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Salford Red Devils star may yet feature in Rugby League World Cup Final despite missing out on 17

The teams are in for the men’s Rugby League World Cup Final at Old Trafford as holders Australia take on Samoa who were written off when they lost their opening game against England 60-6.

However, they last week defeated England in the semi-finals in a classic match edged by a Golden Point drop goal from Stephen Crichton.

Their win at the Emirates was partly down to the magic of Crichton but also down to three tries in total from Super League stars.

Tim Lafai of the Salford Red Devils crossed for an outstanding brace whilst Hull FC forward Ligi Sao scored a terrific try to give Matt Parish’s side the halftime lead.

The two will again feature for Samoa today in the final providing Super League representation in the biggest game in rugby league.

Lafai’s Salford teammate Ken Sio however missed out on the 17 yet again.

Sio, like Lafai, was called up to the squad after Samoa were left injury hit following their opening game defeat to England in the opener with Catalans Dragons star Tyrone May dislocating a hip in the defeat.

Sio hasn’t had the chance to play a minute but has consistently been named as 18th man and has been again today.

This means that showed Samoa lose three players to failed Head Injury Assessments, Sio could feature in the game and make his first appearance of the World Cup in the final.

Samoa came close to needing that 18th man last week when former Featherstone Rovers man Fa’amanu Brown went off with a head knock and it looked like it would lead to another.

This 18th man rule was created in the NRL and has been used all tournament but has yet to be required.

It has yet to become a part of Super League.

Here’s the teams in full:

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