Apia is a fair trek from Castleford but it appeared like home for Tigers boss Lee Radford.
He’s enjoyed an “unbelievable” trip of a lifetime after being honoured in Samoa along with the rest of the Pacific Islanders’ World Cup entourage. Radford worked as an assistant coach as Matt Parish’s side memorably worked their way to a first-ever World Cup final at Old Trafford in November. Having stunned Tonga and then beaten England in an epic semi-final, Samoa eventually lost out to reigning champions Australia.
But their historic exploits brought joyous scenes back home and across the world. More than a month after they came so close to glory - it was Samoa’s first appearance in a World Cup final in ANY sport - they were welcomed back to the capital city Apia as heroes last week after the government organised special celebrations.
