New signing named in Samoa squad to face England

New Leeds Rhinos signing Keenan Palasia has been named in the Samoa squad to travel to the UK to face England in a two game series this Autumn.

Palasia, who the club announced had signed on a two year contract from Gold Coast Titans earlier this season, already has three caps for the World Cup runners up and could feature against Shaun Wane's England side, including an intriguing second Test at AMT Headingley on Saturday 2nd November. 

Jarome Luai will cap a remarkable season by captaining Samoa, as more big names prepare to join Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Jeremiah Nanai in switching allegiances ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Luai, who was a key figure in Penrith's fourth premiership win and starred in NSW's historic Origin series win, will lead the a Samoa team in England which includes Tuivasa-Sheck, Nanai, Deine Mariner and Blaize Talagi among 11 debutants.

Samoa will play England in two Tests at Wigan on October 27 and Leeds on November 2 in what has been dubbed a "revenge" tour after the Pacific nation upset the hosts in the semi-final of the World Cup in 2022.

The Samoa squad will assemble in Sydney next week, with a number of players to attend Crichton's wedding on Thursday, and will have a training session before flying to England on October 19.

Samoa squad to tour England

Anthony Milford (Dolphins) Blaize Talagi (Penrith Panthers) Deine Mariner (Brisbane Broncos) Francis Molo (St George Illawarra Dragons) Gordon Chan Kum Tong (Manly Sea Eagles) Izack Tago (Penrith Panthers) Jake Tago (Parramatta Eels) Jarome Luai (Wests Tigers) Jazz Tevaga (Manly Sea Eagles) Jeral Skelton (Wests Tigers) Jeremiah Nanai (North Queensland Cowboys) John Asiata (Leigh Leopards) Josiah Pahulu (Gold Coast Titans) Junior Pauga (Sydney Roosters) Keenan Palasia (Leeds Rhinos) Lazarus Vaalepu (Melbourne Storm) Luciano Leilua (St George Illawarra Dragons) Paul Roache (Warriors) Ricky Leutele (Leigh Leopards) Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Warriors) Shawn Blore (Melbourne Storm) Simi Sasagi (Canberra Raiders) Terrell May (Sydney Roosters)

ABK Test Series: England v Samoa:

Game 1: Sunday 27 October, The Brick Community Stadium, Wigan, KO 2.30pm

Game 2: Saturday 2 November, AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium, Leeds, KO 2.30pm  

Tickets are available to buy now at rugby-league.com/tickets with prices starting per test match from £25 Adults and £12.50 Under 16s. If booking 10 tickets or more, save 20% with prices instead from £20 Adults and £10 Under 16s – available now via the Groups Sales team at groups@rlcommercial.co.uk or on 0844 856 1115.