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![\"Shalom](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/79821482_sauasos-_251005_gp_05632_202510684920.jpg\"\/)
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\n Shalom Sauaso with the NRLW trophy.
\n \u00a9Gregg Porteous \/ NRL Images
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From making her debut, to winning two rookie of the year awards, to claiming a maiden NRLW premiership and now, earning an international Test call-up for Samoa \u2013 it has been a season to remember for Shalom Sauaso.<\/p>\n
Last week, the Broncos rising star was named the NRLW rookie of the year at the Dally M awards, fresh from claiming the same honour in the RLPA awards. On Sunday, she scored a try as Brisbane clinched their fourth premiership title with a tight 22-18 win in a classic match against the Roosters.<\/p>\n
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\n Shalom Sauaso with the NRLW trophy.
\n \u00a9Gregg Porteous \/ NRL Images
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To top off a dream week, the versatile talent was then named in the Fetu Samoa side as well to take part in her first Pacific Championships.<\/p>\n
\u201cFirst year in the big leagues and I’ve won; I am super grateful, emotions are everywhere,\u201d Sauaso said following the grand final win.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s still crazy to me how it just all happened so fast \u2026<\/p>\n
\u201cI couldn’t have done anything that I’ve done \u2026 without my village, especially my parents.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy parents are a big one. They’re the sleepless nights, sacrifices that they had to make, sacrificing their own dreams.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, this one is definitely dedicated to them and coach Kalolo, who just passed.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\n ![\"Shalom](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/79786017_sauasos-_251005_gp_03201_2025105155314.jpg\"\/)
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\n Shalom Sauaso in action in the grand final.
\n \u00a9Gregg Porteous \/ NRL Images
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Sauaso played for the Queensland Under 19 side earlier this year and the Australian Schoolgirls last season and is no stranger to representative sides.<\/p>\n
However, her inclusion in Jamie Soward\u2019s team for the Pacific Championships was a special opportunity for her to proudly represent her family.<\/p>\n
\u201cDoing it for my parents, both my parents are full Sa, so I think playing for Samoa, for them would be big.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll my life that I’ve been making rep teams, it’s for Australia.<\/p>\n
\u201cQueensland, Aussie Schoolgirls; so I reckon this one, if I get to play, if I get to make it on the field, it’d be big for my parents.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her Fetu Samoa captain, fellow Bronco Netta Nu’uausala, was excited to play on the national stage with the rising talent, who headlines a number young stars in the side including Destiny Brill and Sienna Lofipo.<\/p>\n
\u201cI’m super excited for Samoa,\u201d Nu’uausala said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s always different representing your culture.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith next year being a World Cup here, we’d love to have more hands on board … (so we\u00a0are) happy to take Shalom on \u2026<\/p>\n
“I went through her mum and we’ve had chats there \u2026<\/p>\n
\u201cShe brings so much youth into (any team), she keeps us on our toes, but it’s always so fresh to have younger girls come in and keep our energy alive.\u201d<\/p>\n