A 23-year-old has become the first Niuean soccer player to score a goal in professional football.
Jaylen Rodwell, of Niuean-Kiwi heritage, is a midfielder for South Island United, playing in the OFC Pro League.
His historic goal has accumulated more than 40,000 views on social media (South Island United and OFC pages) - and counting.
It is Rodwell's first time playing professional football, and he has already made his mark with a wonder-strike officials say is a "candidate for the goal of the season."
He said his goal against South Melbourne FC on Match Day 2 was a result of hours of training, drills and muscle memory.
Rodwell walked us through the moment he sent a scorcher of a shot into the top corner of the net from 30 yards away.
"As the ball kind of landed in the air, I took a touch and just thought to I don't know, just to hit it! And obviously it came off really sweet and I only really saw it for a couple of seconds, and as soon as it went in, I didn't really know what to do, so I just ran to the bench where all the other boys were and celebrated with them."
South Melboune FC's Max Mikkola and South Island United's Jaylen Rodwell tussle for the ball. Photo: Supplied / Shane Wenzlick, Phototek.nz
Celebrations continued later on as South Island United shared a clip of his gameplay on Facebook, and announced Rodwell as the first ever Niuean to score a goal in professional football history.
Rodwell said his family were overjoyed when he shared the news.
"My parents and my grandparents and family and friends back home are super proud to obviously have that achievement.
"It was obviously a bonus too for how nice the goal was, I guess they don't really usually come off as sweet as that one did... and then obviously, when I found out that that was the first professional goal by a Niuean person, was just awesome man."
He said it is an honour to represent the Niuean side of his heritage on the world stage.
While the Kiwi team did not succeed in winning the match outright, Rodwell said a three-all draw is still a positive result.
South Island United's Jaylen Rodwell has become the first Niuean athlete to score a goal in professional football. Photo: Supplied / Shane Wenzlick, Phototek.nz
In the post match presser, his head coach Rob Sherman said both teams fought valiantly on the field.
"I think it was a finely balanced game, two very even sides. And we had spells of dominance, they had spells where they dominated. And ultimately, you know, I'm really pleased that the boys came back from a 2-1 down, they go 3-2 up. And then, you know, the game could have swung either way."
South Island United currently sits at 4th on the standings with eight points, while South Melbourne FC (11) are second behind Auckland FC (15) at the top.
Sherman said they faced tough competition in round one, but they are only getting better with each match.
"I think we're in a space where we're improving from game to game. We're making progress, and I'm happy with it."
On Wednesday afternoon, South Island United went head to head with the Solomon Kings, resulting in a goalless draw.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/585980/draws-galore-midway-through-round-two-of-the-ofc-pro-league
South Island United ahead of their game against South Melbourne FC, Santos National Football Stadium, Papua New Guinea, Sunday 1 February 2026. Photo: Supplied / Shane Wenzlick, Phototek.nz
