Superstar's World Cup Decision Influenced by Team of the Week Vote

WHO:

NRL.com - Leka Halasima, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Payne Haas, Ben Gardiner, Kevin Walters, Kotoni Staggs

Nine.com.au - Rugby League Players’ Association (RLPA), ARL Commission

WHAT:

NRL.com - Leka Halasima ran 239m with the ball, including 73 post-contact metres, produced a try assist, made 11 tackle breaks, a line break, and an offload in a match against the Panthers.

Nine.com.au - Australian players will receive a flat fee of $40,000 for competing in the Rugby League World Cup.

Nine.com.au - Players from the other 13 nations will receive $850 for each game played, which can increase based on the country's association.

Nine.com.au - Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Payne Haas will earn $4,250 if they reach the World Cup final after defecting to Samoa.

Nine.com.au - Players who participated in the All Stars fixture receive a flat fee of $7,000.

WHERE:

NRL.com - The matches referenced took place in New Zealand and Australia.

WHEN:

Nine.com.au - The Rugby League World Cup will take place from October 15 to November 15.

WHY:

Nine.com.au - Financial incentives may influence Tino Fa’asuamaleaui's decision to defect from Australia to Samoa.

Nine.com.au - Ben Gardiner expressed hope that Fa’asuamaleaui would switch allegiance, emphasizing the importance of players being comfortable where they play.

HOW:

Nine.com.au - The Rugby League Players’ Association and the ARL Commission reached an agreement to ensure Australian players are well compensated for representative fixtures.

(UPDATED August 10, 2026 07:23 UTC)

In a standout performance against the Panthers, Leka Halasima ran an impressive 239 meters with the ball, contributing significantly with 11 tackle breaks and a try assist. As the Rugby League World Cup approaches, set to take place from October 15 to November 15, Australian players will receive a flat fee of $40,000, while players from other nations will earn $850 per game, with potential increases based on their country's association. Meanwhile, financial incentives may play a role in Tino Fa’asuamaleaui's potential defection from Australia to Samoa, as Ben Gardiner expressed hope for his switch, highlighting the importance of player comfort in their choices.