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Toa Samoa and Kangaroos announce line-ups for RLWC grand-final

09:35 am on 19 November 2022

Rugby League World Cup Photo: Rugby League World Cup

Toa Samoa and Australia's Kangaroos have announced their line-up for the Rugby League World Cup grand final at the Old Trafford stadium in Manchester.

Kangaroo's coach Mal Meninga has made no changes to his side, who narrowly defeated the Kiwis 16 - 14 in their semi-final last weekend. Toa Samoa coach Matt Parish has made one change, with Dolphins forward Connelly Lemuelu replacing Crounulla Sharks Fa'amanu Brown in the hooker position.

All of the bookmakers hold Australia as the overwhelming favourites, but few league fans are paying attention to the bookmakers after Toa Samoa's thrilling 27 - 26 win over England.

Toa Samoa celebrate win against England Photo: www.photosport.nz / Will Palmer / SWPix

Toa Samoa players enter the final on a high with nothing to lose whilst reigning champions Kangaroos are under pressure to defend Australia's reputation as the best Rugby League nation in the world.

Pressure isn't something the Kangaroos can't handle however. In their semi-final win over the Kiwis, the Kangaroos were behind 12 - 0 early in the first half and behind 14 - 10 at half-time. But the Aussies maintained their composure, scoring the only try of the second half to win 16 - 14.

The Kangaroos also have the one of the most prolific try scorers in rugby league, Josh Addo-Carr. The Canterbury Bulldogs speedster is the NRL's fastest rugby league player and is World Cup leading tryscorer, having scored 12 tries - an average of two tries per game. Addo-Carr flaunted his speed against the Kiwis in last weekend's semi-final, when he chased down and caught a bomb kick made nearly forty metres away from the tryline.

Toa Samoa boast an extremely cohesive team, with six players from NRL champion club, the Penrith Panthers. They include star trio Stephen Chrichton, Brian To'o and Jarome Luai who have played dozens of games alongside each other. The team also boasts some of the best players in the competition including Eels forward Junior Paulo - arguably the sport's best offloader.

Toa Samoa Team List

1. Joseph Sua'ali'i

2. Taylan May

4. Stephen Crichton

5. Brian To'o

6. Jarome Luai

7. Anthony Milford

8. Josh Papali'i

10. Junior Paulo (capt.)

11. Ligi Sao

12. Jaydn Su'a

15. Royce Hunt

16. Spencer Leniu

17. Martin Taupau

20. Chanel Harris-Tavita

22. Kelma Tuilagi

23. Oregon Kaufusi

25. Tim Lafai

26. Ken Sio

27. Connelly Lemuelu

Coach: Matt Parish

Australia Kangaroo's Team List

1. James Tedesco (Captain)

2. Daly Cherry-Evans

3. Ben Hunt

4. Valentine Holmes

5. Jake Trbojevic

6. Reagan Campbell-Gillard

7. Cameron Munster

8. Latrell Mitchell

9. Josh Addo-Carr

10. Jack Wighton

11. Cameron Murray

13. Patrick Carrigan

14. Nathan Cleary

16. Reuben Cotter

17. Angus Crichton

18. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui

20. Harry Grant

21. Liam Martin

24. Isaah Yeo

Coach: Mal Meninga