Samoa women's national rugby league team

Last updated

Samoa
Team information
NicknameFetū Samoa
Governing body Rugby League Samoa
Region Oceania
Head coach Jamie Soward
Captain Annetta Nu'uausala
IRL ranking 12 Decrease2.svg 1 (21 July 2025) [1]
Uniforms
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body thindkbluesides.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks long.svg
First colours
Team results
First international
Flag of Samoa.svg Samoa vs Great Britain  Flag of the United Kingdom.svg
North Harbour Stadium, Albany, NZ
28 September 2003
Biggest win
Flag of Samoa.svg Samoa 52 — 8 Russia Flag of Russia.svg
Stockland Park, Sunshine Coast, Australia
14 November 2008
Biggest defeat
Flag of Samoa.svg Samoa 0 — 84 New Zealand  Flag of New Zealand.svg
North Harbour Stadium, Albany, NZ
6 October 2003
World Cup
Appearances2
Best result5th (2003 and 2008)

The Samoa women's national rugby league team, also known as the Fetū Sāmoa (means Samoa Stars), represents Samoa in Women's rugby league. They are administered by the Rugby League Samoa. [2]

Contents

Fetu Samoa has made appearances at the 2003 and 2008 Women's Rugby League World Cup's. Samoa's last international Test Match was against the New Zealand Kiwi Ferns in June 2019, Auckland, New Zealand. [3]

Head to head records

OpponentFMMRMWDLWin%PFPAShare
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  Great Britain 2003200310010.00%122830.00%
Flag of Tonga.svg  Tonga 200320243300100.00%1142085.07%
Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand 2003202550050.00%4020616.26%
Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia 2003202530030.00%2614215.48%
Flag of Niue.svg  Niue 200320031100100.00%241857.14%
Flag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands 200320031100100.00%281860.87%
  Pacific Islands 2008200810010.00%222645.83%
Flag of France.svg  France 200820081100100.00%320100.00%
Flag of Russia.svg  Russia 200820081100100.00%52886.67%
Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 202320242200100.00%422463.64%
Flag of Papua New Guinea.svg  Papua New Guinea 202420241100100.00%341273.91%
Totals20032025201001050.00%42650245.91%

Notes:

Coaches

The current Fetu Samoa head coach is Jamie Soward. [4] The team’s first-ever coach was George Apelu-Tuimaseve, who was also a member of the inaugural Samoa National Men’s Rugby League team (formerly Western Samoa, currently Toa Samoa) in 1986. Apelu-Tuimaseve played for the Richmond Rovers Rugby League Club in Grey Lynn, Auckland. He is the son of the late Rev. Apelu Tuimaseve, who established the Samoan Methodist Church in New Zealand and Australia.

NameTestsNinesRef.
SpanMWDLW%SpanMWDLW%
George Apelu-Tuimaseve2003630350%N/A
Tavita Solomona2008520340%N/A [5]
Frank Fuimaono201110010%2018420250%
Glenn Brailey201910010%N/A [6]
Jeff TapualaN/A2019410325% [7]
Ross Uele202010010%N/A [8]
Jamie Soward 2023-25640267%N/A

Table last updated 27 October 2025.

Current squad

The Fetu Samoa squad for the 2025 Pacific Championships was announced on 7 October 2025. [9]

Jersey number in the table reflect the Round 2 match versus Australia

Players' ages are as at the date that the table was last updated, 26 October 2025 (after the match versus Australia).

