Toa Samoa

"I don't think it is the big three any more," Parish said. 

"I actually think it is the big six or the big seven because they have changed the international eligibility rules for players and I think the gap between the third and fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh nations isn't that great now."

While Scotland secured a draw with New Zealand during last year's Four Nations and Italy shocked England in a warm-up match before the 2013 World Cup, no tier two country has beaten one of the big three in a Test or major tournament for more than 35 years.

Toa Samoa have called up six new caps: New Zealand Warriors quartet Mason Lino, Ken Maumalo, James Gavet and Bunty Afoa, Castleford Tigers back Denny Solomona and David Nofoaluma from Wests Tigers.

Meanwhile, Sam Lisone and Tim Lafai are back in blue after last representing the Toa in 2015 and 2014 respectively.

New Zealand Warriors quartet Mason Lino, Ken Maumalo, James Gavet and Bunty Afoa have all been selected in the Toa Samoa squad for the first time.

Rugby League Samoa President Tagaloa Faafouina Su'a said interest in the match was high.

Toa Samoa will play 3 pool matches:

Toa Samoa v New Zealand 
Saturday 28 October 2017
Mt Smart Stadium AUCKLAND

RNZI reports the Toa beat Tonga 18-6 at the weekend in the Pacific Test to retain the Polynesian Cup while Fiji were upset 24-22 by Papua New Guinea in the Melanesian Cup.

Rugby League International Federation Deputy Chair John Grant said the Test is a fitting way for Samoa to celebrate 30 years of rugby league in the country.