DEBUTANTS PROUD TO REPRESENT SAMOA

Faalogo breaking through the Kangaroos defence. (Photo: Yahoo)

Sua Faalogo and Gordon Chan Kum Tong of Toa Samoa proved against Australia that they had a bright future in the blue despite having combined for only 109 minutes of NRL action.

In Townsville, Faalogo, who made his NRL debut for the Storm in Round 27, was electric in the back, and Chan Kum Tong, who had two appearances for Manly this season off the bench, both showed great intelligence and tenacity in defense.

The debutants, who were also two of the tiniest players on the field, both had tremendous passion, and coach Ben Gardiner was overjoyed with praise for them after the game.

One of the game's true highlights, according to Gardiner, was little Sua playing fullback. "There were some really good individual performances," he said.

"One of the major stars of the game was Young Gordon at hooker as well... There were nine debutants tonight, and they all stood up for us, which was fantastic and will be great for Samoa going ahead.

It's putting us in a situation where we'll have a young team with experience from Test matches and the NRL in the future.

Being one of the nine debutants in the Samoan side was a remarkable experience for Faalogo, who expressed his ambition to represent his country after his first match.

Faalogo remarked, "It was very special playing for my country, representing my village, and especially for my parents back there."

"It was a really amazing night for me... I never imagined I'd get the opportunity to represent my nation, so it was simply a strange sensation.

"It was just so soon; but once I got the chance, I was just so happy, it's crazy."

Being able to represent Samoa and raise awareness of international rugby league, according to Chan Kum Tong, who is also of Chinese ancestry, was an honor.

Toa Samoa player Chan Kum Tong stated, "Just to put on the Toa Samoa jersey, it means the world to me. As a kid, I've always wanted to play for them and it's just a dream come true."

"100%, international football... The game will undoubtedly expand if everyone has the opportunity to represent their nation.

"This is just the beginning, but hopefully the NRL can continue to support international football."

Samoa will take the field in the second match of the men's Pacific Championships competition before taking on New Zealand at Auckland's Eden Park.