Australia boss Mal Meninga insists Samoa aren’t “massive" underdogs - despite their opponents being a huge 9/1 to win Saturday's World Cup final.
The Kangaroos have been world champions ever since 1975 aside from a brief five-year spell when New Zealand stunned them in 2008. It would be an even bigger surprise if Samoa - in their maiden World Cup final - overturned rugby league’s giants at Old Trafford. Bookmakers have Matt Parish’s side at lengthy odds against to cause an upset.
But having seen them knock out England in the semi-finals, Meninga maintained: “I wouldn't say they're massive underdogs. They've played really good rugby league. As Matt has mentioned numerous times, it's not how you start it's how you finish.
"They played really well against the English and deserve to be here. We're not underestimating them. We've got full respect for this Samoan side."
That’s no surprise given their influx of State of Origins stars such as Jarome Luai, Joseph Suaalii and Stephen Crichton. They all turned down the chance to represent the Kangaroos in favour of their heritage nation. Stand-off Luai has been terrific as has Salford centre Tim Lafai who was only introduced after Samoa suffered three major injuries in their opening round 60-6 loss against England.
Parish said: “Jarome’s had had an amazing tournament - but so have a number of players in our squad. They've grown so much together. The skipper (Junior Paulo) has been inspirational. Jarome has won three man of the matches in five games so he's been unbelievable. Critter (Stephen Crichton) dropped his first drop goal when there was no better time to do it (against England in semi). Tim Lafai reminds me over breakfast that I should have picked him right from the start so I didn't sit with him anymore!"
