Samoa hit unprecedented heights in 2022, becoming the first Tier 2 nation to reach the World Cup Final. The big challenge now is backing that up, with the added issue of expectation on their shoulders.
On paper, this year’s vintage might be a fair bit weaker, with their two pack leaders missing out and their talismanic captain a serious doubt with injury.
The success of 2022 was based around the double punch of Josh Papali’i and Junior Paulo through the middle, but neither seem likely to go around this time, while Jarome Luai’s health issues late in the NRL season are well known.
Joseph Suaalii, a breakout star in the World Cup, is unconfirmed, and on top of that, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, his obvious replacement at fullback, has been picked by Australia.
Throw in that their coach, Matt Parish, has also departed and you have a lot of problems. Toa Samoa are yet to name a replacement, though Panthers assistant Ben Gardiner is a clear frontrunner.
Samoa will have a tough start up in Townsville against the Kangaroos before their cup final, a clash with the Kiwis at Eden Park in a game likely to see their fans outnumber New Zealanders.
There’s everything to play for, but for the first time, also something to lose. Let’s see how the Samoans stand in 2023.
Though there are obvious doubts about some participants, plenty of those who delivered so much success in 2022 will return.
Notably, that backline gets even better: Stephen Crichton will be there, as will Izack Tago, who left early in the World Cup with injury, and Brian To’o. Their Panthers teammate Spencer Leniu is also in.
The Cronulla duo of Royce Hunt and Braden Hamlin-Uele – also injured early in the World Cup – will back back. Martin Taupau is the cultural leader and lives to play for Samoa, so will be leaned on heavily.
Luciano Leilua missed last year under the no-fault stand-down policy, but is free this year and should make the cut. Jaydn Su’a is also in.
The hooking rotation looks likely to be Danny Levi, back fit, and Fa’amanu Brown and it’s hard to see Anthony Milford not getting a gig due to a lack of halves.
From the Super League, you’ll get Tyrone May at five eighth, and his brother Terrell would be very unlucky to miss out after storming form at the end of the year for the Roosters.
(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images for RLWC)
Looking back on the 2022 vintage, it’s easier to suggest who isn’t going to play than who is.
There’s a few who will certainly not be there. Tabuai-Fidow, as mentioned, is a definite no as he’s playing for Australia. Chanel Harris-Tavita, who started as hooker in the World Cup Final, has been on sabbatical all year.
Taylan May is also injured long-term, as are Joshes Aloiai and Papali’i. Then there’s the huge question mark over Luai. He’ll likely miss out.
Tim Lafai, a real standout in the World Cup, could go as either a centre or a depth option. It would be very harsh to drop him, though he is now 32 and the new coach might want to move on.
Murray Taulagi and Jeremiah Nanai are both out of Kangaroos contention, which brings them into the conversation for Samoa.
Connelly Lemuelu has been excellent for the Dolphins and deserves a call-up and Keenan Palasia has come on leaps and bounds with the Broncos.
Josh Schuster might relish another crack at the 6 role on the international stage, but whether any coach would fancy that or not is another question entirely. If not him, then Daejarn Asi is likely halves cover. Ronald Volkman would be an option for the future, too.
(Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
As ever Samoa’s list of possibles is long, and might depend on who gets picked elsewhere first and who puts their hand up.
Suaalii is top of that pile, but nobody knows whether he will go around again given his impending – possibly hastened – departure to rugby union.
If Jamayne Isaako gets a gig for the Kiwis, then Greg Marzhew probably plays for Samoa, but it could just as easily be the other way around.
Tim Lafai, a real standout in the World Cup, could go as either a centre or a depth option. It would be very harsh to drop him, though he is now 32 and the new coach might want to move on.
Poor form might put paid to Kelma Tuiilagi and Mat Feagai from last year’s squad, but it might skyrocket Jahream Bula – also eligible for New Zealand and Fiji – into the team. That would be a lot of fun.
David Nofoaluma, Charlie Staines and Ken Sio are all outside chances, too, but wouldn’t be rated as much more than that. Michael Chee-Kam, the Molo brothers and Bunty Afoa could all also be in with a shout.
Stephen Crichton played almost every minute of the 36 games in the past 12 months making him one of the games most resilient and skillful players.
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