Toa Samoa Rookie coach Ben Gardiner hasn’t wasted any time pulling a selection shock, naming Stephen Crichton at five-eighth as the injured Jarome Luai’s replacement for the match against the Kangaroos this Saturday.

Crichton has never worn the No. 6 for club or country. It comes after rookie Bulldogs half Karl Oloapu was ruled out last week and Crichton will partner Daejarn Asi in the halves.

Crichton’s premiership-winning Penrith teammates Brian To’o, Izack Tago and Spencer Leniu have all made the 17.

Cowboys backrower Heilum Luki is set to make his Test debut while his club teammate Murray Taulagi will run out for Samoa for the first time after representing Australia at the World Cup last year. Tigers prop Stefano Utoikamanu and Sea Eagles young gun hooker Gordon Chan Kum Tong will also debut.

Toa Samoa squad to face Kangaroos:

1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. Murray Taulagi 3. Izack Tago 4. Young Tonumaipea 5. Brian To’o 6. Stephen Crichton 7. Daejarn Asi 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 10. Junior Paulo 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Keenan Palasia 14. Spencer Leniu 15. Terrell May 16. Heilum Luki 17. Ronald Volkman 18. Royce Hunt 19. Justin Matamua 20. Greg Marzhew 21. Tommy Talau