Storm Players, Eli Katoa, Sua Fa’alogo & Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown
Melbourne Storm has today announced a new partnership with two proudly Samoan
Beverages brands, Samoa Water and Taxi Soft Drinks, further strengthening the Club’s
connection with the Pacific nation.
The partnership will see Samoa Water and Taxi become the Official Water and
Carbonated Soft Drink Partner of Melbourne Storm for the remainder of 2026 season
and throughout 2027.
The partnership builds on Storm’s long-standing relationship with Samoa, highlighted by
fullback Sua Fa’alogo’s emotional homecoming to his native village of Siumu in June.
Fa’alogo was joined on the trip by Storm CEO Justin Rodski and teammates Marion
Seve, Eli Katoa and Tui Kamikamica, reconnecting with the local community and
celebrating the Club’s strong Samoan representation.
Samoa Beverages also supported the official Rugby League carnival held in Samoa
throughout June and July, helping celebrate the local game while supporting Samoan
clubs and rugby league pathways.
Melbourne Storm CEO Justin Rodski said the partnership was a natural extension of the
Club’s strong connection with Samoa and its people.
“Melbourne Storm has a very special connection with Samoa, and that connection
continues to grow through our players, our supporters and the broader rugby league
community,” Rodski said.
“Our visit to Siumu earlier this year was a special experience and reinforced just how
important our Pacific connections are to our Club.
“Samoa Water and Taxi are proudly Samoa Beverages brands with great stories behind
them, and we’re really pleased to welcome them into our Melbourne Storm family.
“We look forward to working together and helping share the story, culture and quality of
these brands with our members, fans and the wider Australian community.”
Sourced from deep underground aquifers on the Samoan island of Upolu, Samoa Water
is naturally filtered through volcanic rock and protected beneath the island.
Beginning as tropical rainfall, each drop makes its way through the island’s natural
underground systems, carrying with it the story of a landscape shaped by fire, rain and
time.
Through its partnership with Melbourne Storm, Samoa Water will bring that story to
Australian consumers, offering a product that reflects the natural beauty, heritage and
environment of Samoa.
Peter Whitton and Charlie Westerlund from Samoa Beverages said the partnership
provided an exciting opportunity to bring a taste of Samoa to Storm’s extensive
Australian supporter base.
“Samoa Beverages are incredibly proud to partner with Melbourne Storm and share
products that come directly from the heart of Samoa,” they said.
“This partnership represents more than just a commercial relationship. It is about
celebrating Samoa, our people and our connection with Storm.
“We look forward to introducing more Australians to Samoa Beverages, while sharing
the story behind our beautiful island and our products.”
Taxi Soft Drinks has its origins in the Ah Liki/Westerlund family and the taxi business
established by their forebear, Herman ‘Mani’ Westerlund.
Built on hard work, determination and the simple business of transporting people, the
family’s taxi operation laid the foundations for future generations to pursue education,
opportunity and business.
When the decision was made to create a proudly Samoan soft drink brand, the name
Taxi was chosen as a tribute to that history.
Taxi was founded on the belief that Samoa could create its own brands, manufacture
high-quality products and compete alongside some of the world’s largest companies.
Its original flavours, cola, orange, lemonade and raspberry, quickly became a familiar
part of everyday life in Samoa and remain central to the brand’s proud heritage.