Papua New Guinea vs Samoa Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup | Pool Stage
by Alex Sarwar ·
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Both Papua New Guinea and Samoa are coming off the back of victories in the opening round of games and the winner of this one would all but guarantee their place in the semi-finals.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / USA – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / USA – Premier Player
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Papua New Guinea team news: Rotation inbound
Papua New Guinea have shuffled their line-up around, bringing the likes of Bailey Biondi-Odo, Jack De Belin and Epel Kapinias in from the start. Making way are Josh Feledy, Rodrick Tai and Khaiya Waiembi.
Squad: Morea Morea, Robert Derby, Zac Laybutt, Nene Macdonald, Dudley Dotoi, Gairo Voro, Bailey Biondi-Odo, Epel Kapinias, Edwin Ipape, Luca Moretti, Rhyse Martin, Nixon Putt, Jack De Belin, Finley Glare, Liam Horne, Valentine Richard, Khaiya Waiembi, Rodrick Tai, Josh Feledy, Sylvester Namo, Sanny Wabo, Zev John
Samoa team news: Mariner KO
Deine Mariner’s hamstring injury suffered in Samoa’s last game rules him out of this game and he has been removed from Ben Gardiner’s squad, with Sua Fa'alogo understandably replacing him after shining against France in Mariner’s absence.
Squad: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Brian To'o, Izack Tago, Stephen Crichton, Sualauvi Fa'alogo, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Jarome Luai, Francis Molo, Benaiah Ioelu, Junior Paulo, Connelly Lemuelu, Jermaine McEwen, Francis Manuleleua, Jazz Tevaga, Spencer Leniu, Shawn Blore, Ata Mariota, Clayton Faulalo, Ronald Volkman, Pasami Saulo, Enari Tuala, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava
How many points will Samoa score in this match?
Open poll and resultsPapua New Guinea vs Samoa prediction
Papua New Guinea took full advantage of facing one of the two weaker teams on paper across this tournament first up in Lebanon and to their credit, were very good offensively, racking up seven tries and improving in all areas the longer the game went on. But Samoa are a far superior level of opposition compared to the Cedars and they destroyed France last time out, winning 78-4.
Samoa are overwhelming favourites and should be. Their attacking quality will surely wind up too good for this Papua New Guinea side. The value move would be to target their try scorers and Sua Fa’alogo fits the bill. Scorer of four tries vs France, back him to pick up at least one more against the Kumuls in another big Samoan victory.
Papua New Guinea vs Samoa tip: Samoa to win and Sua Fa’alogo to score a try anytime
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