Fetu Samoa head coach Frank Pritchard says his 23-player squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup is built on youth, energy and identity, and he got emotional explaining what the blue jersey means.
Nine debutants, a new era
The Fetu Samoa World Cup squad includes nine debutants, and Pritchard sees them as the start of something bigger.
“We’ve got nine young girls coming in and I know it’s going to be full of energy,” he said. “It’s the changing of the guard.”
He singled out Freedom Crichton Ropati, who he has watched come through the ranks, and Bulldogs ball-runner Evelyn Roberts. Both are set to debut alongside experienced leader Annetta Nu’uausala.
“We’re not just a team on paper,” Pritchard said.
Australia first up
Fetu Samoa open their campaign against the Jillaroos on Friday 16 October at CommBank Stadium, Sydney, in a double-header with Toa Samoa v France.
“They set the bar. They’re the number one team,” Pritchard said. “The good thing for us, we get to play them first up.”
What the jersey means
Pritchard paused as he described the debutants singing the anthem in the blue jersey for the first time.
“It’s another level,” he said. “It’s tough, man. Anyone who knows it, knows it.”
Fetu Samoa RLWC 2026 squad
Amber Hall*
Annetta Nu’uausala
Christabelle Onesemo-Tuilaepa*
Christian Pio
Destiny Mino-Sinapati
Evania Isa’ako
Evelyn Roberts*
Fanua Rimoni*
Freedom Crichton Ropati*
Ivana Lolesio*
Jasmine Fogavini
Jaydika Tafua
Jetaya Faifua
Laikha Clarke
Leilani Wilson*
Mary Jane Taito*
Mercedez Taulelei-Siala
Monica Tagoai
Pauline Pilia’e-Rasabale
Sarina Masaga
Taliah Fuimaono
Tavarna Papalii
Tyra Ekepati*
*Debutant
