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Rugby League World Cup ace disputes pay gap between semi-final teams as “used our people” claim made

Samoan star and Rugby League World Cup semi-finalist Spencer Leniu has called for fairer pay between all international teams going forward. Leniu helped his Samoa side to the final four of this year’s tournament, before they crashed out to holders…

By Sam Brocksom · Serious About Rugby League

Published: Tuesday, 10 November 2026 at 7:00 AM

Key Things to Know

Spencer Leniu criticized the significant pay disparity between Tier 1 teams and Pacific nations at the World Cup.
Australian players reportedly received upwards of $30,000 in appearance fees compared to about $850 per game for Samoa.
Leniu argued Pacific Island nations carried the tournament and urged governing bodies to compensate players fairly in the future.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Samoa prop Spencer Leniu has called for fairer pay between international teams following his side's exit from the Rugby League World Cup. In a statement on Instagram, the 26-year-old Sydney Roosters forward criticized the governing bodies, arguing that Pacific Island nations carried the tournament while facing significant financial disparity compared to Tier 1 teams.

According to reports, Australian players received upwards of $30,000 for the tournament in appearance fees, whereas players representing Samoa and Tonga received approximately $850 per game. Leniu claimed administrators used Pacific Islander players and fans to sell fixtures and called for proper financial compensation for the next generation.

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