All eight Pacific Island teams competing at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup have named their line-ups for the first round of matches this upcoming weekend.
Toa Samoa will be the first island team in action Friday, meeting France in Sydney, while Fetu Samoa kick off the women’s competition against Australia later on Friday night.
Matches on Saturday will see the Papua New Guinea Kumuls take on Lebanon and the PNG Orchids face France, with both games hosted in Port Moresby.
Tonga will battle England in Perth late Saturday night, with Fiji and the Cook Islands clashing on Sunday, while Fiji Bulikula meet the Kiwi Ferns on Sunday afternoon in Newcastle.
Captains of the men’s teams (from L-R) Fiji’s Kurt Donoghoe, France’s Benjamin Garcia, England’s Ben Currie, Samoa’s Junior Paulo, Australia’s Sam Walker, New Zealand’s James Fisher-Harris, Tonga’s Addin Fonua-Blake,Papua New Guinea’s Jack de Belin, Lebanon’s Jason Saab, and Cook Islands’s KL Iro pose for a photo during the captains’ run at the Rugby League World Cup launch at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on 10 October 2026.
Izhar Khan / AFP
Samoa v France
Kick off: Friday, 16 October, 7:45pm NZDT
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Samoa coach Ben Gardiner said they are ready, with a balanced team to battle France.
“It’s the strongest team we’ve been able to put together since the last World Cup,” Gardiner told NRL.com.
“We’ve got a real balance of experience and youth and some guys that are in great form so it’s a great opportunity for us, our fans and our people, Gardiner said.
“Our aim over the last four years was to build experience into our team, grow out key positions and bring guys along so that when we hit Rugby League World Cup 26, we were ready with our best team available.”
France captain Benjamin Garcia, who played three years in Australia with the Broncos and Panthers Under-20s teams, told NRL.com they will need to play their own style of play against Toa Samoa.
“We know they have some of the best players in the world – they are big, strong and fast,” Garcia told NRL.com.
“We can’t play a game where we just go through our sets. We have to try something different. We want to give a good impression to the fans and show them the way France wants to play.
Former Fiji Bati Jowasa Drodrolagi is one of the reserves in the French team for the match.
Toa Samoa: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 2. Brian To’o, 3. Izack Tago, 4. Stephen Crichton, 5. Deine Mariner, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Jarome Luai, 8. Francis Molo, 9. Benaiah Ioelu, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Connelly Lemuelu, 12. Jermaine McEwen, 13. Francis Manuleleua; Interchange: 14. Jazz Tevaga, 15. Spencer Leniu, 16. Shawn Blore, 17. Sualauvi Fa’alogo, 18. Ata Mariota, 19. Clayton Faulalo; Reserves: 20. Ronald Volkman, 21. Pasami Saulo, 22. Enari Tuala.
France: 1. Arthur Mourgue, 2. Benjamin Laguerre, 3. Latrell Siegwalt, 4. Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet, 5. Leo Darrelatour, 6. Cesar Rouge, 7. Theo Fages, 8. Romain Navarrete, 9. Benjamin Garcia, 10. Lambert Belmas, 11. Arthur Romano, 12. Mathieu Jussaume, 13. Julian Bousquet; Interchange: 14. Amir Bourouh, 15. Tiaki Chan, 16. Jordan Dezaria, 17. Mathieu Cozza, 18. Thomas Lacans, 19. Louis Grossemy; Reserves: 20. Jowasa Drodrolagi, 21. Romeo Tropis, 22. Fouad Yaha.
Papua New Guinea v Lebanon
Kick off: Saturday, 17 October, 3:25pm NZDT
Venue: Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
The evergreen Rhyse Martin is leading the Kumuls into his third World Cup.
Centre Nene MacDonald takes part in his fourth World Cup.
NRL.com said Cowboys speedsters Zac Laybutt and Rob Derby will look to light it up out wide, while Eels forwards Luca Moretti makes his Kumuls debut having represented Italy in 2022.
Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou says the team will play for Martin, as the 33 year old will start the next chapter of his professional life by taking up a post as the PNG Chiefs’ football operations manager next year.
