Sports

Toa Samoa squad – a blend of youth and experience

Published

5 months ago

October 9, 2025

Veteran prop Josh Papalii is one in a host of big names listed in the Toa Samoa squad for the Pacific Championships in Auckland later this month.

Samoa made a historic run to the World Cup final on that occasion, before they fell to Australia at Old Trafford.

Coach Ben Gardiner has set his sights on going one better at next year’s World Cup and has worked hard to recruit the top players of Samoan heritage.

The decision of Payne Haas to switch allegiances from Australia to Samoa was a major coup, while Brian To’o, Jarome Luai and Terrell May headline one of the strongest sides the country has ever rolled out.

Luai and Parramatta enforcer Junior Paulo will captain the side, with the halfback set to link up with emerging Panthers playmaker Blaize Talagi-Seuala in the halves.

Murray Taulagi, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Izack Tago are set to feature in the outside backs. Jaydn Su’a, Jeremiah Nanai and Ata Mariota will provide physicality and X-factor in the forward pack.

Samoa will open their campaign against New Zealand at Go Media Stadium next Sunday before a blockbuster clash with Tonga on October 26.

The fierce rivals will do battle at Suncorp Stadium in front of an expected crowd of 50,000 with Samoan fans rushing to snap up tickets for the contest.

It’s an atmosphere the players and coaches can’t wait to be a part of.

“I can’t wait to see Samoa play Tonga in Brisbane in a few weeks time. It’s going to be one of the highlights of my coaching career,” Gardiner said.

“We’ve got a really big match to play in New Zealand first. I can see the match in New Zealand being the same. Big crowds, prolific crowds that really want to support their nations. It’s a brilliant spectacle for the sport and we need more of it.”

Toa Samoa squad (alphabetical)