Fetu Samoa: The stars that were born for the big moments
“They were born for moments like this. There is a reason as to why they perform the way they are. They love the pressure” – Annetta Nuuausala Fetu Samoa captain
It’s believed that it takes over a million years for a star to be created in space.
Yet for Fetu Samoa – Samoa’s women’s Rugby League team – it only took 18 years to build its stars of today.
Led by former Toa Samoa player Frank Pritchard as coach, and the unstoppable Annetta Nuuausala as skipper, Fetu find themselves as first time semi-finalists against the Kiwi Ferns.
Fetu translates in English as “star” and can be found in the lyrics of the Samoan national anthem.
“Va’ai I na fetu o lo’o ua agiagia ài” / “Look at the stars waving and flying proudly”
It’s a line that consolidates what Fetu Samoa itself has been through these past two years, building its way to being a semi finalist in a rugby league world cup.
The last time Fetu were in a rugby league world cup was at the 2008 tournament. And 18 years later they make their return with a possible spot in the final.
Speaking after beating and edging out heavyweights England out of finals contention, Pritchard spoke about how proud he was of his group of players.
“It’s very overwhelming. It definitely hasn’t sunk in yet, but I think once we get back with the team we will think about it. But it’s amazing, yeah.”
For Nuuausala, being able to see the growth and maturity within her teammates, especially the youngsters, is a true testament to how the team has evolved in its own journey.
One of those youngsters is winger Freedom Crichton, who has impressed through the tournament through her try scoring abilities.
“This year we have a lot of young girls in the squad. With that also comes maturity so it’s been easy to build connections on and off the field,” Nuuausala says.
Asked if the semi final with the Kiwi Ferns would maybe intimidate the young’uns, Nuuausala confidently backed her girls.
“No, they were born for moments like this. There is a reason as to why they perform the way they are. They love the pressure,” she says.
Both Fetu and Kiwi Ferns met in last year’s Pacific Cup, in which Kiwi Ferns had to come from a large margin at half time to steal the win right at the end.
Reflecting on that close loss, Nuuausala says they are ready to avenge it this weekend, hoping to come out on top this time round.
“We’ve got a bone to pick with the Kiwi Ferns after last year so we will come firing into that no doubt.”
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