1. Greg Inglis 2. Josh Mansour 3. Michael Jennings 4. Dylan Walker 5. Sione Mata'utia 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Aaron Woods 9. Cameron Smith (c) 10. Josh Papalii 11. Sam Thaiday 12. Greg Bird 13. Corey Parker
14. Boyd Cordner 15. Robbie Farah 16. Aidan Guerra 17. Ryan Hoffman 18. Ben Hunt 19. David Klemmer 20. Matt Moylan
SAMOA 1. Tim Simona
2. Antonio Winterstein
3. Tim Lafai
4. Joseph Leilua
5. Daniel Vidot
6. Ben Roberts
7. Kyle Stanley
8. Isaac Liu
9. Pita Godinet
10. David Fa’alogo (c)
11. Frank Pritchard
12. Leeson Ah Mau
13. Josh McGuire
14. Dunamis Lui
15. Reni Maitua
16. Sauaso Sue
17. Mose Masoe
18. Jesse Sene-Lefao
19. Tautau Moga
Kangaroos' Beau Scott a chance to face Samoa AAP
10:59am Mon 03rd November, 2014
Kangaroos back-rower Beau Scott may be available for their Four Nations rugby league clash with Samoa at the weekend, with his hamstring injury not as serious as first thought.
Scott was an early first half casualty in Australia's heart-stopping 16-12 win over England at AAMI Park in Melbourne on Sunday, which kept alive Australia's hopes of winning the tournament.
The 30-year-old was initially set to miss the Kangaroos' final-round encounter in Wollongong next Sunday but assistant coach Craig Fitzgibbon said he was now a chance to play.
"He had a scan this morning and it's not as bad as they first thought," Fitzgibbon said at Monday's recovery session.
"The medical guys will work with him around the clock and there's a possibility (he will play)."
Fitzgibbon said the remainder of the players were sore after the bruising encounter but no-one else was in doubt for the match.
All four sides remain in contention for the Four Nations decider ahead of the final round of matches, with New Zealand to host England in Dunedin on Saturday.
Kangaroos forward Beau Scott will be unavailable for Sunday's match against Toa Samoa at WIN Stadium after suffering a low-grade hamstring tear in Sunday's Four Nations victory over England at AAMI Park.
Scott had scans in Melbourne on Monday, and subsequently will not be selected for this Sunday's clash in Wollongong.
Scott will stay in camp with the squad and will remain in contention for a potential final in Wellington.
I'm glad that they're resting him for the Knight's sake but boy he's been outstanding, Australia will miss him.
Australia looked so fragile up the middle in parts of yesterday's game, I can only cringe at the thought of Samoa's giants charging it up centre field.
Hopefully their big boys are running out of steam a little and we can use our experience to book our final spot.
I'm hoping NZ win on Saturday so then Australia don't have to beat Samoa by a large amount because that's gonna be hard to do.
On-report players escape charges
By Chris Kennedy, National Correspondent NRL.com 3:13pm Mon 03rd November, 2014
There were no charges from the weekend's two Four Nations clashes despite several players being placed on report.
England back-rower Liam Farrell was perhaps the player in most danger of being cited after an alleged chicken wing tackle in the 7th minute which left Kangaroos fullback Greg Inglis in some discomfort.
After the match Australian coach Tim Sheens described the tackle as "ugly" and suggested Farrell may have a case to answer at the judiciary.
In a frantic five minutes, two more players were also placed on report.
Farrell's returning captain Sean O'Loughlan for a trip on Aussie skipper Cameron Smith and Kangaroos back-rower Greg Bird for a dangerous throw after his low tackle upended a rampaging O'Loughlin.
All three players are free to play this weekend, with England needing a win against New Zealand to guarantee a spot in the final and Australia needing a large, differential-boosting win over Samoa to guarantee them a place in the decider.
New Kangaroo Sione Mata'utia has mixed emotions over Four Nations clash with Samoa
November 3, 2014 - 7:00PM
Australia's youngest Test representative, Sione Mata'utia, says he will have mixed emotions if chosen to play against Samoa in Sunday's Four Nations match at WIN Stadium.
Mata'utia, who was spotted walking the streets of Melbourne in a suit early on Sunday, had been expected to be chosen alongside brother Peter in the Samoa squad until an impressive performance for the Prime Minister's XIII convinced Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens to select him for Australia.
He made his Test debut against England at 18 years and 129 days on Sunday and despite a defensive error that allowed England winger Ryan Hall to score in the first half produced a sound performance.
"I am not sure he shoudn't be playing in the forwards he is that big, so it was a good test for me to go up against him," Mata'utia said of Hall.
"There was only one try let in so I was happy with my performance against him and it is something I can improve on for next time.
"It was on my behalf that we let in that try that we had talked about all week.
"It was my fault but Dylan Walker [and I] talked about it and we rectified that."
Mata'utia showed his maturity when he managed to field a bomb under pressure in the dying minutes of the match to help Australia hold onto a 16-12 lead.
"As a winger it is your job to catch those ones," he said.
"You practise every sesssion catching bombs and credit to the boys around me, too, who helped me out.
"We had a bit of a strategy around defending cross-field kicks and it paid off on that occasion."
