Sydney, NSW, Australia — Toa Samoa begin their 2026 Rugby League World Cup campaign against France on Friday, October 16, with the opportunity to set the tone for their tournament from the opening whistle. The match at CommBank Stadium in Sydney marks the beginning of Samoa’s latest campaign on the international stage, with co-captains Jarome Luai and Junior Paulo leading a squad that combines established international experience with emerging talent. Following Samoa’s run to the 2021/22 Rugby League World Cup final, expectations remain high as the team prepares to represent the nation and its supporters around the world.
France presents the first challenge. Here are five key takeaways ahead of the opening match.
1. A Strong Start Can Set the Tone for Samoa’s Campaign
Opening matches carry a different kind of pressure. The preparation is complete, the squad has been selected and the focus shifts to delivering when it matters.
For Samoa, Friday’s contest is the first opportunity to establish its identity at RLWC26. A disciplined performance, strong communication and composure under pressure will be important as the team settles into tournament football.
Samoa cannot afford to rely solely on individual brilliance. Winning the early exchanges, completing sets and limiting unnecessary errors will help create the platform for its attacking players to influence the contest.
The objective is straightforward: start with purpose and give Samoa the best possible foundation for the matches ahead.
2. Jarome Luai and Junior Paulo Bring Leadership and World Cup Experience
Samoa’s leadership will be central to its opening performance, with Luai and Paulo serving as co-captains.
Both players were part of the Samoa side that reached the 2021 Rugby League World Cup final, providing valuable experience of the demands and expectations that come with competing at the highest level of international rugby league. Luai brings creativity and playmaking ability, while Paulo provides experience and leadership through the forward pack. Their roles will extend beyond their individual contributions, particularly when Samoa faces pressure or needs to regain control of the match. Six players from the 2021 final side remain in Samoa’s squad: Luai, Paulo, Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton, Spencer Leniu and Chanel Harris-Tavita. That continuity gives Samoa a core group familiar with the intensity of a World Cup campaign, while the newer members of the squad bring their own opportunities to make an impact.
3. France Must Be Treated as a Serious Opening Challenge
France will arrive with its own ambitions and a squad featuring experienced international players, including captain Benjamin Garcia and halfback Theo Fages. Five-eighth Cesar Rouge is another player to watch. He demonstrated his ability to influence the scoreboard during France’s 2024 World Cup qualifying victory over Wales, scoring two tries and kicking six goals. For Samoa, the challenge will be to respect France’s strengths while maintaining control of its own game. That means staying organised in defence, managing the field position battle and avoiding penalties that allow the opposition to build pressure. Samoa’s attacking talent will be important, but its ability to maintain defensive discipline will also help determine how much control it can establish. The opening match is an opportunity for Samoa to demonstrate its quality, but the result will need to be earned across the full 80 minutes.
4. New Faces Have an Opportunity to Make Their Mark
Every World Cup campaign creates opportunities for players to establish themselves on the international stage, and Samoa’s squad features two Newcastle Knights forwards set to make their Test debuts: Jermaine McEwen and Francis Manuleleua. The pair enjoyed strong 2026 NRL seasons with Newcastle and now have the opportunity to carry that form into the international arena. Their selection reflects the depth of talent available to Samoa and gives both players an opportunity to contribute on one of rugby league’s biggest stages. For debutants, the opening match presents a challenge that extends beyond individual ability. The speed and physicality of international football, the pressure of tournament competition and the responsibility of representing Samoa all demand composure. How the squad’s newer members adapt to those demands will be one of the important storylines to follow as the tournament progresses. Their contributions could prove valuable as Samoa looks to build consistency across its campaign.
5. The Mission Extends Beyond One Match
For Samoa, a Rugby League World Cup campaign carries significance beyond the scoreboard. The team represents a nation and a global Samoan community whose support follows the players across borders. From families and villages in Samoa to supporters throughout Australia, New Zealand and beyond, the blue jersey connects people through a shared sense of pride. That connection also comes with responsibility. The players have an opportunity to represent their country through their performance, discipline and commitment to one another throughout the tournament. Samoa’s run to the 2021 final remains an important chapter in the team’s history. The challenge now is to create another chapter of its own, beginning with France. Tonight’s result will be important, but it will also be the first step in a campaign that requires consistency, resilience and collective effort.
Toa Samoa face France on Friday, October 16, at CommBank Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 5:45 pm AEDT. The opening match gives Samoa its first opportunity to turn preparation into performance and begin its World Cup journey with purpose. For the players, the task is to deliver on the field. For the supporters, it is another opportunity to stand behind the team and show what the blue jersey means to Samoa. As the tournament begins, the message is clear: Samoa is ready to take the field, carry its nation’s pride and begin the journey toward another memorable World Cup campaign.
O ai le Toa? O ai le Toa? Samoa!
