Samoa head coach Ben Gardiner has named the squad that will take on England in a two-match Test series this autumn.
The Samoans will travel to the Northern Hemisphere in the next week or so as they begin their preparations for the first clash with England on October 27. That game will be played at the Brick Community Stadium in Wigan before the two sides head over to Yorkshire for the second Test on November 2 at Headingley.
Revenge will be the motivation for England, who were beaten by Samoa in the semi-finals of the 2021 Rugby league World Cup, with Stephen Crichton slotting a drop goal in golden point extra time.
Samoa, though, will be hoping to further establish themselves as one of the main players on the international stage and with the squad Gardiner has picked, they’ll fancy their chances of doing exactly that.
With that in mind, here’s a look at how Samoa could line up.
Well, as the only recognised full-back in the squad, it’s clear that Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will be wearing the number one shirt this autumn. Tuivasa-Sheck has 20 caps for New Zealand but was born in Samoa and after a brief stint in rugby union, he is keen to represent his birth nation.
Brisbane Broncos youngster Deine Mariner has chosen to represent his heritage rather than New Zealand this year and looks set to start on the wing, with Sydney Roosters man Junior Pauga a possibility on the other side. Izack Tago has been a key man for Penrith Panthers this year and will likely get the nod at centre, with Blaize Talagi, who will be making the move from Parramatta Eels to Penrith for 2025 also a likely pick.
Skipper and NRL superstar Jarome Luai plays at six alongside Anthony Milford, who could be plying his trade in Super League next season if reports are to be believed.
Francis Molo is the most experienced front-rower, while Terrell May was a key player for the Roosters this season and might just be able to secure a starting berth.
Gordon Chan Kum Tong looks set to get the hooker nod, while Shawn Blore and Jeremiah Nanai make up something of an authoritative back-row line up. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Jazz Tevaga get the nod over John Asiata at loose-forward, either, with the Hull FC bound man potentially having to make do with a bench spot, along with Leeds Rhinos recruit Keenan Palasia, Josiah Pahulu and Luciano Leilua.
Predicted Samoa line-up to face England: Roger Tuivasa Sheck; Deine Mariner, Izack Tago, Blaize Talagi Junior Pauga; Jarome Luai, Anthony Milford; Francis Molo, Gordon Chan Kum Tong, Terrell May; Shawn Blore, Jeremiah Nanai; Jazz Tevaga.
Bench: Keenan Palasia, Josiah Pahulu, Luciano Leilua, John Asiata