Pacific rugby league is closing the gap as the World Cup nears, says former Kiwis player

As Pacific rugby league nations prepare for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, former New Zealand player Veve Iosia 'Sia' Soliola says the gap between them and the traditional powerhouses is getting smaller.

He says the growing number of experienced players choosing to represent Sāmoa, Tonga, Fiji, and the Cook Islands is helping lift the standard of the international game.

“I think it's more the strength of all the nations now,” the 40-year-old told Tuilagi William Leolahi on Pacific Huddle. “It's really good to get a lot of experienced players out to those nations and really try and connect with those communities because there's a lot of love.”

Sia, who played 12 Tests for the Kiwis, says the growth of Pacific rugby league is about more than results. It is also about players connecting with their communities, understanding the history behind their jerseys, and creating opportunities for those coming through.

He also played for the Sydney Roosters, Canberra Raiders, and St Helens, and says the support shown by Pacific communities at celebrations and parades, reflects how much representing a nation means to its people.

“And I think it's really lovely that the players can really sort of give back to that,” he said. “The gap is really getting smaller in terms of the experience and the level of players that we're getting within the nations now, the Pacific nations now.”

Watch Veve Iosia 'Sia' Soliola's full interview on Pacific Huddle below.

That growth is something he hopes young athletes will recognise as they work towards their own goals.

Sia’s own journey was shaped by the sacrifices made by his family after they moved from Sāmoa to New Zealand.

Supporting his rugby league ambitions meant finding time and money for training, travel, and team commitments while the wider family worked to get ahead.

Pacific players are making their mark on the international stage with experienced talent helping Sāmoa, Tonga, Fiji, and the Cook Islands strengthen their teams ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. Photo/AAP/Darren England/Photosport/file

“It wasn't just the four of us. was a lot of us trying to like, not only just for me to get ahead and, know, my sister to improve, but everyone else in that as well that are all moved over from Sāmoa,” he said.

His Sāmoan upbringing also helped shape the person he became. He credits his mother with keeping their household connected to fa’a Sāmoa through church, choir, youth group and the everyday lessons of family life.

“I am the person I am today and I'm like really grateful for those teachings,” he said.

Now working to support the next generation, Iave wants young Pasifika athletes to understand that their value does not depend only on what they achieve on the field.

“They're more than just people that can pass and tackle and do all these really great things on the football field,” he said. “But to understand there's other great things outside of it as well.”

He says success can be measured in different ways, even when players do not reach their sporting goals. Learning about themselves, building relationships and finding purpose outside the game can also help them grow.

Sia also sees adversity as an important part of that journey, from injuries and missed selection to the challenge of life after retirement.

“We've really got to embrace it and move forward with it,” he said.

Jacob Laban will make his Rugby League World Cup debut for the Kiwis with his Sāmoan father backing his decision to represent New Zealand. Photo/PMN News/Candice Ama

His advice to his younger self is simple: “Don't overthink it.”

That message echoes the experience of Kiwis debutant Jacob Laban, who told PMN News his Sāmoan father supported his decision to represent New Zealand at the World Cup.

“The Kiwis gave me an opportunity, New Zealand gave me an opportunity, just pay it back and be loyal,” Laban said, recalling his father’s advice.

Sia says that wider support from family and community is part of what helps Pacific players grow, both on and off the field.

As the World Cup approaches, Sia says the strength of Pacific teams gives fans plenty to look forward to.

Asked who he would back to win the tournament, he had a clear answer. “New Zealand. The Kiwis.”

The 2026 Rugby League World Cup kicks off on 15 October and ends on 15 November. Games will be played across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.