Toa Samoa, the Samoan national rugby league team, has announced its extended squad for the upcoming Pacific Championships. The squad includes four players from the Penrith Panthers, who recently won the NRL Premiership. The new coach, Ben Gardiner, has named Stephen Crichton, Brian To’o, Izack Tago, and Spencer Leniu. However, Jarome Luai, another player from the Panthers, will not be available due to injury.
In addition to the Panthers players, two other players who featured in last Sunday’s NRL Grand Final with the Brisbane Broncos have also earned selection. Jesse Arthars and Keenan Palasia will represent Toa Samoa in the Pacific Championships.
The pack includes veteran player Junior Paulo, who will captain the side. Other members of the pack include Luciano Leilua, Stefano Utoikamanu, Royce Hunt, and Terrell May. There are also two rookies, Gordon Chan Kum Tong and Sualauvi Faalogo, who have been selected. Karl Oloapu, a teenager from the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, will also get a chance to play international footy.
The announcement of the squad has surprised former coach Mal Meninga. Meninga, who previously coached the Australian national team, expressed his surprise at some of the selections made by Gardiner. However, he also acknowledged the talent and potential of the players chosen and wished them luck for the upcoming championships.
The Pacific Championships are an important tournament for Toa Samoa. They will be competing against other Pacific island nations, including Tonga, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea. The championships provide an opportunity for players to represent their heritage and showcase their skills on the international stage.
For the Panthers players, being selected for Toa Samoa is an honor and a chance to continue their successful season on a high note. Crichton, To’o, Tago, and Leniu have all played key roles in the Panthers’ premiership-winning campaign and will be looking to carry that form into the international arena.
The inclusion of Arthars and Palasia from the Broncos also highlights their talent and potential. Despite not winning the NRL Grand Final, the duo impressed with their performances throughout the season and have been rewarded with a place in the national squad.
The captaincy of Junior Paulo adds experience and leadership to the team. As a senior player, Paulo will not only lead by example on the field but also provide valuable guidance to the younger members of the squad.
The selection of rookies Gordon Chan Kum Tong, Sualauvi Faalogo, and Karl Oloapu demonstrates the team’s commitment to developing young talent. These players will have the opportunity to gain valuable international experience and prove themselves at the highest level.
Overall, Toa Samoa’s extended squad for the Pacific Championships is a mixture of experienced veterans, talented youngsters, and players who have excelled in the NRL. Under the guidance of coach Ben Gardiner, the team will be aiming to perform at their best and bring pride to their nation. The championships will be an exciting platform for these players to showcase their skills and represent Toa Samoa with passion and commitment.
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