J#PlayerAgePosition(s)Fetu Samoa2024 ClubNRLWOther Reps
DbtMTGFPtsCMTMTGFPts
1 Destiny Mino-Sinapati 20 Fullback , Wing 202331004 Gold Coast Titans colours.svg Titans 131330012—
2Jessica Patea18 Wing , Centre 2024540016 Illawarra colours.svg Steelers 000000—
3Lindsay Tui20 Centre , Wing 2023640016 Parramatta colours.svg Eels 18180000—
4 Sarina Masaga 20 Centre , Second-row 2024530012 Gold Coast Titans colours.svg Titans 11112008—
5Mercedez Taulelei-Siala19 Wing , Centre 202441004 Newcastle colours.svg Knights 111004—
6Taliah Fuimaono26 Five-eighth 202251004 Gold Coast Titans colours.svg Titans 162940016Flag of Australia (converted).svg 3 New South Wales colours.svg 5 Australian Aboriginal Flag.svg 5
7 Jetaya Faifua 22 Halfback , Fullback 202451004 Wests Tigers colours.svg Tigers 112960024—
8 Annetta Nu'uausala 30 Prop , Lock 2023630012 Brisbane colours.svg Broncos 263550020Flag of New Zealand.svg 14
9 Destiny Brill 22 Hooker 202350000 Brisbane colours.svg Broncos 2941120048 Queensland colours.svg 8 Tino Rangatiratanga Maori sovereignty movement flag.svg 2
10Eliza Lopamaua20 Prop , Second-row 202520000 Eastern Suburbs colours.svg Roosters 15152008—
11 Tavarna Papalii 20 Second-row , Lock 202451004 Eastern Suburbs colours.svg Roosters 880000 Queensland colours.svg 3
12Ryvrr-Lee Alo19 Second-row , Lock 202430000 Parramatta colours.svg Eels 10101004Flag of the Cook Islands.svg 1
17Shalom Sauaso18 Lock , Centre 202521004 Brisbane colours.svg Broncos 101050020—
14Ella-Jaye Harrison-Leaunoa18 Five-eighth 202430000 Ipswich Colours.svg Jets 000000—
15Laikha Clarke24 Prop 202440000 Gold Coast Titans colours.svg Titans 292930012Tino Rangatiratanga Maori sovereignty movement flag.svg 2 Australian colours.svg 1
16Jaydika Tafua19 Second-row 202510000 Cronulla colours.svg Sharks 990000—
13Pihuka Berryman-Duff24 Five-eighth 202360000 Wests Tigers colours.svg Tigers 11201004—
18 Simone Karpani 28 Prop , Lock 202430000 Newcastle colours.svg Knights 27330000 Queanbeyan United Colours.png 1
–Estanoa Faitala-Mariner20 Centre , Wing —00000 Gold Coast Titans colours.svg Titans 551004—
– Monica Tagoai 27 Centre —00000 Canterbury colours.svg Bulldogs 8830012—
C Sienna Lofipo 20 Lock , Hooker 202510000 Gold Coast Titans colours.svg Titans 242440016Flag of Samoa.svg 4 Queensland colours.svg 4
– Pauline Piliae-Rasabale 32 Halfback , Fullback 20235015030 Gold Coast Titans colours.svg Titans 624228064—
– Niall Williams-Guthrie 37 Centre 202310000 Gold Coast Titans colours.svg Titans 17172008—

Notes

Results

Full internationals

DateOpponentScoreTournamentVenueVideoReports
28 Sep 2003Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  Great Britain
12–28
2003 Women's Rugby League World Cup Flag of New Zealand.svg North Harbour Stadium — [10]
30 Sep 2003Flag of Tonga.svg  Tonga
44–4
— [11]
6 Oct 2003Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand
0–84
— [12]
8 Oct 2003Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia
12–40
— [13]
10 Oct 2003Flag of Niue.svg  Niue
24–18
— [14]
12 Oct 2003Flag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands
28–18
6 Nov 2008Flag of Tonga.svg  Tonga
40–0
2008 Women's Rugby League World Cup Flag of Australia (converted).svg Stockland Park, Sunshine Coast — [15]
8 Nov 2008  Pacific Islands
22–26
10 Nov 2008Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand
4–26
[16] —
12 Nov 2008Flag of France.svg  France
32–0
— [17]
14 Nov 2008Flag of Russia.svg  Russia
52–8
— [18]
3 Sep 2011Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia
14–42
Test MatchFlag of Samoa.svg Apia Park — [19]
22 Jun 2019Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand
8–46
Test MatchFlag of New Zealand.svg Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland [20] —
7 Nov 2020Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand
8–28
Test MatchFlag of New Zealand.svg Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland [21] [22]
15 Oct 2023Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji
26–12
2023 Pacific Championship Flag of Papua New Guinea.svg Santos Stadium, Port Moresby [23] [24] [25]
19 Oct 2024Flag of Tonga.svg  Tonga
30–16
2024 Pacific Championship Flag of Fiji.svg HFC Bank Stadium, Suva [26] [27]
2 Nov 2024Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji
16–12
Flag of New Zealand.svg Go Media Stadium, Auckland [28] [29]
10 Nov 2024Flag of Papua New Guinea.svg  Papua New Guinea
34-12
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Western Sydney Stadium, Sydney [30]
19 Oct 2025Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand
20–22
2025 Pacific Championship Flag of New Zealand.svg Go Media Stadium, Auckland [31]
26 Oct 2025Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia
0–60
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane [32]

