Round 2 of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup brought more blowouts, but also provided greater clarity around the race for the semi-finals. Samoa continued its dominant march through the tournament with a stunning 64-6 victory over Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby, while Tonga maintained its unbeaten record and England kept its campaign alive with an 82-0 demolition of France.
New Zealand bounced back emphatically from its opening-round loss to Australia, piling on 82 points against the Cook Islands, while Fiji proved it can challenge the world’s best by pushing Australia all the way in a spirited 36-22 defeat. With Samoa, Tonga and England now separated by points differential in the combined Pool B and C standings, a blockbuster final round awaits as teams battle for the remaining semi-final spots.
Round 2
Table of contents
Review
Papua New Guinea vs Samoa
With many of the Round 2 games expected to be blowouts, the Papua New Guinea vs Samoa clash at Santos National Football Stadium had the potential to be reasonably close. It looked that way at half-time, with Papua New Guinea trailing 14-6 after leading 6-4 after 18 minutes.
But any hopes of an upset were dashed seven minutes into the second half, with Sualauvi Fa’alogo (his second try and sixth for the tournament) and Francis Manuleleua pushing the lead to 24-6. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Shawn Blore also scored doubles as Samoa scored eight more tries in the last 30 minutes. Ata Mariota and Spencer Leniu showed how wonderful Samoa’s depth is, playing 44 minutes (253 running metres) and 37 minutes (166 running metres) off the bench respectively and both scoring tries.
Samoa’s win was arguably more impressive than the France game. Papua New Guinea – supported by a vocal home crowd – worked their way back into the contest after Fa’alogo scored in the game’s opening set. And once Samoa got a big enough lead, they made sure to increase their already impressive points differential.
In his last game in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea captain Rhyse Martin kicked one goal (converting Bailey Biondi-Odo’s try), bringing his overall points tally to 268 from 21 Tests and 10 World Cup games.
After two games, Samoa have two wins and a +132 differential. Tonga (also 2-0) are +54, while England (1-1) beat France 82-0 to move to a +64 differential.
The Verdict: The semi-final race for Pool B + C is still open entering the final weekend of Pool games. Tonga are locked in as they have the head-to-head advantage over England, but England can keep their hopes alive with a win over PNG on Friday night, and hope that Tonga beats Samoa on Sunday night. Samoa have a +68 differential advantage over England, so England will need a big win over the Kumuls.
New Zealand vs Cook Islands
While New Zealand did as expected at One NZ Stadium (Christchurch), the big story was a hat-trick to a Cook Islands Hostplus Cup player.
It looked like going to script when the Kiwis led 12-0 after eight minutes, but then Brisbane Tigers winger Esom Ioka scored a hat-trick to give the Cook Islands a surprise 16-12 lead, including two tries off intercepts. With the Tigers one of the Perth Bears feeder clubs, we’ll see if Ioka’s international experience will help him eventually make an NRL debut.
The potential of a boilover didn’t last long. With New Zealand scoring the next 12 tries (14 in total) and leading 36-16 at half-time. Jamayne Isaako scored 38 points (three tries and 13 goals), with doubles to Casey McLean, Ronaldo Mulitalo, and debutant Tanner Stowers-Smith. One issue for the Kiwis is the four tries they’ve conceded from intercepts so far, which could hurt them in tighter finals games.
The Verdict: New Zealand are all but guaranteed to play finals, but they will be monitoring Kalyn Ponga’s return from a broken arm. If he’s available for the semi-final, then the Kiwis’ chance of winning their first World Cup since 2008 will increase.
Australia vs Fiji
An unconvincing win at Suncorp Stadium left a few questions for Australia heading into the semi-finals.
The last game of a lopsided round was easily the best, with Fiji leading 10-6 after 26 minutes and 16-12 after 44 minutes. Former Canberra and North Queensland winger/centre Semi Valemei (now playing for Castleford in Super League) scored a hat-trick on the left wing, with Kurt Donoghoe throwing three beautiful cut-out passes for Valemei’s tries. It was the closest result between Australia and Fiji in eight matches, passing the Kangaroos’ 34-2 win in the 2013 World Cup, and 22 points was the most for Fiji against Australia.
Choosing to rotate their squad against Fiji, Australia now have their last Pool game against the Cook Islands to figure out their best 17 before the knockout games.
One bright side for Australia is their makeshift wingers Jack Bostock (three tries) and Tom Trbojevic (four) have scored seven tries between them this tournament, with a Trbojevic hat-trick against Fiji. While Australia’s inability to pick a specialist winger was influenced by Josh Addo-Carr, Selwyn Cobbo, and Mark Nawaqanitawase being unavailable, Bostock and Trbojevic are filling the gap so far. Trbojevic scored three tries in 15 minutes as Australia turned a 16-12 deficit into a 30-16 lead. Fiji had a try taken off them due to an obstruction, which turned the game as Trbojevic scored in the next set to start Australia’s resurgence.
