Melbourne Storm forward Ativalu Lisati has been called up to the Samoa squad for the remainder of the Pacific Championships. Lisati’s international call-up is the first of his professional career, with the 24-year-old named on the Samoa bench for Sunday’s showdown against Tonga at Suncorp Stadium.
Melbourne Storm’s 6ft, 100kg prop will take Ata Mariota’s spot on the bench. Mariota was on the field for all but one minute against the Kiwi’s before the Canberra Raiders youngster sustained a terrible head knock that saw him carried off the field
The second-rower enjoyed a breakout 2025 season for Storm, making 14 appearances and earning selection for the NRL Grand Final.
His impressive form was recognised at the Club’s Player of the Year Awards, where he was named the Billy Slater Rookie of the Year.
Samoa have also lost Jaydn Su’a and Jazz Tevaga, also to concussions.
Su’a started in the second row against the Kiwi’s and was impressive defensively until he sustained a head knock. Canberra Raiders youngster Simi Sasagi will be promoted from the bench to the starting 13 in place of Su’a.
Benaiah Ioelu, initially named as 18th man last week, made his debut against the Kiwi’s when Samoa activated their 18th man after the concussions to Tevaga and Su’a.
This week Ioelu will have a more prominent role as he takes Sasagi’s bench spot.
Other Melbourne Storm Reps
Elsewhere, Storm forwards Stefano Utoikamanu and Eli Katoa have been named in the Tonga squad for Sunday’s game. Utoikamanu lines up at prop with Katoa at second-row for his sixth International appearance.
SOS Togafuafua and Salelologa or order online on Samoa Market..
Meanwhile in London, Storm captain Harry Grant and vice-captain Cameron Munster are set to line up for the Australian Kangaroos as they begin their Ashes campaign against England at Wembley Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:30am on Sunday morning.
Last Saturday, Storm prop Tui Kamikamica captained Fiji to a hard-fought 44–22 victory over the Cook Islands in Port Moresby. Fiji surged to a 28–6 lead at half-time, before holding off a spirited Cook Islands comeback to secure a convincing Round 1 win. Fiji return to action against Papua New Guinea on Saturday 1 November (kick-off 4pm).
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