Playmaker Chanel Harris-Tavita is the only One New Zealand Warriors player named in Samoa’s squad for the Rugby League World Cup starting in Australia next week.
The 27-year-old NRL veteran is one of only six survivors from the Samoan side that played in the World Cup final for the first time four years ago.
Harris-Tavita started at hooker in the 10-30 loss to the Kangaroos at Old Trafford while the others selected again are Bulldogs centre Stephen Crichton, Roosters premiership-winning prop Spencer Leniu, Wests Tigers halfback Jarome Luai, Eels front rower Junior Paulo and Panthers winger To’o.
Harris-Tavita will be reunited with two former Warriors teammates Jazz Tevaga – fresh from Wakefield Trinity’s stunning Super League grand final victory – and Eels halfback Ronald Volkman.
The Samoan side is studded with NRL experience. Besides the six returning from the 2022 RLWC final, the squad features Storm fullback Sua Fa’alogo, Sea Eagles outside back Clayton Faulalo, Knights second rowers Francis Manuleleua and Jermaine McEwen, Dolphins back rower Connelly Lemuelu, Broncos centre-winger Deine Mariner, Knights winger Greg Marzhew, Dolphins fullback Maiso Tabuai-Fidow and Panthers centre Izack Tago.
