Presenters announced for Culture of Wellbeing in Sport Conference: Cultural Session
League Ahead is delighted to confirm the following speakers will be presenting the cultural session: ‘Culture & Connection: Navigating Identity, Wellbeing & Performance’ at the upcoming conference, The Culture of Wellbeing in Sport taking place on October 13 at Allianz Stadium.
David Solomona
NRL Wellbeing & Education Manager, League Ahead
David Solomona is a former professional rugby league player having played across the NRL and English Super League as well as representing New Zealand and Samoa at international level. Previously employed in the Wellbeing and Education space at the NRL for over 10 years, he is now employed at League Ahead and works across all NRL clubs. Specialising in Pasifika cultural programs and the faith space, David brings experience, knowledge and mana to the programs delivered across rugby league.
Tanisha Williams
Wellbeing & Education Manager (First Nations), League Ahead
Tanisha Williams is a proud Gamiliroi and Yuwaalaraay woman and League Ahead’s First Nations Wellbeing and Education Manager. She is a former elite athlete and journalist, and her current work focuses on amplifying First Nation’s voices in the NRL and NRLW, strengthening support and enhancing the elite sporting experience for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Athletes.
Dr David Lakisa
Managing Director, Talanoa Agency
Bachelor Education, Masters of International Sport Management, PhD
Dr David Lakisa is Managing Director of Talanoa Consultancy, supporting organisations across sport, education, health, government, media and business to better engage Pacific communities. Of Samoan ancestry, David holds Doctorate, Masters and Bachelor qualifications in Management, Leadership and Education. He serves on the Australian Rugby League Commission Pacific and Māori Advisory Board and as an independent director of the Queensland Rugby League Southeast Region Council. For over two decades, David has been deeply involved in initiatives supporting Pasifika and Māori communities across Australia and internationally.
David Fusitu’a
Former NRL, Super League and International Rugby League Player
David Fusitu’a is a former professional rugby league player who enjoyed a successful career in the NRL and Super League. Born in Auckland and of Tongan heritage, David played 108 NRL games for the New Zealand Warriors, scoring 61 tries, before joining the Leeds Rhinos in the English Super League. He represented both New Zealand and Tonga at international level and was a key member of Tonga’s historic 2017 Rugby League World Cup campaign. In 2018, David won the Ken Irvine Medal as the NRL’s leading try-scorer after scoring 23 tries for the Warriors.
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Exploring how culturally safe and informed approaches can strengthen wellbeing, enhance performance, and build stronger connections within sporting communities.
Alongside sharing practical programs, resources and services developed in this space.