2016 Samoa vs. Fiji Rugby League Test Match
| 2016 Pacific Test | |||||||||||||
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| Date | 8 October 2016 | ||||||||||||
| Stadium | Apia Park | ||||||||||||
| Location | Apia, Samoa | ||||||||||||
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The 2016 Samoa vs. Fiji Rugby League Test Match will be a historic Pacific test match played between the Samoa national rugby league team and Fiji national rugby league team. The test-match is a unique one as it won't be held in an Australian venue like the two Pacific nations regularly play in annually for their respective Polynesian and Melanesian Cup test-matches against Tonga and Papua New Guinea during the National Rugby League Rep Round mid-club season. The test-match will be held at the 15,000 capacity Apia Park.
Background
On May 7 2016, discussions were confirmed between the RLIF Deputy Chairman, John Grant, alongside Rugby League Samoa Chairman/Asia-Pacific Rugby League Confederation Chairman, Tagaloa Faafouina Su'a, and the Fiji National Rugby League Chairman, Filimoni Vosarogo, that Samoa's city of Apia will host a test-match between Samoa and Fiji on October 8 2016. This test-match will mark 30 years of Rugby league in Samoa.[1]
John Grant, who is also the Chief Executive of the Australian Rugby League Commission, has shared his support for the test as he has confirmed that a registered referee will be provided along with senior staff and management to help with organizing.
One majour talking point though will be if the NRL clubs allow players to play for their respective countries, with the most recent examples being Anthony Milford being permitted from representing Samoa and Kevin Naiqama not being allowed to play for Fiji in the 2016 Rep Round.[2]
Squads
| Samoa | Position | Fiji |
|---|---|---|
| Fullback | ||
| Wing | ||
| Centre | ||
| Centre | ||
| Wing | ||
| Five-Eighth | ||
| Halfback | ||
| Prop | ||
| Hooker | ||
| Prop | ||
| 2nd Row | ||
| 2nd Row | ||
| Lock | ||
| Interchange | ||
| Interchange | ||
| Interchange | ||
 Matt Parish |
Coach | Mick Potter |
| 18th Man | ||
| 19th Man |
- The 18th and 19th Man are covers for possible injuries or suspensions and unless called up to the starting line-up or the bench, do not actually play.
