If you expected rising hooker Benaiah Ioelu to be kicking stones after sitting on the bench for the entire NRL grand final and not getting a run, you'd better think again.
After playing five NRL games across 2026, Ioelu was overlooked for the Roosters' finals against the Panthers, Sharks and Dolphins before getting a call-up to the six-man interchange for the decider after Connor Watson was ruled out.
As the clash with the Knights ebbed and flowed and went down to the wire, Hugo Savala, Cody Ramsey and Ioelu went unused by coach Trent Robinson, but the celebrations were no less meaningful for the 22-year-old.
“It wasn’t really a disappointment because my season was unbelievable," he said.
“You look at our Roosters side and I was so lucky to learn off Robbo (hooker Reece Robson), Teddy, Sam Walker, Chez, I mean our spine was crazy.
“There’s so much that goes into making a premiership and you enjoy the time with those boys.
Benaiah Ioelu 2nd Try
"I needed a day or two to switch over and then I was back into Test match footy.
“Obviously playing for your culture is a different type of level to NRL because you get to play with the same blood next to you... that’s a big difference.
“Coming into camp is just like coming back home for me.
“Every NRL club has their values but the Samoan family is equally as important as it reminds me what it’s like to be Samoan.”
After working alongside a host of Roosters spine stars in 2026, Ioelu is now the starting No.9 for Samoa, teaming with fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and halves Chanel Harris-Tevita and Jarome Luai to take down France 78-4 in game one.
“My mindset is I want to learn as much as I can, like I did at club level this year," he said.
“Experience training with the best, bringing some of my own knowledge and then backing myself.
“Being a starter for Samoa... and we only have three games last year, so there is a lot to learn still.”
PNG Kumuls are now waiting in Port Moresby for Saturday’s match at Santos National Football Stadium.
“I’ve never been to Papau New Guinea but I’ve been told what to expect,” Ioelu said.
“I’ve been pretty lucky to play in a few Roosters milestone games, sold-out games, like against the Rabbitohs so I’ve experienced what it’s like to play in front of a big crowd, and when I can’t hear my teammates.”
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