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Live sport on SN this weekend'Like no-one else': Samoa whiz shines on and off field
Joel Gould, AAP •  October 31st, 2026 6:58 pm
Sua Fa'alogo has been a sensation on the wing for Samoa at the World Cup | Photo: Mark Evans/AAP
Adaptable Samoa sensation Sua Fa'alogo has taken the World Cup by storm with his dazzling running and intricate knowledge of his nation's culture.
Fa'alogo will play wing in the sold-out blockbuster clash with Tonga in Parramatta on Sunday night where the winner will ensure they avoid Australia in the semi-finals.
Both sides are into next week's semis. All that has to be determined is where and who they play.
Melbourne player of the year Fa'alogo got his chance in the World Cup opener against France when winger Deine Mariner injured a hamstring. The 23-year-old scored four tries in the 78-4 win and backed that up with two more in the 64-6 demolition of Papua New Guinea.
Sua Fa'alogo scores one of his four tries on World Cup debut against France | Photo: Mark Evans/AAP
Fa'alogo, with an incredible nine line breaks and four try assists in his two matches, has played wing before but his stellar season for the Storm was as a fullback.
Samoa coach Ben Gardiner said the pocket rocket had adapted brilliantly to star on the wing.
"I've been really impressed and we had great belief and confidence in the fact that he could shine," Gardiner said.
"Ryan Hinchcliffe on our coaching staff also works down at the Storm and has worked with him previously when he has played left wing at the Storm in previous years.
"We were happy that he was going to be able to get the movement right and we are happy that he can bring the ball back from the back-field like no-one else in the game.
"The players talk about his footwork when he brings the ball back and how hard it is to handle and he is just playing his natural game and loving what he does."
Sua Fa'alogo is an exuberant character who has been embraced by all fans at the World Cup | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
The fun-loving Fa'alogo has brought enthusiasm to the camp but also a deep understanding of what it means to play for Samoa.
"It is pretty cool to have a player in camp that was born in Samoa and can bring experience around the traditions, culture and heritage," Gardiner said.
"He brings that in spades and with a lot of excitement."
Lock Francis Manuleleua, 22, has been man of the match in both of Samoa's World Cup games after a breakout rookie season for Newcastle in the second-row.
"Francis is a fun loving guy that brings joy to training but is also a student of the game who has added to the team with his knowledge of the game and how he wants to play," Gardiner said of the adaptable forward.
"As a result he brings his best performances because he is comfortable being in his own skin. He is a great team player and brings huge energy."
The clash with Tonga is the most anticipated of the pool games with the two fierce rivals set for a classic.
"They are very passionate people both Tongan and Samoan supporters," Gardiner said.
"They are heavily behind their team no matter what. As a Samoan team we know we have the support of our communities ... whether it is in Samoa, America, Australia or New Zealand.
"You will see lots of flags on the street and on cars not just here but all over the world."
