For Manu Samoa lock forward Samuel Slade, being part of the extended squad of the national team is also about discovering his roots in Samoa.

As a second-generation New Zealander Samoan, he had never had the opportunity to set foot in Samoa, until his call-up into the Manu Samoa squad preparing for the Rugby World Cup.

He has roots in the villages of  Sapunaoa, Vailoa and  Palauli.

“Both my parents were born in New Zealand, but my mum and my dad's parents are from Samoa. I never got the chance to come here by myself, but I'm really enjoying the first time so far,” Slade said.

The 25-year-old has had a chance to briefly connect with his cousins, aunts and uncles whom he would have never met if not for the call-up.

“It's quite a weird feeling [but] it feels really familiar but also brand new because I've never been here before. But yeah, I'm loving it so far,” he said. “I'm finding all these sides coming out of the woodwork but it's been really enjoyable so far.”

Slade is hopeful that his name will be among the 33 names that will be announced on Sunday for the squad that will be going to the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. For the Manu Samoa lock, if selected, it would be his very first World Cup.

This Saturday when Manu Samoa face Tonga, many of the players in the Tongan team are players who have been playing side by side in the Moana Pasifika outfit.

Slade said they would not be brothers on the field and he expects an intense match on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Manu Samoa coach Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua has rung in changes for this Saturday’s clash against Tonga.

Charlie Faumuina, Sama Malolo and captain Michael Alaalatoa form the front row. Chris Vui and Brian Alainu’uese have been given the nod to start as locks.

Moana Pasifika Rookie of the Year, Miracle Fai’ilagi get his first start for Manu Samoa at blindside flanks while partnering him on the openside is veteran Jack Lam and Steven Luatua is at number eight.

Jonathan Taumateine starts at halfback while Alai D’Angelo Leuila is at flyhalf. Ed Fidow is on the blindside wing with Nigel Ah Wong on the openside.

Duncan Paia’aua and Ulupano Junior Seuteni have been named as centres while the powerhouse Tim Nanai-Williams is at fullback.

On the bench are Luteru Tolai, Titi Lamositele, Paul Alo-Emile, Theodore McFarland, Fritz Lee, Melani Matavao, Christian Lealiifano and Neria Foma’i.

Manu Samoa takes on Tonga in Apia Park on Saturday at 3 pm.