Four Samoans named in Kiwis starting squad as Australia also fields Pacific stars in RLWC 2026 opener

Four players of Samoan heritage have been named in the New Zealand Kiwis starting squad to face Australia tonight, with the Kangaroos also bringing Samoan and Tongan heritage to the opening clash of their RLWC 2026 campaigns.

Jamayne Isaako, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Moses Leota and Isaiah Papali’i will feature in the Kiwis starting line-up, while the wider squad includes further players of Māori and Pacific heritage.

Erin Clark, who is of Samoan and Māori heritage, and Naufahu Whyte, who is of Samoan and Tongan heritage, have been named on the interchange bench.

Kano Kini and Jacob Laban, both of Samoan and Māori heritage, are listed among the reserves.

Australia will also have Pacific representation on the field, with Samoan Tino Fa’asuamaleaui named in the Kangaroos starting side.

Tongan heritage is represented by interchange players Keaon Koloamatangi and David Fifita, who also has Torres Strait Islander heritage.

The two squads highlight the significant contribution of Māori and Pasifika players to rugby league in Australia and New Zealand, with players of Pacific heritage featuring across both sides in one of the sport’s biggest international rivalries.

With plenty of talent on both sides, tonight’s Australia-New Zealand clash promises a blockbuster start to the RLWC 2026.

The Pacific action continues tomorrow, Friday 16 October, when Samoa take on France in the men’s competition, followed by Fetu Samoa facing the Australian Jillaroos in the women’s tournament. On Saturday, Papua New Guinea meet Lebanon before Tonga face England, while Sunday brings a Pacific showdown between Fiji and the Cook Islands. The opening round promises plenty of opportunities for Pacific nations to make their mark across the RLWC 2026.