Tonga-Samoa final could show why 2026 rugby league world sport needs

A group match to remember

Tonga and Samoa met before a colourful, passionate crowd in Sydney. Tonga won their Group B-C match 20-18 in a contest that revived hopes for a final between the two Pacific nations.

The sides also met in the previous World Cup quarter-finals. Samoa won that match 20-18 in Warrington; Tonga claimed the same score three days ago.

Tonga’s recent record

Tonga also reached the 2017 semi-finals after beating New Zealand 28-22 in the group stage. England edged them 20-18 in the last four, despite Tonga scoring three tries in the final seven minutes.

Samoa’s final chance

Samoa lost 30-10 to Australia at Old Trafford, but their run marked a historic achievement. They became the sixth different team to reach a men’s final across 16 editions, after Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, England and France.

Pacific nations draw support

The tournament’s men’s field has been reduced from 16 teams to 10, and the group stage featured blowout wins. The article describes this as evidence of a widening divide between leading sides and others.

Tonga and Samoa have brought strong crowds and high-level play. Tonga half-back Isaiya Katoa said the group match was several levels above NRL, while prop Addin Fonua-Blake described representing his people as special.

Australia’s government announced A$250m (£130m) over 10 years for the Pacific Rugby League Partnership. The program is intended to create opportunities in Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Samoa and Fiji.