Two years ago, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii made his NRL debut as a fresh-faced 17-year-old high school student on the cusp of completing the HSC.
Now, after representing Toa Samoa at the Rugby League World Cup and having a matai (chief) title from his grandparents’ villages of Satitoa and Letogo bestowed upon him, the outside back has devoted his time to learning more about his Samoan heritage, while teaching others in the community that it’s cool to embrace where you come from.
“Coming from Western Sydney, there are a number of Samoans in the community, but I guess there’s a slight stigma around speaking the language because in Australia you’re taught to speak English,” he explained.
“Growing up my siblings and I heard the simple Samoan words like ‘come here’ or ‘go away’ from my father, but we never learnt the alphabet or how to read.”
After receiving his lineage chief name ‘Anavaotaua Iosefa Aukuso Suaalii’, the youngster committed to learning the Samoan language, signing up for classes with Auckland-based tutor Leulua’iali’i Satuala.
“My goal is to create a path for others to see that I was born in Australia and I’m only half Samoan but I’m so proud to represent my country and speak the language,” he said.
“So far I’ve learnt the alphabet and my reading is improving a lot, I’m starting to catch on with more simple sentences.
“Now I'm working towards being able to speak it to my dad and my family back home, I’d love to be able to connect with them more through the language."
Satuala and Suaalii complete weekly sessions through video chat, working around his demanding training schedule. Their meetings focus on all aspects of Samoa’s diverse culture, including language, values, religion and identity.
“The tutoring has taught me where I come from,” Suaalii said.
“I’ve spoken to my dad a little bit about it before, but now I understand the language better, I know where I come from and where my grandma and grandpa come from.
“I’ve also learnt how it’s all evolved and how Samoa has turned into different villages and that reading and religion play a significant role in society.”
One of seven children, Suaalii and his family make regular trips to Samoa in the off-season to see his father’s parents. Returning home six months ago, the International representative was welcomed by more than just his immediate family, with crowds gathering at the airport and across the streets of the small island nation to welcome home their World Cup heroes.
Overwhelmed by the multitude of people who lined the streets, Suaalii didn’t realise how many people, both young and old, looked up to him until that moment.
“When I play, I don’t really think too much about it, I go out there and play football and do my job for the team,” he said.
Being able to go back home and see how much of an impact I’ve made within the village or even Samoa in general was really special.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
“Being able to represent them while I’m playing for the Roosters, while I’m playing for Samoa is really cool.
“Seeing the younger kids playing footy now and to have people watching be able to say ‘he’s from this village’ and see that because I’m doing it, they can do it too is huge.”
Building on the duration of his tutoring sessions each week, Suaalii encourages others to learn more about their heritage, especially his siblings.
“Hopefully my little brothers and sisters follow in my footsteps and try to learn Samoan too, because it’s been a really rewarding experience for me,” he said.
“I think passing that mentality on to younger generations or people older than me too, that your background plays a massive role in who you are.
“I want to use my platform to spread positivity around learning Samoan language and culture.”
