Fetu Samoa coach Jamie Soward has declared the tide is turning as more women's players pledge their allegiance to the Pacific nation.
Soward unveiled a talented squad for the upcoming Pacific Championships, with Annetta-Claudia Nu'uausala to lead the team in clashes against New Zealand and Australia.
Sienna Lofipo will line up for the team despite originally being named for the Jillaroos, with Soward thrilled to see women following in the footsteps of the male players and choosing to play for Samoa.
"We've seen it on the boy's side how quickly it's happened," Soward said. "For the girls it's about believing that they can come and represent Samoa and we've got a qualify program.
"I've never had to beg someone to play for their country and I won't do that. That was a line I took the first year I took the job. It's nice to be able to have girls that want to play for Samoa and represent their heritage.
"Two years ago we were ranked 26 in the world, which was ridiculous with the amount of talent we've got. I think now we're sixth, but we should be higher."
Fetu Samoa will kickstart their campaign against New Zealand on Sunday October 19 at Go Media Stadium, before they face the Jillaroos at Suncorp Stadium on October 26.
Dally M Rookie of the Year Shalom Sauaso will make her international debut, while youngsters Sarina Masaga and Destiny Mino-Sinapati will also feature for the side.
Veterans Destiny Brill and Niall Williams-Guthrie will provide experience and leadership as Soward looks to lay the foundation for next year's World Cup.
"It's been a while since we played against Australia and New Zealand with an actual professional team," Soward said. "The ladies that have paved the way before us when it was amateur and were getting girls over in New Zealand at the last minute to play.
"Now it's a chance for girls that are semi-professional to come in and play against Australia and New Zealand. We understand that Australia are the best team in the world and have been for a long time. New Zealand are right there too.
"Every girl I've talked to is excited about the challenge. They're excited to get into camp and for me as a coach, that's all you can ask for."
Fetu Samoa Squad
- Annetta-Claudia Nu'uausala
- Belinda-Jane Likah Clarke
- Destiny Brill
- Destiny Mino-Sinapati
- Eliza Lopamua
- Ella-Jaye Harrison-Leaunoa
- Estanoa Faitala-Mariner
- Jessica Patea
- Jetaya Faifua
- Lindsay Tui
- Mercedez Tauleitei-Siala
- Niall Williams-Guthrie
- Pauline Pilaie-Rasable
- Pihuka Berryman-Duff
- Ryvrr-Lee Alo
- Sarina Masaga
- Shalom Sauaso
- Sienna Lofipo
- Simone Karpani
- Taliah Fuimaono
- Tarvarna Papalii
