Samoans prove too powerful for Italy
A TRY- saving tackle from Cowboys contracted teenager Hamiso Tabuai- Fidow has lifted the North Queensland Samoan representative side to a thrilling 28- 24 victory over Queensland Italy in Tully at the weekend.
After opening proceedings with a traditional war dance on Saturday night, the Samoans remained in a fierce mood throughout the evening as hulking prop Lata Fakalelu wreaked havoc on the Italians.
The NQ Samoans’ massive size advantage ultimately proved the difference, assistant coach Otto Suavai said.
“They were a fitter side but we took in a pretty big pack and that was the difference,” Suavai said.
“It was a really fast game. The Italy side didn’t expect us to come out that quick. I think they were waiting for the gas to run out but we didn’t.
“Lata and Dan Moevao from Mareeba were probably our best players. Hamiso had a run at fullback too and saved a try with two minutes to go.
“He’s as safe as a bank under the high ball too.”
Suavai said Tully would host the exhibition again in the coming years, with the potential for more representative teams to join.
“It’s locked in for the next three years,” he said. “We’re talking about expanding it and including other Pacific Island countries.”
The fiercely fought exhibition match served as a farewell to Italy playmaker Colin Wilkie who has retired.
Wilkie has a strong association with the NQ rugby league community, having played for the Herbert River Crushers for several seasons and attended local nursery Kirwan State High School.