Toa Samoa

The 2018 NRL rookie of the year played two tests for the Kiwis last year but joins Martin Taupau in swapping black for blue ahead of this weekend's Oceania Cup test against Papua New Guinea, in a Samoan squad that will be captained by his Broncos team-mate Anthony Milford.

Toa Samoa head coach Matt Parish said they add to a very strong line-up to take the Kumuls.

"They're very good players but we've got a lot of good players to choose from," he said. "They've certainly earnt their right to be picked so we're looking forward to them playing."

While Afoa was at pains to state he cherishes each of his six Test caps for Samoa, he confirmed to NRL.com that he won't be following the likes of Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita in opting to remain with an island nation over a tier one team.

"I would take a Kiwi jersey with both hands," Afoa said.

"I have played for Samoa and am always proud to do that, but if the opportunity comes to play for NZ then they will get all my efforts.

"It's a great opportunity that a lot of kids dream about and work their butts off to get."

Despite reaching the quarter finals after salvaging a 14-all draw against Scotland in the group stages of the tournament, the winless Samoan side were embroiled with backlash after a string of disappointing performances and talk their talk of players – including Leilua – returning to their NRL clubs in the pre-season overweight.

One of the more experienced leaders in the line-up, Leilua told NRL.com coach Matt Parish identified the fixture as a chance to build depth for the nation.

"They're the future for our team," Leilua said.

The 26-year-old has a Tongan dad and Samoan mother and previously represented Mate Ma'a Tonga, with his last test being the Rugby League World Cup qualifying win over the Cook Islands in 2015.

He was ruled out of World Cup consideration last year after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament tear midway through the NRL season.

Taufua said he reached out to Toa Samoa coaching staff a few weeks ago to make it clear he was keen to play for them in the Pacific Test.

The 23 year old played in Queensland's Game One State of Origin defeat against New South Wales earlier this month but will be unavailable for Game Two on Sunday after opting to represent Samoa.

Milford played in Samoa's Pacific Test defeat by England last May but missed the World Cup due to a shoulder injury.

Manly winger Jorge Taufua is set to make his debut for Samoa, having previously represented Tonga, however four former Toa Samoa internationals have switched allegiance to New Zealand ahead of the Kiwis controversial test against England in Denver this weekend.

Fonua-Blake, who played for Tonga in last year’s corresponding Test against Fiji, has decided to again align himself to the Mate Ma’a after representing the Kiwis at the World Cup.

The Manly prop will join a powerful Tongan pack led by Taumalolo and Fifita, which is set to also include the likes of Tevita Pangai jnr, Joe Ofahengaue, Siosiua Taukieaho, Peni Terepo and Manu Ma’u.

Hopoate, Konrad Hurrell, David Fusitu’a Solomone Kata, Mahe Fonua, Daniel Tupou and the Jennings brothers, Michael, Robert and George are in contention for places in the outside backs.

Toa Samoa reached the quarter finals at last year's World Cup despite failing to a win any of their four tests.

A host of injuries and retirements has left new Kiwis coach Michael McGuire scrambling to name a squad to face England in Denver next weekend.

Matt Parish expects most of his World Cup team to be available for Samoa's Pacific Test against Tonga in Campbelltown but said New Zealand has managed to convince a couple of players to cross-over.

Five-eighth Michael Morgan also grabbed a first-half brace as the Kangaroos, winners of 10 of the 14 versions of the tournament, ran in eight unanswered tries to set up a semi-final against New Zealand or Fiji in Brisbane next week.

Cameron Smith orchestrated Australia's attack with his usual efficiency from hooker and converted all but the last of the tries, while fullback Billy Slater made a typically lively contribution and grabbed a record-equalling 14th World Cup try.

It will be an uphill battle for the Samoans, who are still yet to win a game in this year’s tournament and will have to play a full-strength Australian side which has conceded only 10 points so far.

But following the success of Tonga last week, Tagataese says it shows the top tier nations aren’t invincible and they’re in with a shot.

"It grows confidence and encourages a lot of the other players around Australia and T GROWS New Zealand – Pacific boy – to strive and play for their countries or their parents’ country of birth,’ said the former captain.

Pritchard and Roberts did not play in last Saturday's 14-14 draw against Scotland, which earned Samoa a play-off berth due to a superior for-and-against than the Bravehearts.

Papua New Guinea coach Michael Marum has also named star five-eighth Ase Boas for Sunday's quarter-final showdown with England in Melbourne after resting the Queensland Cup player of the year from last weekend's 64-0 defeat of USA.

Lachlan Lam makes way for Boas, despite scoring two tries in his Test debut for the Kumuls.