Toa Samoa: Friends and family

By Nefertiti Matatia 22 October 2017, 12:00AM

It’s nothing but love among the Toa Samoa boys. Related by blood or not, the blood of our forefathers run through their veins.

An unforgettable relationship that has developed quickly through their early morning run, their chants in the bus on their way to training and the laughter they share.

This is an experience that Timothy Lafai will miss the most in their one week trip to their homeland. 

“I am going to really miss this camp; laughing together with the boys, Fred Tuilagi dancing in the bus and chanting in the bus with the boys that pumps us up for every training session,” he told Samoa Observer.

The 26-year-old sees coming back home a good opportunity not just for him, but for the young boys as well to know more about their roots.

“It’s also an awesome opportunity for all the boys especially the young ones to experience this feeling in camp and to come back to Samoa. It’s good for the boys now that we are heading onto the World Cup to learn something about their culture and the beautiful island of Samoa,” he said.

The senior player hails from the villages of Sataua and Saipipi, Savaii, and he is happy to be home.

“It’s always an honour and a privilege representing my heritage in Toa Samoa. Every time I get called in to put on the blue jersey it is always a proud moment for myself and my family especially to represent where I was born and where my parents were raised and where they are from,” said Timothy.

With the World Cup tournament just around the corner, Tim believes that the Toa Samoa squad is in good shape because of the new members who have added a stronger impact on the team and their everyday communication with one another.

 “The squad is a good mix of young boys and older boys. Very good young talents like Jarome Luai, he is only 20 years old and Young Tonumaipea. All the young boys bring something special to the team. They bring that feeling of being young into the team; the enthusiasm and the warranty to win and succeed,” he said.

Through unity, solid foundations are built and the same thing goes for the boys in blue. Despite the boys playing for different NRL clubs, they have managed to get gelled together. 

Timothy told Samoa Observer that everyone is really close and they get along with each other really well.

As they are preparing to leave the country this Saturday for the Rugby League World Cup, Timothy Lafai has only one message for the people of Samoa. 

“To all the Samoan supporters here and around the world, get behind the boys. We will need all the support and we are very proud to represent your country.”

By Nefertiti Matatia 22 October 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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