Rugby League

After brutal KO, Samoa star wants World Cup to remember

By George Clarke

Oct 23, 2026

Samoa's Chanel Harris-Tavita is hoping this year's World Cup finishes on a brighter note. -AAP Image

Chanel Harris-Tavita can't remember much of the last World Cup final he played in, which is why he is desperate to ensure he gets back there with Samoa.

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The Warriors half, who will start at five-eighth in Saturday's clash with Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby, was part of the Samoa side that reached the final of the same tournament four years ago.

Playing as a hooker, Harris-Tavita was knocked out cold in the decider, as Samoa were defeated by Australia, before taking a year-long sabbatical.

"I remember coming off after I got knocked out, and I thought we were still playing the semi against England, that's how bad it was," the Samoan playmaker told AAP in Port Moresby.

"I caught an accidental elbow off Angus Crichton but I can't remember much.

"I didn't know if I'd be coming back but I think coming back in now with a few of the boys from that same camp and a few new boys has been cool. Hopefully I can go one step further this time.

After demolishing France, Samoa know they can put one foot in group stages with victory over the Kumuls.

Samoa are firm favourites to win with a squad oozing with NRL talent, including PNG Chiefs bound duo Jarome Luai and Brian To'o.

But in the sapping afternoon humidity of Port Moresby - where the Kumuls have lost just one of their last 15 Tests and the mercury is set tip 32 degrees by kick-off - things won't come easily for Samoa.

"We talked about the quicker we accept it and the less we complain about it, then the better it'll be for us once we are in the game," Harris-Tavita said.

"The passion from all their fans and even for us as the away team, they just love rugby league."

Samoa have kept a low profile in the lead-up to Saturday's match but were mobbed by local fans after holding a private training session earlier this week.

They were also visited by PNG Prime Minister James Marape in camp on Thursday.

"It feels like we are an away team but we also have a lot of support," Gardiner said.

"Being out on the bus and travelling to training, the support that we've had from you know the people of Papua New Guinea and the communities that we've driven through (has been incredible).

"But also to have the prime minister come yesterday and meet the boys and welcome the boys to the country was very humbling."