England boss Shaun Wane has given his reaction to the star-studded Samoa squad that was announced earlier today. Wane’s side host Samoa this autumn with Ben Gardiner bringing his outfit over for two Tests that promise to be competitive and enthralling.
The first Test match will be held at the Brick Community Stadium in Wigan on October 27 before the two nations go head to head once more at Headingley on November 2. Included in the Samoan squad is four-time NRL Grand Final winner Jarome Luai, with the half-back set to skipper the side.
He’s joined by the likes of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Izack Tago, Francis Molo and John Asiata, with the latter being one of three Super League men involved alongside Rickey Leutele and Leeds Rhinos recruit Keenan Palasia.
Wane is hardly shocked to see Gardiner name such a strong squad and he believes it will be a great challenge for his side as they look to improve and build towards the 2026 World Cup down under.
“Samoa have named a strong squad, no surprises there,” the England coach said. “They’ve got world-class talent across the park, and we know exactly what they’re capable of.
“We respect their strengths, but we’re focused on ourselves. We’ve been preparing hard, learning from our previous encounters, and fine-tuning our game.
“They got the better of us last time in a tough battle, but we’re ready for the challenge ahead and excited to face them again. They are going to be two fantastic Tests.”
Wane is expected to announce his final squad on Tuesday, having named a 31-man performance squad at the start of September, with England due to meet up and finalise their preparations shortly after.
England Performance Squad (to be reduced on Tuesday): Matty Ashton (Warrington Wolves), John Bateman (Warrington Wolves), Tom Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Daryl Clark (St Helens), Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves), Tyler Dupree (Wigan Warriors), Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins), James Harrison (Warrington Wolves), Ethan Havard (Wigan Warriors), Chris Hill (Huddersfield Giants), Tom Johnstone (Catalans Dragons), Morgan Knowles (St Helens), Matty Lees (St Helens), Mikey Lewis (Hull KR), Jez Litten (Hull KR), Liam Marshall (Wigan Warriors), Mike McMeeken (Catalans Dragons), Elliot Minchella (Hull KR), Robbie Mulhern (Leigh Leopards), Harry Newman (Leeds Rhinos), Junior Nsemba (Wigan Warriors), Kai Pearce-Paul (Newcastle Knights), Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters), Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors), Morgan Smithies (Canberra Raiders), Luke Thompson (Wigan Warriors), Danny Walker (Warrington Wolves), Jake Wardle (Wigan Warriors), Jack Welsby (St Helens), George Williams (Warrington Wolves), Dom Young (Sydney Roosters).
Samoa squad: Jarome Luai (Penrith Panthers, captain), John Asiata (Leigh Leopards), Shawn Blore (Melbourne Storm), Luciano Leilua (St George Illawarra Dragons), Ricky Leutele (Leigh Leopards), Terrell May (Sydney Roosters), Deine Mariner (Brisbane Broncos), Anthony Milford (Dolphins), Francis Molo (St George Illawarra Dragons), Jeremiah Nanai (North Queensland Cowboys), Josiah Pahulu (Gold Coast Titans), Junior Pauga (Sydney Roosters), Keenan Palasia (Gold Coast Titans), Paul Roache (NZ Warriors), Simi Sasagi (Canberra Raiders), Jeral Skelton (Wests Tigers), Izack Tago (Penrith Panthers), Jake Tago (Parramatta Eels), Blaize Talagi (Penrith Panthers), Jazz Tevaga (Manly Sea Eagles), Gordon Chan Kum Tong (Manly Sea Eagles), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Warriors), Lazarus Vaalepu (Melbourne Storm).