Samoa have sought an exemption from the NRL to have hooker Jazz Tevaga removed from concussion protocols to face Tonga on Sunday.
It comes as the injury-ravaged team called Melbourne second-rower Ativalu Lisati into their Pacific Cup squad, with Tyrone May also joining from England.
May's brother, Terrell, is also considered a chance of lining up for Samoa despite a hamstring injury last week and was named on an extended bench.
Tevaga was one of three players taken out of last weekend's 24-18 loss to New Zealand, after suffering a head clash in the first half.
It's understood Samoan officials believe the hooker has not shown any concussion symptoms since leaving the field, and should be cleared to line up against Tonga.
Fellow forwards Jaydn Su'A and Ata Mariota are already in the 11-day concussion stand-down protocols, after also sustaining head knocks in the loss.
That has prompted Samoa to move Simi Sasagi into the second row, with Lasati named to make his Test debut off the bench.
Terrell May is lurking on an extended bench, as is Tyrone May after being flown out from England following his grand final win with Hull KR.
It comes as the Samoan side was welcomed by some 10,000 fans at an event in Brisbane on Tuesday, with a record crowd for a Pacific Test expected at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.
In contrast to Samoa's issues, Tonga have been able to name a full-strength squad for the clash, with no surprises after having the first week of the competition off.
Melbourne prop Stefano Utoikamanu and Sydney Roosters centre Robert Toia are two of the notable debutants.
Utoikamanu, who has previously represented Samoa, will resume hostilities with Samoa's Payne Haas after the pair faced off in the NRL grand final, won by Haas's Brisbane.
Toia had a breakout season for the Tricolours, winning the Dally M rookie of the year award.
He was a standout in Queensland's 2-1 State of Origin series win after making his debut for the Maroons.
"He's a very good player and he's from the Redcliffe area, so I've heard his name plenty of times since I've been at the club," Tonga and Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf said.
"When he made his debut with the Roosters, I took specific interest for that reason and when we played them earlier in the season in Magic Round he was a real handful.
"That sort of made me realise how good a player he was and what he did in Origin was outstanding.
"I thought he just got better and better with every game, so he's had a great year and he's a great inclusion for us."
Australian Associated Press
