Toa Samoa’s extended squad for the upcoming Pacific Championships has been announced with four Panthers players fresh off winning a premiership included.
New coach Ben Gardiner has named Stephen Crichton, Brian To’o, Izack Tago and Spencer Leniu — however Jarome Luai is unavailable due to injury.
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Meanwhile, Jesse Arthars Keenan Palasia have earned selection too after featuring in last Sunday’s NRL Grand Final with the Broncos.
The pack includes veteran Junior Paulo, who will captain the side, as well as Luciano Leilua, Stefano Utoikamanu, Royce Hunt and Terrell May.
Rookies Gordon Chan Kum Tong and Sualauvi Faalogo are set to get a taste of international footy after being selected. So too Bulldogs teen Karl Oloapu.
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Powerhouse winger Greg Marzhew and rising second-rower Heilum Luki also join the list of 10 players set to make their debut for Samoa.
“With the balance of young and senior players, it’s definitely a good combination that we have got going,” Paulo said on Tuesday.
It comes after Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga announced his 21-man squad earlier on Tuesday.
Samoa will face Australia in their first match of the championship on Saturday, October 14 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville.
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TOA SAMOA SQUAD (* Denotes debutant)
Jesse Arthars (Brisbane Broncos)*
Daejarn Asi (Parramatta Eels)*
Gordon Chan Kum Tong (Manly Sea Eagles)*
Stephen Crichton (Penrith Panthers)
Sualauvi Faalogo (Melbourne Storm)*
Royce Hunt (Cronulla Sharks)
Luciana Leilua (North Queensland Cowboys)
Connelly Lemuelu (Dolphins)
Spencer Leniu (Penrith Panthers)
Heilum Luki (North Queensland Cowboys)*
Greg Marzhew (Newcastle Knights)*
Justin Matamua (Wests Tigers)*
Terrell May (Sydney Roosters)*
Karl Oloapu (Canterbury Bulldogs)*
Keenan Palasia (Brisbane Broncos)
Junior Paulo (Parramatta Eels)
Izack Tago (Penrith Panthers)
Murray Taulagi (North Queensland Cowboys)*
Young Tonumaipea (Melbourne Storm)
Brian To’o (Penrith Panthers)
Stefano Utoikamanu (Wests Tigers)
