Public show support for Toa Samoa
Toa Samoa Supporters.
Photo: Supplied
As Toa Samoa gears up for its next match-up against the Rugby League World Cup's newest participant Greece, members of the public and fans of Toa Samoa have shown their full support for the boys in blue ahead of their clash this coming Monday.
The Eyespy Radio crew visited the streets of Apia on Friday to hear what the people of Samoa have to say about the Toa Samoa's performance at the world cup so far, and whether their loss during their last outing against hosts England by 60-6 has in any way deterred their support for the boys in blue.
21-year-old Hemi Winston Fa'atonu in an interview stated that although the result of the last match with England was not what he expected, he is still rooting for our national team. "I believe that as a true fan it doesn't matter if we win or lose, we still have to back them all the way whatever the result. It's heartbreaking how many of our people have criticized Toa Samoa for not winning their first game against England,"
"We have to understand that all of the players who are currently playing for Toa Samoa have rejected offers to play for tier one nations such as Australia and New Zealand, but chose to represent Samoa instead due to their love for their country and their heritage. I still believe in our boys and hope that they get the win in their last two remaining pool matches against Greece and France," he said.
Another fan of Toa Samoa, Mr. Elia Toelau relayed that he is still backing Toa Samoa even though they were thoroughly crushed in their pool outing. "This is rugby, we wont always get the desired result every match, but what is important is that our boys know that we are with them 100% whether we win or face defeat,"
"I know that a lot of us were disappointed with their performance against England, but sometimes we have to accept it and keep supporting our players. We have to acknowledge that they are willing to play for their nation despite Samoa being a tier two nation on the rugby league world stage," stated Mr. Toelau.
There have been two new replacements for Toa Samoa due to players Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Braeden Hamlin-Uele and Tyrone May sustaining tournament-ending injuries from their opening match with England. The two new additions to the squad include center Tim Lafai and winger Ken Sio who are both currently playing for U.K Super League franchise Salford Devils.
Kemo Hanipale who spoke to Eyespy Radio says that he still follows Toa Samoa despite their loss to England, and says that he is positive that the two replacements will boost the Toa Samoa's back line. "I've watched Tim Lafai's highlights this year and I think he will add firepower to Toa Samoa's offense with his no-look offloads and passing game as evident in his performance at the Super League this season," he said.
Toa Samoa will definitely need our support as they prepare for their next match with Greece, which will be played at 5:00am on Monday the 25th of October.