The dream is over. Long live the dream.

By Samoan sports reporter Loveni Shane Enari

The dream is over. Long live the dream.

From Long Beach to Lalomanu, from Safua to San Francisco, from Manono to Mangere, the dream is over for thousands of Samoans all over the world but hey, what a trip it’s been.

The end result, 30-10, was insignificant, as we were left with a bitter sweet smile, grateful for the brief but intense, uniting sensation, but resigned to the fact that, 9 times out of 10, Goliath kicks David’s ass.

It just wasn’t to be but if ever the old favourite,

‘Ua fa’afetai, ua fa’afetai, ua malie mata e va’ai.

Ua tasi lava oe, ua tası lava oe,

I lo’u nei fa’amoemoe …’

… needed to be sung, it was last night in Manchester.

These players, thrown together just over a month ago, which hadn’t played together in three years, yes, three years, almost did it.

This, despite all the injuries suffered, despite the terrible opening to the tournament and despite the lack of resources versus the Goliath of rugby league.

But this was far more important than the simple numbers on a scoreboard.

This was about identity, the reaffirmation of ours, as a strong, proud people, as Samoans. Yes, at the moment it’s mainly through sport but that’ll do us for now. We’re still coming.

The former Wainuiomata champion and expert commentator Fauono Ken Laban is in no doubt, "When I see all the flags flying I see the cleaners, I see the factory workers that were the first, second and sometimes third generation Samoans in this country."

"Many of these players were not born in Samoa, nor can they speak the language but it was their way of paying tribute to their parents and grandparents and it’s a great way of promoting culture."

"This is the greatest Toa Samoa team in the history of Samoan rugby league."

"There has not been a better Samoan team on the planet and if rugby league is serious about making the sport a true international game, they will provide support for this team to be able to play more games."

Laban’s claim was backed by the selection of the Team of the Tournament with Toa players dominating the team with 5 selected: Stephen Crichton, Timothy Lafai, Brian To’o, Jarome Luai and captain Junior Paulo, a remarkable effort.

Laban seconds the selection of Paulo. 

‘I listened to him addressing the team in the changing rooms and he showed himself to be a very mature, articulate, young man.’

‘He’s an outstanding and a physical, uncompromising player who has shown great leadership.’

Josh Papali’i’s effort last night was mercurial. He would have strolled into the Kangaroo team.

His wasn’t the only massive effort in blue last night. But it wasn’t to be.

Experience, cohesion, combinations, time together, the odds were hugely stacked against Toa Samoa and in the end, reality won over the impossible dream.

But again, I insist, the dream is not over.

Social commentator FotuoSamoa Jackson:

"There is a sense of celebration and joy, even if the odds are stacked against us. But this much is true of our Samoan or rather, our Pacific spirit o Le Tapuaiga."

"When those players run on to the field they are already adorned in love, support and the prayers of a nation, well beyond our island nation."

"They are the dream realised for many who would not have imagined this outcome. They have already won."

With all the circumstances against Toa we never really had the right to dream in the first place but the enormity of the win over England gave us a brief but beautiful window.

Jackson again: "There has been laughter, choohooing, music and celebration from Samoans and supporters across Tamaki Makaurau and around the globe wherever Samoans call home."

"But it's the reaction from others that truly gave me joy today. A West Auckland elderly couple and their grandchildren who stood on the corner of their street clapping and cheering on the celebration as it passed."

"The Niueans and Tongans who attached their own flags to our red, blue and white and waved it in solidarity across the motu."

This more than any score board victory is going to be the legacy of this Toa Samoa team, of how they proudly carried on what was started by Mate Ma’a Toga players, Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita.

Now they’ve given it their own Samoan twist. They gave it their best shot and united Pacific Islanders all over the globe in joy. 

The dream is over. Long live the dream.

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Photo Credit:  Toa Samoa FB, NRL & staff photogapher Penina Momoiseā

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