Samoa, winners of the 2025 PacificAus Sports Netball Series. Photo: Netball Australia
Samoa, led by Kristiana Manu'a, a stalwart of Australian netball, claimed their first PacificAus Sports Netball Series title in Brisbane on Saturday evening.
It wasn't just how they defeated Scotland 54-52 in the final that was cause for celebration.
It was also the fact that the Tifa Moana stormed through the competition undefeated, replicating what their strong rivals, the Tonga Talas had done in four previous series challenges.
The Tifa Moana were coached by new head coach Natalie Mathews, alongside several new athletes who previously had not been available to compete in the series.
Mathews told the Samoa Observer that she was proud of the team.
"It's been a dream week so far, and I'm still processing what's going on, but I am incredibly proud of the girls' performance on and off the court," she was quoted as saying.
"The team and I are overwhelmed by the support we received."
In the end, goalkeeper Manu'a, who had an impressive career as a strong and tenacious defender in both the Suncorp Super Netball League and the ANZ Premiership, lifted the series title for the first time.
Manu'a has also represented both Australia and New Zealand on the international stage.
Celebration time as the final whistle went in Brisbane. Photo: Barry Alsop / Eyes Wide Open Images
Netball Australia said the Melbourne Mavericks player, who was born in New Zealand and has family connections in Matatufu and Lotofaga Safata in Samoa, was a true leader on the court and led her team to an exciting win.
"My parents are flying over to Queensland to come watch and so is my partner. Representing Samoa in front of my family, it means a lot," Manu'a told Australia Netball before the tournament.
"It's kind of like my way of giving back to them and all the stuff that they've kind of sacrificed throughout my netball career, which is a long one.
"I hope it shows my appreciation for them, my culture and heritage. All those years of wearing this name 'Manu'a' on my back, now I can give back to the family that's given me so much during my career."
Manu'a jokes how on the court, Pacific teams are rivals, but off the court, they are all supportive of one another and their growth, encompassing the tournament's theme of 'One Court - One Family'.
She recalls messing around with fellow teammate and Mavericks Training Partner Uneeq Palavi, who plays for Tonga Tala.
"I've been in Palavi's ear telling her that I can't wait for this series to come," Manu'a joked affectionately.
Manu'a and the Tifa Moana recorded wins against the Australian First Nations Black Swans, Fiji Pearls, PNG Pepes, Tonga Tala, and Scottish Thistles.
They beat the Fiji Pearls 54 - 45, stopped the defending champions Tonga 55 - 52 and proved too strong for Papua New 70 - 52.
Then in their clashes against the two invitational sides, Samoa defeated the First Nations Black Swans 54 - 42 and beat Scotland twice - 48-45 in their last pool match and 54-52 in the final.
Samoa players celebrate their win in Brisbane. Photo: Barry Alsop / Eyes Wide Open Images
Samoa Netball thanked their fans and all those who supported them.
"From the bottom of our hearts, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported us throughout our Pacific Aus Series journey, our incredible families, friends, and fans near and far," they said in a Facebook post on their page.
"Whether you cheered from the sidelines, travelled long distances, or showed your love online, your unwavering support means the world to us. A special fa'afetai to Netball Australia, PacificAus Sports for another successful series and to be a part of it once again, better yet to win it!"
Wing attack Jessica Laga-aia was named Most Valuable Player at the series.
Tonga finished third, beating Fiji 69-51, while PNG lost 50-42 against the First Nations in the fifth-place playoff.
