$50,000 boost for Toa Samoa

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 16 November 2017, 12:00AM

The Toa Samoa rugby league team has received a $50,000 boost ahead of their Rugby League World Cup quarterfinal against Australia tomorrow night.

The Samoa National Sports Lotto presented $50,000 to the Rugby League yesterday.

The General Manager of the Gambling Control Authority, Tuala Siaki Tuala, presented the money to a representative of Samoa Rugby League, Laulu Tuugatiti Leauanae.

 “We are grateful to the Gambling Control Authority of Samoa for presenting us with $50,000 to the Samoa Rugby League mainly Toa Samoa,” Laulu said.

“Part of this money will go directly to our team to help in terms of accommodations, administrations and many other things.

“This will be converted into Australian dollars and hopefully will round off to more than $27,000 Australian dollars and we will send it to them but it depends on the rate.”

Leauanae went on to say that the money will go into different categories to assist the team.

“We are not really saying that they are struggling but that was the purpose of the donation is to give directly to the team,” said Laulu.

“There is a need for the money to help the team out while they are in Australia as these games have high standards of things but we are not saying they are staying in low accommodation but it will help them out.

“It will help with the funding of our team whilst they are there. Fifty grand is not a small amount of money and we are grateful to the Samoa National Lotto for helping us out.”

Against Australia, Laulu said he hopes to see the best of Toa Samoa.

“It’s our prayer that they will win against Australia but it all depends on the boys and the team’s preparation but it would be nice to win against the Aussies,” he said.

“As for their performances, watching is different from playing on the field.

“There is also a saying “e i ai fo’i taeao” (there is always tomorrow). For me personally I am happy with the team, they made an effort during their game with Scotland and hopefully it will be a better game with the Australian team.”

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 16 November 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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