Samoa confirm 23-man Rugby League World Cup squad

Multiple NRL stars were not selected by Ben Gardiner.

WRITER | October 6, 2026 - 9:57am

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Samoa have confirmed their squad ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with Payne Haas the biggest absentee.

Haas will miss the World Cup, as reports in August indicated that he would opt for surgery during the off-season before joining the Rabbitohs.

He had been playing through a hand and finger injury during the season.

Jarome Luai, Brian To'o, Stephen Crichton and Junior Paulo are all named and were part of the core that led Samoa to the 2022 World Cup final against Australia.

Other Origin-experienced names are also in the side, including Dolphins star Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.

Several forwards who featured in last year's Pacific Championships are also not on the list.

Terrell May, Jaydn Su'A and Simi Sasagi were all expected to be in contention, and Josh Papali'i, who announced his NRL retirement, is not named.

The Wests Tigers front-rower will instead focus on the off-season in clubland, specifically improving his leadership.

Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is not in the squad, as he committed to playing for Australia in the World Cup.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is still recovering from an ACL injury, and Jeremiah Nanai will also not play for Samoa.

Spencer Leniu, Benaiah Ioelu, Greg Marzhew, Jermaine McEwen and Francis Manuleleua, who played in Sunday's Grand Final, will take part in the tournament for Samoa.

Sua Fa'alogo has been selected in the squad, who led the fans' choice at fullback in the NRL's World Cup selector.

Samoa head coach Ben Gardiner spoke about what it means to receive support from their fans.

“One of the great things rugby league does is bring people together,” Toa Samoa coach Ben Gardiner said in the official statement.

“As we build towards our first World Cup game, we want to thank all Samoans around the world for their ongoing support. Your blessings and prayers are welcomed. Whether you are in Samoa, elsewhere around the world, taking part in a parade or marching into the ground, we see you and thank you for your love and support.

“Our staff and players look forward to seeing our colours, flags and supporters over the coming five weeks. We encourage everyone to celebrate safely and positively, showing our men's and women's teams love and blessings from near and far. As we pull on the blue jersey in Rugby League Samoa's 40th anniversary year, we carry the pride and resilience of generations of players before us, while seeking to inspire the future of our game and our country.”