Sports · Other Sports · 1 hr ago
Ronald Volkman leads Samoa into World Cup semifinal after injury comeback
Ronald Volkman is set to start for Samoa against Australia in a rugby league World Cup semifinal, with a place in the final at stake.
The 24-year-old had once hoped simply to play one NRL game this year for Parramatta.
Shoulder and hip injuries in 2023 left him out of the sport for a year and disrupted his move from the Warriors to St George Illawarra.
During that time, he struggled with pain and lost confidence, while family, loved ones and faith helped him through.
His return has become the best season of his young career, including a Samoa appearance against Tonga, where he came on as a substitute and scored an important try.
Volkman says he is grateful to play alongside his Samoa teammates and wants to honour those who supported him.
Samoa now faces Australia with a World Cup final place on the line.
Ronald Volkman will start in the halves for Samoa in its World Cup semifinal against Australia, with a place in the final at stake.
The 24-year-old has returned to top-level rugby league after shoulder and hip injuries in 2023 left him out of the sport for a year.
Volkman said he had not expected to play in the NRL or represent Samoa at a World Cup.
He came off the bench against Tonga and played the final 27 minutes after Chanel Harris-Tavita strained his hamstring.
Volkman credited his faith, family and partner’s family for supporting him during his recovery.
- Who
- Ronald Volkman, Samoa’s 24-year-old half.
- What
- He will start for Samoa in its World Cup semifinal against Australia, with a place in the final at stake.
- When
- The semifinal is this weekend. The exact date is not stated.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- Samoa is competing for a place in the World Cup final. The reason Volkman was selected to start is not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Shoulder and hip injuries scuppered Volkman’s move from the Warriors to St George Illawarra the following season.
Volkman spent a full year out of the sport and stopped training.
Volkman returned to rugby league in a pre-season trial for Parramatta.
Volkman played the final 27 minutes against Tonga after Chanel Harris-Tavita strained his hamstring.
Volkman is set to start for Samoa against Australia in the World Cup semifinal.
- Age
- 24
- Injuries
- Shoulder and hip injuries in 2023
- Time out
- A full year away from the sport
- Tonga match
- Played the final 27 minutes
- Semifinal opponent
- Australia
What people are saying
I didn't see myself playing NRL and I didn't see myself playing for my country, in a World Cup, on the biggest stage
I grew up watching this, I'm still pinching myself that I got to get on these fields.
A big one for me was my faith. I fell down to that faith, my God, my loved ones, my family and my partner family
I got rattled in the ribs early and struggled to breathe for about five minutes, but it's so good to be out there with my usos (brothers)
Posts on X
"SAMOAN SUPERMAN." Impact sub personified, Ronald Volkman take a bow! #RLWC2026