Huge RTS switch confirmed ahead of historic tour

Toa Samoa have named their squad for the upcoming tour of England, with superstar Roger Tuivasa-Sheck set to make his debut for the country.

The 31-year-old has already represented New Zealand on 20 occasions, but has opted to switch his allegiance after returning to the NRL this year.

Tuivasa-Sheck was born in Apia before relocating to Auckland with his family. 

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Roger Tuivasa-Sheck of the Warriors warms up ahead of the NRL Pre-season challenge match between New Zealand Warriors and Dolphins at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart on February 24, 2024 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

The fleet-footed centre will be joined by a host of big names for the Test series against England, with premiership winners Jarome Luai and Izack Tago both included.

Luai will captain the side for the two-game series, with Panthers assistant coach Ben Gardner in charge of the squad.

Also included will be State of Origin forward Jeremiah Nanai, who has already played for Australia on the international stage on two occasions at the 2022 World Cup.

Young gun Blaize Talagi will cap off a strong rookie campaign with the Parramatta Eels after earning selection in the squad.

Blaize Talagi of the Eels looks on during the round 21 NRL match between Parramatta Eels and Melbourne Storm at CommBank Stadium, on July 26, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

Two notable absentees from the Samoan group this time around will be Brian To'o and Stephen Crichton, with the NSW superstars unavailable for the tour. 

Crichton is getting married next week, while To'o is out due to a knee injury.

The series will kick off on October 28 (AEDT) and marks the first time the two nations have met outside of a World Cup or organised tour.

Toa Samoa full squad

Anthony Milford, Blaize Talagi, Deine Mariner, Francis Molo, Gordon Chan Kum Tong, Izack Tago, Jake Tago, Jarome Luai (c), Jazz Tevaga, Jeral Skelton, Jeremiah Nanai, John Asiata, Josiah Pahulu, Junior Pauga, Keenan Palasia, Lazarus Vaalepu, Luciano Leilua, Paul Roache, Ricky Leutele, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Shawn Blore, Simi Sasagi, Terrell May

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