Samoa five-eighth Ronald Volkman has never played against Australia on the international stage… wait a minute, he did once when he challenged them in a video game.
“Never played them but I have on Play Station,” Volkman said. “But I didn’t win.”
Now the 24-year-old half has a chance to change all that and meet the Kangaroos in real life as he steps into the No.6 jersey for Sunday's World Cup semi-final in Sydney.
Volkman takes over from Chanel Harris-Tavita, who suffered a hamstring injury trying to convert Brian To’o’s second try in the 20-18 loss to Tonga last Sunday.
“I didn’t see him (get injured). I was warming up in the corner and then just heard my name and turned around to see Chanel coming from the field,” Volkman said.
“I had to lock-in pretty quick, get on the field, and do a role.
Tonga v Toa Samoa - Round 3, 2026
“I didn’t really think about it too much, which is probably good for me. So I just went out and tried to the do the best I could for my boys and for my country.”
Volkman checked in on Harris-Tevita as soon as he could after full-time, as the pair have history playing together at the Warriors in 2022.
“He’s definitely someone I look up to.... but the way to show respect is getting on that field and doing a job for him.”
That he did with a stunning solo try that put Samoa in front with 12 minutes to play before Addin Fonua-Blake’s four-pointer sealed the match for Tonga.
The face off that stopped the world!
Volkman said his 27 minutes on the field gave him confidence for Sunday.
“It does, but for now it’s about getting our bodies right, planning well for the week ahead as the team we are playing is a pretty good team," he said.
Although heading into his third season with Parramatta next year, Volkman remembers watching Samoa’s push to the World Cup final in 2022.
“I was at home in New Zealand and in the middle of pre-season with the Warriors," he said.
“I remember watching that final – seeing my home country get to those heights – made me want to do it to... get on the field for my country.
“I sort of have to pinch myself a little bit to realise I’m here.”
Samoa is now one game away of returning to the World Cup final and Volkman says they can go all the way.
“One hundred per cent. Look at the scoreboard and we only lost (to Tonga) by two and they had star power all over the place," he said.
Crichton saves a try
“So it’s good for us heading into this week because now we’ve got a bit of a chip on our shoulder after that loss.”
He agrees the pressure on Tao Samoa is different from four years ago – then it was a pleasant surprise to see them get that far, now it’s expected.
“You definitely have to embrace it because where we are now is a big difference,” Volkman said.
“We’ve got the staff here to help us with the pressure and negating any distractions.”
Coach Ben Gardiner knows his young five-eighth can handle it.
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“He did a fantastic job for us in our second game (15 minutes against PNG). He came on at the back end of the game in a slightly different role for a different reason," he said.
“And he did a really good job when he came on against Tonga. I thought he brought great energy. I thought his speed into the line really put pressure on their defence.”
The chance to partner with skipper Jarome Luai and plot to bring down the world champions is a moment to savour for Volkman in just his fourth international.
“He’s going to be enormous for us. It’s natural for him to step up in big moments and that’s exactly what we need in our team,” Volkman said.
The Siva Tau sounds out at Santos!
“We do have a lot of players like that but when Romy does it, it makes everyone else want to try to do it too.
“He’s very competitive in what he does and he backs his own words – got to respect that.
“He gives me the confidence to do what I do.”
- All matches will be broadcast live and exclusive in Australia on Seven and 7plus, on Sky Sport in New Zealand and Digicel in Papua New Guinea.
