Samoa Rugby League Team.

SAMOA RUGBY LEAGUE TEAM – THE RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP & THE HISTORY OF TOA SAMOA.

The Samoan Rugby League World Cup squad is one of the strongest teams to represent the Toa Samoa.

Samoa Rugby League World Cup Squad

It includes a host of NRL Stars. The likes of Penrith Panthers Premiership winners. Jarome Luai, Taylan May, and Brian To’o.
Also, quality backs like Stephen Crichton (Penrith Panthers), Chanel Harris-Tavita (Warriors), and Anthony Milford (Newcastle Knights). In addition, the teenage sensation Joseph Suaalii (Sydney Roosters). The pack includes two outstanding front-row forwards in Junior Paulo (Parramatta Eels) and Josh Papalii (Canberra Raiders).

First ever Samoa Pacific Cup in 1986

It was back in 1986 under the name of Western Samoa the nation made their debut in the Pacific Cup. Joe Raymond coached this side to a final where they went down to a strong NZ Maori side.

Held in Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. The Western Samoan side was grouped with Tokelau and Tonga. The Samoans would beat Tokelau in their opening game 34-12. Before going down to Tonga 34-16.

Victory over Tonga, but Final defeat to the New Zealand Maori

Despite the loss against Tonga. Western Samoa qualified for the Semi-Finals. Defeating the Cook Islands 48-0. Before facing Tonga in the tournament Preliminary Final.

The Samoans recorded a convincing 46-4 win over Tonga. Before going down to the New Zealand Maori 23-6 in the tournament final.

1988 Pacific Cup Samoa Rugby League Team led by Olsen Filipaina

In 1988, Joe Raymond once again coached the team. The team included the likes of Olsen Filipaina, Hitro Okesene, and Paddy Tuimavave. The Samoan side started the 1988 Pacific Cup with a win over the Cook Islands. Also defeating Tokelau in the group stages of the tournament. Before facing Tonga in the tournament Semi-Final. They defeated a strong Tongan team that included John Fifita, Duane Mann, and Dick Uluave. By 40 points to 30.

1988 Final Defeat to the New Zealand Maori

The Samoa Rugby League team qualified for their second Pacific Cup Final. Once again taking on the New Zealand Maori. In front of a large and vocal home crowd. The Samoans put up a strong performance. However, they fell short to a New Zealand Maori side. Which included the likes of Morvin Edwards, Barry Harvey, and Kelly Shelford. Also, Mark Woods and Tawera Nikau.

1990 Samoa Rugby League Team Pacific Cup Glory

After two Pacific Cup Final losses. Samoa finally collected their first piece of international silverware. In the 1990 Pacific Cup tournament in Tonga. They recorded their first-ever victory over the New Zealand Maori in the final. Beating them by 26-18. And running through the tournament undefeated to secure the trophy. They included wonderful attacking players in the shape of Se’e Solomona, and Tony Tatupu. Also, Vae Afoa and Tony Tuimavave.

1992 Samoa defend their Pacific Cup Title

Samoa would successfully defend their Pacific Cup title. Defeating Tonga 18-14 in extra time in the 1992 edition of the Pacific Cup. A quality team that included Mike Setefano, Bryan Laumatia, Tony Tatupu and Paki, Paddy, and Tony Tuimavave.

Rugby League World Cup 2021

There is lots of excitement around the launch of the Rugby League World Cup. And the inaugural game England v Samoa at St James’s Park in Newcastle. There’s no doubt England will have to be at their best to defeat this outstanding Toa Samoa team.

Celebrate the tournament in style with our Retro Rugby League World Cup Collection Here.