Samoa hit by major injury issues as they prepare for England tour

Mark Molyneux

Samoa hit by major injury issues as they prepare for England tour image

Toa Samoa head coach Ben Gardiner has named a 23-player squad for their upcoming Test match series against England. 

Samoa will head to England off the back of a tough trot at the Pacific Championships last year. 

A depleted outfit slipped to heavy losses to Australia and New Zealand, so they will be eager to make a strong impression on the other side of the world when they face Shaun Wane's side in a two-Test match series. 

MORE: England's Test match squad for home series against Samoa

Samoa name squad for England Test series

Jarome Luai, fresh off his fourth consecutive premiership with Penrith, will lead his nation for the first time. 

The soon-to-be Wests Tigers talisman replaces Junior Paulo as skipper with the Parramatta forward still sidelined through injury. 

The Eels prop isn't the only star who will be absent though with Brian To'o, Stephen Crichton and Spencer Leniu also missing the tour. 

However, it's not all doom and gloom for Gardiner with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck set to make his debut after defecting from the Kiwis upon his return to rugby league. 

Jeremiah Nanai will also play with the former Australia backrower electing to represent Samoa instead. 

Blaize Talagi is an exciting inclusion with the young gun joined in the backline by Izack Tago and Deine Mariner. 

Meanwhile, Shawn Blore will play alongside after rookie Lazarus Vaalepu after both featured for Melbourne in a losing grand final effort against the all-conquering Panthers. 

Although Sualauvi Fa'alogo will not play with other notable absentees including Murray Taulagi, Royce Hunt, Heilum Luki, Greg Marzhew and Stefano Utoikamanu. 

Toa Samoa squad for England Tour 2024

  • Broncos: Deine Mariner
  • Bulldogs: Jeral Skelton
  • Cowboys: Jeremiah Nanai
  • Dolphins: Anthony Milford
  • Dragons: Francis Molo, Luciano Leilua
  • Eels: Blaize Talagi, Jake Tago
  • Leopards (UK): John Asiata, Ricky Leutele
  • Panthers: Izack Tago, Jarome Luai (capt.) 
  • Raiders: Simi Sasagi
  • Roosters: Junior Pauga, Terrell May
  • Sea Eagles: Gordon Chan Kum Tong
  • Storm: Lazarus Vaalepu, Shawn Blore
  • Titans: Josiah Pahulu, Keenan Palasia
  • Warriors: Jazz Tevaga, Paul Roache, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

England vs. Samoa rugby league Test schedule

DateFixtureVenue
Oct. 27England vs. SamoaBrick Community Stadium, Wigan
Nov. 2England vs. SamoaHeadingley, Leeds

Mark Molyneux

Mark Molyneux Photo

Mark Molyneux is a freelance writer covering the NRL and UFC for Sporting News Australia. He has previously worked in the music industry and as a teacher around the world.