Pacific pride on the line as Tonga 13 and Toa Sāmoa clash in Sunday Sydney blockbuster

A sold-out CommBank Stadium in Parramatta is providing the stage on Sunday for what’s being described as the most anticipated clash of the Rugby League World Cup, with Tonga 13 taking on Toa Sāmoa.

Red and blue flags are flying from car aerials and bonnets across Auckland and Sydney, with the fierce Pacific rivalry captivating communities well beyond the touchline.

Joe Vagana, the former Auckland Warriors and New Zealand prop, says the excitement across the Pacific diaspora reflects a cultural pride that eclipses typical sporting rivalries.

“I live out West Auckland in Te Atatū and I didn't realise [there were so] many Pacific Islanders. Then they started yesterday with the flags coming out in the cars, man, it's amazing.”

He says the match resonates across the globe, with relatives and supporters in the United States and England eagerly following the build-up

Meanwhile, Monty Betham, the commentator and former New Zealand Warriors captain, says the deep-seated rivalry and the calibre of talent make this weekend's encounter an extraordinary spectacle.

“When you see them combine to play alongside some of these Pasifika weapons from other teams, playing for a culture and playing for a supporter base, [it] really hits on the heart strings and the emotion and that passion to win.

“It just all makes for a wicked game.”

Betham points out that players are committing to their ancestral nations over tier-one teams, which demonstrates how international rugby league ought to function.

“How we've got players from both Tonga and Samoa that are picking these nations over the Kiwis and Australia, that just shows you the way it should be.

“Just playing for who you want to play for the right reasons. And I know Australia, they're getting $40,000 for the tournament, yet every other team is getting $150 per game. But it's not about the money. It's about representing and feeling good about it.”

Watch Pacific Huddle host Tuilagi William Leolahi comment on this Sunday’s game below.

Both former internationals credit pioneers such as Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita for igniting the movement when they chose Tonga over New Zealand and Australia.

Vagana highlights that modern Pacific players are prioritising family roots and cultural heritage ahead of the higher match fees.

“They're choosing that over the money side of things. These days money's good to have but our guys are choosing to go for their passion and represent heritage, which is a beautiful thing.”

Jason Taumalolo, the Captain of Tonga 13, affirms that pulling on the red jersey connects directly to his identity.

“Heritage is a massive part of who I am. Putting on the red jersey, in my eyes, is what home means to me. Playing for Tonga and its people is what matters most to me.”

The upcoming CommBank Stadium encounter follows Toa Sāmoa's 34-6 win over Tonga at Suncorp Stadium during the Pacific Championships in 2025 in front of nearly 45,000 spectators.

Isaiya Katoa, the halfback for Tonga 13, says his team carries the sting of that defeat into Sunday.

Jason Taumalolo. Photo/Photosport/Joel Carrett

“We always look forward to playing Sāmoa. They are like our brothers; whenever you're going up against your brother, you always want to get one up on them.

“We were really disappointed in how we performed last year. We are hoping to improve on last year's performance.”

Toa Sāmoa take on Tonga 13 at 10:05pm NZT on Sunday, 1 November, at CommBank Stadium.