Young Samoans given their chance to shine

Four young Manawatu rugby players are hoping to use the Manawatu Samoan team as a springboard for their representative futures.

Prop Jeremiah Saua, loose forwards Tony Samau and Josh Leung-wai and fullback Tila Peti are part of the side competing in the fourth year of the Central Region High Commission Cup.

All four hold aspirations to play professionally but without the Gerald Lologa and Murphy Johnston-coached Manawatu Samoan team, they would already be in off-season mode after missing out on other representative teams.

Saua, 21, was hoping to show off his ability in a higher level of rugby.

‘‘I want to prove to people that we can do it,’’ he said.

Leung-wai, who is most comfortable at blindside but can also cover lock, said the early training sessions had been intense.

‘‘This is about the brotherhood, but it will also help strengthen my skills and confidence,’’ he said.

The Kia Toa player spent most of the club season on the sideline with ACL and collarbone injuries, so was looking forward to getting regular time on the field.

Team co-ordinator Afa Setu hoped the team would give Samoan players a platform to display their skills.

‘‘Our main goal is to develop the players for higher honours,’’ he

said. ‘‘The guys here are quite young. There is nothing to stop them going on to play [NPC].’’

But the team’s set-up does not stop on the rugby field.

Setu said they were also focused on developing the players into well-rounded community members.

‘‘Our team is crucial in bringing in Samoan players to play under one banner – Samoa,’’ he said.

‘‘Our team is driven by the idea of uso, brotherhood, and aiga, family.

‘‘Outside of rugby, we want to create leadership within our team and be role models for our Samoan community.’’

They appointed Toetu Mapuilesua as team leader and have Bethel Fauolo and Lota Pulega on board as cultural advisors.

The competition has been bolstered this year with the addition of the Hawke’s Bay Samoans.

They are likely to provide Manawatu with the biggest challenge after picking a side including players with experience at NPC level and some who have been involved in their Saracens programme.

Manawatu Samoa’s campaign starts against Wanganui Samoa on September 25 in Levin.