Sonny Bill Williams will start for New Zealand when they open their World Cup defence against Samoa on Sunday.
Samoa centre Tim Lafai is banned for his country's opening World Cup clash with holders New Zealand in Warrington.
Wigan's Harrison Hansen has revealed his delight and pride after becoming the captain of Samoa.
Jack Hughes scored a second-half hat-trick of tries as England Knights steamrollered Samoa 52-16 in a friendly.
Warrington-bound forward Roy Asotasi will miss Samoa's World Cup campaign despite being named in the initial squad.
Samoa have named St Helens forward Sia Soliola and Wigan second row Harrison Hansen in their World Cup squad.
Samoa's preparations for the forthcoming World Cup will include a warm-up match against England Knights.
Former Salford boss Matt Parish has been appointed as head coach of Samoa for the World Cup.
It has been announced that Cardiff's Millennium Stadium will host a double-header to launch the 2013 World Cup.
England are a distant third in the revamped world rankings issued on Friday by the Rugby League International Federation.
Leeds Rhinos prop forward Kylie Leuluai has recovered from a mystery stomach bug in time for Samoa's Pacific Cup qualifying clash.
Australia have retained their status as the top-ranked team in world rugby league despite their World Cup final defeat to New Zealand.
Samoa avoided an embarrassing last-place finish in the World Cup after recording an emphatic 42-10 victory over France.
Ireland emphatically booked their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup with a stunning 34-16 victory over Samoa.
Andy Kelly failed to hide his delight after Ireland shocked Samoa to qualify from Pool C.
Ireland's pack are planning to run rings around their heavyweight Samoan opponents, says Gareth Haggerty.
Front-row forward Wayne Kerr will be on the bench for Ireland against Samoa in place of injured veteran Mick Cassidy.
Leeds prop Kylie Leuluai is set to miss Samoa's crunch World Cup clash with Ireland in Parramatta.
Samoan hooker David Faiumu has been ordered to attend court on the same day as the World Cup semi-final qualifier.
Samoa took Pacific Island bragging rights as they beat fierce rivals Tonga 20-12 after a thrilling contest in Penrith.
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