Japan Vs Samoa Stephen Crichton has become a serious contender for Samoa’s World Cup halves position after impressive performances. The Bulldogs captain’s outstanding form, alongside several Samoan stars, has created positive selection challenges for coach Ben Gardiner. Crichton was selected in the RLWC2026 Team of the Week after defeating Nathan Cleary and Jayden Campbell in a three-way voting tie.
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He joins Cronulla playmaker Nicho Hynes in the chosen halves combination. The latest voting was the closest since the Team of the Week idea began following the opening round. Tie-break decisions were also required to determine the second centre and second-row positions. Fiji powerhouse forward Viliame Kikau narrowly defeated Penrith and Australian back-rower Liam Martin in voting.
Meanwhile, his Bulldogs teammate Matt Burton edged Cook Islands and Sharks centre KL Iro. Kikau, Burton and Crichton represent three of five Bulldogs players included in the RLWC2026 Team of the Week. Jacob Kiraz, who is expected to play fullback for Lebanon, and second-rower Jacob Preston complete the Bulldogs selections.
Crichton Boosts Samoa’s Halves Options
Preston has also entered Kangaroos calculations after Hudson Young suffered an Achilles injury setback. Crichton, who created history for Toa Samoa with his extra-time field goal against England in the 2022 World Cup semi-final, joins Broncos prop Payne Haas and Raiders centre Simi Sasagi as Samoan representatives.
His move from the centres into the five-eighth position has matched a strong run for Canterbury. The Bulldogs have won five of their previous six matches during this period. With Jarome Luai, Blaize Talagi, Chanel Harris-Tavita and Tyrone May also competing for selection, Samoa possesses unprecedented depth in the halves department.
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Sasagi provides flexibility by covering both centre and second-row positions, while Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow can operate throughout the outside backs. These options give coach Ben Gardiner numerous tactical possibilities when finalising his squad. A total of 11 Samoan players received nominations for the RLWC2026 Team of the Week.
Japan Vs Samoa Fans Select World Cup Team Standouts
The list included attacking winger Brian To’o and Cowboys second-rower Jeremiah Nanai. Inspirational Cowboys and Tonga forward Jason Taumalolo was another standout selection from the voting process. Hynes is also strengthening his case for Kangaroos selection after delivering another exceptional display for Cronulla. His performance came during Sunday’s dominant victory against Manly.
Sharks and New Zealand winger Ronaldo Mulitalo collected the highest number of votes among wing candidates. Meanwhile, Tonga veteran Jason Taumalolo was chosen as the leading prop ahead of Payne Haas. Another experienced star, Roosters captain James Tedesco, secured the fullback position ahead of Melbourne youngster Sua Fa’alogo.
Tedesco previously guided Australia to World Cup success against Samoa in England. Rising Titans forward Ollie Pascoe was voted the preferred hooker selection. Raiders utility Daine Laurie narrowly defeated St George Illawarra’s Ryan Couchman for the lock role. Each week, supporters select their RLWC2026 Team of the Week from nominated players.
World Cup Contenders Showcase Rising Talent
These candidates come from recent NRL and Super League matches involving eligible World Cup nations. Among the players nominated for the World Cup Team of the Week were: Kiwis winger Ronaldo Mulitalo (Sharks), centre Casey McLean and second-rower Isaiah Papali’i (both Panthers), along with props Jack Williams (Eels) and Leo Thompson (Bulldogs).
Toa Samoa fullback Sua Fa’alogo (Storm), wingers Brian To’o (Panthers) and Phillip Sami (Titans), centres Simi Sasagi (Raiders) and Enari Tuala, plus Bulldogs five-eighth Stephen Crichton. Second-rowers Jeremiah Nanai and Heilum Luki (both Cowboys), Francis Manuleleua (Knights), and Broncos prop Payne Haas were also nominated. Titans captain and prop Tino Fa’asuamaleaui remains eligible for Samoa.
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England selections included Roosters lock Victor Radley, Elliott Minchella and Hull KR hooker Jez Litten. Catalans winger Tommy Makinson, Leigh centre Umyla Hanley, Leeds halfback Jake Connor, Leeds second-rower James McDonnell and Wakefield prop Caleb Hamlin-Uele also received nominations.
Samoa Builds Strong Rugby League Squad
Tonga nominees featured Roosters centres Rob Toia and Panthers centre Paul Alamoti. Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Cowboys hooker Soni Luke, Jason Taumalolo and Storm prop Stefano Utoikamanu were included. Rabbitohs prop Keaon Koloamatangi is also eligible for Tonga.
Additional nominees included PNG winger Alex Johnston from the Rabbitohs, Fiji second-rower Viliame Kikau, Lebanon back Jacob Kiraz from the Bulldogs, Cook Islands centre KL Iro from the Sharks, and French rookie fullback Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet from Catalans. Samoa enters the Rugby League World Cup 2026 with one of the strongest squads in its history.
The halves competition highlights the nation’s growing talent pool before the World Cup. Several experienced players are capable of guiding the team during important moments. Players such as Jarome Luai bring creativity, confidence and championship experience from their club careers. Meanwhile, younger options provide energy and ambition within the squad.
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Q: Why has Stephen Crichton become a strong contender for Samoa’s World Cup halves position?
Stephen Crichton has emerged as a serious halves contender after delivering impressive performances for the Bulldogs. His move into the five-eighth role and strong recent form have increased Samoa’s selection options ahead of the Rugby League World Cup 2026.
Q: How many Samoan players received nominations for the RLWC2026 Team of the Week?
A total of 11 Samoan players received nominations for the RLWC2026 Team of the Week, highlighting the nation’s growing talent pool and strong squad depth before the upcoming World Cup.
Q: How does Samoa’s halves competition benefit coach Ben Gardiner?
Samoa’s competition for the halves positions gives coach Ben Gardiner several quality options, including Stephen Crichton, Jarome Luai, Blaize Talagi, Chanel Harris-Tavita, and Tyrone May.
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Q: How can supporters secure tickets for Japan Vs Samoa and USA Vs Samoa matches?
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