Maurie Fa'asavalu set for GB debut - Telegraph Maurie Fa'asavalu set for GB debut Impact player: Maurie Fa'asavalu is likely to start on the bench By David Burke 12:01AM BST 25 Oct 2007 Samoa-born Maurie Fa'asavalu and Bradford teenager Sam Burgess will make their debuts for Great Britain in Saturday's opening Test against New Zealand at Huddersfield. St Helens forward Fa'asavalu, who played for Samoa in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, and Burgess were yesterday named in Tony Smith's 20-man squad, and the duo look certain to keep their places when the final 17 players are named today, with Burgess set to start at prop and Fa'asavalu on the bench. The only players omitted from Smith's original 25-man squad are uncapped trio Jon Clarke, Jamie Jones-Buchanan and Michael Platt, alongside Danny McGuire and Kirk Yeaman, who are both injured.

Burgess, 18, was recently named the Super League's Young Player of the Year and then won the man-of-the-match award in the Northern Union's defeat by the All Golds on Saturday. Related Articles New Zealand fury at Adrian Morley decision 24 Oct 2007 New Zealand hand debuts to Sam Perrett and Epalahame Lauaki and include British-based backs Tame Tupou, Shontayne Hape, Thomas Leuluai and Huddersfield-bound Paul Whatuira. Meanwhile, the RFL have responded angrily to the outburst from New Zealand chairman Andrew Chalmers, who claimed Adrian Morley should have been suspended for a high tackle on the All Golds' Awen Guttenbeil in Saturday's match. Morley was placed on report but Chalmers was furious the three-man panel found there was no case to answer.

New RFL chief executive Nigel Wood believes Chalmers has overstepped the mark by labelling Morley "a maniac" and believes his comments are "completely inappropriate and unwarranted." Wood said: "It seems they are a deliberate and predictable attempt to both influence how Great Britain players are dealt with and viewed by the match officials during the Test series, and to aggravate Adrian Morley and his fellow squad members. "Claims that a player sets out to deliberately injure an opponent have no place whatsoever in an international sporting contest.

We believe the New Zealanders are guilty of double standards as many people will recall the incident in 2005 in which Paul Deacon sustained a horrendous injury, and also incidents from last year's match in Wellington involving the Kiwi player Steve Matai." Squad details Great Britain squad: S Burgess (Bradford), R Burrow, G Ellis (both Leeds), M Fa'asavalu, A Gardner (St Helens), M Gleeson (Warrington), J Graham (St Helens), D Hodgson (Huddersfield), A Morley (Warrington), T Newton (Bradford), S O'Loughlin (Wigan), J Peacock (Leeds, capt), L Pryce (St Helens), G Raynor (Hull), J Roby (St Helens), K Senior, K Sinfield (Leeds), P Wellens (St Helens), S Wild (Huddersfield), J Wilkin (St Helens).

New Zealand team: S Perrett (Roosters); T Tupou, S Hape (both Bradford), P Whatuira (Huddersfield), T Tuiaki (Wests Tigers), L Hohaia (Warriors), T Leuluai (Wigan); R Asotasi (South Sydney, capt), D Halatau (Wests Tigers), F Moimoi (Parramatta), S Mannering (Warriors), F Pritchard (Penrith), J Smith (Melbourne). Subs: G Eastwood (Brisbane), L Anderson (Warrington), S Rapira, E Lauaki (both Warriors). Iframe not supported Maurie Fa'asavalu | Ultimate Rugby Players, News, Fixtures and Live Results News The Samoan loose forward is a rugby league convert, and has made a smooth transition back to his roots in the 15-man code. He joined Harlequins in 2010 from St Helens having played for England in 2008 Rugby League World Cup.

He has played for Samoa in union, representing his country on either side of his league stint, in the 2003 and 2011 Rugby World Cups. He also played for Samoa in the 2012 Pacific Nations Cup. After 4 seasons at Harlequins, Fa'asavalu moved to France to join Oyonnax. 17/6/14 Dan H World Cup player profiles: Samoa | Planetrugby.com : Planetrugby.com World Cup player profiles: Samoa Date published: September 11 2015 Ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, we take a look at all of the players set to feature in England. Next up, Samoa.

