Manu Samoa coach Stephen Betham says he's had to leave behind some excellent players, after unveiling his 31-man Rugby World Cup squad.
Ofisa Treviranus will captain the team, which features 18 forwards and 13 backs, and includes the return of prop Logovii Mulipola and midfielder Rey Lee Lo.
Local trio Jake Grey, Vavao Afemai and Patrick Faapale have also made the cut.
Injury has ruled out prop James Johnston, halfback Pele Cowley and former captain David Lemi, while hot competition means the likes of flanker Faifili Levave and outside backs Sinoti Sinoti, Paul Williams and Ah See Tuala have missed the cut.
Veteran prop Census Johnston is also not included in the final 31, despite coming out retirement to play the All Blacks.
Stephen Betham says it has been an incredibly difficult selection process but they can't take everyone, and there is comfort in knowing there is depth if they need to call on it.
Manu Samoa captain Alesana Tuilagi and coach Stephen Betham. Photo: Supplied
The Samoa squad will head to England early for two pre-World Cup fixtures against the Barbarians and Wasps.
Full Squad:
Viliamu Afatia
Jake Grey
Logovii Mulipola
Anthony Perenise
Sakaria Taulafo
Wayne Ole Avei
Ma'atulimanu Leiataua
Motu Matu'u
Faatiga Lemalu
Teofilo Paulo
Kane Thompson
Iosefa (Joe) Tekori
Maurie Faasavalu
Alafoti Faosiliva
TJ Ioane
Jack Lam
Vavae Tuilagi
Ofisa Treviranus (captain)
Vavao Afemai
Kahn Fotualii
Patrick Fa'apale
Tusiata Pisi
Mike Stanley
Rey Lee Lo
Johnny Leota
George Pisi
Paul Perez
Fa'atoina Autagavaia
Ken Pisi
Tim Nanai--Williams
Alesana Tuilagi (vice captain)
