“E so’o le fau i le fau.” – Unity is strength.
A Samoan proverb that speaks to the strength found in unity, it reflects the collective spirit required to represent a nation. Every player brings their own strengths, experiences and responsibilities, but it is how they come together that shapes a team’s identity.
For Stephen Crichton and Toa Samoa, that message rings true as the team prepares to begin its Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) campaign against France on Friday night. As the NRL season winds down, the focus shifts to international rugby league, where representing your nation carries a significance unlike any other. For Stephen Crichton and Toa Samoa, that time has arrived.
Speaking ahead of Friday night’s Rugby League World Cup opener against France, Crichton made no secret of his excitement as Toa Samoa prepares to begin its campaign. Following the late-season break, the star centre said his body was feeling good and he was ready to take the field. This Toa Samoa squad, however, looks considerably different from the group that captured the rugby league world’s attention with its historic run to the World Cup final four years ago. While that campaign remains a defining moment for the nation and its supporters, Crichton made it clear that the focus is now on the present. With only four or five players remaining from that squad, the current group has an opportunity to establish its own identity and write a new chapter in Toa Samoa’s history.
That chapter begins with a blend of emerging talent and players familiar with the demands of big occasions. Newcastle Knights stars Francis Manuleleua and Jermaine McEwen arrive following their grand final appearances, bringing valuable experience into the Toa Samoa camp. Crichton praised the pair for the energy, humility and pride they have brought to the group since joining the squad. Despite the expectations surrounding Toa Samoa, including talk of a commanding victory over France on Friday night, the team’s approach remains grounded. With a strong core of senior players and captains leading the way, the emphasis has been firmly placed on the process rather than the result. Complacency is not an option. Instead, the squad is focused on controlling its preparation, maintaining its standards and building the consistency required to sustain a strong campaign throughout the tournament.
At the centre of that leadership group is captain Jarome Luai, who has faced his share of public scrutiny during a challenging year. However, Crichton dismissed suggestions that Luai is under pressure, backing his captain and the influence he continues to have within the squad. Crichton described Luai as someone who has always embraced the villain narrative, refusing to shy away from outside criticism while remaining loyal to his inner circle and his people. He also highlighted the importance of Luai’s happiness and confidence, explaining that when the playmaker is enjoying his football and performing at his best, the team moves forward together. With Luai leading from the front on the training paddock, Crichton made it clear that the leadership group stands firmly behind its captain. Forward Spencer Leniu brings another dimension to the squad’s mentality. Following an impactful season, Leniu has arrived in camp with an intensity that has already set the tone during early team meetings. Ready to “send it” when he crosses the white line, the forward enforcer is determined to bring that edge onto the field.
For Crichton and his teammates, the opportunity to represent Toa Samoa at home, in front of their families and passionate supporters, carries a significance that extends beyond the game itself. The atmosphere within camp is positive, with high energy, a relaxed environment and strong camaraderie among the players. Beneath the smiles and laughter, however, sits a clear sense of responsibility and purpose. The nation has waited a full year to see Toa Samoa take the field again. As the team prepares to open its RLWC campaign against France, the objective extends beyond the scoreboard. It is about executing individual roles, trusting the process and making their people proud every time they represent their nation.
