LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
In a highly anticipated Pacific Championships opener, the Kangaroos and Samoa will meet again in Townsville, eleven months after their clash in the World Cup Final.
The 2021 World Cup, which was postponed to 2022 due to the COVID pandemic, was a significant moment for Samoa.
Led by big guns such as Junior Paulo, Stephen Crichton, and Jarome Luai, they made an emotional charge past England and reached the decider against the mighty Kangaroos, ultimately losing 30-10.
Samoa will have the presence of four NRL grand final players, including Panthers' premiership winners Crichton, Leniu, and Tago, as well as Broncos forward Palasia.
Under the guidance of new coach Ben Gardiner, Samoa's powerful pack, consisting of Paulo, Leniu, Luki, Utoikamanu, and Hunt, will aim to match the strength of Mal Meninga's forwards, which includes Broncos stars Haas and Carrigan.
Although Australia has dominated in their previous four encounters, with a combined score of 186-28, Samoa's 20-point margin in last year's World Cup final indicated their progress and belief in competing with the game's superpowers.
Expect a fast and physical contest on a warm Townsville night, with both teams unleashing their attacking prowess and testing each other's defenses to the limit.