Samoa’s Rugby League World Cup dream still alive

Samoa captain Junior Paulo.
Photo: Photosport

Samoa’s Rugby League World Cup dream is still alive after skipper Junior Paulo successfully appealed his one-match ban for his elbow on Tonga’s David Fifita.

Paulo will be free to play in Samoa’s clash with England in Sunday morning’s semi-final.

The Parramatta hardman was superb in the quarter-final victory over his nation’s Pacific rivals, but was cited in the dying minutes for raising his elbow into Fifita’s throat while carrying the ball.

But Paulo rolled the dice, pleaded his case to the International Rugby League tribunal and will now lead his side out at Ashburton Grove in London for the biggest match in their history.

Star full-back Joseph Sua’ali’i will also be free to play after he escaped with a caution for lifting his knees during a carry in the first half of the 20-18 win.

Paulo’s presence means he can resume his brutal combination with Canberra star Josh Papali’i in the middle of the field.

Papali’i was one of a number of NRL stars who turned their back on Australia in an effort to turn Samoa into an international powerhouse.

That goal has been accomplished, but Papali’i doesn’t want to stop there – they’re aiming to win the whole damn thing.

“This is the reason we all came back, to hopefully do something special,” said Papali’i.

“We’re the first Samoan team to make the semi-finals in union or league, so we’re history makers at the moment.

“But the job isn’t done. We still have two games to go.”

Between Paulo, Papali’i and the underrated Royce Hunt, who has been an unsung hero through the tournament for Matt Parish’s side, Samoa will back their forward pack to triumph over any side.

Both Papali’i and Paulo were superb as his nation produced their finest hour on a rugby league field in the mighty victory over Tonga earlier this week.

“It’s one I’ll remember for a long time. That duel, that battle between the two nations – it was just good to get a win this time,” Papali’i said.

“We dug deep. I’m losing my voice because I was screaming so much during the game. It was emotional, it was physical and I’m just happy to win. But the journey isn’t done yet.

“It was definitely right up there. I still can’t feel my bottom lip, I copped a few high tackles, but it was worth it.”

Samoa will have an extra point to prove after they were embarrassed 60-6 against England in the tournament opener.

The Toa have improved with each week since that shocking loss in which they were clearly underdone.

But with England going from strength to strength in the weeks since, it shapes as mighty challenge for Papali’i and company.

-ABC