Richard Agar to help coach Samoa next week for test against Cook Islands

Former Leeds boss Richard Agar will link up with Samoa for the first time next week when they take on the Cook Islands in a mid-season test.

Yorkshireman Agar was appointed assistant coach of Samoa back in May. He will help head coach Matt Parish alongside Penrith Panthers assistant Andrew Webster for this year’s World Cup.

As part of their World Cup preparations, Samoa face Pacific neighbours the Cook Islands in a mid-season test in Australia on Saturday week. It will be part of a double-header alongside Fiji’s clash against Papua New Guinea at Campbelltown Stadium.

Agar will will travel from England to the Samoan camp next week, as will cultural and wellbeing manager Fereti Tuilagi.

Parish has selected a 20-man squad for their game against the Cook Islands. He has decided not to include any Samoan eligible layers who were part of last week’s State of Origin clash because he didn’t want to put additional pressure on the players.

Samoan who are eligible for New South Wales or Queensland can still represent their heritage in the World Cup at the end of the year.

This means Brian To’o, Jarome Luai, Payne Haas, Stephen Crichton, Junior Paulo, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Josh Papalii and Jeremiah Nanai could still play for Samoa at the World Cup.

Izack Tago (Panthers), Taylan May (Panthers), Josh Schuster (Sea Eagles), Spencer Leniu (Panthers), Toafofoa Sipley (Sea Eagles), Francis Molo (Dragons) and Matt Feagai (Dragons) could all make their debuts for Samoa.

Samoa squad to face Cook Islands:

Anthony Milford (Knights)

Bunty Afoa (Warriors)

Chanel Harris-Tavita (Warriors)

Charlie Staines (Panthers)

David Nofoaluma (Tigers)

Francis Molo (Dragons)

Izack Tago (Panthers)

Jaxson Paulo (Rabbitohs)

Jaydn Su’a (Dragons)

Jazz Tevaga (Warriors)

Josh Aloiai (Sea Eagles)

Josh Schuster (Sea Eagles)

Keenan Palasia (Broncos)

Luciano Leilua (Cowboys)

Martin Taupau (Sea Eagles)

Mathew Feagai (Dragons)

Ronald Volkman (Warriors)

Spencer Leniu (Panrhers)

Taylan May (Panthers)

Toafofoa Sipley (Sea Eagles)

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