Samoa loom as World Cup threat with Haas on board
Scott Bailey |
Samoa are building a squad capable of winning next year’s World Cup with Payne Haas headlining one of the nation’s strongest ever squads for the Pacific Championships.
Haas was the big new name in Samoa’s 21-man squad unveiled on Tuesday with Jarome Luai, Blaize Talagi and Brian To’o also returning.
Samoa are without injured duo Stephen Crichton and Spencer Leniu for this year’s Pacific Cup, while Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has for now opted to play for Australia.
This Samoa side is clearly looming as a legitimate threat for next year’s World Cup in Australia, after losing to the Kangaroos in the final in 2022.
Samoan squads were one filled with reserve-graders and youngsters, but this side includes nine State of Origin players.
Former Dally M winner Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is also there, while Taylan May joins his brother Terrell in this year’s group.
“I’ve said it a number of times that if you build it, they will come,” coach Ben Gardiner said.
“And I think the players are starting to come to join us, because they know it’s professional and it’s the type of environment that they want to be in.
“If you do want to play for our team, you’re committing for the next two years that you’re committing to the World Cup.
“We’re building a group of people to get to that … do well in the World Cup and win the World Cup final over the next 12 months.”
Samoa’s squad for the 2022 World Cup in England was arguably the strongest in the nation’s history.
But the inclusion of Haas makes this group a genuine chance to win their first major trophy in a pack that also includes Junior Paulo and Josh Papalii.
“For Payne to be able to want to represent his heritage and his family … it’s where his heart is at,” Gardiner said.
“To have a guy like that in the team, that as a front rower can play 80 minutes if he needs to (is great).
“But just the inspiration that he brings for the people around him, I think he’s going to bring that inspiration to our team.”
The other real improvement for Samoa looms as their halves with Talagi joining Jarome Luai after first playing together in last year’s tour of England.
Samoa have never beaten New Zealand but will at least enter the October 19 tournament opener in Auckland with a squad more than comparable on paper.
“In the last few years we’ve been able to foster some combinations,” Gardiner said.
“Hooker and halves have always been an issue for Samoa, but we’ve worked really hard in the background to make sure that that’s not.”
SAMOA SQUAD FOR PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIPS:
Ata Mariorta, Benaiah Ioelu, Blaize Talagi, Brian To’o, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Deine Mariner, Francis Molo, Izack Tago, Jarome Luai, Jaydn Su’A, Jazz Tevaga, Jeremiah Nanai, Josh Papalii, Junior Paulo, Lyhkan King-Togia, Murray Taulagi, Payne Haas, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Simi Sasagi, Taylan May, Terrell May.
AAP
