Newcastle's Saifiti poised for Fiji return

Jacob Saifiti looks on with his teammates.

Samoa has selected Newcastle second-rowers Jermain McEwan and Francis Manuleleua, along with front-rower Pasami Saulo, for its Rugby League World Cup squad.

McEwan and Manuleleua impressed during Newcastle's late-season run to the NRL grand final, where Manuleleua scored the opening try.

They join clubmate Greg Marhzew, while coach Ben Gardiner can choose between Sua Fa'alogo and Hamiso Tabui-Fidow at fullback.

Newcastle prop Jacob Saifiti is available for Fiji's opening match against the Cook Islands after completing a four-game suspension.

He was banned for a high tackle on Luke Laulilii in Round 26, missing the Knights' finals campaign and serving his final game during the grand final.

The Roosters won that match 19-18, and Saifiti's suspension was the same length as Pheonix Crossland's ban for tackling Nathan Cleary.

Saifiti last represented Fiji in 2017 and adds experience to a squad seeking another strong World Cup campaign.

Fiji reached the semi-finals in 2008, 2013 and 2017, losing to Australia each time.

The team will be without Viliame Kikau, who has an ankle injury, and Tigers fullback Jahreem Bula.

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