Rugby League Samoa announces TOA SAMOA team to face England in the RLWC opening game.

October 12, 2022 – Toa Samoa coach Matt Parish and Rugby League Samoa President Tagaloa Faafouina Su’a announced the Toa team from their base headquarters in Doncaster.

Toa Samoa squad, hosts a number of experienced players Anthony Milford, Junior Paulo, Josh Papalii and Martin Taupau who have all been part of previous RLWC campaigns but also features some of the younger Samoan stars in Joesph Suaalii, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow alongside Jarome Luai, Brian Too, Izack Tago, Stephen Crichton and Spencer Leniu who lit up the 2022 NRL competition and part of the Penrith Panthers Grand Final Championship team.

“The players are excited to represent Samoa, honour their parents and aiga. To play England at home is the ultimate challenge and the boys expect the toughest game from the host nation.” Tagaloa Faafouina Su’a

Coach Matt Parish insists Samoa have no interest in taking England on upfront in Saturday’s World Cup opener.

“It’ll be tough. I’ve already read several articles where they’ve said they’re going to come out and bash us.”

“It’s going to be tough and very physical in the middle. They’re a proud nation and are playing at home.” Matt Parish

The TOA SAMOA squad named for 2022 RLWC opener is listed below:

1. Joesph Suaalii
3. Izack Tago
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Brian Too
6. Jarome Luai
7. Anthony Milford
8. Josh Papalii
9. Danny Levi
10. Junior Paulo
12. Jadyn Sua
13. Josh Aloiai
14. Tyrone May
16. Spencer Leniu
17. Marty Taupau
18. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
20. Chanel Harris-Tavita
22. Kelma Tuilagi
23. Oregon Kaufusi
24. Braden Hamlin-Uele

Toa Samoa vs England
Saturday 15 October, 2022
St James Park, Newcastle
2:30pm (BST)

ENDS