Samoa top-ranked Pacific team, Niue make rankings debut

APIA – Samoa remain the top Pacific rugby league nation, while Niue have debuted on the world rankings for the first time.

As well as being the Pacific region’s front runners, Toa Samoa are also now in fourth place in the world – behind new ranking leaders New Zealand, Australia and England – following their 18-16 victory over Tonga in this month’s Pacific Test on the Gold Coast, Australia.

Despite losing at Surfers Paradise, Tonga’s Mate Ma’a have risen one place to 15th in the world.

The Fiji Bati are sixth after beating 11th-ranked Papua New Guinea earlier this month, while the Cook Islands remain 17th in the world despite being inactive during the recent test window.

Meanwhile Niue are a new entrant in the world rankings at number 32, following their resounding victory against South Africa.