The USA Tomahawks have announced their 19-man squad to face the Cook Islands at Bristol Memorial Stadium on Thursday morning, with Parramatta Eels utility Joseph Paulo as the captain.
Three American-based players have also been named in the side: Philadelphia player Michael Garvey, Hawaiian Loto Tagaloa and Southampton Dragons player Craig Priestly.
Sefa Paulo will start as five-eighth while his older brother and former Eels player Junior starts at prop.
NRL players Eddy Pettybourne, Clint Newton and Joel Luani will also make their first appearance with the Tomahawks.
Coach Terry Matterson said narrowing down his squad to a 19-man team was an arduous process due to the talent on offer.
"This was a really tough selection process," he said.
"With three games in eight days all of the squad will be needed with this tough schedule.
Here is their side:
1. Kristian Freed
2. Bureta Faraimo
3. Michael Garvey
4. Loto Tagaloa
5. Matt Petersen
6. Joseph Paulo (C)
7. Craig Priestly
8. Junior Paulo
9. Joel Luani
10. Eddy Pettybourne
11. Clint Newton
12. Matt Shipway
13. Daniel Howard
14. Tui Samoa
15. Mark Offerdahl
16. Stephen Howard
17. Les Soloai
18. David Marando
19. Judah Lavulo
The Tomahawks' final 17-man team list will be released one hour prior to kick off on Wednesday.
Click here to visit our World Cup hub with all the latest videos, photos and news from our players in the UK!
Three American-based players have also been named in the side: Philadelphia player Michael Garvey, Hawaiian Loto Tagaloa and Southampton Dragons player Craig Priestly.
Sefa Paulo will start as five-eighth while his older brother and former Eels player Junior starts at prop.
NRL players Eddy Pettybourne, Clint Newton and Joel Luani will also make their first appearance with the Tomahawks.
Coach Terry Matterson said narrowing down his squad to a 19-man team was an arduous process due to the talent on offer.
"This was a really tough selection process," he said.
"With three games in eight days all of the squad will be needed with this tough schedule.
Here is their side:
1. Kristian Freed
2. Bureta Faraimo
3. Michael Garvey
4. Loto Tagaloa
5. Matt Petersen
6. Joseph Paulo (C)
7. Craig Priestly
8. Junior Paulo
9. Joel Luani
10. Eddy Pettybourne
11. Clint Newton
12. Matt Shipway
13. Daniel Howard
14. Tui Samoa
15. Mark Offerdahl
16. Stephen Howard
17. Les Soloai
18. David Marando
19. Judah Lavulo
The Tomahawks' final 17-man team list will be released one hour prior to kick off on Wednesday.
Click here to visit our World Cup hub with all the latest videos, photos and news from our players in the UK!
