After 18 years away from the big stage, Fetu Samoa have declared they are ready to compete with the world's best as they chase a historic semi-final berth at the IRL Rugby League World Cup.
Samoa dismantled Wales 76-0 last weekend to set up a showdown with England for a spot in the knockout phase of the tournament.
The winner of Friday's clash at WIN Stadium will progress to the semi-finals with Samoa looking to achieve the feat for the first time.
Tyra Ekepati 3rd Try
It's the nation's first Women's World Cup since 2008 and they have quickly made clear they are not here to make up the numbers.
After a hard-fought 40-0 loss to Australia in the opening week of the tournament, Samoa hit back to claim a commanding win over Wales and cement their status as serious contenders.
"This week was about us and how we bounce back," Fetu Samoa coach Frank Pritchard said. “I can't wipe the smile off my face."
Match: England v Samoa
Round 3 -
home Team
England
3rd Position
away Team
Samoa
2nd Position
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
The success of Fetu Samoa so far in this World Cup might have taken a lot of people by surprise, but their slow rise is just another piece of evidence in the expansion of rugby league globally.
The nation went eight years between women's Test matches from 2011 to 2019 before qualifying for the World Cup with wins over Tonga and Fiji in 2024.
Since then, Samoa have pushed both Australia and New Zealand and the playing group is determined to build on the team's history.
“These girls, they understand where we’ve come from and what it took to build the foundation to where we are now,” Pritchard said.
Samoa have built their recent success around a young core of players, with the squad's average age just 21 years old.
Rather than work against them, Pritchard has harnessed the side's youthful experience through a high-octane playing style that unlocks their attacking weapons out wide.
"We are pretty blessed with depth at the moment,” said Pritchard. “If they’re good enough to be there, they’re good enough to be there."
A close-knit side whose culture is held closely to their identity, Samoa has been another nation whose improvement has been sparked by players choosing to represent their culture.
Amber Hall Try
Captain Evania Isa'ako is a former Jillaroo, while Amber Hall played for New Zealand at the 2022 World Cup.
The forward was named player of the match last weekend after a rampaging stint that saw her score a try, run for 108 metres and break nine tackles.
Samoa have been dealt a blow ahead of Friday's clash with Hall ruled out of the game at WIN Stadium.
While they have their sights on a semi-final berth, Samoa recognise they need to be at their best to topple England.
Amber Hall named player of the match
The two nations have never met in an international women's rugby league match, with Great Britain claiming a 28-12 win over Samoa at the 2003 World Cup.
Having generated plenty of momentum against Wales last weekend, Pritchard said it's vital his team stays focused on the task at hand.
“I know it's going to be hard, but we can't get complacent after this win,” the coach said.
Rugby League World Cup 2026 returns to Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Don't miss your chance to watch a doubleheader live in Wollongong at WIN Stadium. Tickets are now on sale from $19. Don’t miss the pinnacle of global Rugby League.