Before the match Mata'utia had been allowed to leave camp to attend church and said some fans who saw him might have thought he had been out the night before.
Afterwards he said the experience of playing his first Test had been everything he imagined and said he was emotional during the national anthem.
"It was fast, loud," he said of the game and atmosphere.
"It is good I have got a little bit of a taste and a bit of experience I can look back on, and know what to expect next time.
"There is no hiding and no time to catch your breath, it is sort of 110 per cent from the starting horn to the ending horn so it was a good lesson for me and I learnt a lot.
"All my family was there ... when I saw my mum during the anthem I had to close my eye to shed a tear."
Mata'utia will again catch up with family this week as Peter, who plays for St George Illawarra, lives in Wollongong.
He said playing against Samoa would be special.
"It will ring a lot of bells in my family and the family back home, too, so if I get a chance I will do my best to do them all proud," he said.
"Peter was meant to play for Samoa but he had to pull out.
"He lives down in Wollongong so once I get down there I will go and see him, we will play a game of golf and catch up.
"My other brothers will be down there, too, so it will be good."
Four Nations 2014: Kangaroos giant David Klemmer the key to victory against Toa Samoa
AAP
NOVEMBER 04, 2014 2:17PM
GIANT Kangaroos rookie David Klemmer proved that size does matter when his inclusion was a key to Australia’s fighting Four Nations rugby league win over England.
And he knows he will need to back that up when the Kangaroos’ tournament hopes again go on the line against a monster Samoa pack in Wollongong on Sunday.
Australia were steam-rolled in their opening match against New Zealand, but the selection of the Bulldogs prop for his Test debut helped Australia stem the tide against England.
The biggest man in the Kangaroos squad, 200cm tall and weighing 120kg, Klemmer added much-needed size and power.
He and Aaron Woods remain the lone specialist props in coach Tim Sheens’ squad with back-rowers Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker and Josh Papalii forced to play in the middle of the field.
Klemmer said Samoa were on par with the other Four Nations teams.
“They’ve been playing good footy the last two weeks,” the 20-year-old said.
“They should have won both of their games so they’re going to be very tough this week.
“They could still make the final so they’re going to fight and we’re going to have to stand up to them.”
He said Australia needed to stop the go-forward of veterans Frank Pritchard and captain David Fa’alogo while centre Joey Leilua had been in “outstanding” form.
Klemmer, who signed with the Bulldogs as a 15-year-old, started the season just hoping to play first grade and is still pinching himself about his Test call-up.
He only managed three NRL games in 2013 before suffering a knee injury but was integral to the Bulldogs’ charge to the 2014 NRL grand final.
“Coming into the pre-season I was happy to play NSW Cup or just get back on the footy park so everything that’s come this year has been a bonus.
“Playing for Australia was a dream come true, it was very special and getting a win with the boys topped things off.”
The Australians are set to go with an unchanged side apart from the loss of second-rower Beau Scott with a hamstring injury.
Boyd Cordner is likely to take his place in the starting side with Aidan Guerra coming on the bench.
Greg Inglis and Greg Bird were rested from their Tuesday training session but are certainties to play.
By Chris Kennedy, National Correspondent NRL.com 6:02pm Wed 05th November, 2014 Before the tournament began, you could have been forgiven for expecting this final group match to see Australia, with a spot in the final all wrapped up, resting some stars to give rookies like Sione Mata'utia and David Klemmer their first Test caps.
Instead, the suddenly-fragile Australia desperately need to win this match, and the above-mentioned rookies have already debuted after a lacklustre opening match against New Zealand, with one or both set to return for this one.
Amazingly, the Kangaroos need to win just to have a chance of playing in the final; if England beat New Zealand the Aussies need to win and win big. Earlier this week NRL.com crunched the [admittedly complicated] numbers.
If New Zealand beat England on Saturday, the Aussies need a win to face the Kiwis in the final while Samoa need to win and to make up a 10-point differential gap on England to reach the decider – certainly do-able, and if the Kiwis win by 10 or more then simply winning would enough for Samoa.
On the other hand if England beat New Zealand, Samoa's chances will be snuffed out before they take the field on Sunday.
The Aussies' chances also take a dip – they'll need to beat Samoa by enough to cover their current 16-point differential gap on England.
That gap can go as high as 25 if England win by nine or more – but once England win by 10-plus the Aussies are instead chasing the Kiwis.
Short answer is Australia can guarantee themselves a finals berth with a win of 26-plus.
Phew. On to the actual footy.
And to the hyper-impressive Samoan outfit that has now, twice in two weeks, gone within a whisker of being the first fourth-ranked team to win a Four Nations fixture.
Two weeks in a row where they have scored the same number of tries as their more-fancied opposition and only gone down by a wobbly goal kick or three.
Their two-point loss to New Zealand was particularly agonising, given they led for most of the game and were only run down in the final few minutes as they felt the effects of a 6-2 second half penalty count against them.
Regardless of what happens this weekend, this Toa Samoa team can hold their heads high, having given two more highly-ranked and more experienced sides a massive run for their money.
