Sua Faalogo and Gordon Chan Kum Tong, two young Toa Samoan players, proved against Australia that they had a bright future in blue.
In Townsville, Faalogo, who made his NRL debut for the Storm in Round 27, was a dynamic presence at the back, and Chan Kum Tong, who made two appearances off the bench for Manly in his rookie campaign, demonstrated a great deal of intelligence and toughness in defence.
Two of the tiniest players on the pitch, they both displayed a great deal of spirit, and following the game, coach Ben Gardiner showered the debutants with accolades.
“There were some really outstanding individual performances; one of the game’s real highlights, in my opinion, was young Sua at fullback,” Gardiner stated.
“One of the game’s true highlights was Young Gordon at hooker as well. Tonight, we had nine debutants, and those individuals stood up for us, which is great news for Samoa going forward.
“It’s positioning us so that we have a developing team that builds on NRL and Test match experience in the future.”
Being one of the nine rookies on the Samoan team was a unique experience for Faalogo, who later expressed his desire to represent his own country.
Playing for my nation, my village, and especially my parents back home was a really unique experience, according to Faalogo.
“It was a really memorable evening for me. It was an incredible feeling, as I never imagined I would get to visit my home nation.
“It was crazy how happy I was as soon as I got the opportunity, even though it was so soon.”
Chinese-born Chan Kum Tong expressed his gratitude for the honour of representing Samoa and raising awareness of international rugby league.
Chan Kum Tong remarked, “It means the world to me to just put on the Toa Samoa jersey; as a child, I’ve always wanted to play for them and it’s just a dream come true.”
“Completely international football… There is little doubt that the game will expand if players are allowed to represent their nations.
“Hopefully, the NRL can continue to support international football—this is just the beginning.”
At Eden Park in Auckland, Samoa will meet New
“Completely international football… There is little doubt that the game will expand if players are allowed to represent their nations.
“Hopefully, the NRL can continue to support international football—this is just the beginning.”
At Eden Park in Auckland, Samoa will meet New Zealand in the men’s Pacific Championships tournament’s opening match.”International football will undoubtedly expand if everyone has the opportunity to play for their own nations.
“Hopefully, the NRL can continue to support international football—this is just the beginning.”
At Eden Park in Auckland, Samoa will meet New Zealand in the men’s Pacific Championships tournament’s opening match.
in the men’s Pacific Championships tournament’s opening match.”International football will undoubtedly expand if everyone has the opportunity to play for their own nations.
“Hopefully, the NRL can continue to support international football—this is just the beginning.”
At Eden Park in Auckland, Samoa will meet New Zealand in the men’s Pacific Championships tournament’s opening match.
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