Inside the pact driving Samoa to topple World Cup 'big dogs'

Brian To’o and Jarome Luai have revealed how a pact to replicate Tonga’s rise at the 2017 World Cup inspired some of NRL’s biggest stars to commit to Samoa and are backing the Pacific nation to upset England in the opening match.

To’o and Luai are among six members of Penrith’s premiership winning team in the star-studded Toa Samoa squad, which includes State of Origin props Junior Paulo and Josh Papalii and teen sensation Joseph Suaalii.

Luai, Paulo and Papalii played for Samoa in 2017 but the Pacific nation didn’t win a match, while Tonga shocked New Zealand to turn the World Cup on its head and only missed the final after a controversial loss to England.

Tonga have since beaten Australia and Great Britain to enter the World Cup as the No.2 nation behind the Kiwis, according to the IRL rankings.

However, many believe Samoa have a stronger squad, with playmakers of the calibre of Luai and Anthony Milford, while To’o was a certain selection on the wing for Australia before declaring his allegiance to the Pacific nation.  

“We are obviously inspired by what Tonga did and the way they were playing for their jersey,” To’o said.

“It was more than just a game and it meant something to them. They were playing for their people and playing for their country. It is something that drives us to play for Samoa.

“I just really want to replicate what Tonga did. Imagine if Samoa could do that. It would change the game. The first match against England will be mad. It is something we are really looking forward to.”

When the World Cup draw was done two years ago, organisers couldn’t have envisaged what a drawcard Samoa would be and are now hoping for a crowd of more than 40,000 for this weekend's tournament opener in Newcastle.

However, there is now the very real possibility of a Samoa upset setting the host nation, England, on a collision course to meet Tonga in the quarter-final and an early World Cup exit.

“It will be a good test for us to see how we go against one of the top dogs of the world,” Luai said.

“I have got an idea of how passionate England are about their sports and about their people, as well, so it will be a pretty crazy atmosphere to be a part of.

“I think there is a good pool of talent in the Samoa team, so we have a good chance against one of the top teams.”

To’o was the first Origin star to commit to Samoa and Luai, Panthers centre Stephen Crichton, Paulo and Papalii followed, along with Suaalii, who was tipped to be selected for the Kangaroos at just 19 years of age.

If Samoa are successful, their actions will be compared to Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita turning their backs on New Zealand and Australia to play for Tonga at the 2017 World Cup.

“We are probably in the same boat as Tonga were in terms of just wanting to represent the mother land and commit because we can build something special,” Luai said.

“It would mean a lot to us personally and we know what kind of effect it would have in the country and for Samoans everywhere if we can do something special at this World Cup.”

To’o said there was no pressure put on players to choose Samoa but once a few big names committed others followed and their squad is now so strong that there was no room for the likes of David Nofoaluma.

“I think some of the boys were a bit indecisive, but I was really happy with what I decided. and I think it spread,” To’o said. “Word got around quick, and it was cool to see the other boys commit to Samoa as well.

"I obviously made the first move by deciding my allegiances and a few of the boys followed, but we said that it was up to each player and no matter whether they chose Samoa or elsewhere we would support each other.”

With Samoa and Tonga on the same side of the draw, there is the possibility of the Pacific powerhouses and arch-rivals meeting in either a quarter-final or semi-final.

Australia and New Zealand are destined to play-off in the other semi-final and To’o said Samoa would back themselves against the Kangaroos.

“It would be a massive opportunity, given that the Kangaroos were the top team at the last World Cup, especially with all the top players in their squad. as well,” he said.

“It would be something to look forward to and a big challenge for us but I’m sure we would rise to the occasion.”