LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Toa Samoa is optimistic that Terrell May can recover from his hamstring injury as they plan to bring in replacements for a fully-fit squad against Tonga.
May was absent during Samoa's tough 24-18 defeat to New Zealand on Sunday, having sustained an ankle injury prior to the Pacific Cup opener in Auckland.
His injury compounded the team's challenges, as Jazz Tevaga, Ata Mariota, and Jaydn Su'A suffered knock-out blows, automatically ruling them out of the upcoming match against Tonga.
As a result of the concussions, Samoa now has only 17 fit players available, following the recent addition of Manly winger Clayton Faulalo, who replaced an injured Taylan May last week.
Officials are expected to introduce more players on Tuesday, having arrived in Brisbane on Monday afternoon in preparation for the Lang Park showdown.
There is hope that Terrell May could be eligible to play, as he will be evaluated after returning to Sydney prior to Sunday's match.
"We've got a lot of blood and a lot of stitches going on in the room, as well as some bruises," Samoa coach Ben Gardiner remarked following the loss. "But that is part and parcel of a big game, with that sort of physicality and ball-in-play time."