The final match of the group stage could also be the biggest. Tonga and Samoa enter Round 3 unbeaten and with a semi-final place well within reach, but there is far more than just qualification at stake. The winner will claim top spot in the combined Pool B/C standings, while the loser could be left nervously awaiting other results to determine their fate.
Packed with NRL stars, powerful forward packs and proven match-winners across the park, these Pacific rivals are expected to deliver one of the matches of the tournament. With recent history favouring Samoa and Tonga desperate to reverse that trend, CommBank Stadium is set for a blockbuster showdown.
Read Full Previews
Men’s Rugby League World Cup
- England vs Papua New Guinea → england-vs-papua-new-guinea-rlwc-preview-2026
- New Zealand vs Fiji → new-zealand-vs-fiji-rlwc-preview-2026
- Australia vs Cook Islands → australia-vs-cook-islands-rlwc-preview-2026
- Tonga vs Samoa → tonga-vs-samoa-rlwc-preview-2026
Matchday Details
Sunday, November 1, 8:05pm AEDT at CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Referee: Adam Gee | Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Tonga: 1. Lehi Hopoate, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Tolutau Koula, 4. Robert Toia, 5. Jojo Fifita, 6. Tuimoala Lolohea, 7. Isaiya Katoa, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Salesi Foketi, 10. Jason Taumalolo (c), 11. Haumole Olakau’atu, 12. Siua Wong, 13. Tyson Frizell, 14. Soni Luke, 15. Stefano Utoikamanu, 16. Demitric Vaimauga, 17. Taniela Paseka, 18. Leka Halasima, 19. Latu Fainu, R. Paul Alamoti, R. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, R. Sione Katoa
Samoa: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 2. Brian To’o, 3. Izack Tago, 4. Stephen Crichton, 5. Sualauvi Fa’alogo, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Jarome Luai (c), 8. Francis Molo, 9. Benaiah Ioelu, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Connelly Lemuelu, 12. Jermaine McEwen, 13. Francis Manuleleua, 14. Jazz Tevaga, 15. Spencer Leniu, 16. Shawn Blore, 17. Ata Mariota, 18. Clayton Faulalo, 19. Ronald Volkman, R. Pasami Saulo, R. Enari Tuala, R. Deine Mariner
Match Preview
One of the most keenly anticipated matches of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup will conclude the group stage of the tournament when Tonga and Samoa go head-to-head at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta.
The winning team will top the combined Pool B/C table and face either New Zealand or Fiji in Saturday week’s semi final in Newcastle, while the loser could be left relying on the result of England and Papua New Guinea’s match if they are to reach the other semi-final in Sydney.
Tongan coach Kristian Woolf has gone back to his strongest team after last week’s 36-0 win over Lebanon. Isaiya Katoa is back at halfback after missing the game with an ankle complaint, while Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Robert Toia, Siua Wong, and Tyson Frizell all return to the starting side. Demitric Vaimauga joins the bench.
Samoa coach Ben Gardiner has made minimal changes to the side that defeated Papua New Guinea 64-6 last weekend, with only Jazz Tevaga returning to the six-man bench. Deine Mariner has been included in the reserves as he aims to return from a hamstring injury.
These two teams are very evenly matched. Both have strong forward packs and exciting backlines, and both have smart spines and inspiring captains. The difference will come down to the one-percenters. Discipline will be crucial, as will be taking advantage of opportunities. Both sides have great attack, but whichever can hold the other out the best will win.
Tonga and Samoa have met 22 times in senior international matches, with Samoa holding the advantage 11-10 (one draw). Each side has won two of their previous four meetings, though Samoa has won the last two, 20-18 in the World Cup quarter final in 2022 and 34-6 in the Pacific Championships last year. Tonga’s last win over Samoa came in 2018.
Prediction
RLZ Tip: Samoa by 1.
Want to try your hand at writing match previews?
We’re always looking for new rugby league contributors to share their thoughts on upcoming NRL games.
No experience needed — just strong opinions and a love of the game
👉 Get started here
