The top two teams in Tonga and Samoa in Pool B and C meet in the final round of group games at the 2026 IRL Men’s Rugby League World Cup on Sunday at CommBank Stadium in Sydney.

Samoa have all but secured their place in the semi-finals after winning their opening two matches. Even a defeat to Tonga could be enough to see them through, thanks to their superior points difference over England and Papua New Guinea.

However, with England close behind, Tonga know a win on Sunday is crucial to guaranteeing their place in the semi-finals.

Tonga recall Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Robert Toia and Isaiya Katoa for Sunday’s meeting in Sydney, whilst Hamiso Tabuai is handed a start at full back for Tonga, their only change from their 64-6 win against Papua New Guinea last weekend.

Tonga (squad): Lehi HOPOATE, Dallin WATENE-ZELEZNIAK, Tolu KOULA, Robert TOIA, JoJo FIFITA, Tuimoala LOLOHEA, Saia KATOA, Addin FONUA BLAKE, Salesi FOKETI, Jason TAUMALOLO, Haumole OLAKAU'ATU, Siua WONG, Tyson FRIZELL, Soni LUKE, Stefano UTOIKAMANU, Vaimauga SIFAKULA, Tamiela PASEKA, Leka HALASIMA, Latu FAINU, Paul ALAMOTI, Kulikefu FINEFEULAKI, Sione KATOA

Samoa (squad): Hamiso TABUAI-FIDOW, Brian TO'O, Izack TAGO, Stephen CRICHTON, Sua FAALOGO, Chanel HARRIS-TAVITA, Jarome LUAI, Francis MOLO, Benaiah IOELU, Junior PAULO, Connelly LEMUELU, Jermaine MCEWEN, Francis MANULELEUA, Jazz TEVAGA, Spencer LENIU, Shawn BLORE, Ata MARIOTA, Clayton FAULALO, Ronald VOLKMAN, Enari TUALA, Deine MARINER