Being selected for Fetu Samoa to play at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup “means everything” for Pauline Pilia’e-Rasabale and not only because she is representing her country of birth.
“I was born in Samoa, but I haven’t been back since till this very moment,” says Pauline, who has ties with Safotafai, Leulumoega, Nofoalii and Safotu.
The 33-year-old five-eighth/halfback first made her debut for Fetu Samoa in 2023, against Fiji Women in the Pacific Championships, after switching to rugby league after representing Australia Wallaroos in rugby union.
“It’s special to know that I have a whole village that’s been following my journey with Fetu since 2023 so to represent them all means everything to me and the jersey,” Pailine says.
“I guess it’s my way of giving back to them, and it is even more special to do it on one of the biggest stages in the world.”
Raised in Mount Druitt (New South Wales, Australia) and Aotearoa New Zealand, Pauline currently resides in Queensland, where she is part of NRLW team, the Gold Coast Titans, having played two seasons with the Wests Tigers.
“I was part of the Wests Tigers inaugural NRLW team, and since then I have not looked back and have grown into the game,” she adds.
Inspired by her faith and family, it is worship songs which get Pauline fired up before a match, and she will have a playlist ready for the first women’s RLWC match on October 16, when the Australian Jillaroos take on Fetu Samoa.
For Pauline, taking part in the tournament is more than just playing games of rugby league.
It is about cultural connection, Gagana Samoa and identity, and learning from each other and people’s own experiences, she says.
“It is finding a deeper meaning of what it takes to wear the Samoan Jersey and represent our people.”
The RLWC2026 kicks off on October 15 and concludes November 15.
Digicel PNG has secured the exclusive broadcast and digital rights in the Pacific for the tournament and will screen matches to Tonga, PNG and Fiji.
With support from New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), Pasifika TV will screen the men’s and women’s games to its affiliated broadcasters in other countries throughout the region.
For more information about match coverage, visit Pasifika TV or your local broadcaster.