LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In a recent post-match press conference, Samoa coach Ben Gardiner expressed his belief that the NRL should reinstate the mid-year Test weekend in order to provide rising international rugby league powerhouses, such as Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji, with more opportunities for international experience.
The mid-year Tests were scrapped in 2023 in favor of the inaugural Pacific Championships, but Gardiner believes that Samoa should be given the chance to play mid-season once again.
"For us, we need Test matches," Gardiner stated firmly.
"Whatever the NRL decides to do, they decide to do as I don't make those decisions but from the point of view we want to play Test matches.
We've had an opportunity for a number of the guys to play two Test matches now, well we need more of those so we can build up that experience so when we go up against a side like Australia or New Zealand who have guys with 15-20 Test matches under their belt, that's how we start to compete with those teams."
Gardiner's comments shed light on the uncomfortable reality faced by emerging international rugby league teams.
Without regular Test matches, these teams struggle to gain the necessary experience and exposure to compete with more established teams like Australia and New Zealand.
The lack of international fixtures leaves them at a disadvantage, with players on opposing sides often having double or even triple the number of Test matches to their name.
The coach's plea for more Test matches is not without merit.
It is through these high-pressure encounters that players gain valuable experience, learn from their mistakes, and develop the skills necessary to compete at the highest level.
Without regular international fixtures, teams like Samoa are unable to bridge the gap and reach the same level of competitiveness as their more experienced counterparts.
Gardiner's post-match press conference comes on the back of Samoa's 50-0 loss to New Zealand in Auckland, a result that highlights the need for more opportunities to face top-tier teams.
The defeat serves as a stark reminder of the gap in experience and skill between Samoa and the likes of Australia and New Zealand.
Ultimately, the decision to reinstate the mid-year Test weekend lies with the NRL.
However, Gardiner's plea for more Test matches reflects the pressing need for emerging rugby league nations to have regular international fixtures in order to develop their players and compete on the world stage.
Only through such opportunities can these rising powerhouses hope to close the gap and challenge the established rugby league nations.