A Ponsonby Pony Junior and Ponsonby-Maritime Senior from 1969 - 1982, joined Glenora Bears in 1983 for two season before signing an off-season contract with UK club
Sheffield Eagles 1984–5. Returning to NZ in 1985 signed with
Te Atatu Roosters in the
Auckland Rugby League competitions, He represented
Tokelau at the
1986 Pacific Cup, and played as a
Substitute (replacing
Neil Cowie on 30-minutes) in the 2–33 defeat by
Castleford in the
1993–94 Regal Trophy Final during the
1993–94 season at
Elland Road,
Leeds on Saturday 22 January 1994. He played as substitute in both the 1993 and 1994 Challenge Cup finals victories against Widnes and Leeds at
Wembley Stadium, scoring a try in each final. After the
1993–94 Rugby Football League season Panapa travelled with defending champions
Wigan to Brisbane, playing at centre in their
1994 World Club Challenge victory over Australian premiers, the
Brisbane Broncos. Sam joined Salford in
1994–95 Rugby Football League season, and helped them attain Super League status following a Grand Final victory over Keighley Cougars at Old Trafford. Following that game Sam announced his retirement and returned to Auckland Warriors as Fitness Coach. He played for
Western Samoa at the
1995 Rugby League World Cup. ==Coaching career==