Forwards: Viliamu Afatia, Jake Grey, Logovii Mulipola, Anthony Perenise, Sakaria Taulafo, Wayne Ole Avei, Manu Leiataua, Motu Matu'u, Faatiga Lemalu, Filo Paulo, Kane Thompson, Joe Tekori, Maurie Faasavalu, Alafoti Faosiliva, TJ Ioane, Jack Lam, Vavae Tuilagi, Ofisa Treviranus (Captain) Backs: Vavao Afemai, Kahn Fotuali'i, Patrick Faapale, Tusiata Pisi, Mike Stanley, Rey Lee Lo, Johnny Leota, George Pisi, Paul Perez, Faatoina Autagavaia, Ken Pisi, Tim Nanai Williams, Alesana Tuilagi VAVAO AFEMAI Scrum-half 1.68m 65kg 18.02.1992 The 23-year-old broke onto the international scene in 2014 when he made his Test bow for Samoa against Japan. He has since been a regular campaigner.

VILIAMU AFATIA Prop 1.90m 106kg 24.05.1990 Afatia plays his club rugby in France with Agen, for who he scored two tries coming off the bench during the 2014-2015 season in the Pro D2. The 190cm and 106kg powerful unit first appeared for Samoa back in 2012 during the Pacific Nations Cup against Tonga. All of Afatia’s early appearances for his country have come as a replacement, including against England at Twickenham in November 2014 and in the historic Test match against the All Blacks in Apia in 2015. FAATOINA AUTAGAVAIA Full-back 1.83m 87kg 18.09.1988 Autagavaia currently plays rugby in France for Nevers. He broke onto the domestic scene while representing New Zealand team Northland in 2012, which resulted in his Test debut for Samoa that same year. In 2014 he joined Northampton Saints on a one-year stint, earning 10 caps.

OLE AVEI Hooker 1.78m 114kg 13.06.1983 Currently playing his club career in France with Bordeaux-Begles, Avei started out in Australia with the Queensland Reds. He briefly spent time in New Zealand with Waikato before heading to France, where he has made over 100 appearances for the Top 14 side. Avei’s international debut came in the Pacific Nations Cup in 2011 against Japan, before playing for Samoa in that year’s Rugby World Cup. Avi is also a former Australia U21 international and was born in Wellington, New Zealand. He is the nephew of Australia winger Digby Ioane. PATRICK FAAPALE Fly-half 1.80m 75kg 05.03.1991 Faapale made his Test bow in 2014 for Samoa. He is mainly utilized of the bench as an impact player for first choice fly-half Michael Stanley, however he proved his worth in the 2015 Pacific Nations Cup, kicking vital penalties in crucial game deciding moments.

MAURIE FAASAVALU Flanker 1.91m 112kg 12.01.1980 Fa’asavalu began his club career in Rugby League, playing over 160 games for St Helens in England and even playing for Great Britain for who he scored on debut. He also played for England in 2008 Rugby League World Cup. In 2010 he crossed codes to join Harlequins, spending four years with the Premiership club including the successful 2012/2013 season when they won the English title. While he might have represented England in League, Fa’asavalu made his Union international debut back in 2002 against South Africa and went on to play in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, scoring two tries against Uruguay. He was called-up by Samoa again in 2011 on his return to the sport, starting all of Samoa’s games in the World Cup and coming on as a replacement in the 2015 Test with New Zealand in Apia.

ALAFOTI FAOSILIVA Flanker 1.85m 112kg 28.10.1985 A Samoa international since his debut in 2006 against Japan, Fa’osiliva is yet to play in a Rugby World Cup for Samoa having missed selection for the 2007 and 2011 tournaments. He scored his first Test try against New Zealand in September 2008, before scoring two in a game against Fiji in the 2010 Pacific Nations Cup. Fa’osiliva also scored a memorable try in 2015 when Samoa played the All Blacks in Apia for the first time. His club career started briefly at Toulon and after time on the Sevens circuit he joined Bristol in England, before moving to close rivals Bath in 2013 where his powerful carries and defence made him a fan favourite. KAHN FOTUALII Scrum-half 1.84m 94kg 22.05.1982 A world-class scrum-half, Fotuali’i currently plays in the Premiership in England for Northampton Saints.

Born in Auckland in New Zealand, Fotuali’i spent three years playing for the Crusaders in Super Rugby from 2008 to 2011. In the ITM Cup he spent five years with Tasman before joining Hawke’s Bay. Fotuali’i left New Zealand after the World Cup to join the Ospreys in Wales before heading to Northampton. Fotuali’i made his Samoa debut in 2010 against Japan and scored a try in his first game, going on to play in Samoa’s win over Australia in 2011 and at the Rugby World Cup. He started for Samoa against the All Blacks in 2015. JAKE GREY Prop 1.70m 109kg 17.02.1984 The 31-year-old is one of the few Samoan based players. Grey first broke onto the international scene in 2014 when he made his Test debut against Japan.

