Rugby League Samoa has officially unveiled its explosive 23-man squad for the IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026, setting off tremendous excitement across the international league landscape. Endorsed by the Rugby League Samoa President, Executive, and the Prime Minister of Samoa, the official announcement launched a national send-off ceremony in Apia to prepare the squad for international glory. However, the defining storyline emerging from head coach Ben Gardiner’s press conference centers around superstar prop Payne Haas. Despite demonstrating immense personal commitment to the Samoan jersey, recent hand surgery has officially sidelined the frontline enforcer from the initial 23-man squad list.
Gardiner revealed that Haas’ absence follows necessary hand surgery—with personal factors including a ring finger procedure and his upcoming wedding playing into the complex timing. Haas made massive physical sacrifices for Samoa last year, playing through severe injuries during international test matches. Addressing whether the dominant prop could feature later in the tournament, Gardiner acknowledged the situation remains up in the air. If Haas completes his medical rehabilitation over the coming weeks, receives full clearance, and tournament rules permit a late squad replacement, a dramatic mid-campaign call-up remains a tantalizing possibility rather than confirmed news.
In the meantime, Samoa’s selected forward pack carries substantial muscle and aggressive athleticism to absorb the loss of Haas. Led by co-captain Junior Paulo, who is completely cleared of knee concerns and eager for battle, the engine room boasts elite go-forward power. Impact powerhouse Spencer Leniu arrives fresh off a phenomenal NRL Grand Final performance, exemplifying the squad’s fiery connection and willingness to do hard yards. Alongside prop Francis Molo, Shawn Blore Anae Ulesese, Ata Mariota, Pasami Saulo, Connelly Lemuelu, and versatile lock Jazz Tevaga, Gardiner’s pack possesses the raw physical power required for high-intensity international football.
Gardiner addressed other roster unavailabilities during his detailed press conference, confirming that front-rower Terrell May ruled himself out several weeks prior to squad selection. Rather than dwelling on absences, Gardiner praised player sacrifices and emphasized the deep balance of experience and youth across the 23-man list, describing it as the strongest squad assembled since the last World Cup. He highlighted exciting debutants like Newcastle Knights rising star Francis Manuleleua—part of a formidable Knights quartet featuring Greg Marzhew, Jermaine McEwen, and Pasami Saulo. Gardiner praised Manuleleua as a smart, tenacious line-runner whose skill set will shine brightly on the world stage.
Steering this formidable outfit are co-captains Jarome Luai and Junior Paulo. Luai, Samoa’s most-capped international player, takes full ownership of the halfback jersey at number seven to manage game tempo while unleashing his lethal running game. Together with star speedsters Stephen Crichton, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow—who committed to the nation back in April—and Brian To’o, Samoa’s backline is loaded with game-changing talent. Gardiner noted that superstars like Luai, Paulo, and Crichton inspire young Samoans globally, drawing kids to rugby league and fostering immense community pride.
This World Cup campaign holds immense historical significance as Rugby League Samoa celebrates its milestone 40th anniversary year. Building on their historic 2022 World Cup run to Old Trafford—where Samoa shocked the world by reaching the final—the team enters RLWC2026 fueled by pride, faith, and global passion. From Samoa’s villages displaying blue flags outside every home to marching parades across Sydney and international cities, the team draws inspiration from Samoans worldwide. Samoa kicks off their group stage against France at CommBank Stadium on October 16, followed by clashes against Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby on October 24 and rival Tonga on November 1. Under Gardiner’s guidance, Toa Samoa is ready to honor past generations and forge new legends.
