Sam Tagataese, is happy to be home and back in the Toa Samoa squad.

The Cronulla Sharks player told the Samoa Observer he was excited to be joining the team who touched down yesterday morning for one week’s preparations before the Rugby League World Cup.

“It’s always good to come back to the motherland especially where our parents were born and it’s always exciting to be back to represent Samoa and hopefully to do well in the World Cup.”

According to Australia N.R.L. news, Tagataese has been part of the Toa Samoa training squad from 2008 until his international debut in 2013.

“He played for the Pacific Rugby League International against rivals Tonga.

He also made his first Grade N.R.L. debut for the Melbourne Storm in 2007, against the Newcastle Knights at Energy Australia Stadium.

In 2011, Tagataese announced he was leaving the Gold Coast Titans immediately to join the Cronulla Sharks on a three-year contract which is where he has been up until now.

As for their game on Saturday against NSW Country’s U23 team, Sam had this to say.

“Our game against that team was about building combinations for all the boys and getting some match fitness.

“It was a successful game but we also need to capitalize on some of the key areas of the game as a team before the World Cup and that’s why it’s good to have senior players around the team.”

The Toa Samoa will have one week to prepare before they head back to New Zealand.

Toa Samoa is in the same pool with New Zealand, Tonga and Scotland but  Tagataese is not worried about that.

“We’ve got a good team and we are in the process of getting to know each other on and off the field. Definitely we are preparing for the best and hoping to do well,” he said confidently.