(Fasavalu Europa Rose) Friday 15 February 2008

SRL President Peter Paul is looking to get overseas contracts for some of the local rugby league players.

This is one of Paul’s goals he hopes to achieve for Samoa league in the World Cup in late October.
“This is one of our aims to see some of these boys qualify for a club contract overseas. Right now we are trying to open new doors for our local players by getting overseas clubs to notice them,” he said.

“This sport was made for Samoans.

We have the natural built and athleticism. What’s missing is the knowledge and skills which can be gained overseas.”

One proof says Paul that Samoa can get international contracts is the statistics of Samoan players, playing professional contracts.

“There are a lot of Samoans playing in the NRL, ARL and now in Great Britain. It goes to show that Samoa is recognised in the sport, which is what we are also aiming to do for our locals,” he said.

However, the lack of promotion and understanding of the game in Samoa is what’s slowing the process down.

“Samoa is a rugby nation we understand that. Ever since the Manu Samoa defeated a rugby superpower Wales in the 1991 World Cup Samoa was automatically hooked with the sport. This is what we also want to do for Samoa rugby league. If the Toa Samoa put up a challenging performance in the World Cup to make it into the quarters or the semis maybe we will get the same recognition,” Paul said.

“But if our local players do catch the eyes of overseas scouts during the World Cup it will be a benefit for Samoa league.”

SRL recently joined forces with Event Polynesia with a hope of fundraising for the accommodation of the Toa Samoa in Samoa before lacing up in the World Cup in October.

Part of the Event Polynesia and SRL fundraiser will see corporate and business managers exchange punches in the first Samoa Corporate Boxing fundraiser.