Australia have closed out a comprehensive 38-12 win over Samoa in their World Cup final rematch at the Pacific Championship in Townsville on Saturday.
The Kangaroos raced to a 22-0 lead inside the first quarter of play and Samoa did well to remain in the contest - in large part due to the play of electric fullback Sualauvi Fa'alogo.
Despite the lopsided result against his side, the 20-year-old Melbourne Storm prodigy stole the show at Queensland County Bank Stadium, showcasing dazzling footwork and a deep arsenal of tricks that left even his opponents gasping.
The highlight came in a sensational chip and chase try in the 51st minute, which was contentiously ruled out by the bunker due to a knock-on during the build-up play.
He also showed his defensive nouse against the Kangaroos, denying Kotoni Staggs a try and reeling in every bomb with aplomb.
"He was sharp, wasn't he?" said Kangaroos opposite James Tedesco. "He had our big boys grasping at air."
"He's obviously a kid who is a natural footy player, high instincts, and great footwork and speed.
"He created a bit of havoc for them, for sure. He was just playing with a lot of confidence, he was playing for his heritage and Samoa, there was a lot of pride there. Every time he had the ball he looked dangerous."
Fa'alogo started just one game for the Storm during the last NRL season, bagging a brace that included one of the best tries of the competition.
Unfortunately for a team missing stars Jarome Luai (shoulder) and Joseph Suaalii (concussion) for the opening round of the competition, Fa'alogo's heroics were never going to be enough against Mal Meninga's world champions.
Props Payne Haas and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui were at their marauding best, accounting for two of Australia's three-try opening blitz.
Murray Taulagi's try towards the end of the first half gave Samoa hope, until Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to take a short dropout 80m and stretch the halftime scoreline out to 28-6.
Samoa now move on to face NZ Kiwis at Auckland's Eden Park on Saturday.
