Inside the deal heavy Samoa to collapse Rugby World Cup 'big dogs'
Brian To’o and Jarome Luai have exposed how a deal to replicate Tonga’s rise to the 2017 Rugby World Cup has inspired some of the NRL’s biggest stars to champion Samoa and supported the Pacific nation to win England beat in their opening game. Rugby World Cup 2023 fans can buy Samoa Vs Chile Tickets from our website.
To’o and Luai are among the six members of Penrith’s star-studded Toa Samoa roster to win the Premier League. Which includes State of Origin props Junior Paulo and Josh Papalii and teenage sensation Joseph Suaalii.
Papalii, Luai, and Paulo played for Samoa in 2017, but the Pacific nation failed to win a single match. While Tonga stunned New Zealand, flipping the Rugby World Cup and missing the final after a contentious loss to England.
According to the IRL ranking, Tonga has beaten Australia and the United Kingdom in the World Cup. As the second-largest country after New Zealand.
However, many see Samoa as a stronger team, with playmakers like Luai and Anthony Milford. With To’o a specific pick for Australia before declaring allegiance to the Pacific nation.
Brian To’o
“We were clearly inspired by what Tonga did and the way they played for the shirts,” To’o said.
“It’s not just a game, it means a lot to them. They fight for their people, they fight for their country. That’s what drives us to play for Samoa.”
“I really want to replicate what Tonga has done. Imagine if Samoa could do that. It would be a game-changer. The first game against England would be insane. It’s something we’re really looking forward to.”
When the draw for the World Cup ended two years ago. Organizers couldn’t imagine what the draw card would look like for Samoa, and now hope. That more than 40,000 people will attend this weekend’s tournament opener in Newcastle.
Samoa at the Rugby World Cup
However, Samoa will now upset hosts England against Tonga in the quarter-finals and withdraw from the World Cup early.
“It’s going to be a good test for us to see how we stack up against one of the best dogs in the world,” Luai said.
“I know how passionate England are about their sport and their people, so it would be a really crazy atmosphere to be a part of that.”
“I think Samoa has a good talent pool, so we have a good chance against a top team.”
To’o was the first Origin star to join Samoa and Luai, followed by Panthers centres Stephen Crichton, Paulo and Papalii, and Suaalii, who would create the Kangaroos at 19.
If Samoa succeeds, their actions will be compared to Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita turning their backs on New Zealand and Australia to play for Tonga at the 2017 World Cup.
Jarome Luai
“We may be in the same boat as Tonga and just want to represent the homeland and commit ourselves because we can build something special,” said Luai.
“It means a lot to us personally and we know what impact it will have on Samoans in this country and around the world if we can do something special at this World Cup.”
To’o said there was no pressure on the players to choose Samoa. But when some big names made a commitment, others followed suit. Their team is now so strong that David Nofoaluma no longer has room for it.
“I think some guys are a bit indecisive, but I’m very happy with my decision. I think it’s spreading,” Too said. “The news spread quickly and it was great to see other guys committing themselves to Samoa as well.
“Of course, I determined my loyalty first, some guys followed, but we said it’s up to each player and whether they choose Samoa or somewhere else, we will be there for each other.”
With Samoa and Tonga in the same draw, the Pacific superpowers and rivals could meet in the quarter-finals or semi-finals. Rugby World Cup fans can buy Japan Vs Samoa Tickets from our website.
Australia and New Zealand are set for a play-off in another semi-final, with To’o saying Samoa will defend against the Kangaroos.
“It will be a huge opportunity because the Kangaroos were the top team at the last World Cup, especially with all the top players in the squad. Same,” he said.
“It’s something to look forward to and a huge challenge for us, but I’m sure we’ll take it one step further.”
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow: Dolphins sign Samoa Rugby World Cup hopeful
The Dolphins have made a significant statement of intent by signing North Queensland Cowboys Samoa World Cup hopeful Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.
The 21-year-old utility guard has played 50 games for the Cowboys and has made 21 tries since making his NRL debut in 2020.
Tabuai-Fidow made his Queensland debut at the age of 19.
The speedster was born in Queensland to a Torres Strait Islander mother and a Samoan father. He already represented the Native All-Star team and was named in the Samoa World Cup squad.
Dolphin owner happy with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow coup
Dolphins CEO Terry Reader said: “Hamiso’s signing means a lot to our roster. He adds new energy to our team for the 2023 season.”
“The Dolphins are always looking for a rear spoiler, and no doubt he is. He is electric with the ball in his hand. You can see that he is becoming a cult figure for our fans.”
Hamiso is young but has 50 matches of experience in the NRL, is a player from his country of origin and is about to become an international for Samoa at the World Cup.
“We are very excited about what Hamiso will do in the Dolphins’ jersey.”
Tabuai-Fidow signed a two-year deal with the Dolphins starting in the 2023 season. As he appears to be Wayne Bennett’s starting linebacker.
The Cairns-born speedster will add a lot of versatility to Wayne Bennett’s squad, who is capable of playing full-back, wide and centre-forward.
Samoa calls up former All Blacks for November Test
Manu Samoa boss Seilala Mapusua has called up ex-All Blacks Steven Luatua and Jeff Toomaga-Allen for the Pacific team’s trip north in November. The pair were able to do this thanks to the World Rugby Qualifications Amendment that allows certain countries to switch.
Samoa will take on Italy on Saturday 5 November in Padua. They are also up against Georgia and Romania.
In addition to Luatua (15 caps for New Zealand) and Toomaga-Allen (1 cap), Samoa has also brought in Toulon centre Duncan Paia’aua, who was called up by the Wallabies in 2021 but was never deployed. His Giants teammate Brian Alainu’uese is also expected to make his debut in Samoa. While Tala Gray (32) is also expected to make his debut.
Other notables include recent signings from Waratah Taleni Seu, standout Saracen Theo MacFarland and versatile defender Ulupano Seuteni, who recently moved from Bordeaux to La Rochelle and has been out of the country since 2019.
In Samoa’s recent form, they defeated Fiji, Tonga and Australia A in July. They left for Europe in good spirits.
Next year, Samoa hopes to play at the Rugby World Cup 2023, in the same group as England, Japan, Argentina and Chile.
Samoa squad for November Test Internationals
Backs: Tomasi Alosio, Alapati Leiua, Nigel Ah Wong, Des Sepulona, Tumua Manu, Joe Perez, Duncan Paia’aua, D’Angelo Leuila, Ere Enari, Danny Toala, Stacey Ili, Ulupano Seuteni, Rodney Iona, Jonathan Taumateine.
Forwards: Fritz Lee, Jordan Taufua, Steven Luatua, Talalelei Gray, Afaesetiti Amosa, Chris Vui, Michael Ala’alatoa, Taleni Seu, Theo McFarland, Brian Alainu’uese, Jordan Lay, Seilala Lam, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Donald Brighouse, Nephi Leatigaga, Manu Leiataua, Luteru Toloi.
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