Player Ratings as Tonga Beat Samoa in World Cup Classic

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Tonga have survived a tense battle with Samoa, claiming a dramatic 20–18 victory in their final group-stage match at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.

In a contest between two of the tournament's strongest Pacific nations, the margin was just two points, with both sides having plenty to play for and a semi-final place on the line.

The result means Tonga finish their group campaign with a statement win, while Samoa must regroup after letting a valuable opportunity slip. Despite the defeat, both nations progress to the semi-finals.

It was a match that showcased the physicality, skill and intensity that have made the Pacific nations such a major force in international rugby league.

Player Ratings – Tonga

Lehi Hopoate – 7/10

Hopoate provided Tonga with an important presence at the back. He was required to handle Samoa's attacking kicks and provide support in the early carries, helping Tonga build their sets.

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak – 8/10

A busy performance from the winger, who finished with 153 run metres and two line breaks. His six errors were a blemish on an otherwise strong contribution, but he remained one of Tonga's most dangerous attacking outlets.

Tolutau Koula – 8/10

Koula brought speed and energy to Tonga's right edge. His ability to threaten the defensive line helped create opportunities, and he was an important part of Tonga's attacking threat.

Robert Toia – 8/10

Toia provided a strong presence in the centres, bringing physicality and attacking intent. His involvement helped Tonga challenge Samoa's defensive line throughout the contest.

Jojo Fifita – 7/10

Fifita had a difficult assignment against Brian To'o, who was one of Samoa's strongest performers. He had moments with the ball but was tested defensively.

Tuimoala Lolohea – 7/10

Lolohea offered experience and composure in the halves. Tonga needed his decision-making in a tight contest, and he helped keep the attack organised.

Isaiya Katoa – 8/10

Katoa was important in guiding Tonga around the field and contributed eight points. His composure under pressure was valuable in a match decided by such a narrow margin.

Addin Fonua-Blake – 8.5/10

A powerful performance from Fonua-Blake, who brought his usual aggression and metres through the middle. His ability to generate post-contact metres helped Tonga compete physically against Samoa's forward pack.

Salesi Foketi – 7/10

Foketi worked hard through the middle and contributed to Tonga's defensive effort. His role was important in helping the forwards maintain their intensity. As a makeshift hooker he did a solid job.

Jason Taumalolo – 8/10

Taumalolo brought leadership and toughness to the forward pack. His experience was crucial in a match where Tonga needed to stand up physically against a powerful Samoa side.

Haumole Olakau'atu – 8.5/10

Olakau'atu provided plenty of aggression and power on the edge. He was an important part of Tonga's physical approach and helped put pressure on Samoa's defence, with his offloading game crucial in attack.

Siua Wong – 7.5/10

Wong delivered a strong defensive performance, making 36 tackles. His work rate was important in keeping Samoa from taking control of the middle. No huge moments but plenty of the gritty dirty-work from Wong.

Tyson Frizell – 7.5/10

Frizell's experience was valuable in a high-pressure international contest. He provided defensive commitment and helped Tonga maintain their structure.

BENCH - 6.5/10

The standout off the bench was Demetric Vaimauga, his physicality, intensity, and effort was fantastic for Tonga. The rest of the bench was relatively quiet.

Player Ratings – Samoa

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow – 7/10

The Hammer brought his trademark speed and attacking ability to the contest. Tonga had to remain alert whenever he had space, although Samoa ultimately fell just short. He failed to get ball in hand in open spaces enough.

Brian To'o – 8.5/10

One of Samoa's standout performers. To'o scored two tries and finished with 148 run metres and 54 post-contact metres. He was a constant threat on the left edge and gave Tonga plenty to think about.

Izack Tago – 7/10

Tago brought physicality to the centres and worked hard defensively. He had opportunities to make an impact but Tonga managed to limit some of Samoa's attacking space.

Stephen Crichton – 7.5/10

Crichton provided leadership and experience in the backline. His ability to organise Samoa's defensive line and contribute in attack remained important throughout the match.

Sualauvi Fa'alogo – 8/10

Fa'alogo offered genuine attacking danger, recording two line breaks and eight tackle breaks. His footwork and ability to beat defenders made him one of Samoa's most threatening players.

Chanel Harris-Tavita – 7/10

Harris-Tavita worked hard to create opportunities and support Luai in the halves. Samoa had attacking moments, but Tonga did enough to restrict his ability to take control.

Jarome Luai – 8/10

Luai's experience was important in directing Samoa around the park. He tried to create opportunities and keep the attack moving, but his side could not find the winning points. He had a heap of touches on the ball and was the main source of creativity for Samoa.

Francis Molo – 6.5/10

Molo worked hard through the middle but Tonga's forward pack made life difficult. He was part of a physical contest that demanded plenty from both sides.

Jazz Tevaga – 7/10

Tevaga had a demanding job against Tonga's powerful middle forwards. He worked hard defensively and tried to provide quick service to the halves.

Junior Paulo – 7.5/10

Paulo brought his usual aggression and experience to the forward pack. His involvement was important in helping Samoa generate metres and compete physically.

Connelly Lemuelu – 7/10

Lemuelu provided energy on the edge and worked hard defensively. He helped Samoa remain competitive in a contest where the forward battle was crucial.

Jermaine McEwen – 7.5/10

McEwen contributed to Samoa's defensive effort and worked hard through the middle of the match. He was part of a forward pack that made plenty of metres, and was very pumped up in his defensive contributions.

Francis Manuleleua – 9/10

Manuleleua was a strong contributor in the middle, helping Samoa compete in the defensive battle. His work rate was important throughout the contest on both ends. He was the standout for Samoa, and at lock he looks right at home. I love this guy he is so good.

BENCH – 8/10

The bench was fantastic for Samoa despite the loss. Ronald Volkman was a game changer with his fast footwork and dummies, Spencer Leniu provided great hard running through the middle, and Benaiah Ioelu was a great spark off the bench with quick running from dummy half and some smart early kicks.

What Happens Next? The Semi-Final Picture

The result has major implications for the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals.

With Tonga and Samoa both progressing from the combined Pool B and C standings, the two Pacific nations remain in the hunt for the World Cup trophy.

The semi-final match-ups are:

Tonga v New Zealand

Samoa v Australia

Both matches promise to be enormous occasions. Tonga will have the opportunity to take on New Zealand, while Samoa face the challenge of the defending champions, Australia.

For Tonga, beating Samoa will provide enormous confidence heading into the knockout stages. They have shown they can compete in a high-pressure match and deliver when it matters.

For Samoa, the defeat will hurt, but their tournament is far from over. They have the attacking weapons and forward strength to trouble any opponent.