Tuilagi’s journey to NRL..

[Tiger5150]

The Samoan connection is starting to bear its fruits. The following players are all of Samaon descent: Nofoaluma, Leilua bros, Talau, Chee Kam, Kepaoa, Blore and maybe a few more. If these guys play well and look like they have a good bond, more will follow. A lot of Island boys want to play at a place they feel comfortable. It's something they prioritise over a lot of other factors.


Raises a question. How many Tongan players do we have? Does having a squad full of Samoans make us less attractive to Tongan players?

One.

Who is the lonely Tongan?

EDIT: Google tells me its Joffa.

Well if it didnt stop him, hopefully it wouldnt hold others back.

 

[Alex Seyfarth's #1 Fan]

The Samoan connection is starting to bear its fruits. The following players are all of Samaon descent: Nofoaluma, Leilua bros, Talau, Chee Kam, Kepaoa, Blore and maybe a few more. If these guys play well and look like they have a good bond, more will follow. A lot of Island boys want to play at a place they feel comfortable. It's something they prioritise over a lot of other factors.


Raises a question. How many Tongan players do we have? Does having a squad full of Samoans make us less attractive to Tongan players?

Good question. When I was at high school, all of the Island boys got along, even the Samaons and Tongans. But they did have little rivalries amongst each other based on where you were from. Things were always heated whenever it was Tonga vs Samoa in any sport.

Anyway, people from that part of the world (as in their culture is from there) are some of the most welcoming, funny and warm people you'll ever meet. None of the Samoan boys would have any issue with anyone joining the club based on race, upbringing, or any other factor. Cause in the end they are all brothers.

So no, Tongan players won't be deterred by our large quantity of Samoan players.

 

[Tiger5150]

The Samoan connection is starting to bear its fruits. The following players are all of Samaon descent: Nofoaluma, Leilua bros, Talau, Chee Kam, Kepaoa, Blore and maybe a few more. If these guys play well and look like they have a good bond, more will follow. A lot of Island boys want to play at a place they feel comfortable. It's something they prioritise over a lot of other factors.


Raises a question. How many Tongan players do we have? Does having a squad full of Samoans make us less attractive to Tongan players?

Good question. When I was at high school, all of the Island boys got along, even the Samaons and Tongans. But they did have little rivalries amongst each other based on where you were from. Things were always heated whenever it was Tonga vs Samoa in any sport.

Anyway, people from that part of the world (as in their culture is from there) are some of the most welcoming, funny and warm people you'll ever meet. None of the Samoan boys would have any issue with anyone joining the club based on race, upbringing, or any other factor. Cause in the end they are all brothers.

So no, Tongan players won't be deterred by our large quantity of Samoan players.

Would like to think so. Ive spent a lot of time in the south pacific, working on an island called Niue (worked with Dene Halatau's uncle). I know poly culture well. There is a lot of rivalry between the islands.

 

[Geo]

The Samoan connection is starting to bear its fruits. The following players are all of Samaon descent: Nofoaluma, Leilua bros, Talau, Chee Kam, Kepaoa, Blore and maybe a few more. If these guys play well and look like they have a good bond, more will follow. A lot of Island boys want to play at a place they feel comfortable. It's something they prioritise over a lot of other factors.


Raises a question. How many Tongan players do we have? Does having a squad full of Samoans make us less attractive to Tongan players?

I don’t think it’s an issue sincemost a were all born in Australia...they have Pacific Islander decent

 

[tig_prmz]

There is a bit of rawness about him in a good way. Sounds like he's greatful just being here.