Not even a week after Sua Fa’alogo lit up WIN Stadium in Wollongong with a Round 2 hat-trick, a Storm contingent was on the ground in Samoa watching the next generation of young footballers trying to emulate his feats over 4,000 kilometres away.
Multicultural Round provides the game of rugby league the chance to celebrate and highlight the many cultures that contribute so richly to the sport.
This week, travelling to Samoa on Fiji Airways, Storm CEO Justin Rodski, forward Eli Katoa and Player Wellbeing Manager Young Tonumaipea made a special trip to engage with the Samoan community, build connections, strengthen ties in the region and learn more about culture on the island.
For the trio, it was an experience and opportunity they won’t be forgetting anytime soon, highlighted by a visit to Fa’alogo’s local village and primary school.
“This was such an amazing experience,” Rodski said
“The welcome we received from the local village and school kids was very special and something I won’t forget anytime soon”
“The Samoan people are so proud of their culture, heritage and island way of life, they are so humble and friendly, and they clearly love their rugby league”
Samoan heritage represents the single largest cultural group at the Club with more than 40% of players. Overall, 72% of players from pathways through to the NRL squad identify as Māori, Pasifika or Indigenous, highlighting the strong cultural diversity and representation within our playing groups.
“When we FaceTimed Sua during the visit, it was so moving to see the emotion he showed from us being there, visiting his local village, he had tears in his eyes, it really meant a lot to him,” Rodski said.
“And it means a lot to us, being on the ground in Samoa, connecting with the community and culture of a country that so many of our players call home, that can only further strengthen our relationships with our players and our understanding internally of the importance of culture."
The trip included a visit to a local rugby league match at the Wesley College attended by many dignitaries including the Samoan Rugby League Federation, Samoan Prime Minister Laʻauli Leuatea Schmidt and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
“There is so much talent in Samoa, it was great to see the skills on show, the game is growing in the region, and with players like Sua inspiring the next generation, I have no doubt the game is in a strong position to continue on that trajectory.”
The connection with Storm and the Pacific will continue to be a critical part of the Club moving forward, such is the passion for the game in the region as well as the rich culture it brings to rugby league in Melbourne.
“Ahead of our celebration of Multicultural Round on Friday night, it’s a fantastic reminder of the many cultures that come together to help make our Club special,” Rodski said.
“The visit to Samoa was reinforcement of that and we look forward to continuing to strengthen our ties to Samoa and the Pacific region in the future.”