“He’s playing – he’ll lead the team as he’s done for many years. I’ve spoken to Rhyse the last several weeks about how excited he is,” Demetriou told NRL.com.
The Francis brothers Tony and Tupou, who have Tongan heritage, provide the Pasifika connect in the Lebanon side.
They are being coached by former Wallaby and Argentina coach Michael Cheika, who was also with the Sydney Roosters when they won the NRL Grand final two weekends ago.
PNG Kumuls: 1. Morea Morea, 2. Robert Derby, 3. Zac Laybutt, 4. Nene Macdonald, 5. Dudley Dotoi, 6. Gairo Voro, 7. Bailey Biondi-Odo, 8. Valentine Richard, 9. Edwin Ipape, 10. Luca Moretti, 11. Rhyse Martin, 12. Nixon Putt, 13. Jack De Belin; Interchange: 14. Finley Glare, 15. Liam Horne, 16. Epel Kapinias, 17. Sylvester Namo, 18. Rodrick Tai, 19. Sanny Wabo: Reserves: 20. Robert Mathias, 21. Khaiya Waiembi, 22. Zev John.
Lebanon: Jacob Kiraz, 2. Tony Francis, 3. Michael Gabrael, 4. Jordan Samrani, 5. Jason Saab, 6. Khaled Rajab, 7. Alex Conti, 8. Jaxson Rahme, 9. Yehya Ayache, 10. James Roumanos, 11. Tony Sukkar, 12. Charbel Tasipale, 13. Alex Twal; Interchange: 14. Moustafa Dirani, 15. Mikael Ibrahim, 16. Jalal Bazzaz, 17. Khalil Rahme; 18. Joseph Nohra, 19. Abbas Miski; Reserves: 20. Tupou Francis, 21. Mohamed Alameddine, 22. Cameron Kanaan.
England v Tonga
Kick off: Saturday, 17 October, 8:05pm NZDT
Playing at his fourth RLWC, Jason Taumalolo leads a powerful Tonga outfit.
Taumalolo led a number of Tongan players switch allegiance to Tonga and his example four world cups ago continues to influence fellow Tongans to opt out of Austraia or New Zealand, including NRL final winners , Roosters’ Rob Toiae and Salesi Foketi.
Head coach Kristian Woolf has high praises for Foketi.
“Salesi has played for a Tonga B side but he hasn’t played for Tonga before,” Woolf told AAP.
“We need some young guys who are on the up and bring that enthusiasm and those three have that hunger and athleticism that comes with young players.
“They have had outstanding seasons and they were great in the grand final.”
Roosters premiership winners Hugo Savala and Victor Radley join Herbie Farnworth, Dom Young, AJ Brimson, Morgan Knowles and Kai Pearce-Paul in England’s squad for the opener.
Dream Team winger Zach Eckersley and his Wigan teammate Sam Walters make their Test debut along with Savala and Bulldog Max King.
Tonga: 1. Lehi Hopoate, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Tolutau Koula, 4. Robert Toia, 5. Jojo Fifita, 6. Latu Fainu, 7. Isaiya Katoa, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Soni Luke, 10. Jason Taumalolo, 11. Haumole Olakau’atu, 12. Siua Wong, 13. Tyson Frizzle; Interchange: 14. Salesi Foketi, 15. Stefano Utoikamanu, 16. Demitric Vaimauga, 17. Leka Halasima, 18. Tuimoala Lolohea, 19. Paul Alamoti; Reserves: 20Taniela Paseka, 21. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, 22. Sione Katoa.
England: 1. AJ Brimson, 2. Dominic Young, 3. Hugo Savala, 4. Herbie Farnworth, 5. Zach Eckersley, 6. George Williams, 7. Harry Smith, 8. Max King, 9. Brad O’Neill, 10. Morgan Knowles, 11. Junior Nsemba, 12. Kai Pearce-Paul, 13. Victor Radley; Interchange: 14. Jez Litten, 15. Luke Thompson, 16. Ethan Havard, 17. Sam Walters, 18. Jack Welsby, 19. Matty Ashton; Reserves: 20. Ben Currie, 21. Mikey Lewis, 22. Ben Talty.