TJ IOANE Flanker/Number eight 1.82m 104kg 09.05.1989 Ioane was born in Motootua but grew up in New Zealand, attending Wellington College, and first made his name playing in New Zealand’s ITM Cup with Otago. Ioane spent four years with the side and was first capped by Super Rugby franchise the Highlanders in 2013. Ioane made 18 appearances for the Highlanders between 2013 and 2014 before moving to Sale Sharks in the Premiership in England. Ioane’s Test debut for Samoa came against Canada in Vannes in 2014 and he played again England at Twickenham eight days later. CENSUS JOHNSTON Prop 1.91m 130kg 06.05.1981 One of the best tightheads in the world, Johnston made his Test debut back in 2005. The bulky prop went on to represent Samoa at the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups.

He currently plies his trade for French club, Toulouse and has raked up over 150 caps, since joining them in 2009. Johnson previously played for Saracens, Biarritz and Taranaki before joining Toulouse in 2009. The Samoan stalwart was called into Samoa's 2015 Rugby World Cup squad as a late injury replacement despite having previously announced his retirement for test rugby in controversial circumstances. JACK LAM Flanker 1.88m 103kg 18.11.1987 Born in Hamilton in New Zealand, Lam is the cousin of former Samoa great Pat Lam. His playing career started with Tasman in 2009 before joining Waikato a year later. Lam made his Super Rugby debut in 2011 with the Hurricanes and spent three years with the New Zealand franchise. Lam made his debut for Samoa against Scotland in Durban in 2013, scoring his first international try in November that year when Samoa lost to Georgia in Tbilisi.

MANU LEIATAUA Hooker 1.82m 105kg 26.12.1986 Born in Wellington in New Zealand, Leiataua has spent his club career with North Harbour. He made his debut in Samoa back in 2013 during the quadrangular tournament in South Africa, with Leiataua’s debut coming against Scotland in Durban. All of Leiataua’s first five appearances for his country came off the replacements bench, including in 2015 when Samoa took on the All Blacks in a historic Test match in Apia. He also appeared against England at Twickenham in November 2014. FA'ATIGA LEMALU Lock 2.01m 115kg 17.04.1989 Lemalu plays his club rugby in the Japanse Top League with Munakata Sanix Blues. Born in Otahuhu, Lemalu’s impressive physical stature has seen him feature regularly for Samoa since his debut back in 2012.

Lemalu’s first match was against Tonga in the Pacific Nations Cup and he scored his first tries for his country 12 days later with two scores in Samoa’s win over Japan in Tokyo. Lemalu was recently used as a replacement for Samoa in their 2014 Test match against England at Twickenham. JOHNNY LEOTA Centre 1.83m 93kg 21.01.1984 Born in Palmerston North in New Zealand, Johnny Leota began his professional career in New Zealand with Manawatu. Leota made over 50 appearances for the side and was first capped by the Highlanders in 2008, becoming a key member of the side. Leota played consistently for the side between 2008 and 2009 before joining Sale Sharks in England after the Rugby World Cup in 2011, for who he has made over 80 appearances. Leota made his Samoa debut against Fiji in Suva in 2011 but missed the Rugby World Cup. He scored his first Test try in 2012 against Wales and started in 2015 against the All Blacks in Apia.

REY LEE LO Centre 1.81m 96kg 20.02.1987 The 28-year-old currently plays rugby in Wales for the Cardiff Blues. Lee-Lo has mostly been playing his rugby in New Zealand representing Counties Manukau in the ITM Cup, earning over 50 caps. Lee-Lo also represented the Crusaders and Hurricanes in Super Rugby. He made his Test bow in 2014. MOTU MATU'U Hooker 1.85m 111kg 30.04.1987 Matu'u plays rugby in New Zealand for Wellington Lions in the ITM Cup and the Hurricanes in Super Rugby. The 30-year-old made his Test debut for Samoa in 2015. LOGOVII MULIPOLA Prop 1.92m 124kg 11.03.1987 The 28-year-old powerhouse plays club rugby in England for Leicester Tigers. He joined the team on trial in 2013 and has been with them since, earning over 70 caps.

