Arabic version: عودة فولكمان تقود إلى نصف نهائي كأس العالم مع ساموا

According to ABC News, Ronald Volkman will start in the halves for Samoa against Australia, with a place in the Rugby League World Cup final at stake. The 24-year-old said he is still pinching himself at the prospect of playing for his country on the biggest stage after initially hoping only to make one NRL appearance for Parramatta this year.

Volkman’s career appeared to be over only a few years ago. Shoulder and hip injuries in 2023 ended a planned move from the Warriors to St George Illawarra, leaving him out of the sport for a full year. He said the physical pain was severe and that he lost his way without football, before leaning on his faith, loved ones, family and his partner’s family.

The playmaker, who is Samoan on both sides of his family and one of eight siblings, returned in a Parramatta pre-season trial last year. His father, Tas, had previously cried when Volkman debuted for the Warriors in 2022 and again when he returned to rugby league. Volkman’s grandmother Emeline watched from Vaitele Tai, near Apia, as he came off the bench against Tonga and scored a key try.

Volkman played the final 27 minutes against Tonga after Chanel Harris-Tavita strained his hamstring while kicking for goal. Samoa’s revival fell short, despite the Toa outscoring Tonga four tries to three. At Parramatta, Volkman replaced the injured Jonah Pezet in Round 6, played every remaining match of the season and signed a new two-year deal in September. He will partner Jarome Luai in Samoa’s halves against the Kangaroos.