Samoa national rugby league team

Last updated

Samoa
Samoa rugby league.png
Team information
NicknameToa Samoa
Governing body Rugby League Samoa
Region Asia-Pacific
Head coachBen Gardiner
Captain Jarome Luai
Most caps Tim Lafai (18)
Top try-scorer Tim Lafai (9)
Top point-scorer Stephen Crichton (77)
IRL ranking 4th
Team results
First game
Flag of Samoa.svg  Western Samoa 34–12 Tokelau  Flag of Tokelau.svg
(Rarotonga, Cook Islands; 1986)
Biggest win
Flags of New Caledonia.svg  New Caledonia 0–76 Samoa  Flag of Samoa.svg
(Auckland, New Zealand; 20 October 2004)
Biggest defeat
Tino Rangatiratanga Maori sovereignty movement flag.svg  New Zealand Māori 70-10 Samoa  Flag of Samoa.svg
(Auckland, New Zealand; 21 October 2004)
World Cup
Appearances6 (first time in 1995 )
Best resultRunners-Up (2021)

The Samoa national rugby league team represents Samoa in rugby league football and has participated in international competition since 1986. Known as Western Samoa before 1997, the team is administered by Rugby League Samoa and are nicknamed Toa Samoa (English: Samoan Warriors).

Contents

History

Western Samoa made their debut in the 1986 Pacific Cup. Joe Raymond coached this side to a final where they went down to a strong NZ Maori side. Joe Raymond went on to coach them again in 1988 and would return again to coach them 10 years later in 1998 in a one-off game against a Samoan team of Samoan resident players at Carlaw park.

William John "Swanny" Stowers and his wife Lyndsay Stowers operated Samoa Rugby League out of their North Shore home in Auckland and from the Richmond Rugby League Club house where Lyndsay ran the canteen. This resilient couple were known to have put a mortgage on their home to assist with funding the thirty (30) men representing Samoa in the Pacific Cup held in Tonga, 1990.[ citation needed ] This commitment lead to a historical win over the Maori team for the first time and a win in the 1990 Pacific Cup. Coached by the Richmond Bulldogs Head Coach, Steve Kaiser.

Samoa then won the 1992 Pacific Cup over Tonga in an action filled thriller that went into two (2) overtimes and sent the NZ Rugby League and Polynesian rugby league public into a frenzy. The 1992 Tournament showcased all of NZ Rugby league talent and Australian Rugby league scouts were already booked to witness the 1994 Pacific Cup held in Fiji.

In 1993 Western Samoa were invited to the International Coca-Cola Sevens in Sydney. With Auckland based Samoan players such as Mark Elia, Tony Tuimavave, Tony Tatupu, Faausu Afoa and Des Maea followed by a group of up and coming players such as Matthew TuiSamoa, Lionel Perera, Aleki Maea, Paki Tuimavave, Joe Vagana, Sefo Fuimaono and Peter Lima, the team beat the Canberra Raiders and the Great Britain International team. Coached by the Richmond Bulldogs' Head Coach Steve Kaiser, this team gave Samoa the status to create the strong foundation Western Samoa Rugby League needed to move forward. Below this strong foundation however was the strength and commitment of two people: Swanny and Lyndsay Stowers. These two held together the concept of Samoa Rugby League and without their dream, Samoa RL will not be where it is today.[ citation needed ]

Steve Kaiser in his sixth year as the Samoan Coach had an array of NZ based quality players for the 1994 Pacific Cup with the likes of Se'e Solomona, Tony Tatupu, the Tuimavave brothers Paki and Tony plus the loyal players of Mike Setefano, Matthew TuiSamoa, Alex Tupou and Mark Faumuina. Henry Suluvale and Rudy David led the contingent of first class players from Canterbury however this arsenal were well contained by the Tongan stars Jim Dymock, John Hopoate, Solomon Haumono and Albert Fulivai.

Late 1990s

The 1995 Samoan team had the benefit of ex-All Blacks John Schuster and Va'aiga Tuigamala in their backline. When rugby union went openly professional players such as Apollo Perelini and Fereti Tuilagi left rugby league to return to the 15-man game.

