Toa Samoa aren’t just aiming to win the World Cup, they want to inspire Samoans around the world and are set to assemble one of the strongest teams in international rugby league.
In the lead up to the most anticipated World Cup since the first tournament in France in 1954, RLWC2026.com is giving fans the opportunity to select their teams and the Samoa side is stacked.
From the electrifying Sua Fa'alogo at fullback and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in the centres with Stephen Crichton to the frontrow pairing of Payne Haas and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, with Junior Paulo at lock, Samoa are set to be a World Cup powerhouse.
Winger Brian To'o was the highest polling player, with 67% of votes, while Warriors flyer Alofiana Khan-Pereira received 35% of votes to edge out the likes of Murray Taulagi, Greg Marzhew and Deine Mariner.
Jarome Luai and Chanel Harris-Tavita received overwhelming support as the halves and Roosters hooker Benaiah Ioelu was strongly backed to start in the dummy half role.
Jeremiah Nanai was a clear cut first choice secondrow selection but support for Simi Sasagi and Heilum Luki to partner him was evenly split.
Luki was preferred for the interchange, along with props Spencer Leniu and Terrell May.
Hooker/lock Jazz Tavaga was the only Super League player to feature in the 19-man squad - edging out Gordon Chan Kum Tong for the No.14 jersey.
With Rugby League World Cup 2026 to be played under NRL rules, Blaize Talagi and Ronald Volkman claimed positions 18 and 19 on the six-man interchange.
Samoa open their World Cup campaign against France at CommBank Stadium on October 16 before travelling to Papua New Guinea to take on the Kumuls on October 24.
The Toa then meet arch-rivals Tonga at CommBank Stadium on November 1 in a clash likely to determine which of the Pacific powerhouses advances to the World Cup play-offs.
Shock finalists against the Kangaroos at Old Trafford in the last World Cup, Samoa have a belief that they can go all the way after making the finals of last year’s Pacific Cup and RLWC21 in England.
"We've got young Samoan men that are superstars throughout the world, and particularly in our game of rugby league,” Gardiner said. “They're inspiring young kids to actually play rugby league now.
Match: Samoa v France
Round 1 -
home Team
Samoa
1st Position
away Team
France
6th Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
“There would have been a time for Samoan people where rugby union was the big sport, but now they're seeing these guys, they're seeing Junior Paulo, and Jarome Luai, and Stephen Crichton, and they're superstars and heroes to these young kids.
Match: Tonga v Samoa
Round 3 -
home Team
Tonga
3rd Position
away Team
Samoa
1st Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
“Those guys on a week-to-week basis play with energy, and play with excitement, and play with joy, and they're able to express themselves for who they are, and kids want to see that, and that's bringing kids to our great game.”
Gardiner said a trip to Samoa had given the Toa players an insight into the impact World Cup success would have.
Match: Papua New Guinea v Samoa
Round 2 -
home Team
Papua New Guinea
4th Position
away Team
Samoa
1st Position
Venue: Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
“It was a real eye opener for me, to see how many people knew about us and what we were doing,” he said.
“Everyone knows who everyone is, and pretty much every house you drive past has the Toa Samoa flag out the front of it.
Match: Samoa v France
Round 1 -
home Team
Samoa
1st Position
away Team
France
6th Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
“When I saw that, as we were driving in the car, and I saw those flags, I was like, wow, we've got support everywhere here. And then that reminds you of the support that you have around the world, as well.”
View your Toa Samoa World Cup team
Rugby League World Cup 2026 returns to Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Where nations clash, heroes rise, and legends are forged. 3 World Cups. 26 Teams. The World’s Best. Tickets are now on sale from $19. Don’t miss the pinnacle of global Rugby League.
