'He underperformed': Victor Radley out for Samoan redemption after World Cup shocker

Victor Radley's ill-fated pass in the 2022 World Cup semi final is one England coach Shaun Wane will never forget.

With scores locked at 20-all, the Roosters lock threw a pass that saw their World Cup chances fall apart, intercepted by Stephen Crichton who ran 60 metres to score.

The heartbreaking moment is one that still clouds the team, but one Wane hopes Radley has learned from.

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"That fact that he underperformed in that semi final against Samoa [in 2022] will be a big motivator for him," Wane said at a press conference for the Test series.

Radley's return to action comes after he suffered a fractured scapula in September.

The injury was expected to see the 26-year-old sidelined for the entirety of the Roosters finals campaign, but he remarkably returned after three weeks in recovery.

He made a 28 minute cameo in the side's week two final against Manly before returning for the preliminary battle against the minor-premiers, the Storm.

"I was concerned at one time, breaking his shoulder blade the way he did," said Wane.

"But he's a tough character and the Roosters medical staff have done a great job with him and he brings everything.

"He's really popular, he buys into our English culture and he's popular within the lads. They all speak very highly of him, he trains so hard and his standards are so high."

"As soon as I knew he was fit to play, I wanted to get him on a plane and get him over."

Radley will be joined by Roosters teammate Dominic Young in the first Test on Monday (AEDT) in Wigan.

The towering winger "brings a lot of excitement" to the clash, according to Wane, as over 12,000 people prepare to enter the arena.

"I was gutted (Young) couldn't play for us - it was a testing time for everybody, but I'm looking forward to watching him play this weekend," he said.

Samoa's talent is not a frightening task for Wane's men, according to the coach.

"The talent Samoa has in their team is immense - no question - but I think we've improved," Wane said.

"The time we've had together our bond and togetherness has improved. You can tell when the lads get together, there's an immediate spirit in there.

"They've got really, really talents players... but I think we've got better. "