Australia vs Samoa Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup | Pool Stage
by Alex Sarwar ·
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Defending champions Australia will once again come into this World Cup as a big favourite to win it all and they start off with a showdown against Samoa.
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: Skinner names formidable squad
Jess Skinner is spoiled for choice when it comes to the vast array of talent at her disposal. She’s opted for a pair of NRLW champions in Tarryn Aiken and Jocelyn Kelleher, the latter making her debut for the Jillaroos. Fans across the world will no doubt be familiar with Kezie Apps and Isabelle Kelly, with Kelly set to captain the side.
Squad: Tamika Upton, Jaime Chapman, Jessica Sergis, Isabelle Kelly, Julia Robinson, Jocelyn Kelleher, Tarryn Aiken, Millie Elliott, Olivia Higgins, Simaima Taufa, Kezie Apps, Shaylee Bent, Olivia Kernick, Keeley Nizza, Keilee Joseph, Tiana Penitani Gray, Ellie Johnston, Makenzie Weale, Abbi Church, Jesse Southwell, Sariah Paki, Quincy Dodd
Samoa team news: DMS good to go
After a rollercoaster season dogged by injury, Destiny Mino-Sinapati powered through to make a huge impact for club side Gold Coast Titans and will hope to do the same for Samoa at this World Cup. She is one of the most notable names in the squad.
Squad: Destiny Mino-Sinapati, Mercedez Taulelei-Siala, Monica Tagoai, Sarina Masaga, Freedom Crichton Ropati, Taliah Fuimaono, Pauline Piliae-Rasabale, Annetta Nuuausala, Mary-Jane Taito, Laikha Clarke, Evania Isa'ako, Ivana Lolesio, Leilani Wilson, Evelyn Roberts, Fanua Rimoni, Amber Hall, Jasmine Fogavini, Tavarna Papalii, Jaydika Tafua, Jetaya Faifua, Christabelle Onesemo-Tuilaepa, Christian Pio
Will Australia retain their title?
Open poll and resultsAustralia vs Samoa prediction
The main challenge for Australia heading into this tournament is expectation. Almost everyone will expect them to be the ones lifting the trophy once again come the final and it’s up to Jess Skinner and her players to block all the outside noise and focus on taking care of business on the field. Because at their best, no nation even comes close to them. Complacency will obviously need to be avoided at all cost, that could prove to be their Achilles heel.
But the Jillaroos are a special group with world class players in every position, so many of whom are capable of winning games on their own. They are a vastly stronger team than Samoa and although we could see a little rust, it’s hard not to expect Australia winning by a big margin. If they do, it’ll unlikely be the first time we see it at this tournament.
Australia vs Samoa tip: Australia to win with -54.5 handicap
