Samoa’s Soward makes bold declaration before Aussie tie
Scott Bailey |
Jamie Soward has boldly declared it’s only a matter of time before Samoa’s women win a World Cup, adamant they now belong alongside Australia and New Zealand.
One week after almost recording their first ever win over New Zealand, Soward’s Samoan team will face the all-conquering Australia for the first time in 14 years.
Ranked 26th in the world just two years ago, Samoa led New Zealand 20-0 last week before the Kiwi Ferns came back in the second half to win 22-20.
Australia loom as a tougher test at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, but what is clear to Soward is Samoa can threaten the Trans-Tasman stranglehold on women’s rugby league.
Since international women’s Tests began in 1995, neither Australia nor New Zealand have been beaten by any country apart from each other.
But Soward said the team has now shown they belong with the two traditional heavyweights and points to their youth as proof of what’s to come.
Samoa have staff set up in both NSW and Queensland, identifying young talent and bringing several teens into this camp with an eye to the future.
“I am setting it up for the next 10 or 15 years for Samoa to be a powerhouse in that space,” Soward, who has coached Samoa since 2023, told AAP.
“Whether it’s next year we win a World Cup, the next World Cup or the World Cup after that.
“We will win a World Cup, it’s just a matter of making sure we look after the program in the right way.
“I know we’re one of the best nations in the world, I don’t give a hoot who thinks we’re not. We don’t have to prove it to anyone.”
No player represents the future of Samoa better than NRLW rookie of the year Shalom Sauaso, who brushed off five defenders to score with her first touch last week.
The 18-year-old finished with 17 tackle busts and 200 metres, while Queensland State of Origin forward Sienna Lofipo created headlines by choosing Samoa over Australia this year.
Five members of Samoa’s team have played Origin or for New Zealand, while the likes of winger Jessica Patea and forward Ella-Jaye Harrison-Leaunoa are yet to play NRLW.
The former St George Illawarra coach insisted all pressure was on Australia on Sunday as most would expect the Jillaroos to win, but said Samoa’s scope from improvement in the next year was still massive.
“Everything is in (Australia’s) favour,” Soward said.
“They’ve had two weeks off, they’ve played together for a long time. Their program has won the last three World Cups.
“A lot of those girls have been in the last two World Cups. Everyone is expecting them to win.
“Our girls understand how good the Australian side is, but our side is just as good and our side is all under (age) 25.
“The girls are confident. I don’t need to tell them that they’re good.”
AAP