While the four-team finals system made it almost impossible for Fiji to qualify, hopefully their performances this World Cup will prompt organisers of future World Cups to rethink the format and allow more teams to play finals.
The Verdict: Australia (2-0, +16) are locked into a semi-final, with New Zealand (1-1, +64) 50 points ahead of third-placed Fiji (1-1, +14) on differential. The Kangaroos and Kiwis should both beat the Cook Islands and Fiji respectively next weekend, though Fiji’s performance against Australia suggests they will give the Kiwis a stronger contest than the Cook Islands did.
Round 2 Results
Men
Tonga 36 – 0 Lebanon
| Full Time Score | Tonga 36 – 0 Lebanon |
|---|---|
| Scorers | Tonga 36 (Tries: Sione Katoa 12′, 79′; Paul Alamoti 20′; Tolutau Koula 36′; Jojo Fifita 43′, 73′; Leka Halasima 69′. Goals: Paul Alamoti 21′; Tuimoala Lolohea 70′, 74′, 79′) Lebanon 0 |
| Half-Time | Tonga 14 – 0 Lebanon |
| Date | Friday, 23rd October 2026 |
| Venue | CommBank Stadium |
| Players | Tonga: Lehi Hopoate, Sione Katoa, Tolutau Koula, Paul Alamoti, Jojo Fifita, Tuimoala Lolohea, Addin Fonua-Blake, Salesi Foketi, Stefano Utoikamanu, Haumole Olakau’atu, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Jason Taumalolo, Latu Fainu, Soni Luke, Taniela Paseka, Leka Halasima, Siua Wong Lebanon: Jacob Kiraz, Tony Francis, Michael Gabrael, Jordan Samrani, Jason Saab, Khaled Rajab, Alex Conti, Jaxson Rahme, James Roumanos, Tony Sukkar, Alex Twal, Jalal Bazzaz, Abbas Miski, Moustafa Dirani, Mikael Ibrahim, Tupou Francis, Joseph Nohra |
Papua New Guinea 6 – 64 Samoa
| Full Time Score | Papua New Guinea 6 – 64 Samoa |
| Scorers | Papua New Guinea 6 (Tries: Bailey Biondi-Odo 18′. Goals: Rhyse Martin 18′) Samoa 64 (Tries: Sualauvi Fa’alogo 1′, 44′; Spencer Leniu 30′; Stephen Crichton 36′; Francis Manuleleua 47′; Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 52′, 68′; Brian To’o 58′; Shawn Blore 65′, 77′; Ronald Volkman 66′; Izack Tago 70′; Ata Mariota 79′. Goals: Stephen Crichton 30′; Chanel Harris-Tavita 46′, 67′; Ronald Volkman 70′, 72′, 79′) |
| Half-Time | Papua New Guinea 6 – 14 Samoa |
| Date | Saturday, 24th October 2026 |
| Venue | Santos National Football Stadium |
| Players | Papua New Guinea: Morea Morea, Robert Derby, Zac Laybutt, Dudley Dotoi, Gairo Voro, Bailey Biondi-Odo, Epel Kapinias, Edwin Ipape, Rhyse Martin, Nixon Putt, Jack De Belin, Valentine Richard, Rodrick Tai, Finley Glare, Liam Horne, Khaiya Waiembi, Zev John Samoa: 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, Spencer Leniu, Shawn Blore, Ata Mariota, Ronald Volkman |
England 82 – 0 France
| Full Time Score | England 82 – 0 France |
| Scorers | England 82 (Tries: Dominic Young 22′, 45′, 63′; Matty Ashton 24′; Herbie Farnworth 26′, 34′, 39′; George Williams 37′; Victor Radley 48′; Jez Litten 58′; Mikey Lewis 62′, 68′; Jack Welsby 66′; AJ Brimson 77′. Goals: Hugo Savala 23′, 25′, 27′, 36′, 38′, 39′, 49′, 59′, 63′, 65′, 66′, 69′, 77′) France 0 |
| Half-Time | England 36 – 0 France |
| Date | Saturday, 24th October 2026 |
| Venue | HBF Park |
