Jarome Luai, co-captain of Toa Samoa alongside Junior Paulo, expresses confidence in his team ahead of Sunday’s Pacific Cup final against New Zealand at CommBank Stadium. Luai believes that Samoa is stronger than when they made history by qualifying for the World Cup final in 2022 and is eager to lead them to victory in this upcoming match. “It would be huge. It hasn’t been done before,” remarked Luai.
Samoa made headlines in 2022 as the first Pacific nation to appear in a World Cup final, narrowly edging out England in extra time before facing Australia at Old Trafford. Although they have yet to claim significant silverware, the team recently broke a six-match losing streak with a standout performance against Tonga, winning 34-6 in a Pacific Championships match that took over three hours due to weather delays.
The excitement among fans is palpable; Samoa supporters have purchased nearly half the tickets for the final even before knowing their opponent. Paulo noted the overwhelming support, saying, “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.” Fan celebrations have been reported globally, with parades occurring in New Zealand, Samoa, and America.
Despite their past struggle against New Zealand, having lost all six encounters since 2010, Luai and Paulo are optimistic, citing lessons learned from their previous matchups. They emphasize a combination of experience and new talent, suggesting that the team’s growth, particularly with the return of familiar faces and emerging players, has been crucial in their preparation. Luai also highlighted the positive atmosphere throughout the current training camp, creating a solid foundation for their final match.
The anticipation builds as Samoa aims to carve out a new chapter in their rugby league history. The challenge remains significant, especially after their loss to the Kiwis early in the Pacific Championships, but the team’s recent triumphs and unwavering fan support hint at a promising future. With solid preparation and a focus on teamwork, the Toa Samoa is ready to embrace the opportunity to uplift the Samoan rugby league on a grand stage once again.