Tonga vs Samoa Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup | Pool Stage
by Alex Sarwar ·
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Provided Samoa do not lose by an incredibly large margin, both they and Tonga will go through to the semi-finals, regardless of the final outcome 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
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Tonga team news: Katoa back in the fold
Tonga welcome Isaiya Katoa back into their line-up following his recovery from an ankle injury. Also named in the team are Rob Toia and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.
Squad: Lehi Hopoate, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Tolutau Koula, Robert Toia, Jojo Fifita, Tuimoala Lolohea, Isaiya Katoa, Addin Fonua-Blake, Salesi Foketi, Jason Taumalolo, Haumole Olakau'atu, Siua Wong, Tyson Frizell, Soni Luke, Stefano Utoikamanu, Demitric Vaimauga, Taniela Paseka, Leka Halasima, Latu Fainu, Paul Alamoti, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Sione Katoa
Samoa team news: Tevaga back in the squad
The one main adjustment made to the Samoa squad comes through the inclusion of Jazz Tevaga, who is on the interchange bench and whilst this game is likely to come too soon for the injured Deine Mariner, the Brisbane Broncos player is at least good for a place in the reseves.
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, Deine Mariner
Tonga vs Samoa prediction
Tonga can afford to relax, knowing that defeat here wouldn’t cost them a place in the last four due to their victory over England earlier in the tournament. Therefore, it would be no surprise to see them perhaps not prove as sharp as you would expect from a team of their quality as they prepare for those all-important semi-finals.
Meanwhile, Samoa still haven’t officially confirmed their spot in the knockout stage, despite being almost assured of making it. The psychological effect of this should see them treat this game with a lot more urgency. They’ve racked up more than double Tonga’s points across pool play so far, albeit with an easier schedule, and it’s worth backing them to get the better of Kristian Woolf’s side.
Tonga vs Samoa tip: Samoa to win
