Toa Samoa aren’t just aiming to win the World Cup, they want to inspire Samoans around the world after witnessing the impact the team had when they made the final of last year’s Pacific Cup and RLWC21 in England.
Shock finalists against the Kangaroos at Old Trafford in the last World Cup, Samoa have a belief that they can go all the way and the team assembling under coach Ben Gardiner is one of the strongest in international rugby league.
Led by Junior Paulo and Jarome Luai, the Toa squad boasts genuine superstars such as Stephen Crichton, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Brian To’o – and that’s just in the backline.
In the forwards, Payne Haas, Jeremiah Nanai and Spencer Leniu have committed to representing their heritage, while Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is yet to announce if he will play for the Kangaroos or Samoa.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
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.
After polls to choose the New Zealand, Australia and England line-ups, it is now your chance to pick the Samoa team.
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.
Gardiner said a trip to Samoa had given the Toa players an insight into the impact World Cup success would have.
“It was a real eye opener for me, to see how many people knew about us and what we were doing,” he said.
Match: Papua New Guinea v Samoa
Round 2 -
home Team
Papua New Guinea
away Team
Samoa
Venue: Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
“Everyone knows who everyone is, and pretty much every house you drive past has the Toa Samoa flag out the front of it.
“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.”
Choose 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.
