TO many Fijians, he is simply “MR.SAM” – the singer whose music has won fans across the country.
Long before he became a familiar name in Fiji’s music industry, Sam Kurukitoga was chasing a different dream in the game of rugby league.
Now, after two years away from the game because of a career-threatening injury, the Nadera Panthers fullback is back where it all began, determined to prove that his passion for rugby league never disappeared.
Kurukitoga made his long-awaited return in the Vodafone Cup this season after recovering from a broken arm that sidelined him for two years.
While the injury forced him off the field, he unexpectedly launched a successful music career that has since made him one of Fiji’s recognised emerging local artists.
Despite his success as a musician, the 30-year-old said rugby league has always remained close to his heart.
“I was out for two years due to injury. I broke my arm, this is my comeback,” Kurukitoga said.
A story of humble beginnings
He hails from Naloto, Verata, in the province of Tailevu and Kurukitoga grew up in a family deeply connected to rugby league.
He began playing in year seven with Panther’s junior side before progressing through the club’s age teams then the senior squad.
Today, he finds himself sharing the field with teammates he watched while growing up.
“I’ve always loved rugby league,” he said.
“My uncle inspired me very much. Watching him play while I was growing up, made me want to play too
“Most of my uncles played for this team, and that’s what made me pursue the sport.”
So close, yet so far
His rugby career appeared to be gaining momentum before disaster struck.
Only days after being named in the Fiji Residents squad, Kurukitoga’s arm was broken and it effectively ruled him out of the game for two years.
For Kurukitoga, suffering a career-altering injury at the cusp of what would have been a moment of great success was something he found really difficult to accept, understand and handle.
“It was heartbreaking because I knew my name was there. Then I had to watch my teammates represent Fiji while I was recovering.”
Doctors advised him to spend three years away for rehabilitating the injury, but after two years he was ready to make his return.
A career born out of necessity
During that difficult period, Kurukitoga discovered another talent that would change his life – music.
“My singing career began when I broke my arm.”
Unable to play rugby, he turned to music as a way of coping with the disappointment.
What started as a past time soon developed into a professional career, earning him recognition throughout Fiji under the name “MR.SAM”.
His stage name became the latest sensation hitting Fijian airwaves with his viral hit ‘JEKE TANIELA’, released last year.
He has also released songs such as “Vuavuai”, “Kua ni Dro”, “Tadra Ga”, “Love at First Sight”, “Kutu”, “Angel Baby”, “Niko Yali”, “Tu Mai Vei”, “Voli Gauna”, “I Tima”, “Ravi Yani” and “Naica Li.”
Collaborations with Fijian rappers JU BEN and Red Child have also added to his developing music catalog.
JU BEN is also one of the nation’s emerging musical acts, whose famously collaborated with singer Liz Vamarasi on the 2025 hit “Vakadua.”
Red Child is a rapper whose song “Gone Sisi”, released in 2008 became an instant hit among listeners.
Writing ‘bars’ and strutting his stuff
Today, he balances rugby league, a full-time job and a growing music career.
“It gets hectic and time-consuming, but I’m trying to balance everything.”
Although music has brought him success, Kurukitoga admitted the desire to pick up what he left behind in rugby league never faded.
“I was planning to stop because I broke my arm, but I still have the love for the sport. “The passion was always there.”
Returning after a lengthy absence from the field has not been easy.
He admits he is still rebuilding his fitness and confidence after spending two years away from competitive rugby.
“I trust my team and I trust the training that we are doing. So, for the competition, only time will tell.”
Kurukitoga’s vision of gratitude
Looking back. Kurukitoga believes the setback happened for a greater purpose.
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but the Lord’s plan will always prevail.
“I planned to play rugby league, but God helped me realise that I could also sing.”
Music from within, for a purpose
While he has not completely given up on wearing the Fiji jersey, Kurukitoga says his biggest goal now is to inspire young people.
With Fiji facing growing concerns over drug abuse, he believes sport, music and other positive activities can help keep young people on the right path.
“My advice to young people is to take up a sport. If you love rugby, play. If you love singing, then sing. Do something Positive that keeps your mind away from drugs and negative influences.”
For Kurukitoga, the journey from rugby player to singer and now balancing both is proof setbacks do not always signal the end of a dream.
Sometimes they become the beginning of another, while giving you the determination to chase the first one all over again.
