Sereana Tuqiri Shares Powerful Community Impact Story in ABF FIT Podcast Episode 9

When Opportunity Becomes Real in Community

A powerful new episode of the ABF FIT Podcast is shedding light on the real impact of the Future Immortals Tour, with Sereana Tuqiri joining host Bo de la Cruz to share her firsthand experience working within remote Aboriginal communities.

Episode 9 moves beyond surface-level storytelling, offering an honest and grounded look at what happens when opportunity doesn’t just get talked about — but actually arrives.

For many communities, announcements of programs and visits are often met with hesitation. Years of unfulfilled promises have shaped a cautious mindset.

But this time, it was different.

“They Actually Came”

Sereana reflects on the moment the Future Immortals Tour became real for community.

When players stepped off the plane and entered the community, the energy shifted instantly. What had once felt distant and uncertain became something tangible.

Young people who had only ever seen these athletes on television were now standing beside them.

Talking to them. Learning from them.

Experiencing something real.

A Visible Impact on School Attendance

One of the most immediate and measurable outcomes was seen in local schools.

As word spread that players would be visiting classrooms and running activities, attendance increased. Families encouraged their children to show up, knowing they would have the opportunity to engage with role models in a way they never had before.

The result was simple but powerful — when young people are given something meaningful, they respond.

More Than a Sporting Visit

While rugby league is at the centre of the Future Immortals Tour, Episode 9 highlights that the impact extends far beyond the game.

The visit became a platform for genuine connection, grounded in cultural respect and understanding.

Players were welcomed onto country by traditional owners, participated in community activities, and were included in cultural experiences that carry deep significance. These moments were not symbolic — they were meaningful exchanges built on trust.

Sereana shares that for elders and community leaders, these opportunities to share culture are not given lightly. They represent pride, connection, and the passing on of knowledge.

Expanding Young Minds

At the heart of this episode is a simple but powerful shift — exposure changes perception.

For many young people in remote communities, pathways into professional sport or broader opportunities can feel out of reach.

But seeing people who have walked those paths standing right in front of them changes that thinking.

It makes possibility feel real.

It creates belief.

Sereana describes how these moments open the door for young people to start imagining a different future — one that feels achievable.

The Ripple Effect Beyond the Tour

The impact of the Future Immortals Tour does not end when the players leave.

The energy created during the visit continues to flow through the community — in classrooms, on sporting fields, and within families.

Conversations continue. Aspirations grow. Confidence builds.

These are the outcomes that cannot always be measured, but are deeply felt.

A Reminder That Showing Up Matters

Episode 9 of the ABF FIT Podcast reinforces a clear message — showing up matters.

In communities where trust must be earned, presence is everything.

Through consistency, respect, and genuine connection, programs like the Future Immortals Tour are creating lasting impact that extends far beyond a single visit.

Watch Episode 9 Now

The full conversation with Sereana Tuqiri is now available on the IN SPORT app as part of the ABF FIT Podcast series.

This episode offers a powerful insight into the connection between sport, culture, and opportunity — and why creating real pathways for young people continues to matter.

Watch now and experience the impact.