Toa Samoa's Rugby League World Cup 2022 Journey: A Tale of Mana and Determination
Words by Rebecca Soloi (she/her)
The Rugby League World Cup is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the sport, where nations from around the world compete for the ultimate prize in rugby league glory. In October 2022, Toa Samoa, the national rugby league team of Samoa, embarked on a remarkable journey that showcased their passion, determination, and unwavering commitment to the game. While the tournament brought both triumphs and challenges, the Samoan squad left a lasting impression on fans and the rugby league community worldwide.
Toa Samoa kicked off their 2022 Rugby League World Cup campaign with high hopes and a strong sense of purpose. Drawn into a competitive group alongside Greece, England, and France, they faced a daunting challenge right from the start. Their opening match against England was a contested battle that showcased immense talent and skill on both sides. Despite a valiant effort, Samoa lost to England, with England scoring 60 points while Samoa was only left with 6.
After the loss to England, Toa Samoa was ready for a comeback. This time, they came out firing on all cylinders, delivering a dominant performance that resulted in them advancing to the finals against reigning champions Australia. Despite losing in the grand finale, at that point, it wasn’t about winning or losing. Toa Samoa has achieved what was deemed impossible, uniting a nation spread throughout the world to show not only their support but their mana (passion) as a community like no other.
Their mana was celebrated and showcased through parades, where supporters near and far gathered with their flags and cars and drove around a certain part of the city. There were parades from Brisbane and Sydney, Australia; to Auckland and Wellington, New Zealand; to our lovely capital of Apia, Samoa. A stream of red, white, and blue was seen on our streets, in our homes, and in our cars. I even witnessed a group of people covered from head to toe in blue paint. The support was never-ending, and I couldn’t be prouder to be Samoan.
Toa Samoa's journey in the Rugby League World Cup 2022 was a testament to the power of passion, determination, and national pride. While they faced challenges and heartbreak along the way, their performances on the field and their commitment to representing Samoa left an indelible mark not only on the rugby field but the world. As they look ahead to future tournaments, Toa Samoa stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, unwavering dedication to the sport, and the mana of a nation supporting you through it all.