It hasn't quite taken on NZRL proportions as they scrambled to include Sonny Bill Williams in the World Cup squad but Samoa were busy yesterday confirming their final squad.
Samoa will take on the Kiwis in one of the opening games of the World Cup at the end of the month and there was doubt yesterday about whether skipper Roy Asotasi and centre Steve Matai would be there.
Teams needed to have their final 24-man squads submitted by early Thursday morning (NZT) but nations could apply to the Rugby League International Federation to make changes and there's a degree of sympathy for particularly island sides who often have second choice after Australia and New Zealand have named their squads. It's understood Samoa had until early this morning (NZT) to submit their final squad.
"There's an understanding of the challenges involved with nations confirming their teams," RLIF secretary Andrew Hill said.
Both Matai and Asotasi switched allegiance from New Zealand to Samoa for the upcoming World Cup and Asotasi captained Samoa in an international against Tonga in April.
They would have been the two biggest names in a strong Samoa squad that also includes the likes of Reni Maitua, Antonio Winterstein, David Fa'alogo and Mose Masoe, citing a desire to represent their families as the main motivation.
Asotasi is said to be struggling with an arm injury and Matai is nursing a shoulder complaint but might be included in the touring party in an administration role.
The picture is often a lot more complicated for smaller nations because they don't often have their own medical staff, meaning they have to work with club doctors who are often more reluctant to clear players for international duty.
Probable Samoa squad: Roy Asotasi (Rabbitohs), David Fa'alogo (Knights), Pita Godinet (Warriors), Harrison Hansen (Wigan), Masada Iosefa (Wests Tigers), Faleniu Iosi (Letava Bulldogs), Tim Lafai (Bulldogs), Joseph Leilua (Knights), Teofilo Lepou (Marist Saints), Reni Maitua (Eels), Penani Manumeasili (Sharks), Mose Masoe (Panthers), Suaia Matagi (Warriors), Arden McCarthy (Point Chevalier), Anthony Milford (Raiders), Junior Moors (Storm), Edward Purcell (Warriors), Ben Roberts (Eels), Iosia Soliola (St Helens), Sauaso Sue (Wests Tigers), Mark Taufua (Sharks), Ionatana Tino (Apia Barracudas), Daniel Vidot (Dragons), Antonio Winterstein (Broncos).