Mulipola's Test bow came in 2009 and as a result he represented Samoa in the 2011 Rugby World Cup. FILO PAULO Lock 2.01m 122kg 06.11.1987 Born in Wellington, New Zealand, the 201cm and 122kg second row first started his career with a brief stint in Ireland with Ulster. Paulo then returned to New Zealand for two years with the Blues in Super Rugby and North Harbour in the ITM Cup. Paulo made his Test debut for Samoa in a November Test against Canada in Wales and started all but one of the games he played for Samoa between 2012-2014. Paulo scored his first Test try against South Africa in Pretoria in June 2013. Paulo left Cardiff Blues in 2015 to join Italian PRO12 team Treviso after a successful stint in Wales.

ANTHONY PERENISE Prop 1.82m 118kg 18.10.1982 The veteran prop born in Porirua, New Zealand, Perenise currently plays in England for Championship side Bristol. His domestic career however started in New Zealand in Super Rugby and ITM Cup, playing for Wellington and the Hurricanes before stints with the Highlanders and Hawke’s Bay. Perenise arguably made his biggest impression however after moving to Bath in 2011, where he spent three seasons and built up his reputation playing in the Premiership. Perenise made his international debut in 2010 against Tonga in the Pacific Nations Cup, starting six straight matches that year before his run ended with a substitute appearance against Scotland. Perenise started three games at the 2011 Rugby World Cup and was a replacement in 2015 when Samoa hosted New Zealand in Apia.

PAUL PEREZ Centre 1.82m 102kg 26.07.1986 Born in Motootua in Samoa, Perez began his career in Sevens as a key member of the side during 2005 and 2006. Perez switched to XVs in 2006 and joined Taranaki, spending three seasons with the side before joining the Eastern Province Kings in South Africa where he became a key player in their Currie Cup campaigns before joining the Sharks on a trial in 2015. Perez made his debut in 2012 against Tonga but had to wait three years for his next Test appearance, against New Zealand in Apia in 2015 when he started at centre after all his previous caps came on the wing. GEORGE PISI Centre 1.85m 94kg 29.06.1986 Pisi currently plays in England for the Northampton Saints and has earned over 80 caps since he joined them in 2011. The Samoan born moved to New Zealand at age three and as a result represented North Harbour and Taranaki.

The 29-year-old represented the Blues in Super Rugby from 2006-2010. In 2011 he had a one-year stint with french club Clermont earning only seven caps. He represented New Zealand at youth level before making his Test debut for Samoa in 2010, and as a result represented them in the 2011 Rugby World Cup. KEN PISI Wing 1.83m 91kg 24.02.1989 Pisi was born in Auckland in New Zealand and is the brother of Samoa internationals George and Tusi Pisi. His career kicked off when he moved to England to join his brother George at Northampton Saints in 2012, for who he has made over 50 appearances already. Pisi moved to England from North Harbour and has been a success in the Premiership. He made his international debut in June 2012 against Tonga and was a replacement for the 2015 Test against New Zealand in Apia.

TUSI PISI Fly-half 1.83m 93kg 18.06.1982 Born in the Samoan capital, Apia, Pisi was educated at Massey High School in Auckland and is the brother of George and Ken Pisi. Starting his career with North Harbour in the ITM Cup, Pisi moved to Toulon in 2007 where he spent two seasons before joining Suntory Goliath in Japan in 2010. Pisi represented both the Crusaders and the Hurricanes in Super Rugby. A New Zealand U21 international, Pisi played for the Pacific Islanders in 2006 and made his debut for Samoa five years later against Japan. Pisi scored his first try for Samoa against Scotland in 2012 and featured in the 2011 Rugby World Cup. He started for Samoa against the All Blacks in 2015. MICHAEL STANLEY Fly-half 1.84m 93kg 29.12.1989 Born in Auckland in New Zealand, Stanley is the cousin of All Blacks centre Benson Stanley.

He made his senior career debut for Counties Manukau in the ITM Cup in New Zealand before winning his first cap for Samoa later that year. Stanley’s first appearance was off the bench against Italy before he made his first start a week later against Canada in Vannes, scoring three penalties and two conversions. Stanley signed for Irish province Ulster in 2015. SAKARIA TAULAFO Prop 1.83m 120kg 29.01.1983 Born in Motootua in Samoa, Taulafo attended Nelson College in New Zealand and began his career with Nelson Bays before moving to Tasman in 2005. Four years in the ITM Cup were followed by a move to Wasps in the Premiership where Taulafo spent four successful seasons. He was called up not long after joining Wasps, making his Test debut off the bench in November 2009 against Wales in Cardiff. Taulafo’s first start came eight days later against France in Paris.

