Mino-Sinapati embracing her Destiny as higher honours beckon

When the Game One squad is named, it will be a new-look lineup, with the ongoing ACL injury to playmaker Tarryn Aiken and retirement of Maroons stalwart Ali Brigginshaw seeing a big shift in the spine.

However, Tamika Upton, who took on co-captaincy duties last year, remains a pivotal figure as fullback, with Mino-Sinapati saying she had been learning a lot from the decorated superstar.

“I feel like when the old girls like to leave or choose to retire, I feel like the younger ones really did step up and the girls who don't usually find their voice are finding their voice this camp," Mino-Sinapati said. 

“Personally, I look up to Tamika and she's been a big voice in this camp as well, so it's been really nice to learn off the older girls.

“I feel like that's one of our strengths in this team is all of the outside backs, we have been changing positions and training and adapting to that, so I feel like that could be one of our strengths as we're all pretty versatile.

“I play winger, but I'm still learning that fullback position and you wouldn't want anyone else to learn off, being the best in the game.

“It's been amazing learning off her and pulling her aside and training and asking her for their advice.”

While Origin kicks off this month and the NRLW season gets underway in July, there is already plenty of excitement building for the Rugby League World Cup before held in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea later this year.

After helping Samoa rocket up the international rankings and earn their place in the tournament, Mino-Sinapati was looking forward to being involved in a World Cup for the first time.

“I feel like we've worked so hard the last few years to make World Cup, so being a part of that is massive for Samoa as a country,” Mino-Sinapati said.

“We really felt it last year with the whole of Samoa backing us and even the fan days, we were just all shocked to see how many people actually turned up and supported us.

“I think every year it's definitely growing and I'd love to represent Samoa.”

In the Pacific Championships last year, Fetu Samoa threatened an almighty upset, leading New Zealand 20-0 at halftime, before the Kiwis were able to fight back to win 22-20. But Mino-Sinapati said the experience had the team dreaming big.

“I think that game against the Kiwis was a real eye opener and when it was 20-0 at half-time, we were all just like ‘we can do it’ and ‘we deserve to be here’," Mino-Sinapati said. 

“I think we're all just really excited to play World Cup."

In this year's tournament, they will be guided by new coach Frank Pritchard, who takes over the reins from Jamie Soward.

“Sowie was awesome as coach, but I think Frank's going to do so well in the position," Mino-Sinapati said. 

“He knows us girls so well and he's an amazing coach, amazing guy off the field as well.

“I think he has a lot to bring to the Samoan team from the outside, he's just like a father figure, I would say.

“He's very kind, but he holds a lot of knowledge as well about the game."

The Ampol State of Origin squads for the women's series kicking off later this month will be named on Wednesday, April 21. 

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