LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Samoan women's coach Jamie Soward has come to the defense of NRLW star Sienna Lofipo after she opted to represent Samoa instead of Australia. This choice has been seen as a significant moment in women's rugby league.
Lofipo, a standout player for Queensland Maroons, was selected for both the Australian and Samoan teams for the upcoming 2025 Pacific Championships. However, she chose to decline the opportunity to play for the Kangaroos, aiming instead to assist Samoa in qualifying for the 2026 Women's Rugby League World Cup.
While many male athletes like Payne Haas, Stefano Utoikamanu, and Robert Toia have chosen to showcase their cultural heritage on an international level, Lofipo has faced undue criticism for her decision.
In an interview with Code Sports, Soward expressed his support for Lofipo, stating that she should receive praise rather than condemnation. "She should be applauded, not run down by people who have no idea of the complexity of the situation," Soward remarked.
He emphasized the emotional weight of such decisions for players from Pacific nations, saying, "I was just really upset that people don't understand, especially for Pacific nations who might have two or three representations in their family, these players don't take this decision lightly."