The return of international rugby league after almost three years lost to COVID-19 has given everybody a fresh start, and nobody needs one more than the proud men from Samoa.
On a weekend where their Pacific rivals Tonga will take on New Zealand in Auckland in what is a true clash of two Test footy titans, Samoa will once again be trying to start something up when they face the Cook Islands on Saturday in Campbelltown.
There is a path where Samoa end up joining Tonga alongside Australia, New Zealand and England as one of the sport’s top level sides – but for it to happen, rugby league’s sleeping giant will need to awaken.
William Hopoate of Tonga celebrates with team mates after scoring a try during the 2018 Pacific Test Invitational match between Tonga and Samoa at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on June 23, 2018 in Sydney, Australia.(Getty Images: Brendon Thorne)
And with Samoa playing host nation England in the World Cup opener at season’s end, there is no better time than right now for the tide to turn.
“You just have to see what the Tongans have done for their team to see what footy means in the Pacific. We want to do the jersey proud, Samoa is a proud nation and we want to play well for them,” said halfback Anthony Milford.
“It’s a special week. I’m always honoured to put the jersey on and I’m always grateful for the opportunity given to me by (coach) Matty Parish and the coaching staff. I can’t wait to represent my people and my family.”
The pandemic years have not been easy for Samoan rugby league, and nor were the seasons that came beforehand. As Tonga shot ahead in the pecking order, the Samoans stagnated.
They’ve won just one of their last nine matches, the last time they troubled one of the big three was back in the 2014 Four Nations, and their last showing was a disaster, a 44-18 belting at the hands of Fiji in November 2019.
Over the past few years there’s also been bitter backroom infighting with long-time coach Parish coming under fire from players past and present.
But Parish, who has coached the side since 2013, survived and has been blessed with a strong crop of up-and-coming talent, even though Samoa is yet to enjoy a Jason Taumalolo-style wave of defections.
For Milford, Samoa’s longest-serving player after he debuted as an 18-year old nine years ago, this is the biggest change he’s seen during his time with the island nation.
“When I first came through I was the youngest, now I’m the last one left from that 2013 World Cup,” said Milford.
“There’s good times ahead, a lot of youth who are putting guys on their toes. It’s a luxury, to have that competition and Matty can pick so many top players.
“It makes our nation stronger and harder to play against.”
A host of debutants, led by a Penrith contingent of Charlie Staines, Taylan May, Izack Tago and Spencer Leniu, as well as Manly backrower Josh Schuster, can bring about a new dawn for Samoa, who are heavily favoured to dispatch the Cook Islands in quick time.
A thumping, feel-good win could be just what the side needs for a reboot, which could make the call of home and history, of family and heritage almost impossible to ignore for some of the game’s biggest names.
Because it will be away from Campbelltown, across the desert in Perth and over the sea in Auckland, where the best Samoan players in the world will be plying their trade this weekend.
Blues hopeful Joseph Suaalii is of Samoan descent. (Getty Images: Matt King )
Brian To’o, Jarome Luai, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Josh Papalii and Junior Paulo, who have all worn Samoan blue before, will play Origin on Sunday night. So will Stephen Crichton and Payne Haas, who are eligible, as is rising star Joseph Suaalii who forms part of the extended New South Wales squad.
In Auckland, Samoan graduates Isaiah Papali’i, Ronaldo Mulitalo and Moses Leota will wear the black and white of New Zealand, and so will man mountain Nelson Asofa-Solomona, another player of Samoan descent.
It’s asking a lot, for them to give up Origin jerseys and Kangaroo and Kiwis spots – landing all of them for the World Cup is unrealistic in the extreme, and Milford says that’s not what Samoa are expecting. They’ll back their people no matter what they choose.
“It can be hard, but a lot of those boys have been in camp before and know what it’s like. I know they enjoyed being here,” Milford said.
“It’s up to them, whatever they choose, we’ll support them, If they pick Australia, good on them, if they pick Samoa we’ll always have a place for them.”
But just imagine, for a moment, what it could be like if Samoa just landed a couple of them. They just need a few, because once they get one then more will follow.
Imagine if Suaalii, who is living up to his reputation as the game’s best young player, plays for the land of his fathers, or if Luai and To’o join their Penrith brothers and ramp the Panthers vibe up another notch, or if Haas and Paulo trade one blue jersey for another and give Samoa a pack that can match anybody in the world.
It’s a lot to give up, and Samoa can be competitive regardless of landing those players or not. But they can aim higher than just competitive.
There can be greatness in this team and in this jersey. There is a future where everybody comes home and Samoa like their chances against anybody, any time, anywhere.
They just need something they can come back to. Something that Tonga has found but Samoa is still looking for.
It won’t happen overnight, but it can happen – and if it does, it can start against the Cook Islands on Saturday.
Source:: ABC News