They have gone in with largely the same side as last week; Pita Godinet has again been named to start at hooker after reverting to the bench last week, while Antonio Winterstein replaces Tautau Moga on the right flank despite the latter's impressive runaway try on debut.
The Aussies themselves are lucky to still be clinging to a chance in this tournament after scraping home by a fingernail – literally – last week.
Ryan Hall's fingertip no-try didn't look to be in the same post code as a legitimate four-pointer at full speed.
However slow-mo replays showed he came agonisingly close to levelling the scores in the dying seconds and handing either Matty Smith or Gareth Widdop a gettable chance at a match-winning conversion.
It wasn't to be, though, and the big plus for the tournament overall is that result keeps all four teams in with a chance of making or missing the final.
The Kangaroos have gone for a similar 20-man squad minus the injured Beau Scott, with Josh Papalii promoted to starting prop and Sam Thaiday shifting to Scott's back-row position.
After impressive debuts last week, Ben Hunt and David Klemmer have again been named outside the 17 on an extended bench, with Robbie Farah, Aidan Guerra and Ryan Hoffman recalled to the 17. Matt Moylan is the new 20th man.
Watch Out Australia:
Samoa's rocks-or-diamonds five-eighth Ben Roberts was in sublime touch last week against the Kiwis.
Fresh from a classic try-saving tackle early in the match, Roberts showed brilliant vision and no shortage of skill to produce a precision grubber for a Dan Vidot try.
Unfortunately for Samoa he came up with the rocks to go with those diamonds late in the match when he took a crucial intercept – only to offload it straight back to the Kiwis a moment later in the lead-up to Shaun Kenny-Dowall's match-winner.
But arguably the main reason Samoa led the Kiwis for most of the way last week was the brutal form of centre Joey Leilua.
His stats – 140 metres, two line breaks, a try and a whopping 12 tackle breaks – tell barely half the story. His monstrous fend on Kenny-Dowall – hardly a lightweight – had to be seen to be believed, and his crunching late try-save on Simon Mannering would have been a match-winner had Samoa held on.
Watch Out Samoa:
The Aussies had a centre of their own in dominant touch last weekend; Michael Jennings matched Leilua's mark of 12 tackle breaks and earned a try of his own to go with his 154 metres.
The only man to better than mark in the Australia-England match was fullback Greg Inglis, who shook off the illness that restricted his involvement to notch 158 metres and one try with another disallowed after an obstruction in the lead-up.
In a rookie backline where three players entered the match with a combined two Tests of experience, all five were good (especially 18-year-old debutant Sione Mata'utia) but the two old heads showed the way.
Inglis has the full range of attributes and when he brings those to bear he can be near unstoppable, while Jennings' speed and evasiveness were on full display when he beat three players to score after Greg Bird sent him into space.
Plays To Watch:
Kangaroos five-eighth Daly Cherry-Evans put boot to ball just twice all game last week as experienced Storm duo Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith handled almost all the kicking duties.
But he still produced what was surely his best ever game for either Queensland or Australia as he focused on his running game – look for Cronk to control proceedings as the dominant half while Cherry-Evans continues to ease himself into being an international playmaker.
For Samoa, there has been no shortage of spirit, passion and aggression – as we would have expected – although for the most part the execution has been even better than what most would have been expected.
Sadly their biggest problem has been the lack of a recognised goal kicker.
They lost a five-tries-apiece meeting with England then a three-tries-all match against the Kiwis as Ben Roberts, Kyle Stanley and Tim Lafai combined for three goals from eight attempts.
If the Samoans are to down the Aussies you'd expect it to be tight – let's see if whoever takes the shots has polished up over the week.
Where It Will Be Won:
The playmakers.
The big, tough Samoan pack is every chance of matching it with the undermanned Aussie forward rotation and their slick three-quarter line gives up no advantage.
But with a spine made up of players boasting Dally M Medals, premierships, Clive Churchill medals, World Cup titles and countless Origin wins, the Aussies have the edge where it counts.
Greg Inglis faces off against a makeshift fullback in Wests Tigers centre Tim Simona.
Cooper Cronk is opposite utility Kyle Stanley, 2014 halfback of the year Daly Cherry-Evans marks journeyman playmaker Ben Roberts and arguably the greatest player of modern times, Cameron Smith, is named opposite the inexperienced Pita Godinet.
The Samoan spine has aimed up admirably so far in the tournament but will need to reach a new level to down the Kangaroos.
The History:
Played 1; Australia 1, Samoa 0.
The score-line on the one and only previous meeting between these two didn't end well for a Samoan outfit with not too many household names.
It was back in the 2000 World Cup, and modern day fans may remember the likes of Frank Puletua, David Solomona, Monty Betham, Henry Fa'afili Jerry Seu Seu – but they were up against it facing a star-studded side.
Names like Johns, Fittler, Webcke, Lockyer and Tallis ran riot in a 66-10 thrashing. We reckon this one will be closer.
Match Officials:
Referee – Gerard Sutton;
Touch Judges – Jason Walsh & Grant Atkins;
Video Referee – Ian Smith.
Televised:
Channel Nine, Live, 4pm (AEDT), 3pm (AEST).
