Page 35 - IBs November 2022

Sports

TOA SAMOA: ONE FOR THE

HISTORY BOOKS

By Alipate Pareti with what we have done the last couple of weeks, I think we
have changed the game globally.”
So close and yet so far. That was what it came down to as Samoan and Parramatta Eels prop, Junior Paulo noted the
the Toa Samoa valiantly fought the Australia Kangaroos in support: “We have seen the parades that are happening in
a 30–10 Rugby League World Cup grand final slugfest at the Australia, New Zealand, America and all around the world.
legendary Old Trafford Stadium this month. This is part of the reason we chose to represent our heritage.
Building from the blueprint laid by the Mate Ma’a Tonga in We not only represent ourselves, our staff and our people, it’s
2018, the RLWC 2022 was hugely important for the Toa Samoa also about the spirit of what Samoa means to us.”
brigade. This time around, the inclusion of the National Rugby So despite the final results, spirits are still high, and we
League (NRL) stars pledging allegiance to play for their be- should expect a brighter future for Pacific rugby league. And
loved home country superpowered the side, changing the aura with the abundance of young talent in the ranks, there are
surrounding the team from that of yesteryears. hopes the Toa Samoa and the other Pacific powerhouse Tonga,
With the likes of Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton and Jerome may continue to play at the pinnacle of the game.
Luai, expectations were high, with expert commentator, However, talk that Samoa and Tonga could be bumped up
Fauono Ken Laban stating, “This is the greatest Toa Samoa to the elite tier 1 category have been discounted by Interna-
team in the history of Samoan rugby league.” tional Rugby League Chairman, Troy Grant.
However Samoa’s World Cup campaign had a rocky start; a “The aspirations of Samoa and Tonga (to be tier-one na-
disastrous World Cup 6-60 opener against England. That was tions) is terrific and we will do everything we can to support
clearly the wakeup call they needed. Toa Samoa went on to them because that’s our job, but we don’t want to set them
narrowly beat Tonga 20-18 in the quarter finals and redeem up to fail either,” he told News Corp.
themselves against England, winning 27-26 in extra time in To be ruled a tier 1 nation, requirements around participa-
the shock of the tournament. tion numbers, domestic competitions, development programs
But this was more than just rugby league. The success of for junior players and resourcing the sport must be met.
the team brought not only the island nation of Samoa to- Playing for Samoa or Tonga would also affect players’ ability
gether, it united the Pacific region and Pacific Islanders living to participate in the State of Origin series in Australia.
abroad. From Apia to Suva to Auckland, the Samoan flag was But that’s for the administrators of the game to decide. For
flying proudly from car windows and homes. now, we celebrate with Samoa. This is definitely one to re-
At the end of the campaign, playmaker Jerome Luai said, member and hopefully inspire future generations in the Pacific
“Just being a part of that is something special and it is good that they can also make history.
to see Samoans around the world unified to one cause. I am
just really blessed and grateful to be a part of this team and sports@islandsbusiness.com

Islands Business, November 2022 35