Veteran prop Spencer Leniu headlines a power-packed Samoa Rugby League World Cup squad named Tuesday as they look to recreate their historic run to the 2022 final, [afp.com] reported. The 23-man squad features several players from the Sydney Roosters and Penrith Panthers, though star prop Payne Haas misses out following knee surgery.
Spencer Leniu Leads Power-Packed Samoa Squad
“The connection of those guys is an indication of the connection of our team in general,” coach Ben Gardiner told reporters, according to [afp.com]. “On Friday we’ll come into camp and those guys will be connected immediately.”
Four NRL Grand Final Players Join the Squad
Beyond the former Penrith contingent, the squad includes four other players who featured in the recent NRL grand final. Haas is sidelined after undergoing surgery for a knee injury.
Tournament Schedule in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea
The upcoming tournament takes place across Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Samoa opens their tournament account against France in Sydney on October 16.
Complete Samoa World Cup Squad List
The 23 players selected to represent Samoa comprise the following roster:
- Shawn Blore (Melbourne Storm)
- Anae Ulesese (Melbourne Storm)
- Stephen Crichton (Canterbury Bulldogs)
- Sua Fa’alogo (Melbourne Storm)
- Clayton Faulalo (Manly Sea Eagles)
- Chanel Harris-Tavita (New Zealand Warriors)
- Benaiah Ioelu (Sydney Roosters)
- Connelly Lemuelu (Dolphins)
- Spencer Leniu (Sydney Roosters)
- Jarome Luai (Wests Tigers)
- Francis Manuleleua (Newcastle Knights)
- Deine Mariner (Brisbane Broncos)
- Ata Mariota (Canberra Raiders)
- Greg Marzhew (Newcastle Knights)
- Jermaine McEwen (Newcastle Knights)
- Francis Molo (Dolphins)
- Junior Paulo (Parramatta Eels)
- Pasami Saulo (Newcastle Knights)
- Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins)
- Izack Tago (Penrith Panthers)
- Jazz Tevaga (Wakefield Trinity)
- Brian To’o (Penrith Panthers)
- Enari Tuala (Canterbury Bulldogs)
- Ronald Volkman (Parramatta Eels)
When Does Samoa Play and Who Misses the Squad?
When does Samoa play its opening match at the Rugby League World Cup?
Samoa opens its tournament account against France in Sydney on October 16.
Which player is missing from the squad due to injury?
Star prop Payne Haas misses the tournament following surgery for a knee injury.
How many premiership titles has Spencer Leniu won?
Spencer Leniu enters the tournament with four premiership titles, having won three with the Penrith Panthers and one with the Sydney Roosters.
Keep reading