Women's Rugby League

Last week's tournament was the first time the Samoa women had been on the global stage since the 2008 World Cup.

The Samoans missed out on recent international play with the likes of the Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea representing the Pacific at the 2017 Women's world cup.

But at the Commonwealth Nines Samoa defeated Fiji 24-6 and Tonga 20-0 on the way to a silver medal at the tournament.

Samoa's two losses came to the host Australian team in group play and then in a hard-fought 14-8 gold medal match.

This is the first time the Samoa women have been on the global stage since the 2008 World Cup.

Former Australian rugby international and current Cronulla Sharks rugby league player Oneata Schwalger has traded green and gold for blue.

Coach Frank Fuimaono said she was one of a number of senior players wanting to give back to their Samoan heritage.

"One is awesome: she brings a wealth of experience to our side and especially to our young girls coming through," he said.