Tonga held their nerve to secure a dramatic 20-18 victory over Samoa in a thrilling final group-stage clash at the 2026 IRL Men’s Rugby League World Cup, in front of a sold-out crowd at CommBank Stadium.

With semi-final places already looking likely for both sides, the final standings were still to be determined, making the encounter a crucial one as England also retained an outside chance of progressing.

Both teams made a high-intensity start, with Samoa looking to test Tonga's back three through a series of high kicks. However, Tonga dealt comfortably with the early pressure, while Tui Lolohea's testing kick towards the corner was equally well handled by the Samoan defence.

Samoa threatened first when Sualauvi Fa’alogo produced an excellent break, but despite a supporting run, Francis Manuleleua was unable to hold on to possession as a promising attacking opportunity came to an end.

Stephen Crichton then produced a superb try-saving tackle to deny Jojo Fifita, who was attempting to ground the ball in the corner for Tonga.

The Tongans eventually found their breakthrough just before the half-hour mark. Robert Toia burst down the right edge, evaded two Samoa defenders and raced over to open the scoring.

Isaiya Katoa added a penalty goal to extend Tonga's advantage to eight points, but Samoa responded just before the interval as Brian To’o crossed for a crucial try to reduce the deficit to 8-4 at half-time.

Fifita, having been denied in the first half, made no mistake after the restart. A well-worked scrum play shifted the ball from right to left, allowing the winger to finish out wide and extend Tonga's lead to 14-4.

Samoa, however, refused to go away.

To’o grabbed his second of the evening before Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow crossed to bring Samoa right back into the contest. Ronald Volkman then completed a remarkable turnaround, adding the conversion to put Samoa ahead 18-14 with ten minutes remaining.

But Tonga had the final say.

With less than ten minutes on the clock, Addin Fonua-Blake found a gap in the Samoan defensive line and powered through to score the decisive try, reclaiming the lead for his side.

Despite a tense closing period, Tonga held on to claim a memorable 20-18 victory and finish the group stage on a high.

The result sets up a mouth-watering semi-final clash with New Zealand next Saturday, while Samoa will face hosts Australia on Sunday as the tournament moves towards its final four.