Fetu Samoa must win against Fiji to qualify for the 2025 Women's Rugby League World Cup in France. Photo: Facebook / NRLW
Fetu Samoa is poised for an important clash against Fiji Bulikula on Saturday, following their recent 30-16 triumph over Tonga in Fiji.
The match is a must-win for both teams if they want to secure their place in the 16-team event in France next year.
Fetu Samoa has made two appearances at the women's Rugby League World Cup: in 2003 and 2008.
Mercedez Taulelei-Siala, at 18, is the youngest member of the Samoan squad and is playing her first international.
She expressed her gratitude for being called to represent her country.
"There are not many young girls out there who can say that they represent an international team. When I got the call, I couldn't believe it," she said.
"This is a unique opportunity for me to start young and develop valuable skills in this sport.
"It is always an honour to represent Samoa whether it be in 15s, 7s or league; remember it's more than just a jersey; it's also for your family," she added.
The pressure is on Fetu's captain Annetta-Claudia Nuuausala whose role includes making decisions for the team during the game.
Nuuausala said her focus is to get the team the big W on Saturday.
"Fiji is a good team right across the park. We are focused on getting our bodies across the line, getting three or four people in front in the tackle, and we need to focus a lot on our defence this week.
"Majority of these girls are young [and] being one of the older ones has been hard, but I have done everything I can to get the big win this week."
Nuuausala leads the team Siva Tau challenge before kick-off as captain.
Asked about what goes through her mind as she leads the team, she said the adrenalin gets to her way too much she forgets what she is saying
"It is really emotional when performing [the Siva Tau]. It prepares us all for battle on the field; we are a small group, but we will do anything to represent our families and our country."
Fetu Samoa players at training on Wednesday, 30 October 2024 Photo: RNZ Pacific / Coco Lance
While growing the game in the Pacific is a challenge, negative comments from people on social media about the players performing the Siva Tau are also something that they have to deal with.
"Traditionally it is a warrior dance for men," said one social media user.
"Women shouldn't [perform the Siva Tau] they don't look feminine," added another.
When speaking with the athletes, a recurring sentiment emerged: the Siva Tau serves as a source of strength, a connection to their ancestry, and a unifying force as they step onto the pitch.
For Taulelei-Siala, the Siva Tau signifies a readiness for battle.
"It shows we're ready for war," she said, highlighting the dedication and spirit within the team.
Head Coach Jamie Soward, a father of two daughters, is a passionate advocate for women in sports.
Soward is also not a stranger to the sport, having won the Dally M five-eight of the year in 2009, and coaching the Dragons in 2024.
When asked by RNZ Pacific what he thought about the Siva Tau, he said.
"When I got the job, I wanted to make sure the girls and staff understood it. I have done war cry for an Indigenous side.
"The criticism often stems from people who have not experienced professional play themselves.
"For these girls, the Siva Tau carries powerful meaning."
But being a coach, though, is a tough job and for Soward, he is also on a cultural learning journey.
"I am loving it. I am lucky [to] have good staff; it has made [the] transition coaching a country I am not from so good.
"I have learnt a couple of sentences in Samoan to show the girls that I care about their culture."
Fetu Samoa is set to play Fiji at the Media Stadium on Saturday.
