The Japan Times - Samoa look to recreate 2022 final run at Rugby League World Cup

Leniu is fresh from a standout performance in the Sydney Roosters' NRL grand final win over the Newcastle Knights last weekend -- his fourth premiership title.

The other three came with the Penrith Panthers and his close friends from that side, Jarome Luai, Brian To'o and Stephen Crichton, are also in Samoa's 23-man squad.

"The connection of those guys is an indication of the connection of our team in general," coach Ben Gardiner told reporters.

"On Friday we'll come into camp and those guys will be connected immediately."

The squad features four other players who featured in the grand final -- the Roosters' Benaiah Ioelu and Knights trio Francis Manuleleua, Jermaine McEwen and Greg Marzhew.

The big name missing for the tournament in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea is star prop Payne Haas, who is out after surgery for a knee injury.

Samoa, who lost in the 2002 World Cup decider 30-10 to powerhouse Australia, open their account against France in Sydney on October 16.

Samoa squad:

Shawn Blore Anae Ulesese (Melbourne Storm), Stephen Crichton (Canterbury Bulldogs), Sua Fa’alogo (Melbourne Storm), Clayton Faulalo (Manly Sea Eagles) Chanel Harris-Tavita (New Zealand Warriors), Benaiah Ioelu (Sydney Roosters), Connelly Lemuelu (Dolphins), Spencer Leniu (Sydney Roosters), Jarome Luai (Wests Tigers), Francis Manuleleua (Newcastle Knights), Deine Mariner (Brisbane Broncos), Ata Mariota (Canberra Raiders), Greg Marzhew (Newcastle Knights), Jermaine McEwen (Newcastle Knights), Francis Molo (Dolphins), Junior Paulo (Parramatta Eels), Pasami Saulo (Newcastle Knights), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins), Izack Tago (Penrith Panthers), Jazz Tevaga (Wakefield Trinity), Brian To’o (Penrith Panthers), Enari Tuala (Canterbury Bulldogs), Ronald Volkman (Parramatta Eels)

K.Tanaka--JT