SAMOA ace Spencer Leniu has hit out at the Rugby League World Cup pay disparity between the Pacific Island nations and Australia.
Samoa and Tonga both made it to the semi-finals, where they were defeated by Australia and New Zealand respectively, and played out one of the best games of the tournament in their final group stage match.
But Leniu has claimed that Samoa’s players were paid just AUD 850 per game, compared to around AUD 40,000 for Australia’s players for the whole tournament.
The prop, who won the 2026 NRL Grand Final with Sydney Roosters and will now link up with Parramatta Eels, took aim at World Cup organisers, whom he claimed “used” Samoa and Tonga to sell tickets for the event, knowing that both sets of fans would turn out in their droves.
He posted on Instagram: “I’ve done everything this game has to offer, and one thing I want to make sure of moving forward is that the younger generation who choose to represent their beautiful little nations get what they deserve.
“Let’s be honest, our little nations carried this World Cup. Yet we are paid 850 a game to the Aussies 30/40k for the tournament.
“There’s no secret that they’ve used our people to sell games. Look no further than Samoa v Tonga. Arguably the most hyped up and anticipated game of the tournament.
“They make it a triple header because our people turn up in numbers, fill the stadiums and create an atmosphere filled with pride and passion.
“Us Polynesians/Kiwi boys will always put their hands up to represent their nations. It’s in our blood. It’s our pride, our culture.
“But that passion shouldn’t be an excuse to overlook what we contribute and what we deserve.”
The 2030 World Cup will be staged in the USA and across the Pacific, including Utah and Hawaii, states which both have big Polynesian communities.
“[Taking the World Cup to America] shows the importance of our people in growing our game,” Leniu continued.
“I believe if they are going to use that as a tool to generate money, our little nations should be compensated fairly for it.
“I’ll use my voice and platform to push for change, because the next generation deserve it.
“If that means putting my head on the chopping block, then so be it. This is bigger than me!”
