The 2025 Pacific Championships will be the fourth edition of the concept, where top-ranked nations will battle it out from October through to November.
Samoa wasn't featured in last year's tournament, instead, they toured England in a two-game series.
Dropping both games to the Lions will have Ben Gardiner's men raring to go when they play the Kiwis in their first tournament fixture.
MORE: Fixtures, scores, matches, pools for Pacific Championships 2025
Samoa predicted side for the Pacific Championships 2025 opener
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
2. Brian To'o
3. Izack Tago
4. Taylan May
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Blaize Talagi
7. Jarome Luai
8. Francis Molo
9. Benaiah Ioelu
10. Payne Haas
11. Jaydn Su'A
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Terrell May
14. Chanel Harris-Tavita
15. Junior Paulo
16. Josh Papalii
17. Simi Sasagi
18. Jazz Tevaga
19. Deine Mariner
20. Ata Mariota
21. Lyhkan King-Togia
Samoa latest team news:
Toa Samoa is entering the most exciting time in their history as an international rugby league side.
They will likely start with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck in the No.1 jersey after Su'a Fa'alogo wasn't named in the squad.
Brian To'o and Murray Taulagi are walk-up starts on each wing, having consistently performed at both Origin and Test level in recent seasons.
However, Deine Mariner is in sparkling form and the Brisbane premiership winner will be waiting for his chance.
If he is overlooked for a place on the flank, he could fight his way into the centres, although those positions are well stocked too despite Stephen Crichton's absence through injury.
Izack Tago looks set to keep hold of his place in the backline, while he could be joined by Taylan May, who starred for the Wests Tigers upon his return to NRL action this year.
At halfback, incumbent captain Jarome Luai will return and hold the keys to how far Samoa will go in the tournament. He could be joined in the halves by Blaize Talagi.
Chanel Harris-Tevita, who was a key player for the Warriors in their impressive campaign, will also be vying for the No.6 jersey along with possible debutant Lyhkan King-Togia.
However, CHT may have to settle for a place on the bench where he could serve perfectly as the utility option.
Payne Haas will wear the Samoan jumper for the first time after turning down the opportunity to play for Australia in favour of representing his heritage.
Tino Fa'asuamaleaui declared he has unfinished business to attent to with the Kangaroos and will not join him up front.
Instead, Francis Molo could start in the engine room alongside the game's best prop.
Jazz Tevaga has a fight on his hands to grab the No.9 jersey after emerging Roosters hooker Benaiah Ioelu was also included in the squad.
Jaydn Su'A and Jeremiah Nanai will start in the backrow, the former for the first time since 2022.
There is surprisingly no place for Shawn Blore in the team after a taxing season for the Storm.
Terrell May could move out of his native front row to play lock for Samoa. His versatility and huge motor will allow him to play long minutes for Ben Gardiner when called upon.
There is set to be a massive amount of experience on the pine, with veterans Junior Paulo and Josh Papalii included in the squad.
Meanwhile, the other vacant spot in the 17 could be taken by either forward from Canberra in debutant Ata Mariota or Simi Sasagi.
There is no place for Luciano Leilua, who has got the job done for Samoa on four different occasions since his debut in the test arena back in 2019.
Who featured for Samoa the last time they played a rugby league Test match?
Samoa lost 34-16 in their last outing at the hands of an in-form English side.
Selectors were given a difficult task as they were met with a slew of injuries before the side boarded their flight to Leeds, but managed to patch together an inexperienced side.
At fullback, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck played in his second game for Samoa after defecting from the Kiwis upon his return to rugby league.
A makeshift backline of Jeral Skelton, Fetalaiga Pauga, Jake Tago and Deine Mariner rounded out the back-five.
Blaize Talagi stared at five-eighth, and Jeremiah Nanai started in the back-row after electing to represent Samoa instead of Australia.
Meanwhile, Shawn Blore and Lazarus Vaalepu both played after featuring for Melbourne in a losing grand final effort against the all-conquering Panthers.
Gordon Chan Kum Tong served as the utility with Simi Sasagi and Keenan Palasia also joining him on the pine. Anthony Milford was the 18th man.