Fiji v Cook Islands
Kick off: Sunday, October 18, 4:05pm NZDT
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
The Bati are missing some of their biggest names.
Viliame Kikau, Tui Kamikamica and Maika Sivo are three of their missing stars.
Captain Api Koroisau will be a key man, with Brandon Wakeham and versatile Dolphins utility Kurt Donoghoe combining in the halves.
Young Bayleigh Bentley-Hape will start at fullback with Sunia Turuva moved to the wing.
Coach Mick Potter said they will take their chances against both Australia and New Zealand in pool play but will focus on Cook Islands first up on Sunday.
“We are not going to the world cup to make up the numbers. We just need to stay connected as a team and take the pressure.”
Neither Marata Niukore or Valentine Holmes will play against Fiji.
Sharks centre KL Iro provides some real spark in the backline and will skipper the side with Esan Marsters named to start at halfback.
Fiji Bati: 1. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape, 2. Sunia Turuva, 3. Waqa Blake, 4. Solomone Saukuru, 5. Semi Valemei, 6. Kurt Donoghoe, 7. Brandom Wakeham, 8. Jacob Safiti, 9. Api Koroisau, 10. Mitchell Prest, 11. Taane Milne, 12. Kitione Kautoga, 13. Caleb Navale. Interchange: 14. Josese Lanyon, 15. Emosi Ravosai, 16. Elijah Keung, 17. Ronald Philitoga, 18. Apenisa Driti, 19. Jordin Leiu. Reserves: 20. Joseph Litidamu, 21. Zion Johnson, 22. Kylan Mafoa.
Cook Islands: 1. Esom Ioka, 2. Paul Ulberg, 3. KL Iro, 4. Reubenn Rennie, 5. Cameron Brown, 6. Maui Winitana-Patelesio, 7. Esan Marsters, 8. Davvy Moale, 9. Mason Teague, 10. Makahesi Makatoa, 11. Delahia Wigmore, 12. Reuben Porter, 13. Pride Petterson-Robati; Interchange: 14. Ruatapu Ngatikaura, 15. K-CI Newton-Whare, 16. Rhys Takin, 17. Brad Takairangi, 18. Glassie Glassie, 19. Chaev Kolone; Reserves: 20. Brody Tamarua, 21. David Tuariki.
Rugby League World Cup trophies are seen on display during a launch event for the tournament at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.
Izhar Khan / AFP
Women’s competition
Kick off: Friday, 16 October,10:05pm NZDT
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Fetu Samoa were sent off by the people in Apia last week.
The send off was organised by government and gave people the opportunity to meet their stars and wish them well for the campaign.
Fetu Samoa is making a comeback to the world cup since 2008.
They will be led by Annetta Nuuasusala, who has been a regular in the NRL Women’s competition, and this year played for the Warriors.
Australia defeated them 60-0 in October 2025.
Samoa: 1. Destiny Mino-Sinapati, 2. Mercedez Taulelei-Siala, 3. Monica Tagoai, 4. Sarina Masaga, 5. Freedom Crichton Ropati, 6. Taliah Fuimaono, 7. Pauline Piliae-Rasabale, 8. Annetta Nuuausala, 9. Mary-Jane Taito , 10. Laikha Clarke, 11. Evania Isaako, 12. Ivana Lolesio, 13. Leilani Wilson; Interchange: 14. Evelyn Roberts ,15. Fanua Rimoni, 16. Amber Hall, 17. Jasmine Solia, 18. Jaydika Tafua, 19. Jetaya Faifua: Reserves: 20. Christabelle Onesemo, 21. Christian Pio, 22. Tavarna Papalii.
