The 2026 Rugby League World Cup is still days away from kick-off, but across the Pacific the tournament has already begun — in the form of flag-waving send-offs, government cheques and squad announcements that reveal who will actually take the field.
In Apia, hundreds gathered outside the FMFM II Government Building to farewell Toa Samoa and Fetu Samoa at a blessing service led by Methodist Church leadership. Prime Minister La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt told both teams to "bring the World Cup home", recalling Toa Samoa's run to the 2022 final as proof that a small nation can compete with the sport's heavyweights. His government put its money where its faith is: a WS$4 million grant (about US$1.44 million) handed to Rugby League Samoa to fund both teams' preparations. Both squads departed on 8 October to train overseas.
Toa Samoa's 23-man squad is formidable. Captain Junior Paulo heads a list featuring Jarome Luai, Stephen Crichton, Brian To'o and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, with forwards Spencer Leniu and Francis Molo adding muscle. Both Samoan sides open on 16 October — the men against France, Fetu Samoa against defending champions Australia.
Fiji's women are chasing their own piece of history. The Bulikula, World Cup first-timers, named a 23-player squad with an eye on nothing less than the trophy. Only one member is home-based: USP Raiders prop Naomi Tegu, from Kadavu, who got the call while at home with her family. The other 22 play professionally in Australia — NRLW clubs like Cronulla, Canberra and Canterbury, plus Queensland and NSW Cup sides. Coach Jone Wesele, in his first national head coach role, says unity is the campaign's backbone; captain Sereana Naitokatoka put it more bluntly: the goal is to win. Fiji's pool includes PNG Orchids, the NZ Kiwi Ferns and France.
Papua New Guinea, meanwhile, will field a depleted Kumuls side. Cooper Bai, son of legend Marcus Bai, is out with a hamstring injury, and halfback Lachlan Lam, son of Adrian Lam, needs wrist surgery. With Alex Johnston and Xavier Coates also missing, coach Jason Demetriou leans on Parramatta veteran Jack de Belin, Super League regulars Rhyse Martin and Nene Macdonald, and uncapped newcomers like Manly centre Josh Feledy. PNG opens against Lebanon in Port Moresby on 17 October.
Why should a traveller care? Because a Rugby League World Cup hosted across Australia, New Zealand and PNG is one of the few events that fills stadiums in all three countries with diaspora fans at full volume — and the Pacific send-off culture, with church blessings, parades and national prayers, is worth experiencing in itself. If you're in Apia, Suva or Port Moresby this October, you'll feel the tournament long before you reach a stadium.
