Jarome Luai, co-captain of Toa Samoa alongside Junior Paulo, is filled with confidence as his team prepares to face New Zealand in the Pacific Cup final this Sunday at CommBank Stadium. Luai believes that Samoa has evolved since their momentous run to the World Cup final in 2022, and he is determined to lead the team to victory in a match that he describes as “huge.” He emphasized, “It hasn’t been done before,” referring to the significance of the upcoming clash.
Samoa made history last year as the first Pacific nation to reach a World Cup final, narrowly defeating England in extra time before ultimately facing Australia at Old Trafford. Although they are yet to secure a major title, the team recently ended a six-match losing streak by delivering a commanding performance against Tonga, winning 34-6 in a Pacific Championships match that faced delays due to poor weather.
The support from fans has been remarkable, with Samoa supporters purchasing nearly half of the tickets for the final even before knowing who their opponent would be. Paulo expressed appreciation for the overwhelming backing, stating, “It has been unreal, to be honest, the movement that has been happening in the last couple of days, not just here in Australia but around the world.” Celebrations among fans have erupted globally, with parades being held not only in New Zealand and Samoa but also in America.
Despite a challenging record against New Zealand, having lost all six matches since 2010, both Luai and Paulo remain upbeat. They attribute their optimism to valuable lessons learned from past encounters, emphasizing their blend of experienced players and promising newcomers as key to their preparation. Luai praised the positive atmosphere surrounding the training camp, which has fostered a strong foundation for their approach to the final.
As the match approaches, Soo Samoa aims to write a new chapter in their rugby league history. The challenge will not be easy, especially following their earlier defeat to the Kiwis in the Pacific Championships. However, the team’s recent successes and the fervent enthusiasm of their supporters create a sense of hope and excitement. With diligent preparation and a commitment to teamwork, Toa Samoa is poised to seize the moment and uplift the Samoan rugby league on a grand stage once again.