Samoa are looking to get back on the horse after an abysmal loss to England in the opening game of the World Cup and after picking up three injuries in that defeat to England, Matt Parish has had to make a number of changes to his 19-man squad.
It sees Salford Red Devils centre Tim Lafai come into the 19-man squad after only being called up recently to alleviate Samoa’s injury crisis which reached its zenith with Tyrone May’s dislocated hip which could rule him out for five months.
Salford teammate Ken Sio also could come into the side after being called up alongside Lafai after both had terrific seasons in Super League which saw them named in the Dream Team.
Meanwhile Hull FC forward Ligi Sao has also been named in the squad alongside former Featherstone Rovers halfback Fa’amanu Brown who returns to the country after departing the Rovers going into 2022 after helping the Rovers to 1895 Cup Final success against York.
Former Leeds Rhinos transfer target Martin Taupa’u is also included in the 19 hoping to pick up a contract for 2023.
Lastly, Danny Levi who is headed back to the NRL in 2023 after a great spell at Huddersfield culminating in interest from Canberra Raiders.
Here’s the Samoa Squad in full: 13 Josh Aloiai, 21 Fa’amanu Brown, 4 Stephen Crichton, 19 Mat Feagai, 20 Chanel Harris-Tavita, 15 Royce Hunt, 23 Oregon Kaufusi, 25 Tim Lafai, 16 Spencer Leniu, 9 Danny Levi, 6 Jarome Luai, 8 Josh Papali’i, 10 Junior Paulo (captain), 11 Ligi Sao, 26 Ken Sio, 12 Jaydn Su’a, 1 Joseph Sua’aili’i, 17 Martin Taupa’u, 5 Brian To’o
Warrington Wolves
Exiled Super League star makes rugby league return
Warrington Wolves
Sam Burgess makes decision on future following South Sydney links
