Smith Samau

{{Short description|Samoa international rugby league footballer}}

{{Infobox rugby league biography

|name = Smith Samau

|fullname =

|image = Smith Samau Newtown Jets.jpg

|image_size = 290

|caption =

|position = {{rlp|WG|CE|FE}}

|birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1986|6|15}}

|birth_place = Auckland, New Zealand

|height = {{convert|180|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}

|weight = {{convert|91|kg|stlb|abbr=on}}

|club1 = Melbourne Storm

|year1start = 2006

|year1end =

|appearances1 = 1

|tries1 = 0

|goals1 = 0

|fieldgoals1 = 0

|points1 = 0

|club2 = {{nowrap|Gold Coast Titans}}

|year2start = 2007

|year2end = 08

|appearances2 = 10

|tries2 = 1

|goals2 = 0

|fieldgoals2 = 0

|points2 = 4

|teamA = Samoa

|yearAstart = 2006

|yearAend = 08

|appearancesA = 9

|triesA = 1

|goalsA = 0

|fieldgoalsA = 0

|pointsA = 4

|updated =

|source = {{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/smith-samau/summary.html|title=Statistics at rugbyleagueproject.org|publisher=rugbyleagueproject.org|date=31 December 2017|accessdate=1 January 2018}}

}}

Smith Samau (born 15 June 1986) is a former Samoa international rugby league footballer who plays for the Central Queensland Capras{{cite web |url=http://www.capras.com.au/season-2014/players/intrust-super-cup/smith-samau/ |title=Smith Samau – Central Queensland Capras | Central Queensland Capras |access-date=2014-10-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013213745/http://www.capras.com.au/season-2014/players/intrust-super-cup/smith-samau/ |archive-date=13 October 2014 }} in the Queensland Cup.

Background

Samau was born in New Zealand.[http://www.altiusdirectory.com/Sports/rugby-league-world-cup-2008-samoa-team.html Rugby League World Cup 2008 Samoa Team] He grew up in Brisbane, Queensland and was educated at Wavell State High School.

Playing career

Samau signed with the Melbourne Storm in 2006 and played for the Norths Devils in the 2006 Queensland Cup.[http://www.rleague.com/db/player/s/samau_smith/index.php Smith Samau] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101128214326/http://rleague.com/db/player/s/samau_smith/index.php |date=28 November 2010 }} rleague.com He made his first grade debut in Round 11 2006 NRL season for the Melbourne Storm.

At the end of the year Samau became a part of the Steve Turner contract negotiations between the Gold Coast Titans, and the Melbourne Storm. Along with Daniel Isaac he was allowed to move to the Titans so the Storm could keep Steve Turner.

He played eight NRL games for the Titans in 2007, playing for the Ipswich Jets in the Queensland Cup when not required. In mid-2009 he was allowed to join the Sydney Roosters.{{cite news|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/2306348/Mason-happy-with-future-at-Roosters|title=Mason happy with future at Roosters|author=Walter, Brad|date=1 April 2009|work= The Sydney Morning Herald|accessdate=12 November 2011}} In 2010 he returned to the Ipswich Jets in the Queensland Cup.[http://www.qt.com.au/story/2010/04/12/jets-fire-up-to-regain-cup-pride/ Jets fire up to regain Cup pride] The Queensland Times, 12 April 2010

Smith is now actively playing for the Central Queensland Capras and Step Brothers. For the Step Brothers he has adjusted to the sport like a duck to water, scoring two tries on debut. Captain Jonesy said "Smithy listens to my instructions. He runs straight back after a touch and rucks the ball up in a perfect triangle formation." Rumour has it Smithy could be nominated the Vice-Captain for next game.

Representative career

Samau is a Samoan international.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/international_and_australian/6103128.stm|title=England 38-14 Samoa|publisher=BBC|date=2006-11-05|accessdate=2008-07-30}}

He was named in the Samoan squad for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, and played in three matches.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/7658506.stm|title=Samoa, Tonga and Fiji name squads|publisher=BBC|date=2008-10-08|accessdate=2008-10-09}}{{cite web|url=http://www.leagueunlimited.com/article.php?newsid=16750|title=Samoa name World Cup Squad|publisher=League Unlimited|date=2008-08-05|access-date=2008-08-06|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717060051/http://www.leagueunlimited.com/article.php?newsid=16750|archive-date=17 July 2011}}