Toa Samoa are set for one of the most anticipated fixtures of the Rugby League World Cup, with Samoa naming its team to face Tonga at CommBank Stadium on Sunday.
Toa Samoa have named their team for a highly anticipated Round 3 showdown against Tonga, with the two Pacific rivals preparing to meet at CommBank Stadium on Sunday, November 1. With both nations boasting some of the biggest names in international rugby league, the clash shapes as a major occasion for the Pacific rugby league community as the group stage continues at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. Head coach Ben Gardiner has named a side featuring co-captains Jarome Luai and Junior Paulo, alongside a powerful forward pack and an explosive backline as Samoa prepares for the challenge. Samoa enters the contest following convincing victories over France and Papua New Guinea in their opening two matches. Samoa opened its campaign with a 78-4 win over France before defeating Papua New Guinea 64-6 in Port Moresby, continuing its strong start to the tournament. Luai will continue to lead the side alongside Paulo, with Stephen Crichton, Brian To’o and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow among the established NRL stars named in the backline.
Samoa’s forward pack will feature the likes of Spencer Leniu, Francis Molo and Francis Manuleleua, who has made an immediate impact at the World Cup. Manuleleua earned Player of the Match honours in both of Samoa’s opening fixtures, establishing himself as one of the standout performers of the tournament so far. The interchange also features experienced campaigners Jazz Tevaga and Leniu, providing Gardiner with additional options through the middle as Samoa prepare for a physical contest against Tonga.
Tonga will present a formidable challenge, with its squad featuring international stars Jason Taumalolo, Addin Fonua-Blake, Haumole Olakau’atu and Isaiya Katoa. Katoa returns to the side for the Round 3 fixture, while experienced forward Tyson Frizell is also named in the starting lineup. The rivalry between Samoa and Tonga carries significance well beyond the field, bringing together two proud Pacific nations with passionate supporters around the world. Sunday’s encounter offers another opportunity for both teams to showcase the talent, pride and competitive spirit of Pacific rugby league on the World Cup stage.
With CommBank Stadium set to host the contest, the Toa will look to maintain their winning form and carry their momentum into one of the tournament’s most anticipated matchups.
Toa Samoa Team List
Round 3 | Toa Samoa vs Tonga
Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 8:05pm AEDT
Backs
- Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
- Brian To’o
- Izack Tago
- Stephen Crichton
- Sualauvi Fa’alogo
- Chanel Harris-Tavita
- Jarome Luai
Forwards
- Francis Molo
- Benaiah Ioelu
- Junior Paulo
- Connelly Lemuelu
- Jermaine McEwen
- Francis Manuleleua
Interchange
- Jazz Tevaga
- Spencer Leniu
- Shawn Blore
- Ata Mariota
- Clayton Faulalo
- Ronald Volkman
Reserves
- Pasami Saulo
- Enari Tuala
- Deine Mariner
