‘Origin intensity’: Fierce rivals set to battle for Pacific bragging rights

Cameron MeeNRL ReporterWed 6 Aug 2025, 08:01 AM Star winger Sione Katoa has declared the Tonga-Samoa rivalry will reach a State of Origin intensity when the two nations face off at Suncorp Stadium in October.  The teams will clash on Sunday October 26 in the second week of the Pacific Championships. The Jillaroos will also […]

‘We can win the World Cup’: Haas commits to Samoa

AuthorColleen Edwards & Brad WalterSun 17 Aug 2025, 12:03 PM Payne Haas believes it is fitting that his first match for Toa Samoa in Australia will be against Tonga at Suncorp Stadium after paying tribute to Jason Taumalolo for inspiring his move to play for the Pacific nation. Haas has provided a massive boost to […]

‘Our Origin’: Samoa-Tonga rivalry a lure for stars

Brad WalterNRL Senior ReporterMon 18 Aug 2025, 10:29 AM Toa Samoa coach Ben Gardiner believes the State of Origin-like rivalry with Tonga is a massive lure for big name stars like Payne Haas choosing to represent their Pacific heritage. Haas, the superstar Broncos and NSW Origin prop, has confirmed he will play for Samoa at […]

‘Follow your heart’: Nanai’s message to Samoan stars after Haas call

Sofia BamonteTue 19 Aug 2025, 08:06 AM For Cowboys forward Jeremiah Nanai, the chance to represent Samoa is about family, culture and following in the footsteps of those who changed the international game. Nanai made the call last year to wear the blue of Samoa after featuring in two Tests for Australia in 2022, and […]

Papa v AFB: Cometh the hour, cometh the middle man

Martin LenehanNRL Lead JournalistTimestampFri 19 Sep 2025, 06:12 AM Of all the memorable battles Addin Fonua-Blake and Josh Papali’i have fought at NRL level over the years, it’s the international stage that produced perhaps their greatest ever showdown. In blue corner of Samoa was Papalii, while Fonua-Blake donned the red of Tonga, as the two […]