Samoa lost the Pacific Cup in 1996.

The 1998 Pacific Cup team saw a new and old talent. Joe Raymond, one of the first Samoan Rugby League Rep coaches returned after coaching Tonga and the NZ Maori, the late Eddie Poching managed the team and the introduction of Francis Meli to Samoan Rugby League and Junior Papalii a loyal American Samoan Representative. Pati Tuimavave from the 1992 squad and Matthew TuiSamoa, the only survivor from 1990 Pacific Cup champion team returned. Samoa battled Tonga for the 1998 Pacific Cup again at Carlaw park and again Samoa regained the Pacific Champions Title.

2000s

The Pacific Cup was taken to Australia's Gold Coast in 2000 where Auckland coach John Ackland took over the reins. Ackland added another dimension to Samoa Rugby League in selecting rising stars Itikeri Samani a Canberra and Goulburn Stockmen Junior who previously represented American Samoa and Wayne McDade from the New Zealand Warriors while bringing back Matthew FuaSamoa into the Pacific Cup arena.

2000 Rugby League World Cup campaign

Samoa took on Ireland, Scotland, and the Aotearoa Māori in the 2000 Rugby League World Cup pool stages. They would lose to 'the Irish' in their opening game, but they'd beat NZ Maori, and Scotland in their next two games, sealing a place in the knock-out stages. They would take on Australia in the quarter-final. Unfortunately, they ended their tournament with a thrashing 66–10 defeat (their biggest defeat up to date), sealing an end to a respectable World Cup Campaign.

2008 Rugby League World Cup campaign

Samoa played in the Pacific Pool of the 2008 Rugby League World Cup Qualifiers. They beat the Cook Islands and Fiji, but lost to Tonga. On a points difference, Samoa came in third and had to play USA in the Repecharge Semi-final. Samoa won this match 42–10 and then played Lebanon on 14 November 2007 in the Repecharge Final to see who would take the 10th and final World Cup place. Samoa came out eventual winners of the 10th and final 2008 Rugby League World Cup place beating Lebanon 38–16 at the Chris Moyles Stadium, Featherstone. [1]

For the 2008 Rugby League World Cup tournament Samoa's main jersey sponsor was the Samoa International Finance Authority.

Samoa took on Tonga and Ireland in the Tournament's pool stages. They beat their Pacific rivals 20–12, but they then lost to the Irish by 34–16. This big losing margin, sent the Samoans into battle against the French in the Tournament's 9th place play-off. Samoa easily won, winning 42–10 and capping off an undesirable World Cup Tournament.

2013 Pacific Rugby League Test

In April 2013, Samoa took on Tonga in the '2013 Pacific Rugby League Test' at Penrith Stadium. The International was created as a World Cup warm-up match. Tonga targeted Samoa's weak defence, and it paid off, thrashing the Toa Samoans by 36–4.

Matt Parish era (2013– 2022 )

Australian Matt Parish was appointed head coach ahead of the 2013 World Cup. [2] In the group stage, Samoa lost to New Zealand 42–24, and defeated Papua New Guinea 38–4 and France 22–6. They lost the quarter-final to Fiji 22–4.

In May 2014, Samoa defeated Fiji 32–16 in a one-off Test match to qualify for the 2014 Four Nations. In the Four Nations, Samoa was the fourth nation and the underdogs against rugby league's three big heavyweight nations England, New Zealand and Australia. But they proved that they were anything but underdogs, losing to England by six points in a sea-sawing battle, and they were within four minutes of creating rugby league history by beating New Zealand. By the final round, Samoa still had a chance to qualify for the final, making this Four Nations the toughest ever. This Samoan performance added credential to the rugby league game showing that the game is not all about the big three. An annual series against New Zealand was proposed to run likewise to Australia's State of Origin series. [3]

In May 2015, Samoa took on Tonga. The game was an absolute thriller with the lead alternating between the teams and the biggest margin throughout the match was only 6 points. Samoa won 18–16. The following year, in May 2016, Samoa defeated Tonga 18–12.