Taulafo left Wasps for Stade Francais in 2013 and continued to be a key player for Samoa, starting against the All Blacks in Apia in 2013. JOE TEKORI Lock 1.98m 122kg 17.12.1983 Another Samoa forward born in Motootua, Tekori was educated at the famous Wesley College in New Zealand whose alma mater include Jonah Lomu. Tekori took his career to France in 2007 at the age of 23 to join Castres where he spent six years, making over 150 appearances for the side and coming off the bench in his final game for Castres in the Top 14 Final when they defeated Toulon. Tekori joined Toulouse in 2013 but made his Samoa debut much earlier in 2007 as a replacement against South Africa. Tekori started his first game a week later against Japan with his first Test try coming in November 2009 against France.

Tekori played in the 2007 and 2011 World Cups and was a replacement against New Zealand in Apia in 2015. KANE THOMPSON Lock 1.98m 112kg 09.01.1982 Born in Wellington in New Zealand, Thompson began his career with Southland and the Highlanders in the country of his birth before heading to France. Thompson played for Dax between 2007 to 2010 before heading back to New Zealand to play for Southland, Hawke’s Bay and the Chiefs in Super Rugby with who he won a Super Rugby title. A stint in Japan followed before heading back to the Chiefs in 2014, before Thompson joined Newcastle Falcons in England. Thompson’s debut came against Fiji in May 2007 and he went on to play for Samoa at the World Cup that year, scoring his first Test try against the USA in Saint-Etienne. Thompson also featured at the 2011 World Cup, starting all of Samoa’s matches, and started at lock against New Zealand in 2015 in Apia.

OFISA TREVIRANUS Flanker/Number eight 1.87m 108kg 31.03.1984 Treviranus was named Samoa captain in 2015 by head coach Stephen Betham ahead of the Pacific Nations Cup and Rugby World Cup. His career began with the Samoa Sevens side after a stint with Irish side Connacht. Treviranus then moved to England where he joined Premiership club London Irish in 2011 – to date he has made over 50 appearances for the club. Treviranus was first capped by Samoa in 2009 against Japan, scoring his first try that year against Papua New Guinea, and played at the 2011 Rugby World Cup for his country. He started at number eight and captained Samoa when they played the All Blacks in Apia in 2015. AHSEE TUALA Full-back 1.91m 103kg 23.08.1989 Tuala began his senior rugby career in New Zealand with Counties Manukau for who he made over 50 appearances between 2009 to 2014.

His impressive form for the side led to a move to Northampton Saints in England as injury cover, with Tuala impressing so much that the club extended his contract. Tuala went on to make his international debut for Samoa in November 2014 against Canada in Vannes. ALESANA TUILAGI Wing 1.85m 117kg 24.02.1981 Born in Fogapoa in Samoa, Tuilagi is part of one of rugby’s most famous families with his brothers Anitelea, Freddie and Henry all playing for Samoa and Manu Tuilagi playing for England and the British and Irish Lions. Tuilagi’s career started in Parma before eight very successful years with Leicester Tigers, for who he made over 160 appearances and scored 63 tries. He spent two years in Japan before returning to England with Newcastle. Tuilagi appeared for the Pacific Islanders in 2006 and made his Samoa debut in 2002 against Fiji.

He scored four tries in a match against Tonga in 2005 and played in the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups, scoring a hat-trick against Namibia in 2011. Tuilagi made his first appearance for Samoa in two years against the All Blacks in 2015. VAVAE TUILAGI Number eight 1.91m 94kg 15.06.1988 Tuilagi is the younger brother of Samoan internationals Henry, Freddie, Alesana, Anitelea Tuilagi, and the older brother of England international Manu Tuilagi. The 27-year-old first broke onto the scene while representing Samoa at the 2008 IRB Junior World Championship. In 2011 he joined french club RC Narbonne on a two-year stint, earning 32 caps. Tuilagi joined french club, US Carcassonne in 2013.

