The Samoan community in Brisbane, Australia assembled Saturday evening to show their support for Toa Samoa, which is carrying the Samoa flag at the 2022 Rugby League World Cup in England.

Patriotic sentiments were in the air with Samoans from all age groups and walks of life meeting to host a parade to show their support for the national team currently in England. 

Wearing attire of blue and red armed with banners showing words of encouragement for the boys in blue while waving the national flag of Samoa, they paraded through the street. The parade was conducted ahead of Toa Samoa's first match scheduled at 2:30am against England at the St. James' Park Newcastle. 

A total of 400 Samoan people were part of the parade in Brisbane and among the crowd was Jason Mata'utia who declared that he was there for his "brothers, friends, family and culture."

"Let's go usos (brothers) let's go Toa," he said. Another proud Samoan residing in Australia, Eric Pepe in a call out to Toa Samoa players said the Samoan diaspora in Brisbane are "one hundred per cent behind the team."

"Alo i ou faiva, good luck and there's about 300-400 people here in Brisbane gathering together to cheer and pray for you all today. Win or lose, we will always be behind you boys. 

"Fa'amalosi and all the best. We love you Toa."

A big screen has been set up at Kruger Village for the Samoan diaspora to watch the Toa Samoa's first game in this year's Rugby League World Cup which will kick off around 11pm (Australian time). 

The Toa Samoa squad chosen for the game against England include: Josh Aloiai, Stephen Crichton, Braden Hamlin-Uele, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Oregon Kaufusi, Spencer Leniu, Danny Levi, Jarome Luai, Tyrone May, Anthony Milford, Josh Papali'i, Junior Paulo, Jadyn Su'a, Joseph Suaalii, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Izack Tago, Martin Taupa'u, Brian To'o, Kelma Tuilagi.