| Players | England: AJ Brimson, Dominic Young, Hugo Savala, Herbie Farnworth, George Williams, Harry Smith, Max King, Brad O’Neill, Luke Thompson, Junior Nsemba, Kai Pearce-Paul, Victor Radley, Matty Ashton, Jez Litten, Sam Walters, Jack Welsby, Mikey Lewis France: Arthur Mourgue, Latrell Siegwalt, Romeo Tropis, Benjamin Laguerre, Thomas Lacans, Theo Fages, Romain Navarrete, Amir Bourouh, Julian Bousquet, Arthur Romano, Mathieu Jussaume, Benjamin Garcia, Fouad Yaha, Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet, Lambert Belmas, Mathieu Cozza, Louis Grossemy |
New Zealand 82 – 16 Cook Islands
| Full Time Score | New Zealand 82 – 16 Cook Islands |
| Scorers | New Zealand 82 (Tries: Jamayne Isaako 1′, 23′, 74′; Ronaldo Mulitalo 6′, 64′; Scott Sorensen 27′; Tanner Stowers-Smith 32′, 49′; Casey McLean 37′, 58′; Keano Kini 42′; Kodi Nikorima 51′; Te Maire Martin 76′; Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 78′. Goals: Jamayne Isaako 3′, 8′, 24′, 28′, 34′, 39′, 44′, 50′, 53′, 59′, 75′, 77′, 79′) Cook Islands 16 (Tries: Esom Ioka 10′, 14′, 18′. Goals: Valentine Holmes 16′, 19′) |
| Half-Time | New Zealand 36 – 16 Cook Islands |
| Date | Sunday, 25th October 2026 |
| Venue | One NZ Stadium |
| Players | New Zealand: Keano Kini, Jamayne Isaako, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Casey McLean, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Kodi Nikorima, Jahrome Hughes, James Fisher-Harris, Jeremy Marshall-King, Joseph Tapine, Xavier Willison, Scott Sorensen, Erin Clark, Te Maire Martin, Leo Thompson, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Jacob Laban Cook Islands: Valentine Holmes, Esom Ioka, KL Iro, Reubenn Rennie, Cameron Brown, Maui Winitana-Patelesio, Davvy Moale, Rua Ngatikaura, Rhys Dakin, Amare Milford, Delahia Wigmore, Mason Teague, Brad Takairangi, Esan Marsters, K-CI Newton-Whare, David Tuariki, Makahesi Makatoa |
Australia 36 – 22 Fiji
| Full Time Score | Australia 36 – 22 Fiji |
|---|---|
| Scorers | Australia 36 (Tries: Kotoni Staggs 7′, Sam Walker 33′, Tom Trbojevic 47′, 57′, 62′, Jacob Preston 76′. Goals: Sam Walker 9′, 34′, 54′ PG, 58′, 63′, 78′) Fiji 22 (Tries: Semi Valemei 17′, 43′, 69′; Taane Milne 25′. Goals: Brandon Wakeham 26′, 44′, 71′) |
| Half-Time | Australia 12 – 10 Fiji |
| Date | Saturday, 17th October 2026 |
| Venue | Suncorp Stadium |
| Players | Australia: James Tedesco, Jack Bostock, Kotoni Staggs, Bradman Best, Tom Trbojevic, Tom Dearden, Sam Walker, Keaon Koloamatangi, Blayke Brailey, Lindsay Smith, David Fifita, Reuben Cotter, Cameron Murray, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Jacob Preston, Patrick Carrigan Fiji: Bayleigh Bentley-Hape, Sunia Turuva, Waqa Blake, Solomone Saukuru, Semi Valemei, Kurt Donoghoe, Brandon Wakeham, Jacob Saifiti, Api Koroisau, Mitchell Prest, Taane Milne, Kitione Kautoga, Caleb Navale, Josese Lanyon, Emosi Ravosai, Ronald Philitoga, Jordin Leiu |
Ladder
Pool A: Australia 4 (+16)*, New Zealand 2 (+64), Fiji 2 (+14), Cook Islands 0 (-94)
Pool B & C (Combined): Samoa 4 (+132), Tonga 4 (+54), England 2 (+64), Papua New Guinea 2 (-34), Lebanon 0 (-60), France 0 (-156)
The top two teams from the combined Pool B and Pool C table progress to the semi-finals.
