Fetu Samoa v Fiji Bulikula. Pacific Championships Womens Rugby League test match at Go Media Stadium. Saturday 2 November 2024. Photo: Andrew Cornaga / Photosport
After an undefeated season that secured Fetu Samoa's spot in the 2025 Women's Rugby League World Cup, and promotion to the Pacific Championship Cup division, head coach Jamie Soward says their journey is far from over.
The Samoan women's rugby league team's success has sparked excitement and pride in the Samoan community, but the Soward is committed to transforming this momentum into meaningful change for the next generation of players.
Soward, affectionately called "Sowie" by his players and coaching staff, has played 216 games in the NRL, representing teams such as the Roosters, Penrith, and Dragons.
Born in Canberra, he is a "proud" father to two daughters and a husband to a "supportive" wife.
"I'm a huge advocate for women in sport. I've learned about myself in this role and about the culture; my family and I will be visiting Samoa next year sometime before the World Cup," he said.
Last year, Sowie was made redundant from his role at the Dragons and was taken aback when he got the call-up for the Fetu Samoa role.
Soward with his two daughters. 26 August 2024 Photo: X / @sowwowofficial6
After receiving a call from Rugby League Samoa president Geoff Brown, Sowie was asked if he wanted "to give it a crack."
Two and a half weeks later, he found himself in Papua New Guinea, on the sidelines with Fetu Samoa against Fiji in 2023.
"That journey set the wheels in motion, leading us to what happened over the last few games.
"I've been fortunate to have great staff who have supported me, including Frank Pritchard, Pauline Poloai, Niall Williams, Shane Flanagan, Kyle Stanley, and many others I can't all name."
"Having the right staff support meant I was going to get a good mixture of footy and culture."
With a young, talented team breaking new ground, Sowie's focus expands not just on the field, but also culturally.
He said the players are not just on a sporting journey; they've had cultural workshops in which most of the girls have been able to connect with their Samoan side.
Fetu Samoa are one win away from confirming their ticket to the 2026 World Cup after getting past Pacific neighbours Tonga. 19 October 2024 Photo: Facebook / NRLW
"There are many girls on the team who have dual heritage. Being able to play for Fetu Samoa has been a journey for them, and they're able to connect with their culture.
"We had a Matavai Pacific Cultural Arts workshop, which was amazing. If I had to change what I'd do better next time as a coach, it would be to have that workshop earlier on in the program.
"This job doesn't end here for me. It's about creating a future for Samoan women in rugby [league], giving young girls a reason to believe this sport is for them and that there's a place for them here."
Since winning their last two games, which led them to qualifying for the Women's Rugby League Cup and the Pacific Championship Cup, Sowie has received many calls from other chapters.
"We've only just started the next crop coming through. The QLD, NSW, and NZ chapters are already ringing me," he said.
"We've got 16 and 17-year-old girls who are going to be eligible for the World Cup, and we're proud of what we've achieved. We've got to get those girls into the system [and how them] what it's going to take to play for Samoa."
The team's average age is 18. Fetu Samoa is a younger team compared to the other teams like New Zealand, Australia, and Papua New Guinea, and it has an array of experience and skills within those teams.
Sowie sees an opportunity to build a pathway supporting girls from the grassroots to the international stage, fostering talent from an early age and providing the resources many current players didn't have.
"Many of our players came up without the support and opportunities we're hoping to establish now," he said.
"We were ranked 24th in the world as a tier two country, and now in the top 5 of the world. We will be working hard to get the same stuff New Zealand and Australia have.
"We want to make it easier for the next generation to get involved, to have the right training, and to see themselves as the future of Samoan rugby league.
"It doesn't end here for us. This is only the beginning."
Fetu Samoa must win against Fiji to qualify for the 2025 Women's Rugby League World Cup in France. Photo: Facebook / NRLW
Plans are already in the pipeline to introduce youth programs in schools and communities across Samoa.
The initiatives are expected to provide training, mentorship, and a sense of community for young players, making rugby an accessible and visible pathway for young Samoan women, and the younger generation of up-and-coming athletes.
The team's promotion to the Pacific Championship Cup category, where they will compete against powerhouses, like New Zealand and Australia, is set to offer invaluable exposure and experience.
And while these matchups will challenge the team, Sowie said they will also inspire young Samoans, showing what's possible.
"It was great to have all our families with us to witness and watch us play. We owed it to them for all of their support," he said.
"The dream of Fetu Samoa lifting a World Cup trophy is certainly real."