Samoa coach Matt Parish has named a strong 20-man team to take on the Cook Islands in the first match the Pacific nation has played since 2019.
The squad is full of potential debutants alongside a strong spine of experienced forwards, yet Parish made the decision to exclude any players eligible to play for the nation who had already appeared in this year's State of Origin.
Matt Parish explains why he left out eligible Origin stars
Parish has relied on the Penrith connection, naming four players from the foot of the mountains to take on the Cook Islands at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on June 25th.
Penrith's gun left-edge attack has been named with Izack Tago and Taylan May continuing their meteoric rise. They have been joined by fellow Panthers Charlie Staines and Spencer Leniu in the squad.
Touching on his decision not to name the likes of Jarome Luai and Josh Papalii, Parish stated it was out of respect for the players that he left them out. But left the door ajar, for if they weren't selected for game two in Perth.
“We are proud of all players with Samoan heritage who are playing in all teams in the upcoming representative round,” Parish said.
“Out of respect to the players involved in State of Origin, we did not consider any player chosen in the New South Wales or Queensland squads for Game I.
"However, if they were to become available for the Pacific Test we would consider late changes to include them.”
Toa Samoa squad
- Anthony Milford (Newcastle Knights)
- Bunty Afoa (Warriors)
- Chanel Harris-Tavita (Warriors)
- Charlie Staines (Penrith Panthers)
- David Nofoaluma (Wests Tigers)
- Francis Molo (St. George-Illawarra Dragons)
- Izack Tago (Penrith Panthers)
- Jaxson Paulo (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
- Jaydn Su’a (St. George-Illawarra Dragons)
- Jazz Tevaga (Warriors)
- Josh Aloiai (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
- Josh Schuster (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
- Keenan Palasia (Brisbane Broncos)
- Luciano Leilua (North Queensland Cowboys)
- Martin Taupau (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
- Mathew Feagai (St. George-Illawarra Dragons)
- Ronald Volkman (Warriors)
- Spencer Leniu (Penrith Panthers)
- Taylan May (Penrith Panthers)
- Toafofoa Sipley (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Plenty of exciting young stars are set to make their debuts for Samoa
Manly's Josh Schuster headlines a host of players who have been given their opportunity by Parish. Jaxson Paulo, Keenan Palasia, Mat Feagai and Francis Molo are also included to give the team a youthful make-up.
However, Ronald Volkman's inclusion is sure to raise the most eyebrows, with the half only set to make his debut in the NRL this weekend when he plays for the New Zealand Warriors.
Alongside the potential debutants, Parish has an experienced pack featuring the likes of Sea Eagles enforcers Martin Taupau and Josh Aloiai and Warriors duo Bunty Afoa and Jazz Tevaga.
Parish will be supported by two new additions to his coaching team who will help him prepare the side for the World Cup at the end of the season.
Andrew Webster joins as an assistant coach to continue with the strong Panthers connection, while the former captain of Samoa, Frank Pritchard, also joins the coaching staff.
