Samoa will take on England in a two-match Test series beginning in late October with Jarome Luai to captain the side for the first time.
Ben Gardiner’s team have been hit by a number of injury issues for their historic tour with usual skipper Junior Paulo joined on the sidelines by Brian To’o.
The depleted outfit also won’t be able to call upon Dally M Captain and Centre of the Year Stephen Crichton.
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Why Stephen Crichton isn’t playing for Samoa in England
Crichton memorably booted the winning field goal in the World Cup semi-final clash against Shaun Wane’s side two years ago.
However, he won’t be on hand to potentially produce any other massive plays for his nation as they return to battle on English soil.
In fact, just two players have been named in this year’s squad from that World Cup team; Luai and Anthony Milford, who are likely to once again join forces in the halves.
Joseph Suaalii has since departed from the NRL to take up a lucrative offer from Rugby Australia, while the likes of Royce Hunt, Jaydn Su’A and Spencer Leniu are unavailable.
Crichton has also joined the extensive absentee list due to his upcoming nuptials, which a host of his Samoan teammates will attend before they fly out to England on October 19.
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They will play the opening clash of the series a week later in Wigan before travelling to Leeds for the second and final match in early November.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is the headline name in the new-look squad with the dual-code star switching his allegiance from New Zealand.
The veteran played 20 Tests for the Kiwis from 2013 to 2019, before also representing the All Blacks during his two-year stint in the 15-man code.
RTS is joined in the Samoan backline by Brisbane’s Deine Mariner, who reportedly knocked back an offer from Stacey Jones to play for the Kiwis in the Pacific Championships.
North Queensland backrower Jeremiah Nanai, who represented Australia at the World Cup, will also make his debut for the nation.