* qualified for semi-finals
Women’s
Samoa 76 – 0 Wales
| Full Time Score | Samoa 76 – 0 Wales |
| Scorers | Samoa 76 (Tries: Laikha Clarke 8′; Tyra Ekepati 10′, 21′, 65′; Destiny Mino-Sinapati 14′, 49′; Amber Hall 25′; Mercedez Taulelei-Siala 30′, 52′; Ivana Lolesio 35′; Evania Isa’ako 41′; Monica Tagoai 45′; Freedom Crichton Ropati 58′; Tavarna Papalii 68′. Goals: Pauline Piliae-Rasabale 10′, 12′, 22′, 27′, 32′, 35′, 46′, 51′, 67′, 69′) Wales 0 |
| Half-Time | Samoa 40 – 0 Wales |
| Date | Friday, 24th October 2026 |
| Venue | CommBank Stadium |
| Players | Samoa: 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 Wales: 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 |
Fiji 40 – 4 Papua New Guinea
| Full Time Score | Fiji 40 – 4 Papua New Guinea |
| Scorers | Fiji 40 (Tries: Sienna Laing 4′; Luisa Yaranamua 19′; Taina Naividi 24′; Losana Lutu 30′; Tahlia Marshall 33′, 40′, 44′. Goals: Sereana Naitokatoka 6′, 20′; Luisa Yaranamua 25′, 31′, 35′, 46′) Papua New Guinea 4 (Tries: Ua Ravu 8′) |
| Half-Time | Fiji 30 – 4 Papua New Guinea |
| Date | Saturday, 24th October 2026 |
| Venue | Santos National Football Stadium |
| Players | Fiji: Cassie Staples, Isabella Waterman, Taina Naividi, Sienna Laing, Luisa Yaranamua, Losana Lutu, Latisha Smythe, Sereana Naitokatoka, Leilani Ahsam, Elizabeth Naleba, Talei Holmes, Tahlia Marshall, Nanise Vakacavu, Teaghan Hartigan, Lorren Ieli, Naomi Tegu, Abigayle Sekitoga Papua New Guinea: Anika Butler, Ivania Wong, Relna Wuruki-Hosea, Tia Molo, Naomi Kelly, Fleur Ginn, Cynthiah Peters, Elsie Albert, Ua Ravu, Shellie Long, Emily Veivers, Jenny David, Belinda Gwasamun, Vanesa Nakas, Essay Banu, India Seeto, Gemma Walker |
Australia 78 – 0 England
| Full Time Score | Australia 78 – 0 England |
| Scorers | Australia 78 (Tries: Jaime Chapman 2′, 5′; Jocelyn Kelleher 12′, 21′; Julia Robinson 15′; Isabelle Kelly 25′, 64′; Abbi Church 27′, 46′; Tarryn Aiken 37′; Olivia Kernick 39′; Quincy Dodd 44′; Makenzie Weale 50′; Tiana Penitani Gray 53′; Shaylee Bent 67′. Goals: Jocelyn Kelleher 7′, 13′, 16′, 26′, 38′, 41′, 45′, 52′, 54′) England 0 |
| Half-Time | Australia 36 – 0 England |
| Date | Saturday, 24th October 2026 |
| Venue | HBF Park |
| Players | Australia: Tamika Upton, Jaime Chapman, Julia Robinson, Isabelle Kelly, Abbi Church, Jocelyn Kelleher, Tarryn Aiken, Millie Elliott, Olivia Higgins, Simaima Taufa, Tiana Penitani Gray, Shaylee Bent, Olivia Kernick, Quincy Dodd, Sarah Togatuki, Makenzie Weale, Sariah Paki England: Fran Goldthorp, Anna Davies, Molly Jones, Connie Boyd, Amelia Brown, Isabel Rowe, Jenna Foubister, Liv Wood, Keara Bennett, Hollie-Mae Dodd, Eva Hunter, Megan Williams, Lucy Murray, Jodie Cunningham, Vicky Whitfield, Georgia Roche, Lucie Sams |
New Zealand 92 – 0 France
| Full Time Score | New Zealand 92 – 0 France |
| Scorers | New Zealand 92 (Tries: Mackenzie Wiki 1′, 57′; Apii Nicholls 4′, 10′, 61′, 69′; Chantay Kiria-Ratu 7′; Raecene McGregor 19′, 40′; Stacey Waaka 22′, 28′, 52′; Mele Hufanga 25′, 32′, 35′; Kaiyah Atai 42′; Tenika Willison 46′, 48′. Goals: Chantay Kiria-Ratu 5′, 11′, 20′, 27′, 34′, 37′, 41′, 43′, 62′; Apii Nicholls 69′) France 0 |
| Half-Time | New Zealand 46 – 0 France |
| Date | Sunday, 25th October 2026 |
| Venue | One NZ Stadium |
| Players | New Zealand: Apii Nicholls, Tenika Willison, Mele Hufanga, Stacey Waaka, Mackenzie Wiki, Chantay Kiria-Ratu, Raecene McGregor, Alexis Tauaneai, Georgia Hale, Ivana Lauitiiti, Annessa Biddle, Kaiyah Atai, Brooke Anderson, Ashleigh Quinlan, Shaniece Monschau, Trinity Tauaneai, Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa France: Manon Samarra, Margot Canal, Melissa Medina, Perle Ramazeilles, Haoua Kessely, Camille Boudaud, Lisa Diraison, Elisa Akpa, Fanny Ramos, Leila Bessahli, Perrine Monsarrat, Stacy Bessiere, Tallis Eranossian, Justine Roses, Noemie Samuel, Salome Segala, Elodie Pacull |
Ladder
Pool A: Australia 4 (+118)*, Samoa 2 (+36), England 2 (-14), Wales 0 (-140)
Pool B: New Zealand 4 (+98)*, Fiji 2 (+30), Papua New Guinea 2 (+18), France 0 (-146)
* qualified for semi-finals
