Australia vs Samoa Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup | Semi-Final
by Alex Sarwar ·
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A rematch of the 2021 Men’s Rugby League World Cup final is on deck, as Australia host Samoa in Sydney.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / USA – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / USA – Premier Player
Tickets: Visit this link to access the latest 2026 Rugby League World Cup tickets
Australia team news: Murray back in the picture
Cameron Murray returns to the Kangaroos’ squad following a calf issue and he is one of four incomings, with Blayke Brailey, Latrell Mitchell and Sam Walker also named in the squad. Coming out is David Fifita.
Squad: Reece Walsh, Jack Bostock, Kotoni Staggs, Bradman Best, Tom Trbojevic, Cameron Munster, Tom Dearden, Patrick Carrigan, Harry Grant, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Jacob Preston, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo, Ethan Strange, Keaon Koloamatangi, Cameron Murray, Reuben Cotter, Latrell Mitchell, James Tedesco, Lindsay Smith, Sam Walker, Blayke Brailey
Samoa team news: Harris-Tavita hamstring KO
Samoa have been rocked by a hamstring injury to Chanel Harris-Tavita, which rules him out of this semi-final. He is replaced in the side by Ronald Volkman, while better news sees Deine Mariner fit to return following a hamstring problem.
Squad: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Brian To'o, Izack Tago, Stephen Crichton, Sualauvi Fa'alogo, Ronald Volkman, Jarome Luai, Francis Molo, Benaiah Ioelu, Junior Paulo, Connelly Lemuelu, Jermaine McEwen, Francis Manuleleua, Jazz Tevaga, Spencer Leniu, Shawn Blore, Ata Mariota, Clayton Faulalo, Deine Mariner, Pasami Saulo, Enari Tuala, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava
Who wins this semi-final?
Open poll and resultsAustralia vs Samoa prediction
Australia have not been perfect, but have ultimately got the job done so far across this World Cup, clutching up when required and dispatching the opponents they were expected to beat comfortably, such as Cook Islands and Fiji. This represents a big test for them against a Samoa side who racked up 160 points across pool play, 34 points more than the Kangaroos.
However, under the most intense of pressure, you’d expect Australia’s defence to step up and shut down the Samoans. Being at home also works in favour of Kevin Walters’ side, who will be banking on the likes of Reece Walsh and Tom Trbojevic to step up and utilise their attacking quality to great effect. Back the reigning champions to inflict more heartbreak on Samoa and secure another appearance in a World Cup final.
Australia vs Samoa tip: Australia to win
