Confusion over Samoa squad

World Cup officials are waiting on confirmation of Samoa‘s squad for the tournament, after they named two men too many in their initial player list.

Today, Wednesday, is the deadline for the final squads to be submitted, and officials are wanting to confirm all squads at 3pm GMT.

A RLWC statement said: “Rugby League World Cup 2013 is aware that Samoa have published a squad list for the tournament which contains 26 players.

“This contravenes the tournament rules, which state that tournament squads can only include a maximum of 24 players.

“RLWC2013 have asked Samoa RL to confirm the 24-man squad with immediate effect.”

The 26-man squad, announced yesterday, includes three Super League based players – Wigan’s Harrison Hansen, Sia Soliola of St Helens and Widnes forward Frank Winterstein.

It also includes Salford-bound Junior Sau and new St Helens recruit Mose Masoe.

Coached by Matt Parish, former St Helens and Great Britain half-back Sean Long will also act as assistant coach.

26-man squad: Anthony Milford, Antonio Winterstein, Leeson Ah Mau, Joseph Leilua, Daniel Vidot, Ben Roberts, Reni Maitua, Mark Taufua, Masada Iosefa, David Fa’alogo, Sauaso Sue, Suaia Matagi, Pita Godinet, Mose Masoe, Tim Lafai, Penani Manumalealii, Junior Moors, Teofilo Lepou, Faleniu Iosi, Ionatana Tino, Arden McCarthy, Edward Purcell, Harrison Hansen, Iosia Soliola, Frank Winterstein, Junior Sau.