Chanel Harris-Tavita is in line to be a first-choice playmaker for Samoa for the first time since the 2022 Pacific Test after steering the Warriors to an emphatic 40-6 defeat of the Broncos.

Harris-Tavita is one of seven Warriors players chosen in the RLWC26 Team of the Week by fans after taking over the chief playmaking role following the loss of halfback Luke Metcalf with a hamstring injury midway through the first half.

With fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad also in the sinbin, a composed Harris-Tavita ensured the Warriors remained on course as they moved to within sight of second place a home final in Auckland.

Earlier this season, the 27-year-old told NRL.com he was happy to play hooker for Samoa - the position he filled during the last World Cup final against Australia at Old Trafford in 2022.

Of his 10 Test appearances for Samoa, only the first three were in the halves - the 2019 and 2022 mid-season Pacific Tests, as well as the RLWC21 match against Greece when Anthony Milford was rested.

Photo: Chanel Harris-Tavita has played hooker in the past. @NRL Photos

However, Harris-Tavita now appears set to partner co-captain Jarome Luai in the halves as a star-studded Samoa seek to win the Pacific nation's first major silverware after making the final of the last World Cup and last year's Pacific Cup.

The Toa begin their World Cup campaign against France at CommBank Stadium on October 16 in a double-header with Fetu Samoa and the Jillaroos.

Samoa then travel to Papua New Guinea to play the Kumuls on October 24 and return to Sydney for a mouthwatering clash with Pacific rivals Tonga on November 1 at CommBank Stadium.

The other Warriors in the RLWC26 Team of the Week include fellow Samoan Jacob Laban, Kiwis forwards James Fisher-Harris and Erin Clark, hooker Wayde Egan, and Tonga internationals Leka Halasima and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.

New NRL ladder leaders Sydney Roosters had seven players nominated for the RLWC26 Team of the Week after their epic 12-6 win the top-of-the-table clash with the now second-placed Panthers.

However, only former Kangaroos playmaker Daly Cherry-Evans was chosen by fans, while prop Naufahu Whyte was edged out by Kiwis team-mate Joseph Tapine, who led the Raiders to a 24-20 defeat of the Sharks to keep alive the finals hopes of the Green Machine.

In-form Tonga backrower David Fifita topped the polling for secondrowers after starring in South Sydney's 22-6 win against the Bulldogs, while Tallis Duncan pushed his claims for a Kangaroos call-up by securing a centre spot.

Each week, fans vote for their RLWC26 Team of the Week from players nominated after the previous weekend's NRL and Super League matches who are eligible for the 10 nations contesting Rugby League World Cup 2026.

Among the players nominated for the RLWC2026 Team of the Week were:

Kiwis fullback candidates Kalyn Ponga (Knights) and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Warriors), winger Jamayne Isaako (Dolphins), centre Peta Hiku (Hull KR), five-eighth Kodi Nikorima, hooker Jeremy Marshall-King (both Dolphins) props Joseph Tapine (Raiders), James Fisher-Harris (Warriors) and Naufahu Whyte (Roosters) and lock Erin Clark (Warriors). Warriors centre Ali Leiataua, secondrower Jacob Laban and winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira are also eligible for New Zealand, as well as Samoa.
Toa Samoa fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins), wingers Greg Marzhew (Knights) and Alofiana Khan-Pereira (Warriors), centres Izack Tago (Panthers) and Ali Leiataua (Warriors), playmakers Chanel Harris-Tavita (Warriors) and Tyrone May (Hull KR) and secondrowers Jacob Laban (Warriors) and Jermaine McKewen (Knights). Titans props Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is yet to confirm if he will play for Samoa or Australia.
England wingers Billy Smith (Roosters) and Dom Young (Knights), centre Umyla Hanley (Leigh), fullback Jack Broadbent (Hull KR) and rookie halfback Ewan Irwin (Warrington).
Tonga playmaker Isaiya Katoa (Dolphins), winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Warriors), centres Rob Toia (Roosters) and Leka Halasima (Warriors), and secondrowers David Fifita (Rabbitohs), Haumole Olakau’atu (Sea Eagles), Siua Wong and Salesi Foketi (both Roosters). Souths prop Keaon Koloamatangi played for Tonga at the last World Cup in 2022.
Lebanon halfback Mitchell Moses and centre Jordan Samrani (both Eels). Moses is also in contention for Australia and was a member of last year’s Kangaroo tour to England but did not play in the Ashes series.
Cook Islands centres Val Holmes (Dragons) and KL Iro (Sharks). Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is also eligible for Cook Islands, as is Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa.
Papua New Guinea winger Alex Johnston (Rabbitohs) and hooker Edwin Ipape (Leigh).
Fiji hooker Api Koroisau and fullback Jahream Bula (both Wests Tigers. Roosters winger Mark Nawitawaqanase is also eligible for the Bati as well as the Kangaroos but has indicated he will miss the World Cup to begin a contract in Japanese rugby union.

View your RLWC26 Team of the Week

Rugby League World Cup 2026 returns to Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Where nations clash, heroes rise, and legends are forged. 3 World Cups. 26 Teams. The World’s Best. Tickets are now on sale from $19. Don’t miss the pinnacle of global Rugby League.