RUGBY LEAGUE, 2024 , TWO TEST SERIES, ENGLAND v SAMOA

Rugby League

England vs Samoa in Historic Two-Match Test Series

The Samoans are coming!

England will take on Samoa in a two-match Test series this autumn. This series marks Samoa’s first-ever visit to England, providing Head Coach Shaun Wane and his team a chance to seek redemption after their heartbreaking World Cup semi-final loss in November 2022, the last time the two sides clashed.

Key Dates for England vs Samoa Series

This historic two-match Test series will take place in Wigan (Brick Community Stadium) on Sunday, October 27, and in Leeds (AMT Headingley Stadium) on Saturday, November 2, with both matches kicking off at 2:30 p.m.

Samoa will face England in back-to-back Tests in Wigan on October 27 and Leeds on November 2, in what has been dubbed a “revenge” tour after the Pacific islanders stunned the hosts in the 2022 World Cup semi-final.

Luai to Lead Samoa’s Charge

Jarome Luai is set to captain Samoa, capping off a remarkable season as more high-profile players, including Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Jeremiah Nanai, prepare to switch allegiances ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Luai, who was a key figure in Penrith’s fourth premiership win and NSW’s historic Origin series win, will lead the a Samoa team in England which includes Tuivasa-Sheck, Nanai, Deine Mariner and Blaize Talagi among 11 debutants.

Samoa’s Squad: Star Power Despite Key Absences

Samoa coach Ben Gardiner has revealed a star-studded squad for the upcoming tour, despite being without as many as 13 high-profile players, including New South Wales and Australian prop Payne Haas.

The Broncos star is unavailable due to a Lisfranc injury he suffered during Round 22 against the Cowboys.

Tuivasa-Sheck’s Switch Influences Nanai

Gardiner revealed that Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s decision to represent Samoa over New Zealand, where he earned 20 caps from 2013 to 2019 before switching to rugby union, played a key role in convincing Jeremiah Nanai to commit to the Pacific nation.

Having returned to the Warriors this season, Tuivasa-Sheck expressed his long-standing desire to play for Samoa and informed Gardiner of his availability for the end-of-season tour to England.

Other Notable Players Joining Samoa

Broncos centre Deine Mariner is another who knocked back a Kiwis jersey to play for Samoa, while Nanai, who was a member of this year’s Queensland Origin team, represented Australia at the World Cup in 2022.

To’o, who injured his knee in Sunday night’s grand final, was one of the stars unavailable for the tour, along with Stephen Crichton, who is getting married next week.

Unavailable Samoan Stars

Spencer Leniu, Royce Hunt, Junior Paulo, Jaydn Su’A, and Stefano Utoikamanu are among the other notable players unavailable for the tour.

SAMOAN SQUAD

 Anthony Milford (Dolphins), Blaize Talagi (Penrith Panthers), Deine Mariner (Brisbane Broncos), Francis Molo (St George Illawarra Dragons), Gordon Chan Kum Tong (Manly Sea Eagles)
Izack Tago (Penrith Panthers), Jake Tago (Parramatta Eels), Jarome Luai (Wests Tigers)
Jazz Tevaga (Manly Sea Eagles), Jeral Skelton (Wests Tigers)
Jeremiah Nanai (North Queensland Cowboys), John Asiata (Leigh Leopards)
Josiah Pahulu (Gold Coast Titans), Junior Pauga (Sydney Roosters), Keenan Palasia (Leeds Rhinos)
Lazarus Vaalepu (Melbourne Storm), Luciano Leilua (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Paul Roache (Warriors), Ricky Leutele (Leigh Leopards), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Warriors)
Shawn Blore (Melbourne Storm), Simi Sasagi (Canberra Raiders), Terrell May (Sydney Roosters)

Shaun Wane’s England Squad Includes Six NRL Stars

Shaun Wane has named his England squad for the two-game series against Samoa, set to begin on Monday, October 28 (AEST), featuring six NRL stars.

The squad includes Roosters duo Dominic Young and Victor Radley, Rabbitohs powerhouse Tom Burgess, Dolphins speedster Herbie Farnworth, Knights back-rower Kai Pearce-Paul, and the Raiders’ Morgan Smithies, all currently playing in Australia.

Burgess and Bateman’s Future Moves

However, Tom Burgess’ NRL career is coming to a close, as he has signed a three-year deal with the Huddersfield Giants starting in 2025. John Bateman is also named in the squad, listed as a Warrington Wolves player, though he is set to return to the Tigers in 2025.

Shaun Wane has announced his England squad for the two-game series against Samoa, kicking off on Monday, October 28 (AEST), with six NRL stars featured. Roosters duo Dominic Young and Victor Radley, Rabbitohs enforcer Tom Burgess, Dolphins flyer Herbie Farnworth, Knights back-rower Kai Pearce-Paul, and the Raiders’ Morgan Smithies complete the NRL contingent.

However, Burgess’ NRL career is wrapping up, as he has signed a three-year deal with the Huddersfield Giants starting in 2025.

John Bateman is also included in the squad, currently listed as a Warrington Wolves player, though his return to the Tigers is set for 2025.

ENGLAND SQUAD

Matty Ashton (Warrington Wolves), John Bateman (Warrington Wolves), Tom Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Daryl Clark (St Helens), Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves), Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins), Ethan Havard (Wigan Warriors), Chris Hill (Huddersfield Giants), Morgan Knowles (St Helens), Matty Lees (St Helens), Mikey Lewis (Hull KR), Liam Marshall (Wigan Warriors), Mike McMeeken (Catalans Dragons), Harry Newman (Leeds Rhinos), Junior Nsemba (Wigan Warriors), Kai Pearce-Paul (Newcastle Knights), Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters), Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors), Morgan Smithies (Canberra Raiders), Luke Thompson (Wigan Warriors), Danny Walker (Warrington Wolves), Jack Welsby (St Helens),George Williams (Warrington Wolves), Dom Young (Sydney Roosters)

England should be to good at home.

NRL 2025 Panthers and Storm

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