The international test match between Toa Samoa and Fiji Bati in Apia on Saturday week is the host side’s biggest game since the Four Nations tournament in 2014.
Coach Matthew Parish is also very much aware that the Fijian team has eight NRL players who were in the same team that defeated Toa Samoa in the 2013 Rugby League World playoffs.
“It’s a very strong team they’ve picked and some of those are key playmakers in the NRL and they also played a big role in our defeat in the last world cup,” he said.
“However, while they have a really strong team I also believe that the team Samoa will assemble here in Apia will be one of the strongest we’ve ever had on the field and its very exciting times,” he added.
Parish says regardless of the team’s performance in the past, fans should come out in support of the home side.
“We really need the people of Samoa to come and support this game. A lot of people have worked very hard to get these international players into Samoa and as well as bringing an actual international test match into the Pacific with this being the first time ever to have an international test in the region,” said Parish.
He also hinted that after the Pacific test Saturday, October 8, Samoa will be putting together its most dynamic and top of the class team for the Rugby League World Cup in July next year.
Parish is embracing the October 8 test as an introduction for the bright future of Pacific islands in rugby league.
The Toa Samoa team will be officially announced at the SNPF Plaza on Monday.
Photo: Facebook Toa Samoa. Some international players arrive in Apia for the test match against Fiji Bati