The Murri Gummaz is preparing to make history as the first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women’s and junior rugby league teams to tour Samoa, following an invitation from NRL Samoa.

More than just players on a field, these young women and girls arrive with pride and determination, representing the strength of their ancestors, the spirit of their communities, and a legacy of resilience.

The Murri Gummaz, who remain undefeated for three straight years at the Queensland Murri Carnival and the Mackay All Blacks Carnival, will play a series of matches against Samoan teams on Wednesday, 3 September, at Monseignor Ione Vito Memorial Park in Lotofaga. The team will also travel to Savai’i for additional fixtures, with details to be announced.

“Our whole community is cheering for us from Woorabinda,” said Vice Captain Lyndsey Major-Bootha, whose hometown lies 700km north-west of Brisbane.

Beyond the competition, the team is also focused on cultural exchange. The Murri Gummaz plans to share First Nations traditions, songs, and dances while also experiencing the richness of Samoan hospitality and fa’a Samoa. Visits to primary schools in both Upolu and Savai’i are part of their tour schedule.

“Murri Gummaz’ visit to Samoa is yet another reminder of the power of sports to bring people and communities across the moana together,” said Australia’s High Commissioner to Samoa, H.E. Will Robinson.

“With links to Samoa and players hailing from communities all across Australia, the tour will be an opportunity to explore and celebrate connections between First Nations cultures and fa’a Samoa.”

The team’s journey reflects the vision of founder and coach Jacintha Geia, who created Murri Gummaz to open doors for First Nations women from both urban and remote areas. Her goal was to showcase not just their athletic skill but also their cultural pride on the world stage.

After months of preparation, fundraising, and organisation, the players have now landed in Samoa ready for action. And as Geia put it best: “let’s make history.”