England vs Samoa Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup | Pool Stage
by Alex Sarwar ·
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
It’s do-or-die for England and Samoa in this pool stage showdown with the winner moving onto the semi-finals and the loser knocked out of the tournament.
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
England team news: Hunter ruled out
Eva Hunter is out with a leg injury but skipper Jodie Cunningham is set to play despite battling an ear problem. Elsewhere, Georgia Roche is back in the squad, with Jenna Foubister back in the reserves.
Squad: Fran Goldthorp, Anna Davies, Georgia Wilson, Connie Boyd, Amelia Brown, Isabel Rowe, Georgia Roche, Mary Coleman, Keara Bennett, Liv Wood, Lucy Murray, Hollie-Mae Dodd, Megan Williams, Jodie Cunningham, Vicky Whitfield, Hope Millard, Lucie Sams, Jenna Foubister, Ruby Bruce, Evie Cousins, Molly Jones
Samoa team news: Hall KO a huge development
If Samoa are to reach the semi-finals, they’ll need to do so without Amber Hall, who misses this match with an injury. Hall is a big loss and is replaced in the squad by Jaydika Tafua.
Squad: Destiny Mino-Sinapati, Mercedez Taulelei-Siala, Monica Tagoai, Tyra Ekepati, Freedom Crichton Ropati, Evania Isa'ako, Pauline Piliae-Rasabale, Annetta Nuuausala, Mary-Jane Taito, Laikha Clarke, Leilani Wilson, Ivana Lolesio, Tavarna Papalii, Jetaya Faifua, Fanua Rimoni, Jaydika Tafua, Christabelle Onesemo-Tuilaepa, Jasmine Fogavini, Christian Pio, Evelyn Roberts, Anastasia Leatupue, Amanii Misa
Which of these two nations will go through to the semi-finals?
Open poll and resultsEngland vs Samoa prediction
England and Samoa have both fallen significantly short against Australia, but now play for the right to join the Jillaroos in the semi-finals with each having made light work of Wales. England will need to find a way to keep Tyra Ekepati quiet following her hat-trick last Friday, while Samoa know the importance of keeping their foot firmly on the gas pedal throughout, not giving Stuart Barrow’s side a moment of rest across the 80 minutes.
This is expected to be comfortably the closest encounter between any two sides in Pool A. In the end though, Samoa’s extreme power should break through the England defence multiple times and it’s hard to see England being able to keep hold the ball as much and match them from an attacking perspective. Therefore, back Samoa to do enough for the win which would book their place in the last four.
England vs Samoa tip: Samoa to win
