Samoa, Tonga, PNG make changes for World Cup quarters

Samoa, Tonga and Papua New Guinea have welcomed back key players for this weekend's Rugby League World Cup quarter finals.

Toa Samoa have made three changes for Friday night's match against Australia in Darwin, with captain Frank Pritchard and halfback Ben Roberts back for their clash with the defending champions, while lock Leeson Ah Mau also returns to the back row.

Pritchard and Roberts did not play in Saturday's 14-14 draw against Scotland, which earned Samoa a spot in the knockout rounds despite failing to win a game during the group stage.

Michael Jennings has recovered from a hamstring injury and replaces Mahe Fonua at centre in the only change to the Mate Ma'a Tonga starting line-up to take on Lebanon on Christchurch, while Sam Moa is among the reserves after missing the win over New Zealand.

Fiji Bati coach Mick Potter has named an unchanged side to challenge New Zealand in Wellington however the Kiwis have recalled Te Maire Martin in the halves, while Danny Levi gets his first start at hooker.

Meanwhile Papua New Guinea vice-captain Ase Boas returns at standoff for the Kumuls quarter-final showdown with England in Melbourne on Sunday.

Samoa squad:

Young Tonumaipea, Matthew Wright, Ricky Leutele, Joseph Leilua, Timoteo Lafai, Jarome Luai, Ben Roberts, Junior Paulo, Jazz Tevaga, Herman Ese'ese, Joshua Papalii, Frank Pritchard, Leeson Ah Mau. Reserves: Fa'amanu Brown, Bunty Afoa, Suaia Matagi, Joseph Paulo, Zane Musgrove, Frank Winterstein, Pita Godinet, Ken Maumalo

Tonga squad:

William Hopoate, Daniel Tupou, Michael Jennings, Konrad Hurrell, David Fusitu'a, Tuimoala Lolohea, Mafoa'aeata Hingano, Andrew Fifita, Sione Katoa, Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Manu Ma'u, Sika Manu, Jason Taumalolo. Reserves: Siliva Havili, Sam Moa, Tevita Pangai Jnr, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Ukuma Ta'ai, Joe Ofahengaue, Mahe Fonua, Samisoni Langi

Fiji squad:

Kevin Naiqama, Suliasi Vunivalu, Taane Milne, Akuila Uate, Marcelo Montoya, Jarryd Hayne, Henry Raiwalui, Ashton Sims, Apisai Koroisau, Eloni Vunakece, Viliame Kikau, Brayden Wiliame, Tui Kamikamica. Reserves: Joe Lovodua, Jacob Saifiti, Junior Roqica, Ben Nakubuwai, James Storer, Salesi Faingaa, Sitiveni Moceidreke, Pio Sokobalavu

Papua New Guinea squad:

David Mead, Justin Olam, Kato Ottio, Nene Macdonald, Garry Lo, Ase Boas, Watson Boas, Moses Meninga, James Segeyaro, Luke Page, Rhyse Martin, Willie Minoga, Paul Aiton. Reserves: Kurt Baptiste, Stargroth Amean, Stanton Albert, Rod Griffin, Enock Maki, Wartovo Puara, Thompson Teteh, Lachlan Lam

Photo: PHOTOSPORT Frank Pritchard is back for Samoa.