‘We’re walking so the future can run’: Clarke on the Fetu legacy

While Fetu Sāmoa prepare for their maiden semi-final against the Kiwi Ferns in Saturday’s Rugby League World Cup game, legacy remains a major driving force behind their campaign.

Returning to the pinnacle event for the first time in 18 years, the Fetu women are carrying the honour of those who have gone before them, determined to continue their historic run.

Fetu forward and Gold Coast Titans representative Laikha Clarke, told PMN News she believes their current success would not have been possible without past players laying the foundation.

“There’s a saying that has been said, you know, the past players, who started the game, they crawled so we can walk.

“And our generation now, we're walking so the future can run.”

After coming agonisingly close to their first victory over New Zealand in 2025, Clarke says the current squad is continuing to build on the legacy they hope to leave throughout this World Cup.

“I’ve learnt a lot… making the most of this campaign and getting to know everyone because at the end of the day, it’s this group that’s going to make it to whatever distance and however far.

“It’s not just the playing group, it’s also our staff group because we're one big whole family and it’s going to take all of us to get there.”

Clarke, who has started in every match in the World Cup, acknowledges the quality the Kiwi Ferns will bring to Saturday’s clash, but says the team’s focus has remained firmly on their own camp.

Fetu Sāmoa last faced the Kiwi Ferns at the 2025 Pacific Championships, falling short in a narrow 22-20 defeat. Photo/Fiona Goodall/Photosport.

“It’s going to be a battle, it’s kind of like another semifinals from the NRLW, but obviously it’s international. We’re just focusing on us and the craft that we need to perfect and just enjoy and embrace each other.

“At the end of the day, no one knows what the outcome is going to be, so for us… this time round this week, it’s just sticking into it together, focusing on us and leaving it in Gods hands.”

Clarke says the coaching staff have reinforced the message.“They just want us to enjoy this because, being history makers, not knowing that’s what we were, to embrace that.

“But also, we’ve still got a job to do, and at the end of the day, we all do it together.”

Watch Laikha Clarke's full interview below.

Kick-off: 7.45pm (NZT) McDonald Jones, Stadium

Team lists:

Fetu Sāmoa: Destiny Mino-Sinapati, Mercedez Taulelei-Siala, Monica Tagoai, Tyra Ekepati, Freedom Critchton Ropati, Evania Isa’ako, Pauline Pilia’e-Rasabale, Annetta Nuuausala, Mary Jane Taito, Laikha Clarke, Leilani Wilson, Ivana Lolesio, Fanua Rimoni. Interchange: Tavarna Papalii, Christabelle Onesemo-Tuilaepa, Jasmine Fogavini, Christian Pio.

Kiwi Ferns: Apii Nicholls, Leianne Tufuga, Mele Hufanga, Stacey Waaka, Mackenzie Wiki, Chantay Kiria-Ratu, Raecene McGregor, Alexis Tauaneai, Georgia hale, Otesa Pule, Shaniece Monschau, Kaiyah Atai, Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa. Interchange: Ashleigh Quinlan, Annessa Biddle, Shannon Mato, Ivana Lauitiiti.