central figures.
In a sporting world hungry for authentic stories, Taytana Pati Ah-Cheung offers one worth celebrating. Her journey is about more than tries and trophies; it’ s about grit, culture, and the power of sport to amplify voices too often overlooked.
And as she continues to lace up her boots, she carries with her the hopes of her community, her nation, and a new generation of Pacific athletes determined to make their mark.
Family of League strives to help the community
with Matt“ Duck Man” Austin
Many sporting clubs and organisations often talk about community engagement and supporting players past and present. That is, after all, what clubs are created to do, bring people together with a shared goal, offer opportunities to play and participate, and build bonds within the community.
The Family of League Foundation does exactly this, but on a far larger scale across the entire rugby league community. Its mission is to ensure that those most in need- players, officials, volunteers, and their families- can access financial, social,
The league reaching out to the community. Credit: Family of League. and emotional support. As the charitable heart of rugby league, Family of League proudly cares for the everyday heroes who keep the game thriving at grassroots level.
First established in 2002 as Men of League by rugby league greats Ron Coote, Jim Hall and Max Brown, the foundation was created to offer a helping hand and a shoulder to lean on for those doing it tough. Over the past 23 years, Family of League has provided more than 10,000 hours of volunteer service and distributed over $ 10 million in financial support.
Funds for wellbeing initiatives are raised through a combination of grants, sponsorships, membership fees, public donations, and fundraising events. Importantly, the foundation does not just help current and former players, it also supports families, offering financial assistance, medical care, rehabilitation, mental health services, and social connection.
From its first meeting at the NSW Leagues Club, Family of League has grown into a nationwide network of more than 6,500 members and volunteers. With 39 dedicated volunteer committees across New South Wales, Queensland, the ACT, and Victoria, supported by small teams in Sydney and Brisbane, the foundation provides everything from specialist equipment and surgery to hospital visits aimed at reducing social isolation and improving mental health.
In the past 12 months alone, Family of League has provided $ 879,393 in direct support, assisting 264 individuals and families, along with conducting 880 wellbeing visits. These efforts reflect its commitment to making a practical difference in people’ s lives.
Now in its 23rd year, the organisation’ s name has evolved to reflect its purpose: it truly is the Family of League.
Family of League visit a young boy. Credit: Family of League.
Independent, grassroots, and built on the values of teamwork and generosity, it remains the official charity of rugby league. The foundation continues to represent, respect, and support everyone who loves the game, from fans and players to referees, administrators, and volunteers.
Family of League welcomes all who share a passion for rugby league. Whether you’ re a fan, donor, member, partner, or sponsor, there is a place for you at the table.
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 55 // OCTOBER 2025 21