The Toa Samoa team will take on the PNG Kumuls next Saturday at Leichardt Oval, Sydney, Australia.

This is the first round of match for the Toa Samoa in the annual Oxford Palm Pacific Test, with the players’ names to be announced next week.

The team is expected to be welcomed by the fans at the New Era Stadium, Cabramatta next Tuesday ahead of the much anticipated clash.  

Toa Samoa usually plays Tonga in the opening round of the Oceanic Cup, but that has changed this year with Tonga playing New Zealand in Auckland on the same day. 

The curtain raiser match in Auckland is between Fetu Samoa and Kiwi Ferns, with the names of the Fetu Samoa team to also be announced next week.   

These clashes are part of Samoa’s preparations for the next Rugby League World Cup in 2021. 

A press statement said: “In a buildup like never seen before the Toa Samoa Fan Day this year will recreate a Samoan village setting for the team with traditional singing and 'lape' faaluma and dancing to drum crowd support and fire up the Toa Samoa during their build up.

“There will be food stalls on the day as well as die hard Samoan fans urging the team on.”

A representative of the Samoan Government in Sydney Consul General, Auseugaefa Va'asatia Komiti, who is also an organiser of the fan day, said they will officially welcome and address the Toa Samoa.

“The squad will be brought in by torch bearers to the sounds of conch shells and drums before a welcoming ava ceremony.

“The national anthem of Samoa will be sung by Maybelle Galuvao to be followed by live wire performances: Matavai Cultural Arts,youth groups Fetu Ta'iala,Fetu o le Moana, Soul Studios hip hop group as well as music from DJ Lalau Leo Tanoi.”

Dr. Tua Asiata is expected to be the MC alongside co-host Junior Tia Kilifi, whom will entertain the public from 2pm into the night.

There will be food, merchandise stalls as well as a hair braiding services to enjoy. 

“Families are encouraged to bring the young ones to enjoy the festivities and pre game hype as Toa Samoa fans in Sydney are eager to cheer on their heroes and get behind our young Samoan boys representing our beautiful country on the world stage.”