Sua Fa'alogo was once the young Samoan fan running around the streets with his country’s flag, watching his heroes make history at the 2022 Rugby League World Cup.

Now, four years later, the Melbourne Storm flyer is one of the stars wearing the blue jersey, crossing for four tries in Samoa’s 78-4 demolition of France in their World Cup opener.

It was a full-circle moment for the 23-year-old, who came on 10 minutes into the game after Deine Mariner suffered a hamstring injury, making the most of his unexpected opportunity in front of a sea of passionate Samoan supporters at CommBank Stadium.

Faalogo finished with 252 running metres, four tackle breaks and four tries, announcing himself as one of the most dangerous attacking weapons in Samoa’s campaign.

But even he was surprised by how quickly he was thrown into the action.

“I was shocked when he told me I was going to be on,” Fa'alogo said.

“I was just grateful to get the opportunity to get that blue on, and whatever coach wanted me to do, I’m happy.”

For Fa'alogo, pulling on the Samoan jersey alongside the stars he once watched on TV was a feeling that still had not quite sunk in.

At the last World Cup, he was among the fans cheering Samoa on as they stunned the rugby league world with a run to the final against Australia.

“Last World Cup I was running around the road with the flag supporting our boys. It will be good to get the same result,” he said.

“Thinking about it back then, I used to run around the street with the flag. Now I get to put that blue jersey on and represent Samoa. It means a lot to me and my family.

“It’s a crazy feeling still, and I can’t believe I’m still here.”

Fa'alogo made his international debut for Samoa during the 2023 Pacific Championships, but his return to the side comes after an impressive season at club level.

The electric fullback established himself as Melbourne’s first-choice No.1 in 2026, scoring 18 tries in 24 appearances and providing one of the shining lights in a difficult season for the Storm.

His speed, footwork and ability to break open a game have now given Samoa another potent attacking option as they look to build on their historic run in 2022.

“It’s a very special group here, so grateful to get the opportunity and my main focus is to do whatever coach wants me to do,” he said.

“Just trying to learn as much as I can from that. We’ve got some good players and good leaders in our team, just trying to learn as much as I can.”

The scale of Samoa’s support was on full display on Friday night, with a sea of blue and red filling the stands as fans watched their side record their biggest ever World Cup win.

For Fa'alogo, seeing that passion up close brought back memories of the young fan he once was.

“It’s crazy, it’s my first World Cup here in Sydney. To come here and see all the Samoan people here, it’s amazing to see how people show love and support for our team,” he said.