Tonga have booked their place in the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals after holding off Samoa 20-18 in a thrilling match at CommBank Stadium in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday 1 November 2026.
A record crowd of 29,411 fans watched the match swing back and forth for the full 80 minutes.
Tonga centre Rob Toia opened the scoring with a stunning solo try from 45 metres out in the 27th minute, and Tonga led 8-4 at half-time.
Samoa winger Brian To’o scored twice during the match, while Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Ronald Volkman also crossed the try line for Samoa, as the Pacific rivals traded the lead throughout the second half.
With the match in the balance, Tonga forward Addin Fonua-Blake scored the match-winning try, and goal-kicker Isaiya Katoa landed the conversion to put Tonga back in front for good.
Samoa fought back in the final minutes, but a last-ditch pass went forward, and Tonga were able to hold on for the win.
Tonga will now face New Zealand in the semi-final in Newcastle, Australia, on Friday night, while Samoa will play Australia in Sydney on Saturday.
It capped off an exciting day of rugby league, with both Pacific nations proving just how far their teams have come on the world stage.
SMART Prep | Quick Question 
