Samoa vs Wales 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!
Both Samoa and Wales were ruthlessly dispatched by superior opposition in the first round of pool stage fixtures, ramping up the importance of this next encounter for both teams.
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
Samoa team news: Plenty of changes
Samoa have rung the changes with four players moved out of the squad who played against Australia, including Evelyn Roberts and Sarina Masaga, the latter having suffered a tournament-ending injury vs the Jillaroos.
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, Amber Hall, Christabelle Onesemo-Tuilaepa, Jaydika Tafua, Christian Pio
Wales team news: Switching wingers
Wales come into this match with two new starting wingers in the form of Zoe Heeley and Sian Williams, the former having moved there from centre. Both Frances Layton and Dani McGifford are out of the squad.
Squad: Leanne Burnell, Zoe Heeley, Jade Mullen, Hannah Bluck, Sian Williams, Amberley Ruck, Tayla Preston, Agnes Wood, Jasmine Gibbons, Emily Hughes, Georgia Cussons, Paige Travis, Bethan Dainton, Carys Marsh, Kathryn Salter, Erin Williams, Gracie Hobbs, Katie Carr, Ffion Lewis
Who will pick up their first points of this World Cup?
Open poll and resultsSamoa vs Wales prediction
Whilst Samoa were outclassed by the huge tournament favourites and reigning champions Australia, Wales represents a far more winnable fixture and one which the Samoans must desperately take advantage of. Thomas Brindle’s side were put to the sword by England last time out, losing 70-6 and Samoa should be afforded far more joy from an attacking perspective on this occasion.
Ultimately, Wales’ backline is set for another long 80 minutes with the stark reality that at the very highest level of the women’s game, they are not yet at the standard to strongly compete. That is likely to be further proven by the outcome here, which is expected to be a substantial Samoan victory.
Samoa vs Wales tip: Samoa to win with -62.5 handicap
