Injury latest on Super League signing as Hull KR man drafted into international squad

Following the conclusion of the opening round of the Pacific Championships, Samoa have been dealt some hefty injury blows, and have been forced to ring the changes ahead of their match with Tonga this weekend. 

Samoa, who reached the World Cup Final in 2022, took on New Zealand last Sunday in Auckland, and were narrowly beaten, as a late try from Dylan Brown gave the Kiwis at 24-18 victory.

In that match, they suffered some huge injury blows, with two lengthy stoppages taking place in the game to allow for two players to receive head and neck treatment. Forwards Ata Mariota and Jayden Su’A both were helped from the field due to concussion, and protocols mean that both have been automatically ruled out from this week’s match.

Another player who almost found himself in a spot of bother was new Wakefield Trinity signing Jazz Tevaga. The hooker was another Samoan player who had to leave the field for a HIA, after suffering a head clash in the first half. However there is still hope that he can play for his international team this week.

However, reports in Australia have said that Samoa have been granted permission for Tevaga to be removed from the current concussion protocols, which currently states players follow a 11-day return to play policy, due to the Manly forward not showing any signs of or symptoms of concussion since leaving the field.

Super League Grand Final winner one of three replacements in international squad

With the Samoans having so many injuries, they have been granted permission to bring in some new faces into the squad, and one of those is a very recognisable name in the Northern Hemisphere.

Hull KR half-back, Tyrone May, has been flown out from England to Samoa, and the most recent Super League winner will link up with the team ahead of their match against the Tongans on Sunday. May last played for Samoa in the opening game of the World Cup, in their 60-6 defeat to England.

Joining him as a new recruit is brother Terrell May, who picked up a hamstring injury prior to the Kiwis fixture and was ruled out. Melbourne Storm back-rower Ativalu Lisati is the final new addition to the squad, and could make his international debut if selected.

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