The Way We See It:
The Kangaroos are slowly growing into their new-look combinations and while the Samoans have gone within a whisker of two almighty upsets they face a massive mountain here.
We'd expect this to be close for a long way but the Aussies to get the job done in the end.
Boyd Cordner says critics should see how Kangaroos finish before judging them
STEVE ZEMEK
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
NOVEMBER 06, 2014 12:00AM
ROOSTERS back-rower Boyd Cordner wants critics to judge his Australian team — but not until after the Four Nations.
The Kangaroos have been scrutinised after a poor first-up loss to New Zealand in Brisbane before a controversial come-from-behind win over England in Melbourne.
With so many star players unavailable, there is little doubt this under-strengthened side is struggling, unlike previous Australian teams.
Australia must beat Samoa this Sunday in Wollongong to have a chance of qualifying for the Four Nations final.
If England defeats New Zealand this weekend, three sides will finish equal on two wins, the two nations with the better percentages will progress to the final in Wellington.
Despite an indifferent start, you do get the feeling Australia will still surge home and win the entire tournament.
Cordner told The Daily Telegraph on Wednesday that his team shouldn’t be judged just yet.
“We have only played two games so people shouldn’t judge us until after the tournament is over,” Cordner said.
“I know I am feeling confident after last weekend and the boys are confident too.
“We are all getting to know one-another and everyone is gelling. There is a real good feeling in the camp.
“That first game we played a really good New Zealand side that has been together for a few years. We didn’t play our best footy.
“We had a few new faces but that isn’t an excuse.
“Last weekend against England, they were outstanding. I think they completed somewhere around 90 per cent so they didn’t give us much.
“Our second half effort was a lot better. It was a tough effort for us to come from behind and get the win.”
The Australians will start short-priced favourites against Samoa, who have shown though they are determined and resilient throughout the opening two rounds.
Samoa pushed England and was beaten late by the Kiwis.
“It will be a massive game for us, especially with Samoa going so well,” Cordner said.
“I think they have been unlucky not to have won their games.
“Even if we do win there is still no guarantee we would go through.
“It would come down to for and against (if England beat New Zealand).
“We have to knuckle down and have a big week at training.
“We just have to worry about ourselves and try to get our combinations right.”
Australia stayed in Melbourne until Wednesday morning before arriving in Wollongong in the evening.
The Four Nations final will be played on Saturday week.
Sam Thaiday says the Kangaroos are struggling for size in the forwards
AAP
NOVEMBER 06, 2014 9:16AM
SAM Thaiday admits the Australian team is struggling for size and has been caught short in the front-row in the Four Nations rugby league tournament.
The Kangaroos were out-muscled by New Zealand in their tournament-opening loss before being pushed by an England pack which outweighed the Australians by 36kgs.
Thaiday and Corey Parker have both served time as makeshift front-rowers during the opening two Tests while 110kg Canberra wrecking ball Josh Papalii has been drafted into the starting side at prop to face Samoa in Wollongong on Sunday.
After playing the opening game with just one recognised prop — Aaron Woods — in his 17-man squad, coach Tim Sheens beefed his pack up a bit by handing Canterbury prop David Klemmer his Test debut against England.
“We are (a prop short) I reckon,” Thaiday told Sky Sports radio on Thursday.
“We are struggling a little bit there in the prop area.
“Josh Papalii is doing a great job and he’s been great off the bench for us, think he’s getting a starting spot this week, that’s really good for him and it shows he’s been doing a good job for us.”
Missing the likes of Matt Scott (shoulder), James Tamou (neck), Andrew Fifita (arm), Paul Gallen (drug suspension) and Nate Myles (bicep), Thaiday said Australia’s makeshift bookends were making the best of a tough situation.
“We are struggling for a front-rower,” Thaiday said.
“When you think we’ve got Matt Scott out and James Tamou out, you’ve got (Andrew) Fifita out, who played in the World Cup last year, Nate Myles as well, Paul Gallen.
“We are struggling a little bit in that front row, we’ve had to pull guys in to fill that position but myself, Josh Papalii, Corey Parker, even Greg Bird has pushed up there in the front row.
“And we’ve all done a job, we’re all up to the task.”
By Jack Brady NRL.com 6:30pm Thu 06th November, 2014
Exhilarating Australian centre Michael Jennings is set to take an 'anything you can do, I can do better' approach when he faces off against blockbusting Samoan star Joey Leilua this weekend.
Leilua has been one of Toa Samoa's shining lights throughout the Four Nations tournament and was arguably best on ground against New Zealand with an explosive 80-minute effort.
But Jennings himself has been quietly getting the job done without creating headlines, and was one of his side's best against England last week.
With the Newcastle centre a constant threat out wide for Samoa having broken 17 tackles so far in the tournament, Jennings has gone even better – racking up a ridiculous 19 tackle breaks in two Tests.
Having shaped up against Leilua plenty of times in the NRL, Jennings said his motivation to succeed for the Kangaroos will shine through when he shapes up against the form Leilua has recently been displaying.
"[Leilua's] big, strong and fast and you have to really be on your game to really stop him," Jennings said.
"Respect where it's due, he's been playing some quality football and obviously it motivates me even more [to play better]... and show the coaching staff that I belong in this arena.
"There's a massive task... ahead of me but I just need to focus on what I need to do for the team and what I bring to the side."
Jennings couldn't deny Leilua and Toa Samoa have been impressing plenty in rugby league circles with their amazing form to only just be edged by the Kiwis and England over the past fortnight.
The Roosters centre – who played for Tonga at the 2008 World Cup – said while it may make things harder for Australia in the coming years, Samoa's form is certainly a positive for minnow rugby league nations moving forward.
"Players of Samoan background may now... want to play for their country and want to play for Samoa. I think it is a massive achievement what they have already done in this tournament," Jennings said.
"I think Frank Pritchard did a good thing leaving the Kiwis just so he could play for Samoa so it is a massive step for rugby league. It's amazing how far they have come."
With Samoa set to constantly threaten the Kangaroos as they continue their establishment as one of rugby league's international forces, Jennings said Australia just needs to worry about their own backyard.
"Our main focus is just to win this week," Jennings said.
"That's all we can control and all we have control over really so the main focus this week is training towards what we have to do to win this week."
With England and New Zealand meeting on Saturday, Australia will know more about what they need to do against Samoa in order to make the tournament final.
But regardless of the result on Saturday, the Aussies will need at least a win against an impressive Toa Samoa to advance.
By Jack Brady NRL.com 8:00pm Thu 06th November, 2014
Barnstorming Broncos and Australian back-rower Sam Thaiday simply can't wait to face off against past and present Brisbane teammates when the Kangaroos take on Samoa this weekend – especially impressive prop Josh McGuire.
With Josh McGuire to be joined by current clubmate Daniel Vidot and a pair of former Broncos – North Queensland's Antonio Winterstein and Sea Eagle Dunamis Lui – in Sunday's Toa Samoa line-up, Thaiday is relishing the rare opportunity to run at some of his regular compadres.
"I usually don't get the chance to play against Broncos players or ex-Broncos so it's going to be a bit of fun.
"It's always fun when you get to play against your mates.
"I'm sure they'll be all fired up, especially Josh McGuire, who I think will be looking to prove a point," Thaiday said.
"I'm sure they'll chase after me. The text messages will start soon with a bit of banter but it's been good... to see how well they have been going.
"I'll be sure to have my mouthguard in and everything taped up and I might even put some shoulder pads on because they have some big boys."
Thaiday was complimentary of the whole Samoan side's efforts thus far, but the veteran 29-year-old saved his biggest praise for McGuire – who Thaiday said wouldn't have looked out of place in a Kangaroos jersey.
"He went to Papua New Guinea to play in the Prime Ministers XIII with every intention of being picked in the Australian team," Thaiday said.
"Things didn't quite work out for him but I'm sure it won't be too much longer before he gets a call-up."
While McGuire usually makes his home in the front row, the 24-year-old has been shifted to lock and even hooker by Samoan coach Matt Parish throughout the tournament.
While Thaiday admitted he does like the look of his clubmate in the No. 13 jumper, he went on to warn McGuire that he shouldn't get too comfortable when it comes to Wayne Bennett's Broncos plans for 2015.
"I'm sure once Corey Parker hangs up the boots, he'll be there putting his hand up to play [at lock].
"He has some great ball skills and he's tough and strong in the middle and you need a defender like him there in the middle," Thaiday said.
"I think for the time being Wayne wants him to play front row though. Wayne's trying to recruit hard and get some props to play with and around Josh.
"So for the time being Josh is going to be our rock. He'll be our Shane Webcke and we'll try and build our forward pack around him."
Four Nations aside, Thaiday and McGuire will throw on the boxing gloves in December for the "Worlds Collide Fight Night" in Brisbane to raise funds and increase awareness for depression and anxiety for the BeyondBlue organisation.
Thaiday, while happy to participate, is thankful he won't be facing off against McGuire for the second time in a matter of months.
"We're not fighting each other. I made sure of that," Thaiday said.
"Once the Four Nations is done and dusted I'll be doing a bit of boxing training.
"It gives me the chance to get off my feet in terms of running but still gives me the chance to do cardio.
"It's really an undercover way of me doing training without me doing training – it really tricks my brain."
By Matt Encarnacion, Western Sydney Correspondent NRL.com 12:25pm Fri 07th November, 2014
Less than a month ago he was a virtual lock for a Kangaroos squad short on fire and infinitely short on brimstone.
Now he's barely a lock in a Toa Samoa side that can both secure what would be their first ever Four Nations final birth, as well as knock Australia out of a major tournament for the first time since 1954.
Having begun the Four Nations campaign in the No.13 jumper for his mother's nation, McGuire was a shock starter from dummy half in last week's pulsating defeat to New Zealand.
But the Broncos firebrand says he has nothing to prove to Australia – or coach Matt Parish, for that matter – in Sunday's must-win clash.
"We started [the game] with four ruck forwards to start with a bit more size there in the middle," he told NRL.com at a Toa Samoa fan day in Campbelltown on Thursday.
"New Zealand were a big side, so we just wanted to go with that and then after 20 minutes I just went to lock and then Pita [Godinet] came on and I just finished the rest of the game at lock. It's just about having those big bodies in the middle.
"I'd never done that before in first grade but it was a great opportunity for me to play in a different position and see how I go.
"I actually thought I went alright, so we just have to wait and see what [the] coach wants. It'll be interesting to see what he comes up with."
McGuire was considered by many to be a strong chance of making his Kangaroos debut after playing a part in the Prime Minister's XIII side that defeated Papua New Guinea 34-16 in Kokopo.
But the 24-year-old was overlooked for younger talents such as Dylan Napa and David Klemmer, the latter of whom made his debut against England last week.
"They went in the direction they wanted to go in and I wasn't a part of it, so that's fine. I don't have a point to prove," McGuire said.
"I just wanted to keep playing footy and I had the opportunity to keep doing it here, which I can't thank [coach Matt Parish] and Samoa enough for helping
me do it.
"I'm really enjoying my footy at the moment and I can't wait to play next Sunday."
It was the second time McGuire had been overlooked by coach Tim Sheens after being left out of a similarly depleted squad for the corresponding tournament in 2011 having previously represented Samoa in 2010.
"It is what it is. It's the Australian team, it's the hardest to make in the whole world," McGuire said.
"Obviously I would've liked to be there, but I didn't get it and that's what it is. I have this opportunity now, it's been a blessing and I can't thank the team enough for letting me and I'll do everything I can this week to get the win."
Despite the disappointment of missing out on a maiden Kangaroos jumper, the Brisbane junior said the tournament was a huge opportunity for Origin hopefuls to showcase their abilities on a bigger stage.
After two games, McGuire tops the tackle count for the Four Nations with 86, while also leading his team in carries.
"Obviously in Origin you're playing against the best players in the world but if you can show that you can play some good footy here and hold your own, then it certainly wouldn't do your chances any harm," he said.
"It's a great opportunity for everyone here to showcase what you can do.
"A lot of players are playing for NRL contracts too, so it's just a good opportunity across the board for everyone to play some good footy and enjoy yourselves."
Fill-in Australian prop Josh Papalii is confident the Kangaroos have their forward stocks sorted ahead of Sunday's must-win Four Nations rugby league clash with Samoa.
The Kangaroos were outmuscled by New Zealand in their tournament-opening loss, but were far more impressive up front last week in the victory over an England side containing George and Tom Burgess and James Graham.
The intimidating Samoan pack, led by Frank Pritchard, will provide another stern test at Wollongong in a final group match that will send Australia through to next week's final if they win.
Papalii has been promoted from the bench to the front row by coach Tim Sheens, after back-rower Beau Scott being ruled out due to a hamstring complaint.
Sam Thaiday moves from prop to the back row, with Matt Moylan added to an extended seven-man bench.
"That first game, we just got rolled over by New Zealand, we started to get our stuff together for England and, this time, we know it is not going to be any easier," Canberra forward Papalii told reporters on Friday.
"Front row is a pretty basic position and you just have to run hard and tackle hard.
"Hopefully, I can deliver for the boys and come away with a win."
All four teams remain in contention for the November 15 tournament decider in Wellington, with New Zealand to host England in Dunedin in the other final-round fixture on Saturday.
A Kiwi win means all Australia need to do is defeat Samoa to qualify for the final, with Samoa a chance to progress if they beat the Kangaroos and earn a more favourable points differential than both Australia and England.
If England are victorious, Australia have to win and end up with a better for-and-against than either England or the Kiwis.
Samoa have pushed England and New Zealand but are winless so far.
An England victory rules Samoa out of the tournament, because they can't equal or better England's or New Zealand's two wins.
As the only recognised front-rower in the starting 13, Aaron Woods is a key player for the Kangaroos, although Canterbury forward David Klemmer, who made his Test debut against England, is likely to start from the bench.
"Woodsy is up and coming - he is carrying his good form from Origin and club footy as well. I can't wait to run beside him," Papalii said.
"We are definitely not taking Samoa lightly. It is a Test match for us and we will be focused and up for it on Sunday.
"We have to win this game first before anything happens and the focus is on that."
Fri 7th November, 11:24AM
When Sione Mata’utia runs out at WIN Stadium for his second Four Nations game, he knows he’ll have plenty of family support, but admits they could be torn on who to barrack for given his Australian side are playing Toa Samoa.
You see, the young Newcastle Knight who was born and raised in Australia has a proud Samoan heritage.
So as the Kangaroos build for their next challenge this Sunday, it is mixed emotions for the Mata'utia family.
“I’m not sure how I’ll cope during the siva tau, the Samoan haka,” the Australian winger explains.
“It’s the first time I’ll play Samoa and I always wanted to play for them.
“It’s going to be a good one for my family members.
“They will be there to support me, but I don't know who they will be supporting.”
There will be a strong contingent at the game including his brothers Pat, Chanel and Pete, who now plays for the St George Illawarra Dragons, as well as his cousins and brothers-in-law.
Adding to the occasion, Mata’utia will also come up against Knights teammates Dave Fa’alogo and Joey Leilua.
“It’s going to be fun playing against them,” he said.
“I’m so thankful that I’m not on the right side of Joey.
"I’m sure that they’re not going to hold back when they are running at me.
“They are going to be out to get me.”
It was just a week ago the utility back made his debut for Australia, becoming the youngest ever Kangaroos player.
Reflecting on the occasion, the 18-year-old concedes he only started to get feel pangs of nerves in the final count down to kick off.
“I really got nervous when we started singing the anthem,” Mata’utia said.
“Just before it I was cool and relaxed and really keen.”
Most of his teammates went out on the field at AAMI Park in Melbourne before kick off, but he stuck to his pre-game routine, only making his way out towarda the end.
“The clock was winding down and it was getting closer and closer and when I was getting strapped up was probably when it hit me,” he added.
Mata’utia had a loyal following watching on then too, including his Mum, who he and his older brothers credit as the most important person in their lives.
“I went to see the family before the game, they are always on my mind before a game,” he said.
“When I was singing the anthem they were right in front of me at the top of the stadium.
“It was good to have them there, especially my Mum, she wasn’t going to come at the start, but she came down with my brother-in-law.”
As far as international debuts go, Mata’utia’s performed strongly. Incredibly, the rising talent had only played a total of seven NRL games before gaining selection in the Prime Minister’s XIII.
The cool headed winger appeared to breeze through high-pressure moments in the match up against England.
And there were a fair share of those moments in the closely contested game with Australia securing a 16-12 victory in the late stages of the game.
“My teammates were saying it was a good debut and the coaching staff and friends so it was good news getting that feedback,” he said humbly.
“The most important feedback comes from the coaches because they are they people that decide if you’re going to play or not.
“There was plenty of support around me.
“I had a few goals, like to not have any mistakes.
“I was just playing how I usually play like running hard and doing my best, and being there for the team.”
Selection this weekend was another stamp of approval from the coaches.
“You don’t really expect to play week to week with all the senior boys,” Mata’utia admitted.
“Being younger player, you just take a game as you come.
Mata’utia is relishing the chance to be among the best in the world and playing alongside players he idolised as a child.
“Four or five months ago I was watching them on TV,” he said.
“I’ve gotten to know them better and it’s awesome.
“To be around them in camp has been awesome and that was one reason I was so excited to be in camp to see how these guys prepare and handle themselves.
“I’ve taken a lot from how they prepare for games.
“One of the biggest eye openers during the game was how calm Sam Thaiday and Cameron Smith were.
“When we were in the deep end and falling behind, they were so calm.
“I was pretty frantic and the nerves were going through me. I learnt a bit from that.”
With the countdown on for Sunday's match, no doubt Mata'utia's family will be proud, regardless of which team they are cheering for.
By James MacSmith AAP 6:00pm Sat 08th November, 2014
Josh Jackson's development as one of the NRL's premier back-rowers this year will be confirmed when he makes his Australia Test debut against Samoa.
Jackson was a key figure in Canterbury's surge to the NRL Grand Final and is set to be a key plank in NSW coach Laurie Daley's long-term State of Origin plans.
Jackson is yet to make his Origin debut but was called into the Blues camp during their successful campaign last season as an emergency.
The 23-year-old has played two games for Country and Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens inadvertently announced on Saturday that Jackson will make his international debut in Sunday's must-win Four Nations clash in Wollongong.
"Jackson is picked, Jackson is in the squad ... I haven't released that have I? Well I just did," Sheens said at the joint captains' and coaches' press conference at WIN Stadium on Saturday
"Josh has made our bench, (Kangaroos skipper) Cameron (Smith) is a bit upset with me now ..."
Sheens named a record 11 rookies in his 24-man squad due to the absence of a number of regulars including Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott and Jarryd Hayne.
He blooded five rookies in the first-week loss against New Zealand in Brisbane in Aaron Woods, Daniel Tupou, Dylan Walker, Josh Mansour and Aidan Guerra.
Three more Kangaroos in Sione Mata'utia, Ben Hunt and David Klemmer debuted in last week's win over England in Melbourne.
However Sheens said the remaining two rookies in the squad, Penrith's Matt Moylan and Alex Johnston from South Sydney, were unlikely to get a game during the Four Nations, with Australia yet to qualify for next week's final in Wellington.
"There are a couple of players that haven't qualified at this stage," Sheens said.
"For those players it is just a matter of biding your time, that is just being part of a squad, you would like to play everyone but sometimes you can't."
Samoan players are being paid less than 10 per cent of what Kiwi and Aussie players earn
MICHAEL BURGESS
THE SUNDAY MAIL (QLD)
NOVEMBER 09, 2014 12:00AM
SAMOA are the poor cousins of the Four Nations tournament, with their players being paid less than 10 per cent of what the Kangaroos and Kiwis are set to earn.
Coach Matt Parish said last week his team were treated like “second-class citizens” after controversial officiating marred both their tournament losses so far.
The revelations about Samoa’s wages will do nothing to change that view, with the Australasian teams on track to earn up to 15 times more than their Samoan counterparts.
Toa Samoa has been the revelation of the tournament so far.
Its performances have captured imagination and Samoan fans have packed the stadiums.
