Toa Samoa have named their 23-man squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with Jarome Luai and Junior Paulo set to lead the side as co-captains.
The squad brings together experienced internationals, established NRL talent and emerging players who will carry the blue jersey onto the world stage. The World Cup comes in a landmark year for Rugby League Samoa, which celebrates its 40th anniversary. As Toa Samoa prepare to begin their campaign, the team will carry the pride of a nation and the legacy of those who have helped shape rugby league in Samoa across generations.
Head coach Ben Gardiner said the tournament represents an opportunity to bring Samoans together through the game while acknowledging the supporters who will stand behind the team throughout the World Cup.
“One of the great things rugby league does is bring people together. As we build towards our first World Cup game, we want to thank all Samoans around the world for their ongoing support. Your blessings and prayers are welcomed. Whether you are in Samoa, elsewhere around the world, taking part in a parade or marching into the ground, we see you and thank you for your love and support. Our staff and players look forward to seeing our colours, flags and supporters over the coming five weeks. We encourage everyone to celebrate safely and positively, showing our men’s and women’s teams love and blessings from near and far. As we pull on the blue jersey in Rugby League Samoa’s 40th anniversary year, we carry the pride and resilience of generations of players before us, while seeking to inspire the future of our game and our country,” Gardiner said.
Toa Samoa will open their Rugby League World Cup campaign against France on October 16, before facing Papua New Guinea on October 24 and Tonga on November 1 during the pool stage.
With the squad now confirmed, the focus turns to the tournament and the opportunity to once again unite Samoans at home and around the world behind the blue jersey.
Toa Samoa 2026 Rugby League World Cup Squad
Shawn Blore Anae Ulesese – Melbourne Storm
Stephen Crichton – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Sua Fa’alogo – Melbourne Storm
Clayton Faulalo – Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Chanel Harris-Tavita – Warriors
Benaiah Ioelu – Sydney Roosters
Connelly Lemuelu – Dolphins
Spencer Leniu – Sydney Roosters
Jarome Luai – Wests Tigers
Francis Manuleleua – Newcastle Knights
Deine Mariner – Brisbane Broncos
Ata Mariota – Canberra Raiders
Greg Marzhew – Newcastle Knights
Jermaine McEwen – Newcastle Knights
Francis Molo – Dolphins
Junior Paulo – Parramatta Eels
Pasami Saulo – Newcastle Knights
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow – Dolphins
Izack Tago – Penrith Panthers
Jazz Tevaga – Wakefield Trinity
Brian To’o – Penrith Panthers
Enari Tuala – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Ronald Volkman – Parramatta Eels
