Big game players: Samoa celebrate 'small men' standing tall on debut

They may have only played 109 minutes of NRL between them, but Toa Samoa young guns Sua Faalogo and Gordon Chan Kum Tong showed against Australia that their future in blue is bright.

Faalogo, who made his NRL debut in Round 27 for the Storm, was electrifying at the back in Townsville, while Chan Kum Tong - who came off the bench twice for Manly this year in his debut season - showed plenty of smarts and grit in defence.

Also two of the smallest statured players on the field – they both showed huge heart, with coach Ben Gardiner full of praise for the debutants after the match.

“There was some really good individual performances; I thought young Sua at fullback, that was one of the real highlights of the game,” Gardiner said.

"Young Gordon at hooker as well was one of the real highlights of the game … we had nine debutants tonight and those guys stood up for us, which was awesome and that's really good for Samoa moving forward.

"It's putting us in a position that in the future, we're going to have an up-and-coming team that builds on NRL and Test match experience.”

For Faalogo, who declared his desire to represent his homeland following his debut match, the experience of being one of the nine debutants in the Samoan side was a special one.

“It was very special playing for my country, representing my village and especially for my parents back over there,” Faalogo said.

“It was very special night for me … it was just crazy feeling, I never thought I'd have a chance to my country.

“It was just so soon; but as I got the opportunity, I was just so happy, it’s crazy.”

Chan Kum Tong, who also has Chinese heritage, said being able to represent Samoa and help grow the profile of international rugby league was an honour.

“Just to put on the Toa Samoa jersey, it means the world to me, as a kid, I've always wanted to play for them and it's just a dream come true,” Chan Kum Tong said.

“One hundred percent, international footy … if everyone gets to play for their countries, the game will definitely grow.

“This is only the start, but hopefully the NRL can continue to support international football.”

After playing in the opening match of the men’s Pacific Championships tournament, Samoa will next face New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland.