Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs outside back Lalotoa Mata'afa has been selected in the 16-man Samoa squad to contest the World Cup Nines at Bankwest Stadium on 18-19 October.
The rookie impressed in his first season for the club’s Canterbury Cup side, scoring six tries from 17 appearances and averaging 130.7 running metres per game.
Mata’afa also came up with seven try assists and 36 tackle breaks during season 2019.
He joins Raiders centre Joey Leilua, Manly winger Jorge Taufua, Panthers rookie Brian To'o, Dragons centre Tim Lafai and forward Luciano Leilua as well as Wests Tigers winger David Nofoaluma and back-rower Michael Chee Kam in a very strong side.
Samoa’s group stage at the Nines will feature matches against Tonga, Fiji and the Cook Islands.
SAMOA NINES SQUAD
Bunty Afoa (NZ Warriors)
Dean Blore (Penrith Panthers)
Michael Chee Kam (Wests Tigers)
Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (Melbourne Storm)
Tim Lafai (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Joey Leilua (Canberra Raiders)
Luciano Leilua (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Moses Leota (Penrith Panthers)
Danny Levi (Newcastle Knights)
Jarome Luai (Penrith Panthers)
Lalotoa Mata'afa (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
David Nofoaluma (Wests Tigers)
Ligi Sao (NZ Warriors)
Marion Seve (Melbourne Storm)
Jorge Taufua (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)
Brian To'o (Penrith Panthers)
