The side’s first clash of their eight-day tour of the tiny Pacific Island, the country boys led 12-6 at the break before running in three second half four pointers to complete the warm-up win.

Contested in slippery conditions after heavy rain earlier on game day before 40 degree heat bathed the ground, the players endured the tough conditions to produce a clinical display over the course of three, 20 minute thirds.

On the same day, the NSW country Firsts side defeated Savaii’s open outfit 40-0, but with Western Rams boys Tyrone Harrison (Orange CYMS), Joey Hobby (Blayney Bears), Brock Naden (Wellington Cowboys), Charlie Staines (Forbes Magpies) starring in the juniors win, all eyes were on the under 16s clash.

Both Country teams are the first touring teams to play a game in Savaii, with both clashes called live on radio across Samoa as part of the 30-year celebrations of Samoan Rugby League.

Country Rugby League officials are thrilled with the initial stage of the tour, designed to help facilitate the game in a developing part of the rugby league community – it took Country 24 hours of straight travelling from Sydney to get to Savaii.

“Country Rugby League would like to thank Samoan Rugby League and the people of Savaii for the wonderful hospitality which was afforded to us,” the CRL said.

“It was a great honour to be the first touring teams to play in a rugby league match on the island and we really appreciated the Savaii residents for taking the time to make this game happen.”

Wellington Cowboys gun Naden said he loved the experience, and was rapt to come away from his first international with a win.

“It was pretty good. We got the win, so it was a good job by the boys,” Naden said.

All of the players enjoyed the carnival-like atmosphere.

“It was a real eye-opener for the younger players,” the CRL added.

“To see the passion of the Samoan players and supporters and the boys appreciated the opportunity to pass on some of their knowledge of the game to assist with the promotion and growth of the game in the Pacific Islands.”

Dubbo’s Andrew Ryan is coaching the NSW Country under 16s side in Samoa.

Ryan’s team will now take on Samoa at Apia Park this weekend and, along with the NSW Country Firsts clash, will be curtain raisers to the Fiji and Samoa international, the first league international to be played in Samoa.