Toa Samoa are ready to make a statement in the 2025 Pacific Championships, with head coach Ben Gardiner naming a fierce and balanced squad to take on traditional rivals New Zealand and Tonga later this month.
The 21-man lineup features a blend of NRL superstars, established internationals, and exciting new faces looking to make their mark in the blue jersey.
🔥 Power, Pride, and New Blood
The Toa Samoa squad boasts some of the biggest names in the NRL, including Brian To’o, Jarome Luai, Josh Papalii, Junior Paulo, Jaydn Su’A, Jeremiah Nanai, and Payne Haas — the latter set to make his Samoa debut after switching allegiance from Australia.
Adding to the excitement are fellow first-time selections Ata Mariota, Benaiah Ioelu, and Lyhkan King-Togia, as Gardiner continues to invest in Samoa’s next generation of stars.
The inclusion of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck marks his return to the international stage, bringing leadership and class to an already dynamic backline featuring Taylan May, Murray Taulagi, and Deine Mariner.
There’s no shortage of forward firepower either — with Francis Molo, Jazz Tevaga, Junior Paulo, and Josh Papalii all bringing experience and grunt through the middle.
📅 Fixtures
Toa Samoa will kick off their campaign against the New Zealand Kiwis before heading to Brisbane for a blockbuster clash with Mate Ma’a Tonga.
- 🆚 New Zealand – Go Media Stadium, Auckland | 6:05pm (local), Sunday 19 October
- 🆚 Tonga – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane | 3:00pm (local), Sunday 26 October
The top sides will advance to the Pacific Championships Finals in Sydney on November 8.
🇼🇸 2025 Toa Samoa Squad
Ata Mariota* (Canberra Raiders), Benaiah Ioelu* (Sydney Roosters), Blaize Talagi-Seuala (Penrith Panthers), Brian To’o (Penrith Panthers), Chanel Harris-Tavita (New Zealand Warriors), Deine Mariner (Brisbane Broncos), Francis Molo (Dolphins), Izack Tago (Penrith Panthers), Jarome Luai (Wests Tigers), Jaydn Su’A (St George Illawarra Dragons), Jazz Tevaga (Manly Sea Eagles), Jeremiah Nanai (North Queensland Cowboys), Josh Papalii (Canberra Raiders), Junior Paulo (Parramatta Eels), Lyhkan King-Togia* (St George Illawarra Dragons), Murray Taulagi (North Queensland Cowboys), Payne Haas* (Brisbane Broncos), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (New Zealand Warriors), Simi Sasagi (Canberra Raiders), Taylan May (Wests Tigers), Terrell May (Wests Tigers)
(*Denotes debutant)