Australia: 1. Tamika Upton, 2. Jaime Chapman, 3. Jessica Sergis, 4. Isabelle Kelly, 5. Julia Robinson, 6. Jocelyn Kelleher, 7. Tarryn Aiken, 8. Millie Elliott, 9. Olivia Higgins, 10. Simaima Taufa, 11. Kezie Apps, 12. Shaylee Bent, 13. Olivia Kernick; Interchange: 14. Keeley Nizza, 15. Keilee Joseph, 16. Tiana Penitani, 17. Ellie Johnston, 18. Abbi Church ,19. Jesse Southwell; Reserves: 20. Sariah Paki, 21. Quincy Dodd, 22. Makenzie Weale.
Papua New Guinea v France
Kick off: Saturday, 17 October 3:15pm
Venue: Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
The PNG Orchids will kick off their campaign at home in Port Moresby.
There is excitement in the capital city with both the Orchids and the Kumuls scheduled to play their opening matches at home.
Captain Elsie Albert will lead the side against the French.
PNG Orchids:1. Anika Butler, 2. Ivania Wong, 3. Relna Wuruki-Hosea, 4. Tia Molo, 5. Naomi Kelly, 6. Fleur Ginn, 7. Cynthiah Peters, 8. Elsie Albert (c), 9. Ua Ravu, 10. Jafinda Sap, 11. Belinda Gwasamun, 12. Shellie Long, 13. Emily Veivers; Interchange: 14. Therese Aiton, 15. Essay Banu, 16. Jenny David, 17. India Seeto, 18. Venesa Nakas, 19. Mala Mark; Reserves: 20. Mya Muller, 21. Josephine Howard, 22. Gemma Walker.
France: 1. Manon Samarra, 2. Perle Ramazeilles, 3. Melissa Medina, 4. Amael Vilanove, . Haoua Kessely 6. Camille Boudaud, 7. Lisa Diraison, 8. Elisa Akpa, 9. Cristina Song Puche, 10. Elodie Pacull., 11. Perrine Monsarrat, 12. Stacy Bessiere, 13. Leila Bessahli; Interchange: 14. Fanny Ramos, 15. Tallis Eranossian, 16. Salome Segala, 17. Louisa Tooman, 18. Margot Canal, 19. Noemie Samuel; Reserves: 20. Sarah Louise Vernay, 21. Tessa Benmalek, 22. Justine Roses.
Kick off: Sunday, 18 October, 3:50pm
McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcaslte
Fiji Bulikula head coach Jone Wesele believes the team can qualify for the top two in their pool.
He has confidence in his team, which is maing its debut at the event. The squad includes a number of NRL players like winning Roosters Taina Naividi.
“There will always be pressure. It’s something that we can’t control. Those are external forces. But I believe if I try to be someone else, it’ll be a problem, he said.
“Regardless of the pressure, unity is our ingredient in this journey. It takes the whole group, the whole team, to make it happen, and I believe that.”
Fiji: 1. Cassie Staples, 2. Maria Paseka, 3. Isabella Waterman, 4. Taina Naividi, 5. Sienna Lain, 6. Luisa Yaranamua, 7. Losana Lutu, 8. Leilani Ahsam, 9. Sereana Naitokatoka, 10. Latisha Smythe, 11. Elizabeth Naleba, 12. Tamika Jones, 13. Talei Holmes; Interchange: 14. Tahlia Marshall, 15. Lorren Ieli, 16. Teaghan Hartigan, 17. Nanise Vakacavu, 18. Aliti Namoce, 19. Ema Masi; Reserves: 20. Rory Muller, 21. Abigayle Sekitoga, 22. Naomi Tegu.
New Zealand: 1. Apii Nicholls, 2. Leianne Tufuga, 3. Mele Hufanga, 4. Abigail Roache, 5. Stacey Waaka, 6. Zahara Temara, 7. Raecene McGregor (c), 8. Otesa Pule, 9. Georgia Hale (c), 10. Shannon Mato , 11. Annessa Biddle, 12. Kaiyah Atai, 13. Angelina Teakaraanga Katoa; Interchange: 14. Ash Quinlan, 15. Alexis Tauaneai, 16. Ivana Lauitiiti, 17. Brianna Clark, 18. Shaniece Monschau, 19. Tenika Willison; Reserves: 20. Shanice Parker, 21. Chantay Kiria-Ratu 22, Brooke Anderson.
