Injured star Stephen Crichton 'jealous' as his Samoan teammates hunt history in the Pacific Cup final

Stephen Crichton is not afraid to admit his jealousy watching Samoa near closer to making rugby league history, with the nation preparing to battle for the Pacific Cup title.

Crichton has been absent from the Samoan side during their Pacific Championships campaign as he continues to rehabilitate an ankle injury he suffered in September.

Although he is not able to help the team on the field, the Bulldogs skipper has joined the team in camp to assist with their preparations for a fierce battle against New Zealand.

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Crichton knows what it takes to stand up in big moments, having played in three consecutive grand finals, two of which he won, with the Penrith Panthers.

Three years ago, Crichton also helped Samoa make history as the first Pacific nation to make a major final after defeating England to advance to the World Cup decider.

While the result did not go in their favour in that final at Old Trafford, with Australia winning 30-10, the learnings from the game have helped the team grow.

That growth has been backed by a roaring Samoan crowd week in, week out, also.

"It is very special, even though I'm not playing," Crichton told 9News at the Toa Samoa fan day at Eastern Creek on Tuesday.

"You never know what you've got until it is gone. Now that I'm not playing, I get real jealous of what the boys are doing.

"I know that the boys are going to get the job done on the weekend and I will be right behind them cheering them on."

Crichton admitted that his eyes are set on returning to Samoa's line-up for next year's World Cup, but that is not his sole focus at the moment.

Instead, he must continue to get through his recovery for his ankle.

"It's good. Rehab is going pretty good," he said of his rehab progression.

"I will start pre-season soon - in two more weeks to get ready for the year.

"[The World Cup] still a long way away, but I am very excited," Crichton added.

Samoa coach Ben Gardiner insists that the final is not "a redemption or revenge" match for his playing group, who lost to the Kiwis by six in the first round of the tournament.

But his players still understand what it would mean to get the win for their nation.

"It would mean the world," Blaize Talagi told 9News Sydney.

"I really want to get the win, not only for our people but for this group of boys."