LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy

Samoa Faces Team Changes Due to Concussions

Jazz Tevaga, Ata Mariota, and Jaydn Su'A will be sidelined for Sunday's Pacific Championships match against Tonga due to concussions, prompting Samoa to consider fresh players for their lineup.

The three athletes suffered concussions during a recent defeat to New Zealand, putting Samoa's chances of advancing to the tournament final at risk, even if they manage to secure a victory against Tonga.

As these players are mandated to sit out under concussion protocols, Samoa is also anxiously awaiting news on Terrell May, who was a late withdrawal from the game versus New Zealand.

His absence, along with the others, necessitated that Payne Haas play the full 80 minutes in the last match.

Benaiah Ioleu, who filled the 18th-man role in Samoa's opening tournament game, is likely to step into the lineup against Tonga. Other substitutions may be considered, but specifics are still uncertain.

Tevaga was the starting hooker, Su'A occupied a position in the second row, and Mariota contributed from the bench during the previous match.

Should May return, he will likely pair up with Haas in the front row, leading to Josh Papalii dropping back to the bench and taking over the position left vacant by Mariota.