Terrell May Cleared to Play as Samoa Gears Up for Fierce Tonga Clash
Big news for Samoa ahead of their must-win showdown against Tonga — powerhouse prop Terrell May has officially been passed fit to play. After sitting out the opening Pacific Cup game due to a hamstring injury, the Wests Tigers forward has now declared himself ready and available for selection, which comes as a massive boost for the Samoan side.
May missed the team’s 24–18 loss to New Zealand last week, but on Tuesday, he trained strongly with the squad and was later named on an extended bench for Sunday’s highly anticipated clash at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. The final call on whether he’ll make the match-day 17 rests with coach Ben Gardiner, who will be weighing his options carefully after May’s stellar NRL season with the Tigers.
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Adding to Samoa’s relief, hooker Jazz Tevaga has also been cleared to return after a head injury scare in last weekend’s match. He was taken off during the first half as a precaution but has since been given the all-clear by medical staff. His recovery is being seen as a “music to the ears” moment for the Samoan camp, especially after losing key forwards Jaydn Su’A and Ata Mariota due to concussions.
May, clearly excited about being back, shared his enthusiasm during Samoa’s fan day in Logan, where more than 8,500 supporters turned up in full voice. He said it was inspiring to see so many people rally behind the team and emphasized how much the players draw strength from their community and culture.
“I’ve trained and I’m available,” May said confidently. “It’s up to the coach now, but I’m all good to go. I’ve always looked up to guys like Josh Papalii and Junior Paulo, and now getting the chance to play alongside them is something special. It’s not just about us — we’re playing for our people, our families, and our culture.”
The atmosphere around the team has been described as electric, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Samoa must defeat Tonga to keep their hopes alive for a spot in the Pacific Cup final on November 9. With May’s return adding muscle to an already talented pack, and Tevaga’s comeback steadying the team’s core, fans are expecting an intense, passionate battle — the kind of game that defines Pacific rugby league pride.
For Samoa, this isn’t just about winning a match; it’s about representing their heritage and their nation on one of the biggest stages in the sport. Sunday’s clash promises to be fiery, emotional, and full of heart — exactly what fans of both islands live for.
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