The Murri Gummaz are the first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women’s and junior rugby league teams to travel from Australia to Samoa, following an invitation by NRL Samoa.
The team, undefeated for three consecutive years in the Queensland Murri Carnival and the Mackay All Blacks Carnival, will play a series of matches against local sides on Wednesday 3 September at Monseignor Ione Vito Memorial Park, Lotofaga. They will also travel to Savai’i for further matches.
Vice Captain Lyndsey Major-Bootha said her community in Woorabinda, 700 kilometres north-west of Brisbane, is supporting the team from home.
Beyond the field, the Murri Gummaz will share First Nations culture through knowledge, songs and dances, while also learning about Samoan culture and hospitality. Their tour includes visits to primary schools in Upolu and Savai’i.
Australia’s High Commissioner to Samoa, H.E. Will Robinson, said the visit shows the role of sport in connecting communities across the Pacific. He noted the tour will be a chance to explore links between First Nations cultures and fa’a Samoa.
The Murri Gummaz were founded by coach Jacintha Geia to create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to showcase both their rugby league talent and culture. Their arrival in Samoa follows months of preparation and fundraising.
Geia said the tour represents the realisation of a long-held dream, adding,
“Let’s make history.”