Nines

DateOpponentScoreTournamentVenueVideoReport
23 Feb 2018Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji
24–6
2018 Commonwealth Championship Flag of Australia (converted).svg Dolphin Stadium, Brisbane [33]
23 Feb 2018Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia
4–26
24 Feb 2018Flag of Tonga.svg  Tonga
20–0
[34]
24 Feb 2018Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia
8–14
8 Aug 2019Flag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands
12–16
2019 Pacific Games Flag of Samoa.svg Apia Park [35]
8 Aug 2019Flag of the Solomon Islands.svg Solomon Islands
38–4
9 Aug 2019Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji
4–12
9 Aug 2019Flag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands
10–24
[36] [37]
20 Nov 2023Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji
10–22
2023 Pacific Games Flag of the Solomon Islands.svg National Stadium, Honiara
20 Nov 2023Flag of the Solomon Islands.svg Solomon Islands
20–8
— [38]
20 Nov 2023Flag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands
4–20
21 Nov 2023Flag of Tonga.svg  Tonga
0–18
[39]
21 Nov 2023Flag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands
28–8
22 Nov 2023Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji
0–4
[40]

Margins and streaks

Biggest winning margins

MarginScoreOpponentVenueDate
4452–8Flag of Russia.svg  Russia Sunshine Coast Stadium 14 Nov 2008
4040–0Flag of Tonga.svg  Tonga Sunshine Coast Stadium 6 Nov 2008
4044–4Flag of Tonga.svg  Tonga North Harbour Stadium 30 Sep 2003
3232–0Flag of France.svg  France Sunshine Coast Stadium 12 Nov 2008
2234–12Flag of Papua New Guinea.svg  Papua New Guinea CommBank Stadium 10 Nov 2024
1426–12Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji Santos National Football Stadium 15 Oct 2023
1430–16Flag of Tonga.svg  Tonga HFC Bank Stadium 19 Oct 2024

Biggest losing margins

MarginScoreOpponentVenueDate
840–84Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand North Harbour Stadium 6 Oct 2003
600–60Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia Suncorp Stadium 26 Oct 2025
388–46Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand Go Media Stadium 22 June 2019
2812–40Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia North Harbour Stadium 28 Sep 2003
2814–42Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia Apia Park 3 Sep 2011
224–26Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand Sunshine Coast Stadium 10 Nov 2008
208–28Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand Go Media Stadium 7 Nov 2020

Teams

2019 Squad Fetu Samoa vs Kiwi Ferns Saturday 22 June 2019 Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand Result: 8-46 (tries to Billy-Jean Ale & Moana Fineaso-Levi). The last time Fetu Samoa played against the New Zealand Kiwi Ferns team was at the 2008 World Cup in Queensland, Australia losing that match 4-26.

  1. Sieni Mose
  2. Moana Fineaso-Levi
  3. Va'anessa Molia-Fraser
  4. Ricshay Lemanu
  5. Sarah Togatuki
  6. Mikayla Malaki
  7. Taliah Fuimaono
  8. Emma Young
  9. Cesca Luafalealo
  10. Elianna Walton (Captain)
  11. Christina Pauli
  12. Masuisuimatamaalii Tauaua-Pauaraisa
  13. Luisa Gago
  14. Talia Lealaiauloto
  15. Billy-Jean Ale
  16. Lauretta Leao-Seve
  17. Taimane Levu

Head Coach: Glenn Bailey Assistant Coach: Frank (Sefo) Fuimaono Manager: Liz Akuoi-Atmore

2018 Squad Commonwealth Nines Championship 23-24 February 2018 Moreton Bay, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia It had been 7 years since the Fetu Samoa team last played on the international scene in 2011. In 2018, the team competed at the Women's Commonwealth Nines Championship at the Redcliffe, Queensland, Australia. The team narrowly lost to the Australian Jillaroos in the gold medal match 8-14, coming away with a silver medal. In preparation for this, the team won the annual Cabramatta 9's International tournament in Sydney, Australia on Saturday 3 February 2018.

