Rugby league is a relatively new phenomenon in Samoa, with the roots of the game being traced back to the mid 1980's in what is, predominantly, a rugby union stronghold. However, the SRL are hoping to capitalise on a poor showing by their union counterparts an the Rugby World Cup and there is a genuine belief that 2008 could be the year rugby league takes off in Samoa.

Domestically, there is a 12 team national competition and the game is growing in popularity amongst the younger generation. However, whilst the domestic talent available may not raise any eyebrows the ever growing list of players committing to Samoa has caused some leading pundits to tip the islanders as potential darkhorses.

A plethora of NRL and Super League regulars have already opted to represent Toa Samoa, including the likes of Hull's Motu Tony and Wigan's Iafeta Paleaaesina who could well have been in contention for a place in the New Zealand squad. These recent additions have seen expectations soar and Samoa have to rank as genuine contenders for a place in the semi-finals.

Road to the World Cup

The Samoans missed out on qualification originally, finishing third in the Pacific pool despite defeating the Cook Islands and Fiji. An 18-10 loss against rivals Tonga at Headingley proved decisive, with John Ackland's men missing out on second spot on points difference.

The islanders were forced to enter the Repechage round where they comfortably dispatched the USA Tomahawks 42-10 in the semi-final at the Halton Stadium before overcoming Lebanon 38-16 at Featherstone.

Samoa were the final team to secure their spot at the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.

World Cup history

Samoa made their World Cup bow in 1995, when playing as Western Samoa. Tey got off to a great start with an impressive victory over France however a defeat against Wales saw the islanders bow out at the group stage.

They returned to the international arena in 2000, now known as Samoa, and impressed many en route to reaching the quarter-finals. Victories over Scotland and the New Zealand Maoris, coupled with a loss to Ireland, saw the Samoans reach the latter stages before they were comfortably dispatched 66-10 by eventual winners Australia.

Head Coach

John Ackland is a former Kiwi international who is currently employed as assistant coach by New Zealand Warriors. Ackland actually spent some time as a player with Hunslet Hawks and also played first class cricket in his homeland. He is highly regarded with rugby league circles and is widely credited with "discovering" Sonny Bill Williams and Roy Asotasi. Known for his strategic thinking, Ackland has overseen the recent upturn in Toa Samoa's fortunes.

Ackland will be assisted by two faces familiar to Super League followers; Apollo Perelini and Willie Poching.

Players to watch

The vastly experienced Nigel Vagana, capped 37 times by the New Zealand Kiwis, has been appointed as captain and the South Sydney Rabbitohs man is still a force to be reckoned with on the international scene. Since switching his allegiances to Samoa, Vagana has been instrumental in convincing some big names to follow his lead and the tough centre will be key to the Samoan's hopes of success.

The versatile Motu Tony is another player to have converted from the Kiwis and the Hull FC star will be a key player for Samoa. Capable of performing equally well in several positions, Tony is likely to line up either at full back or on the wing for Ackland's men and will bring some pace and flair to the islanders backline.