Samoa were winless at the 2017 World Cup, losing 38–8 to New Zealand and 32–18 Tonga, and drawing 14–14 with Scotland. However, due to the tournament structure, they advanced to the knock-out stage thanks to the draw. [4] [5] In the quarter-final, Samoa lost 46–0 to defending champions Australia. [6] Former rugby league players Reni Maitua and Willie Mason were heavily critical of the team after the tournament, claiming the players were staying up late at night and had no respect for coach Matt Parish. [7]

In February 2021, it was reported that 34 current and former Samoan players had co-signed a letter to Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi requesting for Parish to be removed as coach, citing a lack of professionalism and success. Parish responded by claiming the players were coerced to sign the letter. [8] In May 2021, Andrew Johns, Matthew Johns and Sonny Bill Williams voiced interest to jointly coach Samoa at the 2021 World Cup. [9] [10] Rugby League Samoa affirmed Parish would remain as head coach for the tournament in a statement. [11] NRL.com noted that Samoa has approximately 85 NRL players to choose from in 2021, more than is available for the successful Tongan (60) and Fijian (40) teams, [12] however, according to reports, there are some players not willing to represent Samoa under the current coaching set-up. [13] [14]

Samoa performing the Siva Tau against France at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup Siva tau 11112013.JPG
Samoa performing the Siva Tau against France at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup
Samoa performing the Siva Tau against England at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup Siva tau.jpg
Samoa performing the Siva Tau against England at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup

In October 2022, Samoa opened the 2021 Men's Rugby League World Cup against host nation England. Despite high expectations for Samoa, due to high profile players such as Penrith Panthers premiership winning trio Jarome Luai, Brian To'o, and Stephen Crichton pledging allegiance to Samoa over Australia, Samoa went on to lose the match in embarrassing fashion, 60-6.

Samoa rebounded from the loss in the competition opener with big wins over Greece and France, 72-4 and 62-4 respectively.

Samoa qualified for the finals, coming second place in their pool behind England, and went on to face rivals Mate Ma'a Tonga in the quarter-finals. Samoa would go on to win the match despite a late resurgence from Tonga to win 20-18, qualifying for their first ever world cup semi final.

Samoa would face England in the semi-final, who they lost their first match against. In a back and forth encounter, the scores were tied at 20-20 with less than 8 minutes to go in the match but Stephen Crichton would intercept a pass from Victor Radley running more than 60 metres to score a try to put Samoa ahead. Several minutes later, with just 3 minutes left in the match, England halfback George Williams broke Samoas defence and passed to Herbie Farnworth who would complete a 90 metre long try, taking the score to 26-24. Tommy Makinson would then kick the conversion to tie the match. With the scores tied at 26-26, the match went to Golden Point, with England receiving the ball first. Jack Welsby made an error giving Samoa the ball, which would lead to an Anthony Milford field goal attempt but missed. England received the ball again but a Sam Tomkins error would give the ball back to Samoa once again and Stephen Chrichton kicked the field goal to win the match, 27-26. Sending Samoa to their first ever World Cup final against Australia, and just the fifth team to qualify for the final. (Great Britain, England, France, New Zealand)

Identity

Kit

Samoa's kit consists of a blue jersey with usually a white V on the chest, paired with blue shorts and socks.

Kit suppliers

Since 2023, Samoa's kits are currently supplied by Dynasty Sport. Former suppliers were Classic Sportswear (2022), FI-TA (2013-2021), SAS (2006–2013), SportM (1995–2000), Zeus (1992–1995) and Adidas (1990–1992).

Sponsors

The current sponsors are Pacifcast.

Former sponsors were DB Bitter (1992–1996), Yazaki (Rugby League World Cup 2000), SIFA.WS (2008–2015), Investsamoa.ws, and Vailima.

Players

Current squad

The Samoa national team for the 2024 tour of England was announced on 9 October 2024. [15] Jarome Luai was appointed captain.
Statistics in the table include the Second Test against England.

