Toa Samoa Rugby League World Cup Squad 2026
Samoa were the surprise package of the last Rugby League World Cup, reaching the final for the very first time.
Now they’re back, and fans want to know which NRL stars will carry that momentum into 2026.
Toa Samoa have named their 23-man squad for the Rugby League World Cup 2026, captained by Junior Paulo, with stars Jarome Luai, Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.
Samoa open against France at CommBank Stadium on Friday 16 October, then face Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby and Tonga in a huge Pacific clash.
Below, you’ll find the full 23-man squad, the key players, and every fixture with kick-off times in Samoa time.
We’ll keep this page updated with injuries and changes before kick-off, so it’s worth bookmarking.
Quick Answer: Toa Samoa at the Rugby League World Cup 2026
- Squad: 23 players, named on 6 October 2026
- Captain: Junior Paulo
- Coach: Ben Gardiner
- Opponents: France, Papua New Guinea and Tonga
- First match: Samoa v France, Friday 16 October, CommBank Stadium, 7:45pm Samoa time
- Last World Cup: Runners-up, losing the final to Australia
Has Samoa Named Its World Cup Squad?
Yes. Ben Gardiner named his 23-man squad on 6 October 2026, captained by veteran forward Junior Paulo.
Toa Samoa’s 23-Man Squad for the Rugby League World Cup 2026
Here is every player in the squad, with his club. Jazz Tevaga is the only Super League player.
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Shawn Blore Anae Ulesese | Melbourne Storm |
| Stephen Crichton | Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs |
| Sua Fa’alogo | Melbourne Storm |
| Clayton Faulalo | Manly Sea Eagles |
| Chanel Harris-Tavita | Warriors |
| Benaiah Ioelu | Sydney Roosters |
| Connelly Lemuelu | Dolphins |
| Spencer Leniu | Sydney Roosters |
| Jarome Luai | Wests Tigers |
| Francis Manuleleua | Newcastle Knights |
| Deine Mariner | Brisbane Broncos |
| Ata Mariota | Canberra Raiders |
| Greg Marzhew | Newcastle Knights |
| Jermaine McEwen | Newcastle Knights |
| Francis Molo | Dolphins |
| Junior Paulo (captain) | Parramatta Eels |
| Pasami Saulo | Newcastle Knights |
| Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow | Dolphins |
| Izack Tago | Penrith Panthers |
| Jazz Tevaga | Wakefield Trinity |
| Brian To’o | Penrith Panthers |
| Enari Tuala | Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs |
| Ronald Volkman | Parramatta Eels |
Payne Haas and Terrell May were unavailable, while Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (ACL injury) and Jeremiah Nanai will also miss the tournament.
Key Samoa Players to Watch
Jarome Luai and Brian To’o
The former Penrith premiership teammates are the heart of this Samoa side. Luai runs the attack, while To’o is one of the toughest ball-carrying wingers in the game. Both have also signed with the new PNG Chiefs NRL club for the future.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
The Dolphins speedster played six Tests for Australia in 2023 and 2024 before committing to Samoa for this World Cup. He is one of the fastest players in rugby league and a genuine match-winner.
Spencer Leniu
The Roosters prop was a match-winner off the bench in Sunday’s NRL Grand Final, and he brings that momentum into the World Cup.
Stephen Crichton
The Bulldogs centre is Samoa’s highest point-scorer of all time. His goal-kicking could decide tight matches against Tonga and PNG.
Samoa Fixtures and Kick-off Times (Samoa Time)
| Date | Match | Stadium | Local time | Samoa time | UK time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri 16 Oct | Samoa v France | CommBank Stadium, Parramatta | 5:45pm | 7:45pm | 7:45am |
| Sat 24 Oct | Papua New Guinea v Samoa | Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby | 2:25pm | 5:25pm | 5:25am |
| Sun 1 Nov | Tonga v Samoa | CommBank Stadium, Parramatta | 8:05pm | 10:05pm | 9:05am |
The opener against France is followed by the women’s match between Australia and Samoa at the same stadium, and the Tonga clash on 1 November ends a triple-header in Parramatta. For every other match, see our full Rugby League World Cup 2026 draw.
