LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
According to Joe Galuvao, the Penrith Panthers' success can be attributed to their strong relationship with the local Pasifika communities.
Galuvao, a two-time premiership-winning forward, believes that the contingent of Pasifika players, including Jarome Luai, Brian To'o, Stephen Crichton, and Spencer Leniu, have excelled because of this connection.
He emphasizes the importance of respecting people's backgrounds and beliefs, creating a culture that allows Pasifika athletes to thrive.
As the wellbeing and education coordinator at the Panthers, Galuvao has helped establish various programs that engage local youths with Pacific Island heritage, leading them to embrace the team.
He highlights the significance of the pan-Pacific concept of "Va," which refers to the spatial and relational context in which relationships are formed, as sacred to Pasifika communities.