Former Black Ferns Sevens star Niall Williams-Guthrie is back on home soil, but this time wearing Fetu Samoa colours after moving to the NRLW last year, following a successful career representing New Zealand Rugby.
Williams-Guthrie, 36, is a mother of two of Samoan descent and is proud of the switch in allegiance; she is also proud to be back to where she was born and raised.
"As a Central West Auckland kid, driving through streets on the bus on the way to training brings back all the memories. It's such a nice homely feeling," she said.
Although she is part of the Fetu Samoa setup, she not playing this year due to injury. She has taken on a mentoring role as one of the assistant coaches and is happy to be surrounded by the girls.
Niall Williams-Guthrie. October 2023 Photo: Facebook / Niall Williams
She has also set her sights on next year's Women's Rugby League World Cup in France.
When asked about her switch from playing rugby union for New Zealand to rugby league for Samoa, Williams shed tears as she thought about her move.
"I'm proud of my heritage," she said, adding that "I was blessed to represent New Zealand for a long time, when I got a call, I didn't even know that there was a team for Fetu.
She had a chat with her husband, and what came from that conversation was that she had an opportunity to inspire a new generation of Samoan girls.
"To lead the way for these young girls coming through, and that it is OK to choose our smaller nations over the more established nations," she said.
"When you look at the likes of Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita and what they did for Tonga, it really inspired a generation of the Toa boys, such as [Jerome] Luai, Bizz [Brian To'o], and [Stephen] Chrichton.
"I think for myself to be able to say, hey, maybe I can have an impact like that on these girls. It was an opportunity I couldn't miss.
She said she always wanted to represent Samoa and her father's heritage.
Niall Williams-Guthrie leads a Siva Tau for Samoa Fetu. Ocotber 2023 Photo: Facebook / Niall Williams
Williams-Guthrie has had the opportunity to perform the Haka for New Zealand; she is now performing the Siva Tau for Samoa.
In the haka for New Zealand, it is only performed as a celebration when we win, she said.
"As for the Siva Tau for Fetu, it is more of a challenge and laying down the challenge for our opposition."
"The energy you get from that is something I can't explain. Last year, when I led the Siva Tau, it was a blessing to become the person I am - a proud Samoan.
"All Samoans look different. There are some Samoans out there who look like me. Fair-skinned, reddish-haired people, in particular, might think they can't be Samoans.
"It is important for them to see someone like me lead the Siva Tau. We all look different, but we're all Samoans in this team, in our hearts and in our blood, and we come together and lay down the challenge.
Speaking of challenges, Williams-Guthrie shared what it was like as a mother travelling and playing a professional sport.
She said her first sevens trip was with her youngest daughter, who was six months old at the time; she is now ten years old.
"In every interview I've had, I've always said I couldn't have done it without the support from my husband. He's amazing and has been a super dad for the last decade.
"As the girls have gotten older, it's gotten easier. They're independent now, and they think our mum travelling for sports for a living is a normal job.
"I love that. It means that one day, they can do it, and they can see that it can happen even if you are a mother.
Williams-Guthrie hopes Fetu Samoa will win over Fiji Bulikula on Saturday to qualify for the 16-team Women's Rugby League Cup.
"It's going to be big to put not only Samoa back on the stage but also women's sport for young Samoan girls to aspire to.
"When we qualify for the World Cup, we are not going there just to participate; we want to go there and win. It's an inspiring experience just to be among it.
"The opportunities are limitless; there are so many pathways now to be successful in the sport.
"If you want some inspiration, watch these ladies. They all come from different backgrounds and ages."
She feels the love and support from the community and said that Fetu Samoa players need to step up to another level.
"For this next part, get behind us; just like the Toa boys. The more exposure we get, the better it is for our team, and we'll repay you for the work we do on the field," she added.
