Pacific women’s teams ready to make World Cup history

Three Pacific teams will carry different stories into the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.

Sāmoa are returning to the world stage, Fiji’s preparing for their first women’s tournament and Papua New Guinea hope that home support can help them cause a few surprises.

Fetu Sāmoa will open the women’s tournament against the Australian Jillaroos on Friday, 16 October with nine World Cup debutants named in Frank Pritchard’s squad.

Warriors prop Annetta Nuuausala will captain the side, which has been hit by injuries to key players including Lindsay Tui and Shalom Sauaso.

For Gold Coast Titans player Destiny Mino-Sinapati, making her World Cup debut in Sāmoa colours carries extra meaning.

“Playing in my first World Cup is a massive milestone for me, but being able to do it while representing Sāmoa makes it mean so much more,” Mino-Sinapati told Sāmoa media.

“I’m so proud of where I come from and who I represent… and to represent our families, our people, and our culture is something I’ll never take for granted.”

Pritchard took over as head coach in February after his own career as a Kiwi and Toa Sāmoa international, and says he knows what the World Cup demands.

“Having been through World Cup campaigns as a player, I understand the pressure, emotion, and responsibility that comes with wearing the Sāmoan jersey,” he told media.

Fetu Samoa will play the Australian Jillaroos in their opening match. Photo/Darren England/Photosport.

He says the focus is now on giving the new-look group the belief to compete at the highest level while staying connected to what the jersey represents.

Fetu Sāmoa open their campaign against former World Cup champions the Australian Jillaroos on Friday, October 16, at CommBank Stadium in Sydney.

Family affair for Fiji Bulikula

For Fiji, the tournament marks a milestone of its own.

The Bulikula will make their first appearance at a women’s Rugby League World Cup after securing the eighth and final qualification spot after a 62-4 win over Nigeria at the International Rugby League (IRL) World Series in Canada last year.

There will also be a strong family connection, with sisters Sienna Laing, Ebony Laing and Teaghan Hartigan all named in the 23-player squad.

“I’m excited to take that on to the World Cup,” Laing told NRL media. “It’s the best feeling running out in a Fiji jersey with my sisters.”

The squad includes NRLW players such as 2026 Roosters premiership winner Taina Naividi and Dragons winger Maria Paseka.

Nineteen-year-old University of South Pacific (USP) Raiders player Naomi Tegu is the only local named in the Jone Wesele-coached 23-player squad.

“I was not expecting to be selected for the Bulikula squad,” she told SunSports. “I was at home with my family and I finally got the call from the selectors on Sunday.

“I’m grateful to the selectors for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to represent my country. I can only thank God Almighty for guiding me through my rugby league career.

“It’s a massive achievement and I’m ready for the challenge.”

Fiji begin their World Cup campaign against the Kiwi Ferns on Sunday, 18 October, at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, Australia.

Orchids ready

Meanwhile, the Papua New Guinea Orchids will have the advantage of opening their campaign at home in Port Moresby against France on Saturday, 17 October .

Stanley Hondina, PNG Rugby Football League chief executive, says representing the country is an honour.

He also believes the squad reflects the strength of the local game and its pathways.

“Representing Papua New Guinea at a World Cup is one of the highest honours a player can achieve, and we congratulate every player selected,” Hondina said in a statement.

“These squads reflect the talent, hard work, and commitment of our players, as well as the work being done across our pathways, clubs and competitions.”

The Papua New Guinea Orchids are set to make their third Rugby League World Cup appearance. Photo/Allan McKenzie/Photosport.

The Orchids have plenty of NRLW experience including Parramatta Eels duo Elsie Albert and Fleur Ginn, North Queensland Cowboys pair Essay Banu and Emily Vievers, Canberra Raiders’ Relna Wuruki-Hosea, Brisbane Broncos’ Tia Molo and Penrith Panthers’ Mya Muller.

PNG Orchids will host France on Saturday 17 October at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

With all three Pacific sides now named, the focus turns from selection to the field, with Sāmoa, Fiji and PNG each carrying a different piece of Pacific rugby league history into the tournament.