LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In a highly anticipated match, the Kangaroos and Samoa are set to face off in the Pacific Championships opener in Townsville.
This comes eleven months after their thrilling encounter in the World Cup Final at Old Trafford.
The COVID pandemic forced the World Cup to be transferred to 2022, which proved to be a watershed moment for Samoa.
Led by big guns Junior Paulo, Stephen Crichton, and Jarome Luai, Samoa made an emotional charge past England and reached the final against the Kangaroos, ultimately losing 30-10.
Samoa will have four players who featured in the NRL grand final, including premiership-winning Panthers Crichton, Leniu, and Tago, as well as Broncos forward Palasia.
Under the guidance of new coach Ben Gardiner, Samoa will field a powerful pack, featuring players like Paulo, Leniu, Luki, Utoikamanu, and Hunt.
They will be determined to match the strength of Mal Meninga's posse of forwards, which includes Broncos stars Haas and Carrigan, eager to put their grand final defeat behind them.
Although Australia has dominated in their previous four meetings with Samoa, with a combined score of 186-28, last year's World Cup decider showed that Samoa is on the right track and believes they can compete with rugby league's top teams.
A fast and physical contest is expected on a balmy night in Townsville, with the ball being given plenty of air and both defenses being tested to their limits.