Imagine the pride, strength and unity represented by the Toa Samoa team and the Pacific nations. These players stepped onto the field carrying more than their team colours. They represented their cultures, families, communities and nations. Their performances brought people together and demonstrated the passion, dedication and spirit that make rugby league such an important part of Pacific communities.

However, following the Rugby League World Cup match between Toa Samoa and Australia on 8 November 2026, serious concerns have been raised about the officiating and several important refereeing and video referee decisions.

We recognise the result of the match and respect both competing teams. However, supporters deserve confidence that every nation is competing under the same rules and receiving the same standard of officiating.

This issue is bigger than one match, one team or one nation. It is about protecting the integrity of international rugby league and ensuring that fairness, equality and transparency apply to every country, regardless of its size, influence or resources.

We are calling on the International Rugby League and Rugby League World Cup organisers to take meaningful action.

Our demands:

1. Establish independent officiating oversight

Introduce an independent oversight process to assess refereeing standards and ensure that significant decisions are reviewed impartially.

2. Conduct an independent technical review

Review the significant disputed refereeing and video referee decisions from the Toa Samoa versus Australia match on 8 November 2026, and publish an appropriate explanation of the findings.

3. Improve referee training and standards

Strengthen referee education, including consistent application of the rules, impartial decision-making and cultural awareness in international competitions.

4. Introduce a transparent review and complaints process

Ensure teams have access to a clear process for raising concerns about significant officiating decisions, with appropriate responses and explanations.

5. Strengthen referee assessment and accountability

Introduce regular performance assessments and independent feedback processes to maintain high standards throughout international tournaments.

6. Promote fairness across all nations

Ensure that every participating nation receives equal treatment, consistent officiating standards and the same opportunity to compete.

Why your signature matters.

This petition is not about demanding special treatment for Samoa. It is not about disrespecting Australia, its players, the referees or the result.

It is about making sure that no nation feels that its voice matters less, that its players receive a different standard of treatment, or that important decisions are beyond scrutiny.

We believe that rugby league should unite nations, not divide them. The integrity of the game depends on fairness, transparency and accountability.

We owe it to the players, the supporters, the Pacific communities and future generations of rugby league to stand up for these principles.

This is a worldwide call for change.

Whether you are from Samoa, Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, Europe, Asia, Africa or anywhere else in the world, your voice matters.

Stand with us. Sign and share this petition.

ONE GAME. ONE STANDARD. FAIRNESS FOR EVERY NATION.

Pacific Islands for Fairness

Melbourne, Australia

An international community campaign for fairness in rugby league.