THE size of England’s task in the opening match of the World Cup is illustrated by the inclusion of eight NRL Grand Finalists in the 24-man Samoa squad.

Coach Matt Parish has named six players from reigning champions Penrith Panthers and forwards Junior Paulo and Oregon Kaufusi from their Grand Final opponents Parramatta Eels.

Super League will be represented by Huddersfield hooker Danny Levi and Catalans Dragons utility back Tyrone May.

Parish has also assembled an impressive coaching team, including Castleford boss Lee Radford, who has replaced Andrew Webster, and former Leeds coach Richard Agar.

Samoa face England at St James’ Park, Newcastle, on October 15 before taking on Greece and France in their other group fixtures.

If England lose their opening game, they would be likely to face the might of Tonga in the quarter-finals.

Samoa are the second country to name their 24-man squad following France. England coach Shaun Wane is set to announce his squad at a press conference on Friday.