PlayerDate of birth (age)Position(s)CapsClub
John Asiata 19 April 1993 (age 31) Lock 3Flag of England.svg Leigh Leopards
Shawn Blore 1 August 2000 (age 24) Second-row 2Flag of Australia (converted).svg Melbourne Storm
Gordon Chan Kum Tong 3 January 2002 (age 22) Hooker 4Flag of Australia (converted).svg Manly Sea Eagles
Luciano Leilua 8 June 1996 (age 28) Second-row 5Flag of Australia (converted).svg St. George Illawarra
Ricky Leutele 10 April 1990 (age 34) Centre 7Flag of England.svg Leigh Leopards
Jarome Luai 16 January 1997 (age 27) Five-eighth 13Flag of Australia (converted).svg Penrith Panthers
Deine Mariner 25 April 2003 (age 21) Wing , Centre 2Flag of Australia (converted).svg Brisbane Broncos
Terrell May 29 April 1999 (age 25) Prop 4Flag of Australia (converted).svg Sydney Roosters
Anthony Milford 11 July 1994 (age 30) Five-eighth 14Flag of Australia (converted).svg Dolphins (NRL)
Francis Molo 3 September 1994 (age 30) Prop 3Flag of Australia (converted).svg St. George Illawarra
Jeremiah Nanai 18 February 2003 (age 21) Second-row 2Flag of Australia (converted).svg North Qld Cowboys
Josiah Pahulu 4 May 2004 (age 20) Prop 0Flag of Australia (converted).svg Gold Coast Titans
Keenan Palasia 24 January 1997 (age 27) Prop 4Flag of Australia (converted).svg Gold Coast Titans
Junior Pauga 3 February 1996 (age 28) Wing , Centre 2Flag of Australia (converted).svg Sydney Roosters
Paul Roache 29 December 1998 (age 25) Hooker 0Flag of New Zealand.svg NZ Warriors
Simi Sasagi 24 April 2001 (age 23) Second-row , Centre 1Flag of Australia (converted).svg Canberra Raiders
Jeral Skelton 8 April 1999 (age 25) Wing 2Flag of Australia (converted).svg Canterbury Bulldogs
Izack Tago 5 April 2002 (age 22) Centre 5Flag of Australia (converted).svg Penrith Panthers
Jake Tago 10 February 1999 (age 25) Wing 0Flag of Australia (converted).svg Parramatta Eels
Blaize Talagi 16 March 2005 (age 19) Centre , Wing 2Flag of Australia (converted).svg Parramatta Eels
Jazz Tevaga 4 September 1995 (age 29) Lock , Prop 7Flag of New Zealand.svg NZ Warriors
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5 June 1993 (age 31) Fullback 2Flag of New Zealand.svg NZ Warriors
Lazarus Vaalepu 19 March 1999 (age 25) Prop 2Flag of Australia (converted).svg Melbourne Storm

Notes:

Notable players and coaches

Records

Most capped players

#NameCareerCaps
1 Tim Lafai 2013-202218
2 Junior Paulo 2016-17
3 Leeson Ah Mau 2013-201716
4 Ben Roberts 2008-201715
Pita Godinet 2013-201815
Joey Leilua 2013-201915
7 Anthony Milford 2013-202213
8 Joseph Paulo 2007-2010, 2017-201812
9 George Carmont 2006–201011
Martin Taupau 2013, 2019-202211
Josh Papali'i 2017, 202211
Jarome Luai 2017-11

Top try scorers

#NameCareerTries
1 Tim Lafai 2013-20229
2 George Carmont 2006–20107
Antonio Winterstein 2013–20167
4 Daniel Vidot 2013-20156
Taylan May 20226

Top points scorers

#NameCareerPointsTriesGoalsField Goals
1 Stephen Crichton 2022-774301
2 Tim Lafai 2013-202250970
3 Anthony Milford 2013-2022464150
4 Ben Roberts 2008-201736580
5 Joseph Paulo 2007-2010, 2017-2018341150