But for some puzzling video refereeing decisions and errant goalkicking, they would have toppled England, and the Pacific team was desperately unlucky against New Zealand last weekend.
But the reward for their efforts is A$1000 ($1163) a match, and the money goes only to the match day 17, leaving nothing for the remaining members of the squad.
In contrast, the Kangaroos and Kiwis receive A$10,000 ($11,171) per match for each of the group games, another A$10,000 if they make the final and an additional bonus of A$10,000 per head if they take the trophy.
“They get $30,000 and we don’t really get anything,” said Samoa lock forward Josh McGuire.
“We get A$1000 a game and the boys are splitting between 24 players instead of 17 so at least everyone gets some money.
“It’s a shame. We are not doing it for money — we are doing it for love — and we want to do our best (but) a Test match is a Test match.”
Test match standards can vary in the weird world of international league but there must be a decent case for parity — or at least a smaller differential — within the current month-long tournament.
“If you are in the Four Nations tournament, it should be the same across the board,” McGuire said.
“There were Samoan fans everywhere (in Brisbane and Whangarei) so it’s not like it isn’t generating revenue for the NRL.
“The NRL and Rugby League Players’ Association need to step up.
”The Brisbane backrower, who is eligible for Samoa and Australia says financial discrepancies can compromise decisions.
“Our boys are playing because they love the game and representing their country but guys go across to those bigger countries because they get paid well,” McGuire said.
“I think if the pay was (the same) across the board you might see more guys staying with the developing nations.”
Remuneration for representative football was restructured last year, with the RLPA and NRL signing off on a new agreement which saw a significant lift for payments for State of Origin and Test match appearances for Australasian players.
There’s no denying it was warranted — especially for the Kiwis, who had always been paid poorly compared to Australia.
England has its own deal, believed to be much closer to the Antipodean arrangement than the Samoa situation.
Of course, Samoa don’t attract the same level of corporate support and sponsors as Australia or New Zealand, which is also a fiscal handicap.
Meanwhile, McGuire is promising his team can again rise to the occasion today in Wollongong against Australia.
“We’ll try to compete to the best of our ability, hold onto the ball and play tough footy,” he said.
“The Australians have been the pinnacle of rugby league since day dot so they will come out firing.”
Tim Sheens is facing the sack if the Kangaroos lose to Samoa on Sunday
JAMES PHELPS EXCLUSIVE
THE SUNDAY MAIL (QLD)
NOVEMBER 09, 2014 12:00AM
TIM Sheens is facing an uncertain future as Australian coach with the veteran mentor facing the sack.
The Sunday Telegraph can reveal the 64-year-old’s coaching career will go on the line today with a Four Nation’s loss to emerging rugby league nation Samoa likely to end his six-year reign as Kangaroos coach.
Sheens, who was axed by the Tigers in 2012, will become the first Australian coach to miss a major final’s series since 1954 should the injury plagued Kangaroos be shocked by Samoa.Only a comfortable WIN Stadium victory will ensure Sheens survives.
Sheens, who saved his job last year by winning the World Cup, refused to discuss his future yesterday as the Kangaroos finished their preparations for the must win match.
“My job is to beat Samoa tomorrow,’’ Sheens said.
“That is all I am concerned about and I won’t make a comment about anything else.’’
The Sunday Telegraph has been told Sheens’ position is already being reviewed with several high profile players complaining the man that led the Canberra Raiders to three premierships is outdated as a coach.
Sheens has had several clashes with senior players since taking over from Ricky Stuart as the Australian Test coach in 2009.
Sheens future rests on an experienced side that could take the field against Samoa with as many as eight Test rookies.
The coach has yet to make a decision on who his cut from a seven man bench.
In a further blow as he fights to save his job, the four times premiership winner may be forced to shift fullback Greg Inglis to five-eighth because of injury to Daly Cherry Evans.
Speculation was mounting yesterday that debutant Matt Moylan would be parachuted into the side at fullback with Ben Hunt overlooked for Inglis as a Cherry-Evans replacement.
Samoa will head into the match confident of causing an upset with a powerhouse side lead by former Kiwi Frank Pritchard pushing both England and New Zealand in their previous matches.
“We are definitely not taking Samoa lightly,’’ said Australian forward Josh Papalli.
“It is a Test match for us and we will be focused and up for it on Sunday.
“We have to win this game first before anything happens and the focus is on that.”
Working full-time since his split with the Tigers, Sheens suffered only is second loss as Kangaroos coach this year when New Zealand put Australia’s Four Nation’s title defence in doubt with a shock 30-12 opening round win against the reigning champions.
Sheens other loss came in 2010 when Australia were beaten by the Kiwis in the Four Nations final, also at Suncorp Stadium.
Despite winning his reaming 25 matches and drawing the other, Sheens may pay the price for taking a Four Nation’s gamble by naming a record 11 debutants in a 24 man squad with Billy Slater, Paul Gallen and Jonathan Thurston.
With seven incumbents unavailable for the tournament because of injury or suspension, Sheens and the four-man selection panel opted to choose the most inexperienced side in Kangaroos history.
A full-time NRL coach would be favoured as Sheens’ replacement should he be axed with the possibility of just one test match next year and no standout part-time coach available.
