Australia vs Samoa: TV channel, live stream and UK kick-off time for Rugby League World Cup semi-final

Australia vs Samoa is live on Premier Sports 2 in the UK on Sunday 8 November, with kick-off at 9.05am GMT as the Kangaroos chase a place in the Rugby League World Cup final.

Allianz Stadium in Sydney hosts the semi-final, with the winners meeting New Zealand or Tonga in Brisbane a week later.

Australia finished their group campaign unbeaten after beating the Cook Islands 66–6. Samoa qualified despite a narrow defeat by Tonga, but have an injury concern over playmaker Chanel Harris-Tavita before facing the defending champions.

How to watch Australia vs Samoa in the UK

Detail	Information
Match	Australia vs Samoa
Competition	Men’s Rugby League World Cup semi-final
Date	Sunday 8 November 2026
Venue	Allianz Stadium, Sydney
UK kick-off	9.05am GMT
Sydney kick-off	8.05pm AEDT
UK TV channel	Premier Sports 2
Live stream	Premier Sports Player

Premier Sports holds the exclusive UK broadcast rights to the tournament, with Premier Sports 2 named for Australia vs Samoa in the current television listings.

Viewers need a subscription that includes the channel. The Rugby Football League’s official viewing guide lists access through Sky, Virgin Media, Amazon and Premier Sports Player.

Can I stream Australia vs Samoa?

Premier Sports Player offers live viewing through a web browser and its apps, including supported phones, tablets and smart TVs.

The subscription route matters. Access bought through a television provider or another platform does not necessarily include a separate Premier Sports Player login. Check the viewing options attached to your existing package before buying another subscription.

A subscription purchased inside the Amazon Fire TV app, for example, works on Fire TV, according to the Rugby Football League’s guide. Virgin Media subscriptions are also separate from direct Premier Sports subscriptions.

What time does Australia vs Samoa kick off?

The semi-final starts at 9.05am GMT on Sunday 8 November. Sydney is 11 hours ahead of the UK, so the local kick-off is 8.05pm AEDT.

The official tournament announcement confirms the date, venue and local start time. The time listed here is kick-off; a separate start time for the television build-up has not been confirmed.

There is another semi-final at Allianz Stadium earlier that morning. Australia Women face Fiji Women at 6.45am GMT, with that match also listed on Premier Sports 2.

Australia vs Samoa team news: Harris-Tavita injury concern

Samoa are waiting on Chanel Harris-Tavita after he injured his hamstring during the 20–18 defeat by Tonga.

The playmaker felt for the back of his leg after taking a kick at goal in the 52nd minute. The NRL’s injury update said he would undergo scans and was in danger of missing the semi-final. It did not confirm that he had been ruled out.

Australia go into the knockout stage after Jack Bostock and Tom Trbojevic each scored hat-tricks against the Cook Islands. Our Australia 66–6 Cook Islands report covers their final group match.

How Samoa reached the World Cup semi-final

Samoa’s defeat by Tonga left them second in the combined Pool B and Pool C standings, which put them into Australia’s half of the draw.

Tonga took first place and a meeting with New Zealand. England missed out, with Samoa doing enough across their group campaign to retain the other qualifying position.

Read our Tonga vs Samoa report for how the final group game settled the knockout fixtures.

Who will Australia or Samoa face in the final?

The winners will play New Zealand or Tonga at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Sunday 15 November. The men’s final kicks off at 8.35am GMT.

New Zealand and Tonga play their semi-final at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Saturday 7 November, starting at 9.05am GMT. Australia and Samoa will therefore know their potential final opponents before taking the field.

Australia vs Samoa: frequently asked questions

Is Australia vs Samoa on free-to-air TV in the UK?

No free-to-air UK broadcast is listed. Live coverage is on subscription channel Premier Sports 2.

Is this the men’s or women’s semi-final?

Australia vs Samoa is the men’s semi-final. Australia Women play Fiji Women earlier on Sunday at the same stadium.

Where is Australia vs Samoa being played?

The match takes place at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, Australia.