St George Illawarra Dragons winger Mathew Feagai says he holds playing for Samoa "pretty close to the heart" as he looks to fight his way into the squad for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup.
October's squad is set to be one of the most formidable Samoan lineups ever in the Pacific Island's history in the 13-man code, with plenty of top-line NRL talent pledging their allegiance to the small nation.
Feagai wants to be involved once again after representing Samoa in the last World Cup in 2022, and could join the likes of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Sua Fa'alogo, Jarome Luai, Brian To'o, Stephen Crichton, Jeremiah Nanai among many more stars for this year's campaign.
Samoa made history four years ago, booking a place in the World Cup final for the first time after a tense quarter-final battle with Tonga, and then a golden point thriller against England to reach the fight against Australia for the trophy.
"I love playing for Samoa. I've only played the one game, played in the last World Cup," Feagai said.
"I come from a very, very passionate Samoan family. My mum and dad (are) both from Samoa.
"So if I was to play there, I don't think I will, with all the players that they have, but to represent Samoa is always a pleasure and always something that I'll hold pretty close to the heart."
The tiny island nation is set to be without superstar forward Payne Haas this year, who will undergo surgery for a hand injury he has been carrying for a while.
Despite missing one of the best in the game, Feagai expects Samoa will challenge the rugby league heavyweights in Australia and New Zealand.
"Yeah," Feagai said when quizzed if Samoa can go toe-to-toe with the traditionally powerful countries.
As more Polynesian stars break out into the NRL, the international game strengthens, which marked Tonga defeating Australia for the first time in 2019, compounded from Jason Taumalolo's defection to Tonga ahead of the 2017 World Cup.
It led a revolution among islander stars to pledge their allegiance to Samoa and Tonga and strengthen their national sides, which widened the track from a traditionally three-horse race between Australia, New Zealand and England on the international scale.
"If everyone does play for them, which I think is the case at the moment, before all that Australia stuff coming out, with how much there getting," Feagai said with a smile.
"If everyone plays with Samoa, I think they'll have a real good crack, same as Tonga. I think they can give Australia and New Zealand a real good run for their money."
Feagai is enjoying one of his best years in the top grade since his NRL debut six seasons ago.
With 15 appearances in his final year in the Red V, he's averaging over 100 metres gained, while recording an impressive nine tackle breaks in his latest outing against the Wests Tigers on Sunday.
Samoa kick things off when they face England at CommBank Stadium on October 16.
They will then travel to Port Moresby the following weekend to face Papua New Guinea, then round out the pool stages with a huge rivalry clash with Tonga back in Parramatta.