For Samoa’s team list, results and next match, see our Samoa rugby league next game page.
How Samoa Can Reach the Semi-Finals
Samoa are in Group B with England and Lebanon, but they play the three teams in Group C instead: France, Papua New Guinea and Tonga. All six teams from Groups B and C are ranked in one combined table, and only the top two reach the semi-finals.
That makes the final group match against Tonga huge, because it is likely to decide which of the two Pacific rivals goes through. Read more about every nation in our RLWC 2026 teams and groups guide.
Who Is Samoa’s Coach?
Ben Gardiner is Samoa’s head coach. He has close ties with the Penrith players in the squad from his time as an assistant coach at the Panthers, and he led Samoa to the final of the 2025 Pacific Cup.
How to Watch Samoa at the World Cup
- Australia: Free on the Seven Network and 7plus
- New Zealand: Sky Sport
- UK and Ireland: Premier Sports (subscription)
- Samoa: We are confirming local TV coverage in Samoa and will add it here as soon as it is announced.
For other countries, see our guide to watching RLWC 2026.
Tickets for Samoa’s Matches
Tickets start from $19 AUD for adults and $49 AUD for families. At CommBank Stadium, Samoa fans have dedicated supporters’ bays in Sections 104 and 105. Our RLWC 2026 tickets guide explains where to buy safely and how to avoid scam sellers.
Samoa’s Rugby League World Cup History
Samoa have played at six World Cups since their debut in 1995. Their best result came at the 2021 World Cup, played in England in 2022, when they shocked England in the semi-finals before losing the final to Australia at Old Trafford. See the full story in our Rugby League World Cup history and winners list.
Fetu Samoa: Samoa’s Women’s Team
Samoa’s women’s team, Fetu Samoa, are also at the World Cup, in Group A with Australia, England and Wales.
- Fri 16 Oct: Australia v Samoa, CommBank Stadium, Parramatta, 8:05pm
- Fri 23 Oct: Samoa v Wales, CommBank Stadium, Parramatta, 5:50pm
- Fri 30 Oct: England v Samoa, WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Samoa World Cup Squad: Frequently Asked Questions
Has Samoa named its Rugby League World Cup 2026 squad?
Yes. Ben Gardiner named Samoa’s 23-man squad on 6 October 2026, captained by Junior Paulo, with Jarome Luai, Brian To’o and Stephen Crichton.
Who is Samoa’s rugby league coach?
Ben Gardiner is the head coach of Toa Samoa for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
When is Samoa’s first World Cup match?
Samoa play France on Friday 16 October 2026 at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta, kicking off at 5:45pm Sydney time, which is 7:45pm in Samoa.
When do Samoa play Tonga at the World Cup?
Samoa play Tonga on Sunday 1 November 2026 at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta, kicking off at 8:05pm Sydney time, which is 10:05pm in Samoa.
Is Payne Haas playing for Samoa at the World Cup?
No. Payne Haas was unavailable after finger surgery and is not in Samoa’s 23-man squad.
Conclusion
Toa Samoa head into the Rugby League World Cup 2026 as one of the biggest threats outside Australia and New Zealand.
They reached the final last time, and coach Ben Gardiner has picked a 23-man squad packed with NRL stars.
Their campaign starts against France on 16 October, and the Pacific clash with Tonga on 1 November could decide a semi-final spot. See every kick-off in our Rugby League World Cup 2026 kick-off times guide.
Size up their biggest rivals on our Mate Ma’a Tonga squad page, and grab your seats with our tickets guide.
Follow injury news on our Rugby League World Cup 2026 injury list. For official news, visit rlwc2026.com.
Samoa Squad Updates
- 6 October 2026: Toa Samoa’s 23-man squad named, captained by Junior Paulo. Payne Haas and Terrell May were unavailable.
- Earlier: Page published before the squad announcement.
