Samoan sports personality, Gabrielle Apelu believes local players in the extended Fetu Samoa training squad can make the starting 13, for the upcoming Pacific Championships.

A proponent of Toa Athletes, which is a high-performance women's program by Rugby League Samoa (RLS), Ms. Apelu expressed confidence in the ability of the local players in an interview with the Samoa Observer. 

She said the selection of the players for Fetu Samoa will come down to performance and she is confident in the selection of the local players, having seen their skills and strength. 

“I am absolutely confident following the extensive weeks of the Toa Athletes program that we have seen a dominant display of skill and strength from our on-island-based players," said Ms. Apelu. "I am hoping that our national sporting body has also recognised this and ensures that representation from our local girls will be there for the final selection of the Fetu Samoa team.” 

The Toa Athlete Program looks to develop women athletes in rugby league with the help and support of the Australian government through the PacificAus sports program. 

According to Ms. Apelu, the on-island-based players are on par with their overseas-based teammates in terms of performance, and she hopes the Fetu Samoa head coach and management pick the local players.  

The Fetu Samoa coaching team will be led by current Australian rugby league coach, Jamie Soward who was confirmed as the head coach by RLS President Fiu Ponifasio Vasa in a press conference on Tuesday this week.

The new head coach appointment of Mr. Soward will benefit everyone, added Ms. Apelu, as both Samoa's Toa Samoa and Fetu Samoa prepare for next month's Pacific Championships.

“The selection of the coach is a big win for Samoa’s women's rugby league," she said. "He’s very qualified, he’s currently coaching and has extensive experience and knowledge about coaching women, and this is a big boost not only for local players but for our overseas-based girls. 

"This is hugely beneficial for everybody."

Fetu Samoa is scheduled to play its first Pacific Championships match on 15 October 2023 against Fiji. The Toa Samoa and the Fetu Samoa squads are scheduled to meet on 7 October 2023 before the Pacific Championships kicks off.