Prime Minister and Parliament send well wishes to Toa & Fetu Samoa

24 October 2025 – The Prime Minister, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi, has sent well wishes to Samoa’s two Rugby League teams, Fetu Samoa and Toa Samoa, playing in the Pacific Championships in Australia on Sunday evening.

“To Coach Jamie Soward, Captain Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala, and Fetu Samoa

“On behalf of the Government and people of Samoa, I extend my warmest best wishes to our proud Fetu Samoa team as you prepare for your upcoming clash with Australia.

“Your efforts last week filled our Nation with pride. You showed heart, courage, and unity the true essence of the Samoan warrior spirit. Though the journey is demanding, the way you represent our flag inspires every young Samoan girl who dreams of the blue jersey. Try your best again, you can do Better as you all are the Tausala o Samoa. You all are the pride of our Nation.

“As you step forward again, hold your heads high. Carry the fire of faith and pride within you. Play for each other, for your families, and for Samoa.”

In a message to the Toa Samoa Management and Team:

“To Coach Ben Gardiner, Co-Captains Peseta Tamalelagi Junior Paulo & Unasa Jarome Luai, and Toa Samoa

“Fa‘amalo le tauivi ma le finau i le vaiaso ua tuana’i. (Job Well done for all your great efforts last week). But you can do better, Samoa will still stand united in pride as our Toa warriors displayed courage, power, and faith on the field. Every tackle, every try, and every moment reflected the heart of our people.

“As you prepare to meet our Pacific brothers Mate Ma ‘a Tonga this weekend, know that the spirit of Samoa marches with you. This match is more than a contest; it is a celebration of culture, pride, and unity across the Pacific.

“To Peseta Tamalelagi Junior Paulo and Unasa Jarome Luai, your leadership continues to set an example for all Samoan youth guiding your brothers with humility, courage, and integrity.”

Before Parliament adjourned this afternoon, the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Seuamuli Fasi Toma presented well wishes on behalf of the Head of State, Parliament and the people of Samoa to its sportsmen and women competing this weekend.

At the Suncorp Stadium, Toa Samoa faces Matema’a Tonga on the second leg of the Pacific Championships. It will be the first time the sides have met since the 2022 World Cup quarter-final in England, when Samoa got home by just two points.

The Samoan Women’s Fetu Samoa hope for an upset win over Australia’s Jillaroos to keep their Pacific championship hopes on track. And in the build-up to the big games, Samoan supporters turned out in their thousands to greet their players at a fan day.