SAMOA are now favourites to face England in June – with Sonny Bill Williams.
The Pacific islanders and New Zealand are the options on the Rugby Football League's table as it looks to reintroduce the mid-season Test.
But SunSport has been told the Samoans are in the box seat to face what should be Wayne Bennett's side in Australia on June 20.
And cross-code superstar Williams is more likely to line up for them rather than the Kiwis.
Sources say the commercial figures do not add up for a New Zealand v England game in Australia.
That means Samoa will be the opponents and Williams, whose father is Samoan, looks set to commit to them as he will be 36-years-old by the next World Cup.
Kiwis coach Michael Maguire already has plenty of options in the back row, where the Toronto Wolfpack new boy will play.
The likes of Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Joseph Tapine and Kenneath Bromwich are seen as better picks than a 34-year-old who last played for them in 2013.
And Samoa are keen to follow Tonga's lead by attracting top name players who qualify for the country.
Samoa RL chief executive Geoff Brown said: "Sonny Bill Williams and players like Roger Tuivasa Sheck, Sia Soliola, Josh Papalii and Payne Haas would add to an already talented squad.
"Sonny could change the game on a whole different level in a blue Jersey of Samoa. It's a choice to represent family."
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