Samoa just lost a star ahead of Kangaroos World Cup SF. Here’s why they’re not sweating

Samoan head coach Ben Gardiner has backed five-eighth Ronald Volkman to start in the Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Australia following an injury to Chanel Harris-Tavita. The 27-year-old Harris-Tavita suffered a suspected hamstring injury during the 53rd minute of Samoa's 20-18 defeat to Tonga on Sunday at CommBank Stadium. He is expected to miss the remainder of the tournament after undergoing medical scans.

Volkman replaced Harris-Tavita and scored a try to temporarily give Samoa the lead before Tonga secured the victory. Despite missing out on a matchup against New Zealand, Gardiner praised Volkman's energy and speed, expressing full confidence in his squad. Samoa will now face Kevin Walters' Kangaroos side next Sunday, benefiting from a seven-day recovery turnaround.