Samoa name star-studded squad for World Cup

Samoa have named a star-studded World Cup squad, including eight NRL Grand Finalists from Parramatta Eels and Penrith Panthers. 

Samoa become the first Pacific nation to announce their squad. Greece were the first nation to confirm their 24-man squad for their first-ever tournament earlier this month.

France also announced their squad this week, which included former Tonga international Samisoni Langi.

Samoa face England in the opening game of the Men’s World Cup campaign at Newcastle St James’ Park on October 15.

Penrith stars Jarome Luai, Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton, Izack Tago, Spencer Leniu and Taylan May headline the squad. Joseph Suaalii has also been included, having committed his allegiance to Samoa over Australia. 

Oregon Kaufusi and Junior Paulo have been picked from Parramatta. 

Wests Tigers winger David Nofoaluma, who scored four tries in Samoa’s 42-12 mid-season victory over Cook Islands, has missed out. He is one of 10 players from June’s Test to miss selection for the World Cup.

Huddersfield hooker Danny Levi and Catalans’ Tyrone May have both been selected from Super League. 

Samoa World Cup squad

Josh Aloiai (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)

Fa’amanu Brown (Wests Tigers)

Stephen Crichton (Penrith Panthers)

Mathew Feagai (St George-Illawarra Dragons)

Braden Hamlin-Uele (Cronulla Sharks)

Chanel Harris-Tavita (Warriors)

Royce Hunt (Cronulla Sharks)

Oregon Kaufusi (Parramatta Eels)

Luciano Leilua (North Queensland Cowboys)

Spencer Leniu (Penrith Panthers)

Danny Levi (Huddersfield Giants)

Jarome Luai (Penrith Panthers)

Taylan May (Penrith Panthers)

Tyrone May (Catalans Dragons)

Anthony Milford (Newcastle Knights)

Josh Papalii (Canberra Raiders)

Junior Paulo (Parramatta Eels)

Jaydn Su’a (St George-Illawarra Dragons)

Joseph Suaalii (Sydney Roosters)

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (North Queensland Cowboys)

Izack Tago (Penrith Panthers)

Martin Taupa’u (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)

Brian To’o (Penrith Panthers)

Kelma Tuilagi (Wests Tigers)

PODCAST: Adam Cuthbertson on time at Leeds, Rhinos’ resurgence & Wayne Bennett’s influence

FOLLOW: Keep up with all the latest on the Love Rugby League mobile app and podcast