Standbys:

Coach: Frank (Sefo) Fuimaono (Fatausi, Safotulafai) Trainers: Rodney Hall (Toamua, Fasito’o-uta), Anjalee Howlett Physio: Braydon Vo Manager: Sally Va'afusuaga (Faleāse’ela, Tuana’i, Tanugamanono)

2011 squad

Fetu Samoa squad that played in a test match against the Jillaroos on 1 September 2011 in Apia, Samoa: [41]

2008 World Cup squad

The tournament was held in Australia from 26 October, culminating in the final between Australia and New Zealand on 22 November. It was held at Stockland Park alongside the Police World Cup. Eight teams took part including defending champions New Zealand.

  1. Marie Leota
  2. Esther Fuaivaa
  3. Jean Oti
  4. Maryann Collins
  5. Mele Leuluaiali'i
  6. Ake Pereira
  7. Kally Leota
  8. Tolupene (Neta) Peau (Vice Captain)
  9. Maryanne Hemara
  10. Iriana Huriwai-Sasulu
  11. Sera Clayton (Captain)
  12. Theresa Malaitai
  13. Rachael Efaraimo
  14. Tunufa'i Poulava
  15. Serena Curtis-Lemuelu
  16. Laine Faapito
  17. Fuarosa Time
  18. Poto Lemalu-Tuisamoa
  19. Maima Tiatia
  21. Mate Lefale
  22. Justine Lavea
  23. Tatiana Tafatu

Head Coach: Tavita Solomona Manager: Jo Toleafoa Trainer / Secretary: May Afoa-Peterson Support Staff: Daisy Va'afusuaga Executive: Sally Va'afusuaga Tour Manager: Tagaloa Fouina Su'a Samoan Official: Unasa Lautofa

Records

Team

Individual

See also

Sources

AcronymItemYearsDatabase AppNotes
Direct Online Access
VH, VRVideo Highlights, Replay2008–presentYouTubeMatch highlights and or full match replays
NZRLNew Zealand Rugby League1995–present NZRL website List of results for New Zealand women's rugby league team
NRL National Rugby League 2011 NRL website 2011 Test versus Australia
Indirect Online Access [nb 1]
RLW Rugby League Week 2003EBSCOhostScores for some 2003 World Cup matches.
DT Daily Telegraph 2003NewsbankScores for some 2003 World Cup matches.
SCD Sunshine Coast Daily 2008NewsbankGood coverage of 2008 World Cup
  1. ↑ Access through library eResources to database applications housing newspaper and journal content. This may require library membership. As an example, SLNSW eResources requires a membership number, although membership is free to residents of NSW.

