England prop James Graham is expected to be cleared from concussion in time to play in Saturday’s Test against Samoa.

The Canterbury skipper was forced from the field with a head knock in his side’s NRL win over Canberra on Saturday and is working through the NRL’s concussion protocol.

The 31-year-old trained with the England team on Tuesday and teammate Chris Heighington believed he would play the Test at Campbelltown Stadium in Sydney.

“He went out to see the Bulldogs doctor yesterday and I think he’s all-clear,” Heighington said.

“He’s a vital part of this team so it’s awesome to have him around.”

Graham, the most capped player in England’s squad, shapes as a vital cog for coach Wayne Bennett’s side following the loss of halves Gareth Widdop and George Williams to injury.

Playmaking duties will fall on Kevin Brown, Luke Gale and Stefan Ratchford, who have nine Tests between them, and it will be up to the likes of Graham, Heighington and South Sydney skipper Sam Burgess to get their side going forward against a strong Samoan line up.

England are also without South Sydney prop George Burgess after he was suspended for four matches for a shoulder charge.

The Samoans have named a squad which includes the likes of Canterbury big man Sam Kasiano, Brisbane and Queensland forward Josh McGuire and Canberra giant Junior Paulo.