About Us
Nesian Gummas is a women’s rugby league team rooted in culture, sisterhood, and purpose. We bring together Indigenous, Pasifika, and women from all walks of life to create something bigger than sport — a movement of empowerment, pride, and unity. Through rugby league, we’re building pathways for the next generation, celebrating identity, and showing the world the strength of our communities, on and off the field.
Management Team
Richard Monaei ‘Uncle Riche’
(Meriam, Kaurareg, Gudang Mongoprang (PNG)
GENERAL MANAGER (Co-Founder)
Richard is a former police officer serving nearly 26 years of service in the Queensland Police Service (QPS). A proud First Nations man of Meriam, Kaurareg, and Gudang descent, with Papua New Guinean (Mongoprang) heritage, he is widely respected as a positive role model and ambassador for cultural change and inclusion across both Indigenous and broader communities.
Throughout his career, Richard has amassed a wealth of experience in frontline policing, tactical operations, counter-terrorism, recruitment, and community engagement. His roles have also extended to project management, cultural consultancy, and workplace training, reflecting his commitment to professional development and community connection. He holds a Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Trauma Recovery Practice including an Associate Diploma in Justice Administration and is actively pursuing further studies to strengthen organisational cultural capability and promote inclusivity in the workplace.
Richard is known for his strong communication skills, empathy, and team-focused leadership. His career highlights include leading the Indigenous Cadetship Program, contributing to the Crime and Corruption Commission’s review of Indigenous policing, and serving as a Tactical Specialist Operator for over a decade. Outside of work, he values time with family and enjoys the outdoors, finding balance and renewal through nature.
Sarah McRoberts ‘Aunty Sarah’
(Te Whánau-á-Apanui)
OPERATIONAL LEAD
Sarah is a seasoned operational leader with over a decade of experience driving people-focused programs across government, education, and commercial sectors. Her career at Flight Centre Travel Group is where she rose through the ranks from Travel Consultant to Workforce Specialist, leading national workforce transformations, recruitment frameworks, and large-scale operational rollouts. Her leadership was instrumental in delivering seamless travel experiences for hundreds of families, and high-performing team cultures across multiple states and countries.
As Operational Lead for the Nesian Gummas, Sarah brings her expertise in logistics, planning, and people engagement to ensure the team’s Las Vegas 9s 2026 campaign is packed with fulfilment, fun, and flawless execution. Her passion for community, cultural empowerment, and creating meaningful experiences drives her commitment to supporting indigenous and pasifika women in sport. With a deep respect for heritage and a proven track record in strategic delivery, Sarah is proud to help the Nesian Gummas shine on the international stage
Te Huinga Sun ‘Aunty T’
(Guangzhou, Ohakune / Te Rarawa, Te Arawa)
ATHLETE ENGAGEMENT LEAD (Co-Founder
Tena tatou katoa, Ko Ongaro te maung, Rotokakahi te awa, Morehu te marae, Kurahaupo te waka, Te Uri o Tai te hapu, he uri ahau no Te Rarawa, no Pawarenga ahau. I te taha o toku papa he uri ahau no Guangzhou. I am a dedicated mother of four and an experienced primary school teacher with a strong background in leadership roles across New Zealand schools and kohanga. Currently, I serve as a specialist Physical Education teacher, where I am passionate about creating engaging, inclusive, and active learning environments.
My work extends beyond the classroom through meaningful collaboration with local initiatives such as NRL in Schools and partnerships with local sports clubs. These connections allow me to drive student engagement, promote well-being, and strengthen the bond between school and community.
With a deep commitment to student growth and holistic education, I strive to empower all students, people and our young indigenous woman guided by the principles of whanaungatanga (relationships), manaakitanga (care and respect), kotahitanga (unity), and ako (reciprocal learning), where I love to create spaces so that all people can feel connected, valued, and inspired. My approach to education is deeply rooted in tikanga Máori, with a focus on uplifting Indigenous, Máori voices and identity through everyday classroom practice and all spaces that I involve myself in so that they can thrive—physically, emotionally, and socially—through sport, teamwork, and positive role modelling
As Operational Lead for the Nesian Gummas, Sarah brings her expertise in logistics, planning, and people engagement to ensure the team’s Las Vegas 9s 2026 campaign is packed with fulfilment, fun, and flawless execution. Her passion for community, cultural empowerment, and creating meaningful experiences drives her commitment to supporting indigenous and pasifika women in sport. With a deep respect for heritage and a proven track record in strategic delivery, Sarah is proud to help the Nesian Gummas shine on the international stage
Gino Hawkins ‘Uncle g’
(Te Atihaunui a Pápárangi / Ngáti Maniapoto)
CREATIVE DIRECTOR (Co-Founder)
Gino is a creative all-rounder with Irish, Máori, and Fijian roots, blending design, video, and content into work that connects. Originally from New Zealand, he’s worked with all kinds of businesses to bring their ideas to life through visuals, storytelling, and marketing. He also works behind the lens as a videographer and photographer, bringing ideas to life with style and purpose. When he’s not working with clients, you’ll usually find him producing music or writing tracks—always creating something fresh.