As anticipation builds towards the Rugby League World Cup final between Australia and Samoa, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has pledged his support for the underdogs.
The NFL star was born in Hawaii but has proud Samoan roots, famously wearing traditional Ie Faitaga before his starting debut.
Taking to Twitter, the 24-year-old made a formal ‘shout out’ to Matt Parish’s squad, who have sent their passionate supporters into a frenzy ahead of the clash at Old Trafford in Manchester.
‘Well done to Toa Samoa for making history by making it to the finals,’ the NFL star said in a video from one of the Dolphins’ gyms.
‘You guys make guys like me very proud to be Samoan.
‘Just wanted to wish you good luck and know we will be cheering you on. Go get ’em baby.’
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has pledged his support for Samoa ahead of the Rugby League World Cup final versus Australia
NRL star Jarome Luai has lit up the tournament in the UK, and will line up against Panthers teammate Nathan Cleary at Old Trafford in Manchester
Tagovailoa’s praise comes as scores of Samoan supporters prepare to swarm the streets of Australia and in Samoa to see their heroes in the David versus Goliath 80 minute encounter.
In Samoa, it has been a week of celebrations with convoys of supporters in cars, on foot and travelling by boat waving flags and converging on the Apia and Otara town centres.
Tofiga Fepulea’i was amongst the supporters converging on Otara and he said the energy coming from the locals was enormous.
‘It’s crazy already, we’ve got all the vans and all the families out with their flags,’ he said.
Samoan students perform for their national team ahead of their big World Cup clash against Australia
‘It’s going to be awesome, it’s going to be a great celebration and I’m really looking forward to it.
‘It’s really huge, we’ve always known that if we could get the best of our players playing in the same team then we could develop some great results.
‘That is evident now the boys are in the final and we’re realy proud of them and looking forward to seeing them smash Australia.’
But it is not just Samoa where the streets are coming alive, with Samoan supporters popping up in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and even Tonga.
Sydney’s west – where plenty of Samoa’s NRL stars call home – is expected to be a hive of activity, as is Logan City in Brisbane.
Next to English, Samoan is the dominant language spoken in the local government area in the Sunshine State.
Logan local Jerry Lale said the community support has grown as Samoa kept winning.
‘We’ve been celebrating for weeks. So ever since World Cup started. We are probably in our fourth or fifth week. And yeah, we are on fire. We love it,’ he said.
Mal Meninga’s Kangaroos are virtually unbackable favourites – but they will be wary given the electric form of Jarome Luai, Stephen Crichton, Junior Paulo and teenage superstar Joseph Suaalii.
Mal Meninga’s Kangaroos are virtually unbackable favourites ahead of the final (pictured, respective captains James Tedesco of Australia and Junior Paulo of Samoa)
Many footy fans wrote Samoa off after they were thrashed by England 60-6 in their opening game in the UK – but they have roared back in impressive fashion – and beat the hosts 27-26 in a high quality World Cup semi-final.
The final will also feature a ‘tier two’ nation for the first time in World Cup history.
Even Hollywood actor Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has praised the Samoan team.
‘A message for our Samoan team who will proudly compete in the MEN’S FINAL RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP,’ he posted on Instagram.
‘A massive and historic achievement for our country and culture of SAMOA.
‘GRIT (fa’a Samoa) and LEGACY (our ancestors) ‘The other side of your legacy, is through your grit. Love you usos. WIN.’
The post has been liked by close to 500,000 of Johnson’s followers, with Luai and Brian To’o responding to the post from Friday.
Kick-off is 3am (AEDT) on Sunday, November 20, live on Fox Sports.
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