It will be the first time a touch team from Samoa will participate in the Queensland State Cup which is set to kick off on 29 November and for the first time, the national team will feature a deaf player.

The Samoa men's open team is training at the National University of Samoa field and is set to depart on 27 November.

Head coach Kalolo Lepou said it is a major milestone for Samoa Touch and he has already selected his team. 

"Our team is a mix of experienced Pacific Games gold medalists from the Men’s Open category, players who recently competed at the Touch World Cup as well as young local-based players," he said.

"This blend of experience and young talent creates a strong foundation for the team’s development. The more tournaments and high calibre matches we can expose our players to, the better prepared we’ll be to compete with powerhouses like Australia and New Zealand. 

"The Queensland State Cup is a crucial platform for development, providing invaluable exposure for our players as they compete against some of the world’s best.

"The team has an average age of 23, with some players as young as 15 and 16. This reflects the potential and the challenges Samoa Touch faces in nurturing talent. 

"While countries like Australia and New Zealand benefit from well-established grassroots programs, Samoa’s grassroots development remains limited due to financial constraints. As a result, many of our young players are exposed directly to the Open’s competition, where they must rise to the challenge of competing against seasoned athletes."

One of the players that is selected is Vitaliano Lui, who is deaf but has the capacity and passion for the sport.

"The inclusion of Vitaliano Lui, an enthusiastic and passionate touch player who is deaf, is another significant milestone. Despite communication challenges and the absence of an inclusive division in Samoa, something Samoa Touch is committed to addressing—Vitaliano has persevered, showcasing the inclusivity of the sport and inspiring others through his dedication and resilience."

The President for Samoa Touch, Matiu Tuileva Tuileva said they recognise the importance of providing consistent exposure to tournaments like the Queensland State Cup for local pool of players.

"While we have a strong overseas Samoan player base benefitting from well-developed grassroots programs, it is crucial to build a sustainable pathway for locally-based players. Vitaliano’s journey is a testament to the inclusivity and potential of Touch in Samoa, and this tour is part of our long-term vision to grow and strengthen the sport in preparation for the Touch World Cup 2027," he said.

"This historic tour is not just about competition but about laying the groundwork for the future of Samoa Touch, ensuring our players continue to develop and represent Samoa with pride on the international stage.