Host nation England face a tough task to beat Samoa at St James' Park in their opening game of the Rugby League World Cup.
The Samoan side are touted by many as the tournament's surprise package and are likely to push England to the limit in Newcastle on Saturday October 15.
In Samoa's 24-man squad, coach Matt Parish has included eight players who are due to play in this Sunday's NRL Grand Final - the showpiece event for Rugby League powerhouse Australia's premier domestic competition.