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Rams star addresses NFL's global push amid backlash
Sebastian Tan, AAP • September 10th, 2026 3:46 pm
Puka Nacua (right) has changed his stance about playing a key NFL clash in Australia | Photo: PR Image
Los Angeles receiver Puka Nacua is supportive of the NFL's growing push to expand globally, despite previously questioning why the league would play one of the competition's biggest rivalries in Australia.
The Rams will face bitter divisional opponents the San Francisco 49ers in the league's first regular-season match down under in front of a packed MCG on Friday morning.
The game is set to be the first of nine record-breaking international fixtures for the competition this season, and comes amid harsh criticism from players and coaches who maintain playing outside of the US creates unnecessary fatigue and is all about the cash.
Nacua, who has part Samoan heritage, was one of the prominent athletes who interrogated the NFL, saying the 49ers and Rams are one hour away from each other, so "Why are we getting sent there (Melbourne)?"
Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua against the background of the Samoan flag | Photo: Joanna Kordina/AAP
But Nacua has flipped his stance, believing the historic rivalry between the powerhouses won't be taken away, while backing the move to expand globally.
"Football and basketball were two of the sports that I played growing up, and it's been really cool to see the NBA's expansion to these other countries," Nacua told AAP.
"The fact that we get to travel a long way and be able to hit somebody in a red jersey will be really fun. I know everybody on our side is looking forward to it.
NFL fans line up for the NFL fan zone outside of Melbourne Park on Thursday | Photo: James Ross/AAP
"I wouldn't mind making our way out to Australia every year."
The Rams arrived from a last-gasp dash to the Victorian capital on Thursday morning about 24 hours before kick-off.
It's a stark contrast to San Francisco, who landed last Friday and have spent the week training at AAMI Park and connecting with their faithfuls.
Los Angeles insists the decision to travel about 12,700km just days before the clash was made not to disrupt the players' body clocks or preparation.
Preparations are almost complete at the Melbourne Cricket Ground ahead of the NFL clash | Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP
But the franchise has received backlash over the move, as they have marketing rights down under but haven't emphasised their presence.
"Personally, I feel like the Rams kind of missed the boat on this," former 49ers star Joe Nedney told AAP.
"The 49ers have done an amazing job of getting out here early, acclimating to the time change.
"We're laying down a foundation for something just bigger than this game ... Every single day I'm out there we're making relationships ... It's going to pay off big time."
Nacua says the Rams are also drawing inspiration from their London match last campaign, where they also arrived about 24 hours before the game and went on to thump fellow play-off side Jacksonville 35-7.
Kansas City recruit Trent McDuffie didn't get to experience that fly-in, fly-out strategy, but he insists Los Angeles will have got their bodies, minds and preparation right before the long-haul flight.
Regardless, the cornerback has developed a reputation for shining on the international stage.
Trent McDuffie (22) during practice at the Rams' practice facility in Woodland Hills, California | Photo: PR Image
In 2023 in Germany, he produced a stunning forced fumble on Miami's Tyreek Hill, which led to a Chiefs touchdown.
"Knowing that we'll be ready before we get on that plane is going to be huge ... When we get to Australia (we'll be) ready to put on a show for the fans out there," McDuffie told AAP.
"The energy is different ... Over there, from kickoff to the end of the game, you guys are screaming. You guys are rowdy. You're there for a good time."
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