Toa Samoa are not short of motivation heading into tomorrow night's one-off rugby league match against the USA in Hawaii.
The residents squad of Samoa and New Zealand-based amateurs will face World Cup debutants the Tomahawks at the Aloha Stadium in a match which happens to fall on Samoan Independence Day.
Residents coach Ponifasio Vasa says it's a perfect chance for local players to press their claims for a spot in the Rugby League World Cup squad.
It's also the first match Samoa have played since the death of Alex Elisala, who made his Toa debut in April's Pacific test against Tonga.
Vasa says he is very much in the team's thoughts.
"We talked about it during training and then we came to respect him and to remember him, because he was part of the squad last month, and he was in the group that will represent Samoa in the World Cup but, unfortunately, things happen in life and we couldn't control it but for sure we will remember and respect him for this upcoming game."
Ponifasio Vasa.
