Toa Samoa have named their side for Saturday’s Rugby League World Cup Round 2 clash against Papua New Guinea at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby, with co-captains Jarome Luai and Junior Paulo set to lead the team into a challenging contest on home soil for the Kumuls.
The match presents another important test for Samoa following their commanding 78–4 victory over France in the opening round, a performance that showcased the side’s attacking depth and ability to capitalise on opportunities across the field. Sua Fa’alogo has been named on the wing in place of Deine Mariner, who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury sustained during the opening-round victory over France. Fa’alogo made an immediate impact after entering that match, scoring four tries in Samoa’s emphatic win. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Brian To’o, Izack Tago and Stephen Crichton complete a formidable backline, while Chanel Harris-Tavita partners Luai in the halves. The combination will be central to Samoa’s efforts to establish control and create attacking opportunities against a Papua New Guinea side backed by its passionate home crowd.
In the forwards, Francis Molo and Junior Paulo lead the starting pack, with Benaiah Ioelu at hooker. Connelly Lemuelu, Jermaine McEwen and Francis Manuleleua round out the starting 13, providing Samoa with a blend of physicality and mobility through the middle and back row. Jazz Tevaga and Spencer Leniu headline the interchange options, alongside Shawn Blore, Ata Mariota, Clayton Faulalo and Ronald Volkman. Pasami Saulo, Enari Tuala and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava are named among the reserves. With Papua New Guinea playing in front of its home supporters, Samoa will face a different challenge in Port Moresby. The Toa will look to carry the confidence of their opening-round performance into the contest as they continue their World Cup campaign.
Kick-off is scheduled for 2:25pm Papua New Guinea Time (PGT) on Saturday, October 24, at Santos National Football Stadium.
Toa Samoa team list
Papua New Guinea v Toa Samoa | Round 2 | Rugby League World Cup 2026
Starting 13
- Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
- Brian To’o
- Izack Tago
- Stephen Crichton
- Sua Fa’alogo
- Chanel Harris-Tavita
- Jarome Luai (co-captain)
- Francis Molo
- Benaiah Ioelu
- Junior Paulo (co-captain)
- Connelly Lemuelu
- Jermaine McEwen
- Francis Manuleleua
Interchange
- Jazz Tevaga
- Spencer Leniu
- Shawn Blore
- Ata Mariota
- Clayton Faulalo
- Ronald Volkman
Reserves
- Pasami Saulo
- Enari Tuala
- Eddie Ieremia-Toeava
Match details
- Fixture: Papua New Guinea v Toa Samoa
- Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
- Kick-off: 2:25pm PGT
- Venue: Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
