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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 · Brisbane Times

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

Key Things to Know

Samoa's Rugby League World Cup squad boasts a combined total of 20 NRL premiership rings.
Samoa 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 enters the Rugby League World Cup boasting a combined 20 NRL premiership rings across its squad, outnumbering title favorites Australia and New Zealand. Head coach Ben Gardiner's side kicks off its tournament campaign against France on Friday at CommBank Stadium, backed by an experienced core of championship winners.

Key stars Jarome Luai, Brian To'o, Spencer Leniu, and Stephen Crichton account for 15 titles combined. Coach Gardiner emphasized that previous grand final and World Cup experience will drive the team forward, while Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will start at fullback over Sua Fa'alogo.

Read the full article on Brisbane Times

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

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