LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
While Samoa didn't achieve a historic win in the Pacific Championship final, their match against New Zealand offers a glimpse into the future of rugby league.
If you could encapsulate the action at Parramatta Stadium during the Kiwis' 36-14 triumph, you would be as affluent as the person selling Samoan flags.
The 80 minutes of play, particularly the first half, showcased an exhilarating blend of intensity and artistry-raw yet beautiful, stirring yet heart-stopping. It truly ignited one's passion for the game.
This isn't surprising news to those who have witnessed the thrilling encounters between Samoa, Tonga, and New Zealand recently, or even just in the last few weeks.
Match any two of these teams, and you're nearly guaranteed a high-octane experience that sets hearts racing.
Although the final score might suggest an easy win for the Kiwis, the reality was far more complex, requiring considerable effort to achieve such a result.
After initially struggling against the Samoan team's explosive power in the first half, New Zealand found their footing and effectively controlled the game, limiting the Toa's opportunities.
While the outcome was notable, these matches are equally about the thrilling journey, and Parramatta certainly provided that.