Rugby League World Cup squads announced for Tonga, Samoa, and England

National squads for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup have been announced for several competing nations.

Tonga’s 24-man squad, announced by Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala, features NRL stars such as Addin Fonua-Blake, Isaiya Katoa, and Jason Taumalolo. Tyson Frizell is set to become the first player to represent three different countries at three World Cups. The team is scheduled to open their campaign against England on October 17 in Perth.

England head coach Brian McDermott has named a 23-man roster that includes ten active NRL stars, such as Herbie Farnworth, but notably excludes Jake Connor. The squad also features five players qualifying through English ancestry.

Samoa has unveiled a 23-man roster led by Spencer Leniu and featuring several former Penrith Panthers players, including Jarome Luai and Stephen Crichton. The squad aims to build on their 2022 final appearance. Samoa will begin their tournament against France in Sydney on October 16. Additionally, the Fetu Samoa squad has been announced as part of the national preparations.