Sydney, Australia – Toa Samoa have named Ronald Volkman at five-eighth for their Rugby League World Cup 2026 semi-final against Australia, with Chanel Harris-Tavita ruled out through a hamstring injury.
Volkman steps into the starting halves alongside Jarome Luai as Samoa prepare to face the defending champions at Allianz Stadium on Sunday, November 8, with a place in the World Cup final on the line. The selection follows Volkman’s impactful performance against Tonga, where he entered the match after Harris-Tavita sustained his injury. The 24-year-old made an immediate contribution, scoring a try as Toa Samoa mounted a second-half comeback in their 20–18 defeat at CommBank Stadium.
Despite falling short against their Pacific rivals, Volkman demonstrated his ability to influence the contest under pressure, giving Samoa another playmaking option heading into the knockout stage. Harris-Tavita’s injury is a setback for Samoa as they prepare for one of the tournament’s biggest challenges. The Warriors playmaker was forced from the field against Tonga, opening the door for Volkman to take on a greater role in the team. Volkman has been part of Toa Samoa’s World Cup campaign and also featured in the side’s pool-stage victory over Papua New Guinea. His inclusion in the starting lineup provides continuity in the halves as Samoa turn their attention to Australia. The semi-final presents an opportunity for Toa Samoa to return to the World Cup final after their historic run to the championship match in 2022, when they became the first Pacific Island nation to reach the men’s Rugby League World Cup final. Australia, the reigning champions, will present a formidable challenge. For Samoa, the focus now shifts to delivering a complete performance on the biggest stage, with a place in the final within reach.
Toa Samoa will meet Australia at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Sunday, November 8.