Competitive Record

Overall

OpponentPlayedWonDrawnLost% WonYear/s
Flag of American Samoa.svg  American Samoa 1100100%1994
Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia 50050%2000–2023
Australian Aboriginal Flag.svg Australian Aborigines 3300100%1990–1994
Flag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands 750271%1986–2009
Flag of England.svg  England 510420%2006–2022
Flag of England.svg England Knights 10010%2013
Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 1140736%1992–2019
Flag of France.svg  France 540180%1995–2022
Flag of Greece.svg  Greece 1100100%2022
Four Provinces Flag.svg  Ireland 20020%2000–2008
Flag of Lebanon.svg  Lebanon 1100100%2007
Flags of New Caledonia.svg  New Caledonia 1100100%2004
Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand 40040%2010–2017
Tino Rangatiratanga Maori sovereignty movement flag.svg  Māori 620433%1986–2004
Flag of Niue.svg  Niue 3300100%1990–2004
Flag of Papua New Guinea.svg  Papua New Guinea 2200100%2013–2019
Flag of Rotuma (1987-1988).svg Rotorua1100100%1994
Flag of Scotland.svg  Scotland 211050%2000-2017
Flag of Tokelau.svg  Tokelau 430175%1986–2006
Flag of Tonga.svg  Tonga 221011150%1986–2022
Flag of the United States.svg  United States 1100100%2007
Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales 1100100%1995
Total884524251%1986–

World Cup

World Cup record
YearRoundPositionGPWLD
Flag of France.svg 1954 did not enter
Flag of Australia (converted).svg 1957
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1960
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Flag of New Zealand.svg 1968
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1970
Flag of France.svg 1972
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Flag of France.svg Flag of New Zealand.svg Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1975
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Flag of New Zealand.svg 1977
1985-88
1989-92
Flag of England.svg 1995 Group stage5/102110
Flag of England.svg Flag of France.svg Four Provinces Flag.svg Flag of Scotland.svg Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg 2000 Quarter-finals8/164220
Flag of Australia (converted).svg 2008 Group stage9/102110
Flag of England.svg Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg 2013 Quarter-finals5/144220
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Flag of New Zealand.svg Flag of Papua New Guinea.svg 2017 Quarter-finals8/144031
Flag of England.svg 2021 Runners Up2/166420
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Flag of Papua New Guinea.svg 2026 Qualified
Total0 Titles6/162210111

Four Nations

Four Nations record
YearRoundPositionGPWLD
Flag of England.svg Flag of France.svg 2009 Not Invited
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Flag of New Zealand.svg 2010 Failed to Qualify
Flag of England.svg Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg 2011 Not Invited
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Flag of New Zealand.svg 2014 Fourth Place4/43030
Flag of England.svg 2016 Not Invited
Total0 Titles1/53030

Pacific Cup

Pacific Cup record
YearRoundPositionGPWLD
Flag of the Cook Islands.svg 1986 Second Place2/65320
Flag of Samoa.svg 1988 Second Place2/64310
Flag of Tonga.svg 1990 Champions1/85500
Flag of New Zealand.svg 1992 Champions1/106600
Flag of Fiji.svg 1994 Third Place3/106510
Flag of New Zealand.svg 1997 Not Invited
Flag of New Zealand.svg 2004 Group stage5/62110
Flag of New Zealand.svg 2006 Group stage6/63030
Flag of Papua New Guinea.svg 2009 Quarter-finals5/51010
Total2 Titles8/12322390

Attendance records

Highest all-time attendances

AttendanceOpposing teamVenueTournament
67,502Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia Old Trafford, Manchester 2021 Rugby League World Cup Final
47,813Flag of England.svg  England Lang Park, Brisbane 2014 Rugby League Four Nations
43,119Flag of England.svg  England St James' Park, Newcastle 2021 Rugby League World Cup
40,489Flag of England.svg  England Ashburton Grove, London 2021 Rugby League World Cup Semi-Final
25,257Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji Eden Park, Auckland 2019 Oceania Cup Group B

