Canterbury Bulldogs centre Krisnan Inu says playing for Samoa is the fulfilment of a long-held dream.
The 27 year old has been on the outer at club level so far this season but will line up in the blue and white for Saturday's Pacific Test against Fiji in Sydney, where the winner will qualify for the Four Nations tournament.
Inu was a part of the Kiwis World Cup squad last year and says the switch of allegiance was his choice.
"Always in my heart I've always felt I needed to have a shot at playing for Samoa and my opportunity came and I put my hand up straight away. It means a lot to myself and my family - especially my parents - being brought up full-Samoan so I know they're proud and I'm happy with my decision and I know the family is also".
The Toa have made two enforced changes to their squad with
West Tigers outside back David Nofoaluma has withdrawn through injury while fellow Tiger Tim Simona is unable to play because of a judiciary charge.
The duo will remain in camp with the team but have been replaced in the match-day squad by Melbourne's Young Tonumaipea and Peter Mata'utia from St George Illawarra.