References

  1. ↑ "IRL World Rankings: Women". International Rugby League. 21 July 2025. Retrieved 21 July 2025.
  2. ↑ "Fetu Samoa gearing up for clash with NZ".
  3. ↑ rugbyleaguesamoa.com (16 May 2013). "Fetu Samoa: 2011 - 2012" . Retrieved 4 May 2015.
  4. ↑ "Samoa Appoint NRL, NRLW Coaches For Pacific Championships". International Rugby League. Rugby League Samoa. 20 September 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  5. ↑ Women's and Police Rugby League World Cups Official Event Program. Kawana, Queensland: Queensland Police Service Rugby League Association Inc. 3 November 2008.
  6. ↑ "Glenn Brailey Named Fetu Samoa Head Coach". Asia Pacific Rugby League. 3 June 2019. Archived from the original on 23 September 2021. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  7. ↑ Airey, Thomas (5 July 2019). "Fetu Samoa 9s gelling quickly for Pacific Games". Samoa Observer. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  8. ↑ "Fetu Samoa gearing up for clash with NZ". Samoa Rugby League. 2 November 2020. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  9. ↑ "Stars pledge allegiance to Fetu Samoa for Pacific Championships campaign". NRL. 7 October 2025. Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  10. ↑ "Scoreboard". Rugby League Week (1/10/2003). Sydney: Bauer Media Group.
  11. ↑ "SPORT details". Daily Telegraph. 1 October 2003. p. 82.
  12. ↑ "Scoreboard". Rugby League Week (8/10/2003). Sydney: Bauer Media Group.
  13. ↑ "SPORT details". Daily Telegraph. 9 October 2003. p. 57.
  14. ↑ "Women's Rugby League". Rugby League Review. 1 November 2003. p. 8.
  15. ↑ Gardiner, Peter (7 November 2008). "Hancock stars as Jillaroos romp home". Sunshine Coast Daily. p. 22.
  16. ↑ "Kiwi Ferns v Samoa". YouTube. NZ Rugby League. 3 August 2017 [2008]. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
  17. ↑ Tuxworth, Jon (13 November 2008). "Sister Act". Sunshine Coast Daily. p. 48.
  18. ↑ "English pride comes to the fore". Sunshine Coast Daily. 15 November 2008. p. 106.
  19. ↑ "Jillaroos successful in tour of Samoa". NRL.com. 5 September 2011. Retrieved 26 February 2018.
  20. ↑ "Kiwi Ferns v Samoa Full Match Replay". YouTube. NZ Rugby League. 26 November 2019. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
  21. ↑ "Kiwi Ferns vs Fetu Samoa Invitational 2020 Full". New Zealand Rugby League. 6 November 2020. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  22. ↑ Reive, Christopher (7 November 2020). "Rugby league: Kiwi Ferns beat Samoa in international return". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  23. ↑ "Fetu Samoa v Fiji Bulikula - Match Highlights - 2023 Pacific Championships". YouTube. NRLW - National Rugby League Women's. 16 October 2023. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
  24. ↑ Davies, Justin (15 October 2023). "Samoa brush past Fiji". League Unlimited. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  25. ↑ Rosser, Corey (15 October 2023). "Fetu Samoa survive late comeback to beat Fiji Bulikula". NRL. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  26. ↑ "Pacific Championships 2024 - Tonga XIII v Fetu Samoa - Match Highlights". YouTube. NRLW - National Rugby League Women's. 19 October 2024. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
  27. ↑ Rosser, Corey (19 October 2024). "Samoa down Tonga to keep World Cup dream alive". NRL. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
  28. ↑ "Pacific Championships 2024 - Fetu Samoa v Bulikula - Match Highlights". NRL. 2 November 2024. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
  29. ↑ "Late surge earns Samoa World Cup spot, promotion shot". National Rugby League. 2 November 2024. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  30. ↑ Lenehan, Martin (10 November 2024). "Fetu Samoa turn on the power to earn Pacific Cup promotion". NRL.com. Retrieved 10 November 2024.
  31. ↑ "2025 Women's Pacific Championships - Kiwi Ferns v Fetu Samoa - Match Highlights - Round 1". YouTube. NRLW - National Rugby League Women's. 19 October 2025. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
  32. ↑ "2025 Women's Pacific Championships - Jillaroos v Fetu Samoa - Match Highlights - Round 2". YouTube. NRLW - National Rugby League Women's. 26 October 2025. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
  33. ↑ "Commonwealth Championship: Day 1 Results". QRL. Commonwealth Championship Media. 23 February 2018. Retrieved 1 April 2021.
  34. ↑ "Commonwealth Championships Results - Day Two". Love Rugby League. 24 February 2018. Retrieved 1 April 2021.
  35. ↑ "Results from Day 1 of 2019 Pacific Games". Asia Pacific Rugby League. 8 July 2019. Archived from the original on 15 July 2019. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
  36. ↑ "Rugby League 9s, Pacific Games 2019". YouTube. 17 July 2019. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
  37. ↑ Pavitt, Michael (9 July 2019). "Fiji celebrate double rugby league nines gold as history made at Samoa 2019". Inside the Games. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
  38. ↑ Psalm, Peter (21 November 2023). "Reigning champions defeated at Rugby League 9s". SOL2023. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  39. ↑ Walter, Brad (22 November 2023). "Woolf, Kaufusi backing Tonga women in quest for Pacific Games gold". NRL. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
  40. ↑ Cama, Akuila (22 November 2023). "Women's Nines win bronze". FBC News. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
  41. ↑ sportingpulse.com (1 September 2011). "Fetu Samoa Team" . Retrieved 4 May 2015.
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