TIM NANAI WILLIAMS Full-back 1.81m 87kg 12.06.1989 A star for the Chiefs in Super Rugby, Nanai-Williams is the cousin of New Zealand star Sonny Bill Williams. The rapid back made his debut in 2008 for Counties Manukau in the ITM Cup with his Super Rugby debut coming two years later in 2010. Nanai-Williams helped the Chiefs to two Super Rugby titles in 2012 and 2013. After playing Sevens for New Zealand and representing the schoolboys side, he elected to play for Samoa and qualified by playing for the Sevens side in 2014/2015 before making his debut at full-back against the All Blacks in Apia in 2015. Maurie Fa’asavalu | Richard de la Rivière Richard de la Rivière Posted on December 28, 2010 by Richard de la Rivière Maurie Fa’asavalu spoke to me in 2008 for Rugby League World about his rather unique international career.

He captained Samoa in the 2003 union World Cup before signing for St Helens. In 2007, in a surprising move, he was drafed into the Great Britain and England squads courtesy of the residency rule. Halfway through his first Rugby League training session, shortly after playing with such distinction for Samoa in the 2003 rugby union World Cup, Maurie Fa’asavalu wondered what on earth he’d agreed to. He wasn’t fit enough and he was struggling. By 2005 he’d had enough and wanted to go back to union. He signed for Saints along with winger Dominic Feaunati. Feaunati made the more promising start but now plays union for Worcester. Fa’asavalu looked totally lost but is now a Great Britain international and a favourite of the Knowsley Road fans. Fa’asavalu is one of Super League’s most imposing figures. “I had doubts right from day one in training! I really wondered what I was doing there. We were running on the sand for about two and a half hours with tackle shields.

I just wasn’t fit enough at first and, to be honest, I wasn’t fit enough to play Rugby League for about two years not until I learned how to look after my body. “League and union are totally different games and it’s very hard for a forward to switch codes if it’s union to League. But after the 2003 rugby union World Cup, the only club who came in for me was St Helens. I had a talk with Apollo and I also knew Freddie Tuilagi had been here. It was a big decision but I was so keen to come over and take on a new challenge. I first played in the freezing cold at Barrow in a friendly. There were a few of us in a tackle and I just ripped it out like I would have done in union. I didn’t know the rules! My Super League debut was against Castleford and I could only play in five-minute spells. I didn’t know who to tackle because the Cas players were all running different lines and it took me a long time to read that.

“I played 13 games in my first year but I really wasn’t getting anywhere and at the beginning of 2005, I was thinking of going back to rugby union but then Daniel Anderson came on board at Saints. He told me that he’d coached a lot of island boys at the Warriors and he said he’d give me a chance and teach me how to play Rugby League. “It felt like my career started again at that point.” In those early days, the idea of Fa’asavalu playing for Great Britain would have been unthinkable – and not just because he’s Samoan – but after doing just that last year, he’s now hoping to make his England bow in June’s Test match in France as Tony Smith prepares to take his side to Australia for the World Cup later this year. So how did the idea of playing Test football for his adopted nation come to him? “I remember watching the Tri-Nations when I first arrived and it reminded me of New Zealand, Australia and South Africa playing each other in rugby union, which is massive,” he said. “When I saw the Rugby League Tri-Nations I knew straightaway that I wanted to play in it.

I couldn’t play for New Zealand or Australia so the only option was to play for Great Britain. Every player wants to play top-level rugby and I’m no different.” Last yeat Fa’asavalu pointed out that he had only ever played Rugby League in this country and that he has no connection with the Samoan Rugby League team. “I captained them in rugby union sevens. The thing is, I didn’t play Rugby League at home and since I was born I’ve never seen our national Rugby League team. They play in World Cups but that’s about it. If they played in big teams every year then it might be different. “So I asked my manager, Andy Clarke, to make some enquiries about me playing for Great Britain and he went to the Rugby League on my behalf. Then just before last season’s Challenge Cup final Tony Smith called me because he wanted to ask some questions along the lines of why I wanted to play for Great Britain. He also told me that it was all about performing on the field between then and the end of the season if I was going to be selected. “I spoke to Keiron Cunningham, Paul Sculthorpe and Sean Long and they were supportive.

I also talked to Apollo Perelini and he told me how much he regretted not being able to play in top-level internationals.” Eventually, Fa’asavalu was selected in Smith’s squad on the basis that he had lived in England for three years. The selection was largely derided in the media but Maurie kept his head down and scored a debut try in the first-Test win at Huddersfield against a below-par Kiwis. “When I joined up with the squad, the players were great,” said Fa’asavalu. “They all welcomed me and guys from other clubs like Jamie Peacock and Terry Newton were really friendly. The atmosphere was like it is at St Helens and that really helped me settle in. “My debut at Huddersfield against New Zealand last year was memorable and I played in the next Test as well. “I’m definitely hoping to get selected for the game against France but I haven’t been in good form recently and I’ve been injured,” he admits.

