LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In a highly anticipated match, the Kangaroos and Samoa will face off in the Pacific Championships opener in Townsville.
This comes eleven months after their clash in the World Cup Final at Old Trafford.
The transfer of the 2021 World Cup to 2022 due to the COVID pandemic was a turning point for Samoa.
Led by players like Junior Paulo, Stephen Crichton, and Jarome Luai, Samoa made an emotional charge past England and reached the final against the Kangaroos, where they ultimately lost 30-10.
Four players from the NRL grand final will feature for Samoa, including premiership-winning Panthers Crichton, Leniu, and Tago, as well as Broncos forward Palasia.
Under new coach Ben Gardiner, Samoa will field a powerful pack, with players like Paulo, Leniu, Luki, Utoikamanu, and Hunt eager to match up against the Kangaroos' formidable forwards.
Despite Australia's dominant record in their previous four meetings, Samoa's performance in last year's World Cup final showed that they are on the right track and have the belief to compete against the game's top teams.
Fans can expect a fast and physical match on a warm Townsville night, with both teams pushing the ball wide and testing each other's defenses.