As he departed CommBank Stadium, injured Toa Samoa star Stephen Crichton expressed his excitement about the future of rugby league, declaring, “The World Cup is going to be huge.” His remarks came following an intense Pacific Cup final where New Zealand triumphed over Samoa with a score of 36-14. This match capped off a month filled with high-stakes international fixtures, elevating anticipation for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup 2026, set to take place in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
The recent Pacific Cup series has showcased an unmatched level of competition, with attendance records shattered as vibrant match atmospheres thrived across Auckland, Brisbane, Port Moresby, and Sydney. The Pacific Championships witnessed a cumulative crowd of over 158,000, along with an impressive 132,418 attending the three Ashes Tests between Australia and England.
With the emergence of strong contenders like Samoa, Tonga, and England alongside traditional powerhouses Australia and New Zealand, the landscape of international rugby league is more competitive than ever. Samoa’s coach Ben Gardiner acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by the Kiwis, noting their aggressive play and improved performance throughout the tournament, stating, “The Kiwis are going to be very hard to beat.”
The Kiwis’ success marks a remarkable comeback within just a year after they fought for their position in the top tier of Pacific Championships. Their win against Samoa was defined by a strong second-half performance, turning around a halftime deficit of 14-6. New Zealand’s captain, James Fisher-Harris, highlighted the depth of their squad, emphasizing a positive outlook towards the World Cup despite missing key players during the tournament.
Samoa’s aspirations for the World Cup are bolstered by the potential return of key players who missed the Pacific Championships, including Crichton and others. Veteran winger Brian To’o expressed excitement about the future, stating, “It’s very exciting, we have got bigger and better things coming up ahead.”
Coinciding with these outcomes, the Pacific Cup has enhanced the narrative of international rugby league, setting the stage for thrilling matches ahead. As countries gear up for the World Cup, fans can expect a showcase of talent, resilience, and passion that promises to elevate the sport on the global stage. The collective journey towards World Cup 2026 continues to inspire hope and enthusiasm, making it a watershed moment for rugby league followers worldwide.