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The 20 reasons people should be taking Samoa seriously at the World Cup

Australia and New Zealand are the two strong favourites to take out the Rugby League World Cup. But Samoa might just have the edge in the big games.

By Christian Nicolussi · The Sydney Morning Herald

Published: Thursday, 15 October 2026 at 7:00 AM

Key Things to Know

Samoa enters the Rugby League World Cup boasting a combined 20 NRL premiership rings across its squad.
The Pacific nation opens its World Cup campaign against France on Friday at CommBank Stadium.
Jarome Luai, Brian To’o, Spencer Leniu, and Stephen Crichton have won 15 NRL titles between them.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Samoa's Rugby League World Cup squad features players holding a combined 20 NRL premiership rings, more than any other tournament competitor. The Pacific nation opens its campaign against France on Friday at CommBank Stadium, backed by extensive big-game experience across its roster.

Jarome Luai, Brian To’o, Spencer Leniu, and Stephen Crichton account for 15 of those titles. Head coach Ben Gardiner emphasized that previous grand final and World Cup experience will drive the team forward, while naming Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow at fullback over Sua Fa’alogo.

Read the full article on The Sydney Morning Herald

The 20 reasons people should be taking Samoa seriously at the World Cup

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