Highest attendances per opponent

AttendanceOpposing teamVenueTournament
67,502Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia Old Trafford, Manchester 2021 Rugby League World Cup Final
47,813Flag of England.svg  England Lang Park, Brisbane 2014 Rugby League Four Nations
25,257Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji Eden Park, Auckland 2019 Oceania Cup Group B
23,264Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand Eden Park, Auckland 2023 Pacific Championships
18,156Flag of Tonga.svg  Tonga Waikato Stadium, Hamilton 2017 Rugby League World Cup
15,385Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales Vetch Field, Swansea 1995 Rugby League World Cup
11,576Flag of France.svg  France Stade Gilbert Brutus, Perpignan 2013 Rugby League World Cup
10,515Flag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands Campbelltown Stadium, Sydney 2022 Samoa vs Cook Islands
8,602Four Provinces Flag.svg  Ireland Parramatta Stadium, Sydney 2008 Rugby League World Cup
8,408Flag of Papua New Guinea.svg  Papua New Guinea Leichhardt Oval, Sydney 2019 Oceania Cup Group B
4,309Flag of Scotland.svg  Scotland Barlow Park, Cairns 2017 Rugby League World Cup
4,115Flag of Greece.svg  Greece Doncaster Community Stadium, Doncaster 2021 Rugby League World Cup
4,107Tino Rangatiratanga Maori sovereignty movement flag.svg  Māori Derwent Park, Workington 2000 Rugby League World Cup
1,323Flag of Lebanon.svg  Lebanon Post Office Road, Featherstone 2008 Rugby League World CupPacific Qualifying Final
753Flag of the United States.svg  United States Halton Stadium, Widnes 2008 Rugby League World CupPacific Qualifying

IRL Rankings

Official rankings as of 30 June 2024
RankChangeTeamPts %
1Steady2.svgFlag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia 100
2Steady2.svgFlag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand 82
3Steady2.svgFlag of England.svg  England 80
4Steady2.svgFlag of Samoa.svg  Samoa 67
5Steady2.svgFlag of Tonga.svg  Tonga 49
6Increase2.svg 1Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 47
7Decrease2.svg 1Flag of Papua New Guinea.svg  Papua New Guinea 46
8Steady2.svgFlag of France.svg  France 28
9Steady2.svgFlag of Lebanon.svg  Lebanon 22
10Steady2.svgFlag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands 20
11Steady2.svgFlag of Serbia.svg  Serbia 19
12Steady2.svgFlag of the Netherlands.svg  Netherlands 17
13Steady2.svgFlag of Italy.svg  Italy 15
14Increase2.svg 1Flag of Greece.svg  Greece 15
15Decrease2.svg 1Flag of Malta.svg  Malta 14
16Steady2.svgFour Provinces Flag.svg  Ireland 14
17Steady2.svgFlag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales 13
18Steady2.svgFlag of Jamaica.svg  Jamaica 10
19Steady2.svgFlag of Scotland.svg  Scotland 9
20Steady2.svgFlag of Ukraine.svg  Ukraine 7
21Steady2.svgFlag of the Czech Republic.svg  Czech Republic 7
22Steady2.svgFlag of Germany.svg  Germany 6
23Increase2.svg 3Flag of Chile.svg  Chile 6
24Steady2.svgFlag of Poland.svg  Poland 6
25Increase2.svg 3Flag of Norway.svg  Norway 6
26Increase2.svg 1Flag of Kenya.svg  Kenya 5
27Decrease2.svg 4Flag of the Philippines.svg  Philippines 5
28Decrease2.svg 3Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 4
29Steady2.svgFlag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria 4
30Steady2.svgFlag of Ghana.svg  Ghana 4
31Increase2.svg 2Flag of the United States.svg  United States 4
32Increase2.svg 4Flag of Montenegro.svg  Montenegro 4
33Decrease2.svg 2Flag of Brazil.svg  Brazil 3
34Decrease2.svg 2Flag of Turkey.svg  Turkey 3
35Increase2.svg 7Flag of North Macedonia.svg  North Macedonia 3
36Decrease2.svg 2Flag of Bulgaria.svg  Bulgaria 3
37Decrease2.svg 2Flag of Cameroon.svg  Cameroon 2
38Decrease2.svg 1Flag of Spain.svg  Spain 2
39Decrease2.svg 1Flag of Japan.svg  Japan 1
40Decrease2.svg 1Flag of Albania.svg  Albania 1
41Increase2.svg 5Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada 1
42Decrease2.svg 2Flag of Colombia.svg  Colombia 1
43Decrease2.svg 2Flag of El Salvador.svg  El Salvador 1
44Decrease2.svg 1Flag of Morocco.svg  Morocco 1
45New.pngFlag of Russia.svg  Russia 0
46Decrease2.svg 2Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden 0
47Decrease2.svg 2Flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina.svg  Bosnia and Herzegovina 0
48Increase2.svg 2Flag of Hungary.svg  Hungary 0
49Increase2.svg 3Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina 0
50New.pngFlag of Hong Kong.svg  Hong Kong 0
51Decrease2.svg 3Flag of the Solomon Islands.svg  Solomon Islands 0
52Decrease2.svg 5Flag of Niue.svg  Niue 0
53Increase2.svg 1Flag of Latvia.svg  Latvia 0
54Decrease2.svg 1Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark 0
55Decrease2.svg 6Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium 0
56Decrease2.svg 1Flag of Estonia.svg  Estonia 0
57Decrease2.svg 6Flag of Vanuatu.svg  Vanuatu 0
Complete rankings at INTRL.SPORT

