SamoaSamoa Names Rugby League World Cup Squad
Toa Samoa announces 23-man team, with Spencer Leniu and Jarome Luai included, but Payne Haas misses out due to injury. The team will face France in their first match on October 16.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
Toa Samoa has named its 23-man squad for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup, with veteran prop Spencer Leniu headlining the team. Leniu recently won the NRL grand final with the Sydney Roosters.
The squad includes several players who featured in the NRL grand final, including Benaiah Ioelu, Francis Manuleleua, Jermaine McEwen, and Greg Marzhew. Coach Ben Gardiner said the connection between the players is a key factor for the team.
Payne Haas is the biggest name missing from the squad, as he undergoes surgery for a knee injury. Haas had been playing through a hand and finger injury, and his absence is a significant blow to the team.
Toa Samoa will face France in their first match on October 16 at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta. The team is looking to recreate their historic run to the 2022 final, where they lost to Australia.
The squad also includes players such as Shawn Blore, Anae Ulesese, Stephen Crichton, and Brian To'o. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who previously represented Australia, has switched to Samoa and is included in the squad.
Fetu Samoa, the women's team, has also announced its 23-player squad for the World Cup. The team qualified for the tournament after winning the 2024 Pacific Bowl title.
The return of the Toa Samoa and Fetu Samoa teams has been marked with a parade and service ceremony in Samoa. The teams will represent Samoa at the World Cup in Australia, which begins on October 15.
Key facts
- Toa Samoa has named its 23-man squad for the Rugby League World Cup
- Spencer Leniu and Jarome Luai are included in the squad
- Payne Haas misses out due to a knee injury
- Toa Samoa will face France in their first match on October 16
Three perspectives
Neutral
The Rugby League World Cup is set to begin on October 15, with Toa Samoa facing France in their first match. The team's performance will be closely watched, and their chances of success will depend on how well they work together.
Positive
The inclusion of experienced players such as Spencer Leniu and Jarome Luai is a positive sign for Toa Samoa. The team's historic run to the 2022 final shows that they have the potential to perform well in the tournament.
Negative
The absence of Payne Haas is a significant blow to the team, and his injury may affect their chances of success. The team will need to work hard to fill the gap left by Haas and perform well in the tournament.
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