In a hopeful statement as he left CommBank Stadium, injured Toa Samoa star Stephen Crichton shared his excitement about the future of rugby league, emphasizing the significance of the upcoming World Cup, proclaiming, “The World Cup is going to be huge.” This enthusiasm followed a fiercely contested Pacific Cup final, where New Zealand emerged victorious over Samoa with a score of 36-14. The match served as the culmination of a thrilling month of high-stakes international fixtures, building anticipation for the Rugby League World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by Australia and Papua New Guinea.
The recent Pacific Cup series has been a testament to the sport’s growing popularity, breaking attendance records in cities like Auckland, Brisbane, Port Moresby, and Sydney. With a remarkable total of over 158,000 fans attending the Pacific Championships, and an impressive 132,418 spectators for the three Ashes Tests between Australia and England, the atmosphere at the matches has been electric.
This year’s competition has highlighted the emergence of strong teams such as Samoa, Tonga, and England, alongside traditional powerhouses Australia and New Zealand, making international rugby league more competitive than ever. Samoa’s coach, Ben Gardiner, acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by New Zealand, remarking on their aggressive approach and improved performance during the tournament, stating, “The Kiwis are going to be very hard to beat.”
New Zealand’s victory signals a strong comeback as they quickly rebound from previous struggles to reclaim their position in the Pacific Championships. Their triumphant win against Samoa was characterized by a strong second-half performance that flipped a halftime deficit of 14-6. Captain James Fisher-Harris underscored the depth of their squad, expressing optimism for the World Cup despite the absence of key players during the tournament.
Samoa’s hopes for the World Cup are further enhanced by the potential return of crucial players who missed the Pacific Championships, including Crichton. Veteran winger Brian To’o expressed his enthusiasm about the road ahead, saying, “It’s very exciting, we have got bigger and better things coming up ahead.”
The Pacific Cup has effectively enriched the narrative of international rugby league, generating excitement for future matches. As nations prepare for the World Cup, fans should anticipate a showcase of talent, resilience, and passion that promises to elevate the sport on the global stage. The collective journey toward World Cup 2026 continues to inspire hope and enthusiasm, marking a pivotal moment for rugby league supporters around the world.