Winning a title is a moment every rugby league player dreams of, but for Jazz Tevaga, the celebrations came with a little humour of his own.
Following the NRL Grand Final, a photo of former Penrith teammates Stephen Crichton, Spencer Leniu, Jarome Luai and Brian To’o brought back memories of their time together at the Panthers. Collectively, the four boast 15 premiership rings, a reflection of the success they shared at the club. Tevaga, fresh off winning a Grand Final with Wakefield Trinity in the English Super League, saw the perfect opportunity to join the conversation. Adding himself to the photo, he playfully changed the tally to 16 rings, claiming his place among the winners.
It was a lighthearted moment that reflected the humour Tevaga brings to the game. That same spirit is familiar within the Toa Samoa environment and across Pasifika communities, where playful banter, laughter and the ability to have a joke with one another are part of how people connect. Even in the intensity of professional rugby league, humour remains one of the ways teammates build relationships and enjoy the journey together.
But beyond the laughs and title celebrations, another opportunity was waiting.
Tevaga’s attention quickly turned to Toa Samoa after receiving a phone call from head coach Ben Gardiner. Having transitioned from the NRL to the Super League, the forward admitted he was surprised by the opportunity to represent Samoa on the international stage. The call caught him off guard to the point that he double-checked with Gardiner to make sure he had the right man for the job. Once the invitation was confirmed, however, there was little hesitation. When the opportunity comes to represent your country, especially in the blue jersey of Samoa, it is not one you turn down.
Returning to the Toa Samoa environment also meant stepping into a squad stacked with talent and experience. For Tevaga, being surrounded by some of the best players in the game was a reminder of the standards required to compete at the highest level. He pointed to co-captain Jarome Luai and the leadership he brings to the group, highlighting the importance of having experienced leaders setting the tone as Samoa prepare for another major international campaign. Luai’s influence and ability to perform at his best will be crucial to the side’s ambitions. Tevaga has also witnessed firsthand the growth of international rugby league and the changing landscape for Pacific nations. Reflecting on Samoa’s journey since the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, where the nation competed in the quarterfinals, he acknowledged the significant strides made by the program. Samoa has since reached the 2022 World Cup final and the final of the Pacific Championships, establishing itself as a genuine force on the international stage.
That progress has been driven in part by players choosing to represent their heritage, even when eligible for traditional rugby league powerhouses. For Tevaga, the rise of Samoa, Tonga and Fiji reflects a broader shift in the game, with Pacific nations continuing to challenge established powers and demonstrate their ability to compete at the highest level. While Tevaga remained tight-lipped about the specific role Gardiner has planned for him, he was enthusiastic about the qualities within the squad, particularly the physical presence Samoa can bring to the field. One player who stands out is Spencer Leniu. Tevaga described Leniu as humble and mild-mannered away from the game, with a different edge emerging once he steps onto the field. That ability to switch on when it matters is an asset for any side competing at the highest level, where physicality, resilience and the willingness to stand your ground can make the difference in the toughest moments.
For Toa Samoa, having players who can bring that edge will be important as the team looks to build on the foundations laid by previous campaigns. For Tevaga, the journey from celebrating a Super League title to answering the call for his country is another opportunity to contribute to something bigger than himself. He brings experience, a competitive edge and the personality to fit into a group that understands the importance of both hard work and camaraderie. As Toa Samoa prepare for the challenges ahead, the focus is on building on the progress already made and continuing to push the boundaries of international rugby league. While his Super League title with Wakefield Trinity marks another milestone in his career, pulling on the blue jersey carries a different kind of significance: the opportunity to represent his heritage and help lead Toa Samoa into its next chapter.
