Fetū Samoa have named their side for Friday’s Rugby League World Cup clash against England at WIN Stadium in Wollongong, with a place in the semi-finals within reach.
Fetū Samoa have named their team for a pivotal Round 3 encounter against England as the side continues its pursuit of a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. Head coach Frank Pritchard has made one change to the interchange following Samoa’s commanding 76–0 victory over Wales, with Jaydika Tafua joining the bench after Amber Hall was ruled out through injury. The match will take place at WIN Stadium in Wollongong on Friday, October 30, with kick-off scheduled for 5:45pm AEDT. Fetū Samoa head into the contest following a dominant performance against Wales, recording their first victory of the tournament after opening their campaign against defending champions Australia. Against Wales, Samoa produced a clinical attacking display, crossing for 14 tries in the 76–0 result. Tyra Ekepati scored a hat-trick on debut, while Hall earned Player of the Match honours for her contribution to the performance.
The result has placed Fetū Samoa in contention for a historic semi-final berth, with Friday’s encounter presenting a significant opportunity for the side to continue its World Cup campaign. Captain Annetta Nu’uausala will lead the side from the front, with co-captain Evania Isa’ako continuing to feature in the halves. The starting lineup also includes Ekepati, who made an immediate impression against Wales, alongside Destiny Mino-Sinapati, Mercedez Taulelei-Siala and Pauline Piliae-Rasabale. Samoa’s forward pack will be led by Nu’uausala, with Laikha Clarke, Leilani Wilson, Ivana Lolesio and Tavarna Papalii providing further strength through the middle and on the edges.
Hall’s absence is a significant loss following her performance against Wales. Tafua has been named on the interchange alongside Jetaya Faifua, Fanua Rimoni and Christabelle Onesemo-Tuilaepa, giving Pritchard options as Samoa prepares for the physical challenge ahead. England enter the fixture following a 78–0 defeat to Australia. Despite that result, the hosts will be determined to respond in front of their home supporters, setting up an important contest for both sides as the group stage approaches its conclusion. For Fetū Samoa, the focus will be on carrying the confidence and execution shown against Wales into another demanding test. With a semi-final place at stake, Friday’s match represents a defining moment in the team’s World Cup campaign.
Fetū Samoa Team List
Round 3 | Rugby League World Cup 2026
Fetū Samoa vs England
Friday, October 30, 2026
WIN Stadium, Wollongong
5:45pm AEDT
Starting XIII
1. Destiny Mino-Sinapati
2. Mercedez Taulelei-Siala
3. Monica Tagoai
4. Tyra Ekepati
5. Freedom Crichton Ropati
6. Evania Isa’ako
7. Pauline Piliae-Rasabale
8. Annetta Nu’uausala (c)
9. Mary-Jane Taito
10. Laikha Clarke
11. Leilani Wilson
12. Ivana Lolesio
13. Tavarna Papalii
Interchange
14. Jetaya Faifua
15. Fanua Rimoni
16. Jaydika Tafua
17. Christabelle Onesemo-Tuilaepa
Reserves
18. Jasmine Fogavini
19. Christian Pio
20. Evelyn Roberts
21. Anastasia Leatupue
22. Amanii Misa
