Prop Jeff Lima will become the latest ex-New Zealand rugby league international to play for Samoa on Saturday when he takes on Tonga in Penrith.
South Sydney’s Lima follows the likes of his Samoa teammates Roy Asotasi, Junior Sa’u, Kalifa Faifai Loa and Ben Roberts in switching allegiances.
Samoa coach Steve Price on Wednesday finalised his team for Saturday’s Test, with one eye on the end-of-season World Cup in England and Wales.
“Finalising my squad for this weekend’s Test was a lot more difficult than it was two years ago, which is testament to the growth of the game in the Pacific,” Price said.
“The talent pool we have available now as well as the quality players that have chosen to represent Samoa is increasing each year.
“To be able to assemble this team in the lead up to the World Cup is fantastic for the game.”
Matthew Wright will play at fullback and is one of three Cronulla players in Price’s team.
North Queensland also supplied three players, with centre Antonio Winterstein and wing Faifai Loa to link up on the right edge.
Samoa: Matthew Wright (Cronulla), Kalifa Faifai Loa (North Queensland), Antonio Winterstein (North Queensland), Junior Sa’u (Melbourne), Daniel Vidot (St George Illawarra), Carlos Tuimavave (Warriors), Ben Roberts (Parramatta), Jeff Lima (South Sydney), Masada Iosefa (Wests Tigers), Roy Asotasi (South Sydney), Eddy Pettybourne (Wests Tigers), Sam Tagataese (Cronulla), Lama Tasi (Sydney Roosters). Interchange: Leeson Ah Mau (St George Illawarra), Martin Taupau (Canterbury), Mark Taufua (Cronulla), Alex Elisala (North Queensland), Tanielu Pasene (Rugby League Samoa), Leia Saofaiga (Rugby League Samoa).