Apia, Samoa – 02 September 2025 – The Murri Gummaz are set to make history as they become the first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island women’s and junior teams to travel from Australia to Samoa to play rugby league, following an invitation by NRL Samoa.
Arriving with pride, purpose and power, these formidable young women and girls are representing far more than their jersey – they are carrying the spirit of their communities, their ancestors and a legacy of strength and resilience.
The Murri Gummaz – who are undefeated for three consecutive years in the Queensland Murri Carnival and the Mackay All Blacks Carnival – will face off against local sides in a series of matches on Wednesday 3 September at Monseignor Ione Vito Memorial Park, Lotofaga. The team will also travel to Savaii for a series of matches.
“Our whole community is cheering for us from Woorabinda,” said Vice Captain Lyndsey Major-Bootha whose town of Woorabinda is 700km North-West of Brisbane.
Off the field, Murri Gummaz are excited to build relationships with Samoa and to share First Nations culture, knowledge, songs and dances. The team is also looking forward to experience Samoan culture and hospitality and will include visits to primary schools Upolu and Savai’i as part of their tour.
“Murri Gummaz’ visit to Samoa is yet another reminder of the power of sports to bring people and communities across the moana together” said Australia’s High Commissioner to Samoa H.E Will Robinson.
“With links to Samoa and players hailing from communities all across Australia, the tour will be an opportunity to explore and celebrate connections between First Nations cultures and fa’a Samoa.”
Murri Gummaz was founded to create opportunities for First Nations women from across Australia, both in remote and urban areas.
Their arrival marks the realisation of a dream by founder and coach Jacintha Geia, who wanted to create opportunities to put Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women rugby league players on the world stage where they could showcase not only their immense sporting talent, but rich culture.
Landing in Samoa concludes many months of preparation, fundraising and organisation by the team, but there’s little time for rest, with Geia declaring “let’s make history”.
