Murri Gummaz Complete Historic Rugby League Tour of Samoa

Apia, Samoa – 15 September 2025 – The first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rugby league team to play in Samoa has returned home after a historic tour filled with unforgettable memories and lasting cultural connections.

The Murri Gummaz, invited by NRL Samoa, played fierce matches against Lotofaga and Tuasivi over the past week, showcasing their skill and spirit on Samoan soil.

Under-17 captain Bella Barrett noted that while rugby union is the dominant sport in Samoa, she was impressed by how quickly local players adapted to rugby league. She said she would forever treasure the cultural exchange, village hospitality, and the warmth of the Samoan people.

Founder and head coach Jacintha Geia emphasized that the Murri Gummaz journey was designed to go beyond sport, creating a bridge between Indigenous Australian and Samoan cultures.

“It is a meeting of peoples, a sharing of stories, and a recognition that across the Pacific, we are connected,” she said.

“From the red earth of our country to the blue waters of your moana, may this connection continue to grow for generations to come.”

To mark the tour’s success, the Australian High Commission hosted a farewell reception at Taumeasina Island Resort that was attended by Caretaker Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, whose own village of Lotofaga hosted the team’s first match.

Acting High Commissioner Claire McGeechan acknowledged the Murri Gummaz for showcasing not only their sporting ability but also the depth of their cultural heritage.

“The Murri Gummaz represent the strength and diversity of Australia’s First Peoples—whose culture is among the oldest on earth, stretching back more than 65,000 years,” she said.

“With players hailing from Queensland, northern New South Wales, the Northern Territory and Western Australia, we are fortunate that you have travelled to Samoa to share your culture, your spirit, and your love of the game.

“And even more fortunate that a few in your group have strong links to Samoa – helping to facilitate the cultural exchanges that have been taking place.”

Reflecting on the journey, Geia said this trip has been so much more than rugby league.

“It’s been about connection, learning, and celebrating culture. Our players gave everything on the field, but the biggest win has been the friendships and respect built between our communities.”

The Murri Gummaz return to Australia with stronger cultural ties and lasting friendships, marking their tour as a milestone for First Nations sporting and cultural exchange.

There is hope that this is just the beginning, paving the way for more connections between Indigenous peoples across the Pacific.