Simi Sasagi has been ruled out of Toa Samoa’s Rugby League World Cup campaign after undergoing shoulder surgery this week.
Sasagi has been a standout for the Canberra Raiders this year. In his 16 appearances in 2026, he scored seven tries, averaged 175 running metres and recorded 11 try assists.
Injuries kept him sidelined for eight games this year, but he pushed through his shoulder injury to play alongside Josh Papali’i, who retired from the NRL last week.
Despite his aspirations to represent Samoa at the World Cup, Sasagi was unable to delay his surgery until after the tournament. He will now undergo rehabilitation ahead of the 2027 NRL season.
Sasagi is a utility player who can play anywhere across the park. This season, he established himself in the centre position, playing all 16 of his games there. However, he has also played in the second row, five-eighth and lock positions in recent years.
Simi was part of the Toa Samoa side that reached last year’s Pacific Championship Final against the Kiwis.
Sasagi’s withdrawal will be a significant loss for Toa Samoa as the Rugby League World Cup looms.
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