Rugby League Teacher Inspires Pacific Youth to Read

As the excitement builds for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, one South Auckland educator is leveraging the popularity of rugby league icons to promote reading among Pacific Island children. David Riley, who previously taught at Tangaroa College in Ōtara, has launched a captivating new book series titled Rugby League All Stars, spotlighting well-known players such as Brian To’o, Jason Taumalolo, and Isaiah Katoa, along with the national teams of Samoa and Tonga.

A Lifelong Passion for Rugby

David's love for rugby league is deeply rooted in his childhood. Born to an Australian father, he recalls growing up surrounded by the game, playing from the young age of five for the Manukau Magpies Rugby League Club. “It’s in the DNA,” he explained, reflecting on how integral rugby has always been to his life.

Connecting Culture and Literacy

The inspiration for the Rugby League All Stars series came when David witnessed a vibrant display of Tongan pride at Eden Park during last year's Pacific Championships game against the Kiwis. The sight of enthusiastic children decked out in red, chanting and dancing to the traditional sipi tau, sparked an idea.

“There were kids everywhere, really fascinated to see how engaged they were,” he shared. “I thought, there’s a lot of literacy we can tap into. Knowing how much Samoan and Tongan kids adore their teams and culture, I realized we could channel that love into reading.”

Addressing the Educational Gap

In addition to the new series, Riley has authored several other works that celebrate Pasifika culture and various sports, such as rugby union and professional wrestling. He has identified a significant lack of accessible reading material for young people from Pacific backgrounds.

“Libraries are actively seeking content for Pacific youth,” he said. “Having a teaching background, I care deeply about our kids' educational and academic success, and reading is a crucial part of that.”

Inspiring Positive Narratives

Riley hopes to provide children with inspiring narratives that stand in contrast to the often negative influences found on social media and television. “It’s vital to counter that with stories that inspire hope and highlight their identity, heritage, and future possibilities,” he emphasized.

Although he doesn’t always hear directly from the children, feedback from librarians has been overwhelmingly positive. “One librarian shared that a group of boys arrived at the library before she even opened, eager to snag a copy of the books before they ran out,” Riley recalled, knowing this enthusiasm reflected the children's desire for engaging content.

Future Projects

Looking to the future, David has plans to expand the series with the support of Tonga Rugby League and Samoan Rugby League, aiming to produce books that delve into traditional war dances like Toa Samoa's Siva Tau and Tonga’s Sipi Tau. He believes that these culturally significant performances can teach children valuable lessons that extend beyond sports.

“We want to connect the messages of the Siva Tau to their lives,” David explained. “These ideas can empower them not just in games, but also in school and personal endeavors.”

As the final pieces of the Rugby League All Stars series come together with upcoming stories about Kiwis captain James Fisher-Harris and fullback Kalyn Ponga, set to be released in November, the impact of David’s work continues to grow. His initiative not only promotes literacy but also strengthens connections to heritage through the beloved sport of rugby league.