“I’ve missed four games recently but hopefully I can get my fitness and form back in time because it’s not long to go before the Test.” Fa'asavalu named in Great Britain squad | Daily Mail Online Fa'asavalu named in Great Britain squad Last updated at 15:32 21 October 2007 Samoa-born forward Maurie Fa'asavalu is one of five uncapped players named in Great Britain coach Tony Smith's 25-man squad for the Gillette Fusion Test Series against New Zealand. The 27-year-old Fa'asavalu played for Samoa in the 2003 rugby union World Cup but pledged his allegiance to Britain after qualifying through residency, having spent the last four seasons with St Helens. He was surprisingly chosen ahead of Wigan's former Salford front rower Andy Coley and Bradford prop Andy Lynch but the Bulls provide two of the new faces in 18-year-old Sam Burgess, Super League's young player of the year, and 23-year-old full-back Michael Platt. The other uncapped players are Warrington hooker Jon Clarke and Leeds second rower Jamie Jones-Buchanan.

All 25 players are drawn from the leading seven Super League clubs. Champions Leeds and runners-up St Helens each provide seven while Warrington and Bradford have the next best representation with three, Hull and Huddersfield provide two each and Wigan just one. "I believe this is a very strong squad, which is a nice blend of youth and experience, who are ready to face what will be three very difficult games against Gary Kemble's New Zealand," said Smith. "With the World Cup in Australia less than 12 months away, I thought it important to bring in some new faces. "By giving them an opportunity to be part of the squad now and maybe feature in some of the games, I think we'll benefit from it greatly further down the line." Smith will need to resolve injury and disciplinary worries before he can begin the preparations for the first Test at Huddersfield on Saturday. He will check on the fitness of Leeds stand-off Danny McGuire and Hull centre Kirk Yeaman after both picked up injuries playing for the Northern Union in Saturday night's centenary international against the All Golds.

Yeaman aggravated an ankle sprain that sidelined him for a month in the Super League season in scoring his side's fourth try and limped off after an hour of the match at Warrington. "It's not too bad," he said. "Fingers crossed I'll be all right for next week, if selected." McGuire, who scored two tries in the Northern Union's 25-18 defeat, was today nursing a wrist injury. "Somebody hit me off the ball and I landed awkwardly on my wrist," he explained. "Hopefully it's not too serious. I'll get it checked out over the next couple of days." Smith will also anxiously wait to discover if Adrian Morley is to face possible disciplinary action after being placed on report for a high tackle. A video review panel will study the incident in the morning and, if they decide there is a case to answer, the Warrington prop will face a disciplinary hearing tomorrow evening. Smith will name his captain tomorrow, with Jamie Peacock expected to retain the role ahead of Morley and Kevin Sinfield.

Squad: Sam Burgess (Bradford, age 18, caps 0), Rob Burrow (Leeds, 25, 2), Jon Clarke (Warrington, 28, 0), Gareth Ellis (Leeds, 26, 14), Marie Fa'asavalu (St Helens, 27, 0), Ade Gardner (St Helens, 24, 2), Martin Gleeson (Warrington, 27, 17), James Graham (St Helens, 22, 2), David Hodgson (Huddersfield, 26, 3), Jamie Jones-Buchanan (Leeds, 26, 0), Danny McGuire (Leeds, 24, 10), Adrian Morley (Warrington, 30, 27), Terry Newton (Bradford, 28, 14), Sean O'Loughlin (Wigan, 24, 8), Jamie Peacock (Leeds, 29, 23), Michael Platt (Bradford, 23, 0), Leon Pryce (St Helens, 26, 

15), Gareth Raynor (Hull, 29, 4), James Roby (St Helens, 21, 5), Keith Senior (Leeds, 30, 30), Kevin Sinfield (Leeds, 27, 13), Paul Wellens (St Helens, 27, 17), Stephen Wild (Huddersfield, 26, 2), Jon Wilkin (St Helens, 23, 4), Kirk Yeaman (Hull, 24, 2).

Question: St Helens and Gt. Britain Rugby League player, Maurie Fa'asavalu was born in which country?
Answer: SAMOA