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Jarome Luai is an Australian rugby league footballer who represents Samoa. He plays as a halfback for the Wests Tigers in the NRL. He previously played for the Penrith Panthers, where he was a four time premiership winning player; he has also represented Samoa at test and 9's level, the NSW Blues in State of Origin and the Māori All Stars in the annual NRL All Stars match. He won the 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 NRL Grand Finals with the Penrith Panthers.

References

  1. "Samoa beats Lebanon to be last team in league world cup". Courier Mail. 14 November 2007. Archived from the original on 30 December 2012. Retrieved 12 December 2009.
  2. "Matt Parish appointed as head coach of Samoa for the World Cup". Sky Sports. 9 July 2013. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  3. Voss, Andrew (6 November 2014). "NZ v Samoa the new State of Origin?". NRL.com. Archived from the original on 6 November 2014. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
  4. "Samoa draw with Scotland to advance in Rugby League World Cup". stuff.co.nz. 11 November 2017. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
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  6. Davidson, John (17 November 2017). "Valentine Holmes scores five tries as Australia trounce Samoa in Rugby League World Cup". The Guardian. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  7. "NRL grand final to be played at SCG in 2020, Samoan players slammed". Fox Sports. 23 November 2017.
  8. "Angry coach lashes out as Samoan players revolt" . Daily Telegraph. 10 February 2021. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  9. Otto, Tyson (3 May 2021). "Matthew Johns' incredible reveal for plan with brother Andrew". news.com.au. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  10. Brunsdon, Simon (3 May 2021). "Matty Johns reveals plan to coach Samoa with brother Joey and SBW". Fox Sports. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  11. Pengilly, Adam (3 May 2021). "Samoa shut down talk of coaching dream team featuring SBW and Johns brothers" . Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  12. Walter, Brad (4 May 2021). "Parish open to Johns brothers, SBW joining Samoa coaching team". NRL.com. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  13. McMurty, Andrew (5 May 2021). "Samoa reject Johns brothers coaching offer despite superstar offers". news.com.au. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  14. Clarke, George (12 May 2021). "Fairytale that became a nightmare: Why NRL superstars lost faith in Samoan rugby league". Fox Sports. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  15. Walter, Brad (9 October 2024). "Domino effect: Luai to lead Samoa as more big names ponder switch". NRL. Retrieved 9 October 2024.